Last week I was on a call with a potential team member. She asked how we get new clients. It was such a great question and as I was answering her, I began to think about our clients.

We have a variety of ways that we reach new clients. There are the Facebook Ads and Opt-ins that we run, just like any other online business. However, I have to say that our number one form of recruiting new clients is by testimonials.

Nothing excites me more than when I log into my inbox and see an email from a stranger saying, “My friend hired a VA through your company and she SWEARS that I can’t live without one! Where do I sign up?!”.

This is my absolute favorite form of advertisement. Not because it’s cost effective.. Eh-hem… free, but because my clients are truly seeing the value that a Virtual Assistant brings them.

How do you maintain this word of mouth system? Here are a few ideas to help you along the way.

Collect Testimonials.

I’ve learned through the years that we are all in this together. I’ve been working on a website update and one of the features I’d like to have is a testimonial page. Not for the “toot my own horn” benefit (although it’s nice to see!), but it allows newcomers to see the value in my team.

The hardest part is the ask. This is where some people jump ship and think to themselves “My client is too busy. I don’t even know if they’ll have time.”. Honestly, it isn’t an inconvenience for most. All it takes from you is a simple email asking your clients to write a quick testimonial. You’ll be amazed when your inbox is flooded with words about your business.

Take time to Network.

When you run a business online, it’s easy to tuck yourself away in your bat cave and only come out when the groceries are running low. I say “NO WAY”!

Decide to blow that popsicle stand of yours and see some faces.

Take baby steps. Start out with an online mastermind group or an entrepreneur support group that you found online. Whatever it is, put your face out there. You have a lot to offer to the world, but no one will know it if you keep it locked away.

Build Relationships.

This is my absolute favorite part of business! The relationship piece.

I’ve been in business for quite some time now and I can’t begin to tell you how many wonderful people I’ve met along the way. I’ve believed in some of them so much that I’ve purchased their products or joined one of their courses, just so I could learn from them.

There are times when a client that offers a program that is the complete opposite of my interests. However, I’m still interested in THEM.

Each client is a person and they are an expert in their field. Whether that field is something I’ve heard of or not. I want to know how it’s going with them, so I check in. I find out from their VA how the launch went. I’ve had instances where a client won an award or was featured on a National Television Show. This is my time to send a congratulatory note. Why? Because I truly care.

When you show your clients that you have a vested interest in them as a human being, not just another client on the list, it will speak volumes!