By Tina Hilton of Clerical Advantage

Sorry for the delay in posting, packing up all your worldly belongings into boxes really messes with ones writing schedule. But here it is, the next in the series of ‘fishing’ lessons aimed at helping you land that next client. We’ve talked about using the online community and narrowing your market in past lessons, and today I want to touch on using your own expertise to draw clients to you.

As a virtual assistant (or any small business person) you started your business because you were good at something. In fact, there were things you were downright great at, and you loved to do them. Take a few moments to think about the things you consider yourself an expert at. Are you a newsletter genius? Been building websites forever? Oh, you’re a social media maven? Whatever it may be you need to let others know that you’re an expert. Start a blog giving expert advice. Comment on forums where people are looking for information and help regarding the subject. Offer a free e-book or booklet on the subject. Speak at local business groups about it. Do whatever you can to let others know that you know your stuff.

I can hear you now, “What if I’m not an expert at anything?” Become one! Think about what you’d like to know how to do and learn it. Don’t just learn it, but really study and research it. Then when you’ve got it mastered, take the steps I mentioned above. When you become an expert at something, people will seek you out when they are in need of your specialty. After all, you will have built a name for yourself and a relationship with your potential clients, it will just make sense to turn to you for help. Right?

One word of caution, whatever you do, don’t pretend to be an expert when you’re not.  Lindsay Buroker of Writing for Your Wealth shares, “Trust is the most precious commodity you’ll ever lose. Be honest with your potential buyers (clients) from the start, and wait to establish trust with (them) before trying to make a sale.” Honesty about your abilities and expertise is vital. A potential client would much rather you tell them that you’re not an expert, than lead them to believe you are and then have your work show the difference. No one expects you to be an expert at everything. An expert bass fisherman probably isn’t going to know everything about deep sea fishing, and wouldn’t be expected to. Be honest about your abilities.

Take the steps to become an “Expert” angler and you’ll have the ‘fish’ biting for your services before you know it. Next post I’ll share some more great ‘fishing’ tips from Lindsay in Fishing Lesson #4: Baiting your ‘Hook’. And there is still time for you to share your tips and get a link to your site. Send your tips to tmariehilton@clericaladvantage.net and I’ll use your tips in another lesson post!

If you have questions concerning virtual assistance or have an interest in working with a virtual assistant you can contact Tina Hilton or visit her business website for Clerical Advantage.