Refer your client to someone else and increase their satisfaction. What?! Give the project to someone else? What am I talking about?

Has a client ever asked you to take on a new task and you know you aren't the best person to do it? You may struggle through it and end up doing an okay job. But what if you know another colleague that can do that task and do a GREAT job at it because it's their specialty? Your client will be more satisfied if you refer them to your colleague. You won't lose them as a client. Your client will continue to have you do the tasks you're great at. They'll be so happy you referred them to the right person that they'll tell other people about you. I have a real life example of how this worked for me.

One of my clients has me do a variety of tasks including creating and sending out a monthly newsletter. Recently she asked me to create a really eye-catching Facebook page for her business. I did create a basic page for her but then explained that if she wanted something really special, that was not my expertise. However, I could refer her to someone who specialized in creating spectacular Facebook pages for businesses.

So she contacted the person I referred her to and was very happy with their results. She continues to use my services for the tasks I've been doing all along. And she's happier than ever saying, "Thank you for your suggestion of someone to really take it to the top!"

Don't be afraid to refer your client to someone else when you know you aren't the best person for that particular project. Your client will appreciate your honest and that you did help them find the right person to get the job done.

Yes! Referrals do increase client satisfaction!

People are still thinking of ways to cut costs and expenses. Everyone wants to find the best deal. And everyone is still looking for solid value. So find ways you can offer added value without adding extra expense.

Perhaps you can provide additional information and resources to your clients. Create a free report. Send out a monthly newsletter with tips.

What can you do to offer more value without adding to your expense?

Now that you've started blogging, how do you promote it? What are some ways you can make other people aware of it? Here are 5 ways you can promote your blog:

1. Email all your friends, family, colleagues and announce the launch of your blog. If you've already started blogging, send out an announcement at 6 months, 1 year, or at your 50th blog post.

2. Trade guest articles with a similar blogger.

3. Include a blog article in your newsletter and make sure to include a link back to your blog.

4. Use your online business networking sites, such as Digg, Facebook, and LinkedIn, to let everyone know of your blog.

5. At the end of your article, ask a question and ask for comments. Put it in bold.

So, how do you promote your blog? I'd love your comments and ideas.

Everyone wants more clients and more money and they are looking for ways to get that without spending a lot of money or even time. Instead of thinking of marketing as an expense, view it as an investment.

New virtual assistants struggle with this concept. Before they have any clients, they don't want to spend any money. Yet investing in their business can help them get new clients.

It doesn't have to be a large investment. Let's say you decide to invest just $20 per month to build your business. There are still many ways to market without spending much money. A small monthly investment of just $20 though can have great returns. So what can you invest in for $20 per month to grow your virtual assistant business? Here are a few ideas:

1. Set up an account at Constant Contact that includes the additional images option. The first 60 days are free and after that it's $20 per month for up to 500 subscribers. You can sign up here. Then create your newsletter, start building your list, provide valuable information, and start developing leads.

2. Participate in a monthly coaching call. There are lots of free calls out there and other affordable ones. We offer a call for $20 that provides the recorded call, free reports, drawings for free product, and a forum area to get additional assistance. These calls provide valuable tools to help you market your business. Learn more at our website.

3. Create and distribute fliers or brochures at local networking events or mail to local business owners. Include some tips on how they can grow their business using your services. For $20 or less you can create and mail at least 20 fliers or brochures each month.

These are just a few ideas on how to affordably invest in your business. What other ideas can you think of?

We all receive a ton of messages every day, maybe hundreds and even thousands, through email, radio, TV, magazines, etc. Does your prospect remember your message among all those they receive each day? When they are ready to use a product or service, do they think of you first?

Here are 4 ways to connect with your prospects on a regular basis so they will think of you first:

1. Ezine. Consider sending your ezine out weekly instead of monthly. A note of caution though. If you decide to send weekly, keep it short! If you're blogging several times a week, your ezine could be the title and first paragraph of each post for the week with links back to those blog entries where your prospect can read more.

2. Blog. Post a blog entry at least three times a week, even daily. Conclude each entry with a call to action directing your prospects to your products and services.

3. Teleseminars. Promote your teleseminars in your ezine and blog. There are many sites you can promote your teleseminars on also. One site is www.seminarannouncer.com. You can also use Facebook and LinkedIn to post these events.

4. Auto responders. Creating an auto responder series is an excellent way to grow your list and stay on top of your prospects minds. It could be an e-course, weekly tips, daily inspirations, etc.

Remember to use balance and do not inundate your prospects with too much, too often. The information you send should be relevant and valuable.

A virtual assistant can help you set up systems and manage these for you so you can stay on top of your prospects minds. Are you ready to start a blog or monthly newsletter? Contact Awesome Assistant and let's get started.

What are you doing that makes your prospects think of you first?