As with any service-based start up, the biggest problem Susan faced initially was building a client base. To bring in clients, Susan conducted an extensive marketing campaign, researching and contacting (by email) all the authors and coaches that appealed to her. 

She worked at developing a relationship with her chosen potential clients, contacting them periodically over time with items of interest to their businesses. "I found the best method was to be friendly, brief, and provide a juicy bit of information relevant to their business," Susan says.

Researching your target market is critical to any new business' success. Once you've done this, you're better able to develop and implement a marketing plan that will reach your target market. Susan recommends starting a monthly ezine or newsletter to provide potential and current customers with valuable information relevant to their businesses. "Offer value-added tidbits to prospects," she says. "Treat them like a customer before they become one and they will become one!"

Being a member of online and local business organizations has also helped Susan build her business. Women Who Excel "gets me out of the house and lets me meet other successful business women", while the International Association of Virtual Office Assistants provides "lots of sound business advice, problem-solving, and warm support."

Having gotten her business off the ground, Susan's main challenge is time. "As the mother of two children, it's often difficult to fit in all that needs to be done with the business, the home, and the family, let alone my own personal development and downtime."

Susan's business is completely virtual; she operates out of her home in Hamilton, Ontario. Currently she's coping with the demands of her growing business and her family by careful juggling, using a combination of daycare and gifts of babysitting, turning her computer off by 7 p.m. to ensure that she spends time with her family, and limiting the number of new clients she takes on until the children are a little older. "When I take on a client, I want to be sure they receive the 110 percent they deserve."

Susan's business slogan is "Integrity Above All". She credits her persistence and honesty for her success.

Asked what advice she would give to someone who was just starting a small business, Susan said,  "Research your target market with your heart as well as your head. Clients that resonate with you make for a happy business relationship on both ends." And a successful one.

First page > Master Virtual Assistant With A Niche > Page 1, 2

 You can contact Susan Valeri, Master Virtual Assistant, via email at virtualassistantsusan@hotmail.com , or by phone at (905) 643-2436.
Or visit her Web site at www.virtualassistantsusan.com.

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