How I Started my VA Journey

I'm saying, find your future clients on LinkedIn, but don't just apply to job postings. You could, but I learned a different, more effective method. Rule #1: Fill out every single detail when you create your account. You don't know what a complete profile can do! Set up a professional-looking photo (not that 1x1 ID picture, ok?), decide on a skill you're gonna offer, and create a cover photo for that. Literally setup EVERYTHING. Many prospects love a good-looking LinkedIn profile. Once you've decided on a skill to offer, find your market. Do you wanna work with life coaches? Maybe small business owners? Realtors from California? Say all that in your bio. The more specific, the better. Then, make sure to connect with people you think are in the same niche as you. Join communities. Post relevant and informative content. Like a post or two, comment or cheer someone up. Do this for at least a few times a week and you'll see your profile views hiking up in numbers! Finally, reach out to your market one by one. You wanted to reach out to small shop owners? Search for them, find them, connect with them. Review their profile and if anything resonates with you, mention that in the message you will send them. You can ask about the problems their business is facing, and say that you're doing a research because you wanted to work with people like them. Once you know what their struggles are, assess if you have the skill to help them. If yes, then in a very amicable manner, pitch in! But remember: genuine connection is key to this communication. So once someone replies, don't mess it up saying things like "I need a job" or "Pls hire me." You have to want to help this person. That's the best way to connect to them!

I know what your thinking: Upwork is overrated. But it's still one of the best platforms I've used in finding freelance jobs. Setup your profile just like what you did in the previous steps. This might be for you if you're looking for more project-based contracts. Honestly, scammers have flooded this platform already so you have to choose carefully which job post you'll use your "connects" to. But there's a way to counter that: assess the job post first. Do they have good reviews? Is their payment method verified? Have they spent funds before? You can see all these to every job post there. Never apply and waste your connects to job postings that have 10 or more applicants already. You don't have to buy Upwork connects. You just need to find the posts worth spending connects on. Be sure to refresh the page every few minutes and be quick to apply to a job post that you are confident you can do. Read the ENTIRE job post so you don't miss anything. Make sure to follow all instructions by the client.

Note: For Filipinos ONLY! This is a great platform for Filipinos to look for a remote job. Unlike Upwork, job postings here are mostly for long-term contracts. From tips I've learned online and based on my own experience, the best time to browse for job postings is around 1 AM-6 AM PHT. Make sure to take all the tests and upload the results to your profile. Choose the best profile photo you have, because once you set it up, you will have to contact support just to replace your photo and it could take away some precious OLJ profile points. Make sure to only apply to jobs that you are confident you can do excellently. You might have heard the "fake it til you make it" method, but I personally and strongly suggest to be genuine as you write your application letter, use your own words (not ChatGPT or any AI), and be truthful not only to the prospect client, but to yourself. Instead of faking it, why not upskill and learn it, right?

Maybe you thought Instagram would be just your hobby, right? Well, good news, you can also find potential clients here! If anything, it's the best platform to easily get information from a prospect. Look at their profile, find a point of connection, and weave it into your personalized message. An important reminder, though: Don't go spamming people on platforms managed by Meta aka Facebook and Instagram, or else you'll find your account restricted for messaging anyone at all. Choose your prospect wisely, and don't just send random people messages.

Done with your LinkedIn profile? Now, start optimizing your Facebook profile. Not exactly the account you use to share funny memes, no. You're looking for a client who would want to hire you as their VA, so make sure you have a page or profile dedicated for your niche. That way, people would know exactly what you offer and they are more likely to remember you when they visit your profile. Join Facebook communities where you think your target market usually hang out. Or optimize that search button! Believe me, you'll find them. Then repeat everything I said about making genuine connections through direct messaging.

Set up a free Calendly account and adjust your time availability. Once a prospect client visits your account and sees your Calendly link, who knows, they might actually schedule a call with you right there and then. Discovery calls with clients are important because it's your best chance to showcase your skills and let them know that you can actually help them.

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