Ask the Master Newsletter Archives

Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter. On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.

Know Your Niche

You always want to be on the look out for opportunities to grow the client’s business and having a niche truly supports you in being able to do this. By becoming an expert in an industry you are able to stay on top of what’s happening in that profession and what opportunities are available.

Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant

• Online International Virtual Assistants Convention
• Finding Your Niche
• Connecting With Your Niche Market
• The Niche Advantage

Participate in workshops, seminars and networking sessions, along with training and business showcases. The OIVAC is an online, interactive, "live" yet virtual environment to experience from the comfort of your own home with any Internet-connected computer.

With the click of a mouse gain access to seminars on topics such as effective business and marketing, planning, getting the most from on and offline networking, developing negotiation and persuasion skills, dealing with difficult clients, developing partnering relationships and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of your business are on the agenda. Find out more here.

A niche can be either an industry or profession that you target or a specialized service that you offer. There is no magic answer to finding a niche however when thinking about what niche you want to target or create think about:

• Your previous experience - is there a field you worked in that you really enjoyed?
• Your skills - what are you really good at or what tasks do you enjoy doing the most?
• Your connections – do you have connections in a specific industry or profession that would support you in growing your business?
• Your dreams - is there something you’ve always been interested in and wanted to do or explore?
• Your passions – is there something you feel strongly about that you could target for your business?

Based on this information try to match the profile of your ideal client to a profession or industry. For some this will come easily and for others you may have to do some research and gain additional clarity through trial and error. Talk to other VA's and people you know about who they are working for. Remember that a niche is not always something you decide, sometimes you happen upon it. Don’t worry if you do not have one as you will likely develop one.

Look at professions where you know or think you will find your ideal clients and get involved by subscribing to industry newsletters or magazines. Read up on what is going on - the latest news, upcoming events, changes in the industry etc. so you are informed.

Attend industry related functions such as trade shows, conferences, or conventions. Consider having a booth present or volunteer your time to support an event. Be open to considering speaking opportunities to your niche market. Find out what other services they use and look for ways to create alliances there. Connect with any current contacts you have in the industry. Network in that industry and find out how to connect with your niche.

By becoming an expert in servicing a specific industry you are able to stay on top of what’s happening in that industry. You will know what opportunities are available and more easily position the client as an expert in their field such as, as a guest speaker or getting articles published.

Based on the focus of your client's business you will know what's a fit for them and be able to maximize projects i.e. launching their web site, a new product or workshop. Use connections you may have or could make to support getting exposure for your client's initiatives. All of these things will support you in growing your business.