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Top Ten Posts of the Day
Posted By: Rachel10
Posted On: May 9 2008, 08:34 AM |
Title: Cold calling
Hi Everyone!
I launched my VA practice recently (in the last few months), and I'm happy to say I'm making good headway in the marketing/promotions department of my business. 
A lot of my specific service offerings include communications/marketing/creative-related services (given my professional background, and the things I enjoy doing most!). But, I've been asked by one or two potential clients about "following up on leads" as part of my services. In other words, cold calling a client's potential customers. I have one word to say to that:
Yeeeach. 
As I'm sure most of you know as business owners, cold calling is generally a least favorite thing to do! In fact, I chose not to do it for my own business and instead rely on (many!) other marketing/communications tools that are much more in line with who I am (both professionally and personally) and how I work.
So, even though cold calling certainly falls under the umbrella of communications/marketing support (which I promote as a service offering), how do I explain that cold calling is not something I provide (not only because I hate doing it, but from a more professional angle, I hesitate because I may not have the answers to specific questions these leads may have ... I fear I'll end up stammering "Uh...I'm not sure. Let me get back to you on that..." and breaking the potential "connection," so to speak.)
Maybe a more general question is: How do you explain a specific task or service that your practice doesn't offer? (Obviously, as much as most of us would like to be, we can't be all things to all people!)
Thanks for your insight!!
Rachel
Rachel Rasmussen
Rescue Desk, LLC
www.RescueDeskVA.com
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Comments: 2 :: View Comments
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Posted By: KathyH
Posted On: May 9 2008, 07:41 AM |
Title: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
As the title says, just want to thank this wonderful forum. Honestly it's my very favorite, although I read several.
I just got an email from a local coach asking me if I transcribe, what my fees were, etc.
So before I did anything, I did a search on "transcription" on this forum to get some general ideas, since it would be my first transcription project. I found a ton of information, from how to send her file to me, to how many hours it takes to transcribe one audio hour.
I just sent her back a response to her email, and honest, I sounded SO professional thanks to this group. I gave her ideas on how to send her .wav file to me (www.sendthisfile), and what the industry standards were for the time it took to transcribe and then gave her my rates (which I didn't drop to get the project).
I don't know if I will get the job or not, but really, I am SO excited that I managed to sound so capable and knowledgeable thanks to you all!
Just wanted to share a BIG hug!
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Comments: 4 :: View Comments
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Posted By: stephanielee
Posted On: May 8 2008, 05:04 PM |
Title: Next vanetworking e-seminar?
Hi there,
I was wondering when the next va seminar will be? I was receiving notifications, but haven't in the past few weeks. I find them invaluable, and also a great opportunity to network, "live", with other va's.
Thanks! |
Comments: 2 :: View Comments
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Posted By: Cyndi Papia
Posted On: May 8 2008, 03:11 PM |
Title: Have you heard of this
Received this email today at my "alternate" email address at gmail:
"We have seen the potential value of your site
and we would like to partner with you by exchanging links.
We wanted to let you know that we have just placed your link to
our directory. You can find the link to your site here:"
Then look at the links at the bottom of their pages and the "dating" on the side, I found that very unprofessional and I have requested my link be removed.....this website is very confusing to someone who visits it, first they sound like they "broker" with the agencies listed and they don't have any contact us page or email form -- I don't know. Go take a look at dedicatedassistants dot-com. I didn't want to put a link here so they get more traffic. I have no clue what/who/why/what/where/how. |
Comments: 6 :: View Comments
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Posted By: MiriamS
Posted On: May 8 2008, 03:00 PM |
Title: Banner and Tagline
OK, so I may have brought this up before...I'm still struggling a little. The legal stuff is finally done and Acuity Virtual Services it is and I have the logo. But, I'd like some really cool ideas for a tag line from y'all if you don't mind my asking. Maybe I'm trying too hard? I'm trying to relate it to "Acuity" but maybe I shouldn't??
"Our services bring you closer to your vision"
"Your vision is reachable"
"Making your visions come true"
"Our work brings you closer to your vision"
"Working to help you reach your vision"
"Your vision is within reach"
And there's always this "we're so sharp we'll poke holes in your competition"
See? I desperately need help (in more than one way!!!)
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Comments: 0 :: View Comments
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Posted By: helpinghandva
Posted On: May 8 2008, 12:50 PM |
Title: New Paypal Account
I saw on the home page somethin about Paypal free for 1 year, was I seeing this correctly?
I need to set up a new account, but need to open new bank account first.
Does anyone know if paypal caters to VA business owners, giving free services?
Thanks!
A Helping Hand
Kim |
Comments: 1 :: View Comments
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Posted By: KelleyB
Posted On: May 8 2008, 07:27 AM |
Title: KAB Virtual Solutions - Getting a client
| Hi my name is Kelley and I am just starting out. So far I have zero clients. What are some of your suggestions for getting clients? Have any of you tried Elance? |
Comments: 3 :: View Comments
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Posted By: vcreed
Posted On: May 7 2008, 04:07 PM |
Title: elevator speeches?
So after my first chamber meeting and trying to explain my business quickly 500 different times I realized that my "elevator speech" isn't very good. A lot of people didn't understand what I was talking about and needed more explanation. Would anyone be willing to share their speech so I could see what mine is lacking?
I would really, really appreciate it. |
Comments: 5 :: View Comments
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Posted By: azreva
Posted On: May 7 2008, 03:29 PM |
Title: Birthday Gift for Client?
I have become sort of friends with one of my clients and she has a birthday approaching. I would like to buy her something nice for under $60. I was thinking some sort of gift set but nothing is popping out at me.
She travels A LOT and is a gorgeous single woman in her 30's. She is a public speaker in the apartment industry. I think I'm going to grab a nice gift set at Bath and Body works but need another idea from there... I hate gift sets usually but those are nice enough. Any thoughts? I'd like something creative and different
Nothing food related though.... |
Comments: 3 :: View Comments
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