The #1 challenge new virtual assistants have is getting that first client. You know that if you could get just one client and wow them with your work that they will in turn recommend you to their friends. But how do you get that first client?

There are a variety of things you could do. Today I'm going to give you three different steps you can take to find that first client.

Step #1: Subcontract for an established virtual assistant. Find an established virtual assistant and build a relationship. Some virtual assistants need additional help from time to time and if you've established a relationship, they may call on when they need extra help. Be aware, though, that the rate as a subcontractor may be significantly less than the rate you would charge a client directly. This is to be expected since as a subcontractor you did not go out and find the client and are not directly managing the project.

Subcontracting is a good way to gain experience and make a little income. I strongly suggest you have some sort of written agreement or contract clearly defining expectations and rate of pay. I know virtual assistants who only do subcontract work and don't want the additional responsibilities that come with managing the client directly.

Step #2: Trade or barter services. Especially in difficult economic times, many solo professionals are willing to trade or barter services. I've know life coaches, business coaches, massage therapists, chiropractors and other service providers that were willing to provide their services in exchange for a virtual assistant's time.

If you could use one of these services, find out if they would be willing to barter. Again, this is a great way to get experience and may result in good word of mouth referrals. If the client is happy with your work, this is a great opportunity to ask for a testimonial to use in your marketing materials.

Step #3: Offer an hour or two at no charge. I know you're wondering right now if I really just told you to give away some of your time without getting paid. Is that what I meant? Yes! However, I did not say you wouldn't get anything in return. Let me explain.

You are brand new, just set up in business and have no clients, no testimonials, no proof you are good at what you do. So why would anyone want to hire you or retain your services for five or ten hours each month? But if you could get even one client, a glowing testimonial and begin your portfolio, then there's a reason for someone to consider using your services. So how do you get that first client? Offer an hour or two for free.

Of course you still want to have a contract detailing the work you will do in that one or two hours. Be sure that both you and the client have the same clear expectations. Let the client know up front that you'd like them to provide a testimonial - if they are truly pleased with your work.

If you provide excellent service, you will find that the majority of clients who you gave an hour or two of time at no charge will want to continue using your services and will gladly pay your fee. I have never been disappointed with my return on investment when I've done this. I've found it's very rare that a client uses their free hour or two and then never comes back.

Since many small business owners are still reluctant to use a virtual assistant and aren't sure what we can do for them, offering a small amount of our time can break the ice. In my opinion, this is not much different than a business coach who offers a free report with the hope that you'll then pay for the more extensive eBook or even pay for his business coaching.

If you're reluctant to offer free services to someone you don't know, you may find a friend or family member that you can do some work for to gain some experience. Of course, this can have challenges of its own.

So what step will you take to get your first client?

March 9-13, 2009 - Make a Referral Week

Make a Referral Week is an entrepreneurial approach to stimulating the small business economy one referred business at a time. The goal for the week is to generate 1000 referred leads to 1000 deserving small businesses

You can visit here to learn more

http://www.makeareferralweek.com/pledge

Yes, it's been a very busy and productive week. The NCAE meeting Monday night was very informative. Besides getting great information on tax deductions, I connected with a new client.

Tuesday morning's meeting with our business associate resulted in clearer ideas of where we're heading in producing a one-day seminar for musicians and authors March 28, 2009.

Wednesday another meeting resulted in potential trade work with a client. She has a great referral system for small businesses. In trade for being a part of that system, I would be able to provide services she needs, such as creating and maintaining a database, making appointments, and audio transcription.

Thursday, thanks to a word of mouth referral from an existing client, I signed a new client. I was also able to finish typing a 40-page document.

This morning I couldn't sleep, was up at 5 am, and spent two hours putting together a three-page document for a teleseminar I'm a guest speaker on later in September.

So now I get to take some time off, right? Not yet. It's still early and I have contact names and addresses to collect into a database for a client, another client that needs PayPal set up on her website, a grocery list to write, yes, it goes on and on. Have a great weekend!

I have been reading a lot of information on marketing lately and I'm sure I'll be posting much more information about marketing. For now let it suffice to say you need to market yourself everyday. Do one thing every single day to market your business. It doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. I recently started doing this and am getting great feedback.

Pick just one of these things to do to market your business and do it today.

• Send out a postcard
• Mail a thank you card for a referral
• Start a blog
• Make one blog entry
• Email a thank you to a client
• Call a prospect and ask them when you can set an appointment for their free half-hour consultation
• Create a profile on a social networking site

There are many, many more things that can be done. What have you done and found successful?