Virtual Office 101: Marketing Yourself & Your Business

Yes, we're amidst an unemployment drought in the US, but there are all types of opportunities out there for savvy, motivated virtual workers.  Companies are looking for contractors for everything from one project to a permanent position.  Small business executives are hiring virtual assistants to help with travel arrangements and calendar management.  If you have a skill or an interest, get creative.  Do a little research on your market, and carve out a niche for yourself. For the purposes of this article, I'm going to lay out a few pathways for finding projects, obtaining clients and networking for future opportunities.

Successful business owners have short-term and long-term goals in mind. Instant gratification comes with picking up a new project or client. However, a soft connection you make at a networking event today may prove to be the best thing that ever happened to your business a year from now.

Projects That You Can Land Today:

• Online Project Websites: Check out Elance and Guru for a list of projects that you can bid on right now.  Projects range from blog writing and web design to sales and marketing.  Many companies are seeking freelancers for per-project work. There's a good amount of competition out there, but one project could turn into a long-term client. These are a couple popular websites, but there are probably 100 more that offer the same sort of project lists.  Pick a couple and make your presence known.  In my experience, there are bidders from countries all over the world. Bidding on local projects can give you an advantage over a contractor who may not be as familiar with the locale, target demographic or even the same language in some cases.

• Craigslist: Even through you're working remotely, clients still want to work with someone in their area if possible.  Check your local Craigslist postings on a regular basis – jobs and gigs. As a local contractor, you'll already have an advantage over the competition.  Business owners will feel more comfortable knowing that you're close enough to meet sometime if need be.

Online Exposure:

• Social Network: People prefer to work with other people they either know or have heard about from trusted friends and colleagues. Building your social network online can be a great way to keep your network at arm's length and to remind them that you're available when they're looking for your services. Have an extra few minutes? Reach out to someone you haven't spoken with in a few years just to say hi. These connections can go a long way now and in the future. Set up some networks:
   
  • Facebook - great way to connect with people you already know
     
  • Linkedin - excellent for business networking and getting involved with local business groups and networking events
     
  • Twitter - great way to promote yourself to the general public

Depending on your business, you might find some niche or local networks that would also be beneficial to you. Remember to be yourself.  Don't focus on sell, sell, sell as you're managing these networks. Focus more on connecting and engaging in conversation. Since social networking is my business, I can point you to additional resources and strategies on our website: www.jsncafe.com.

• Website: Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. All you need is a basic website to get started.
   
  • Build A Site. WordPress is a great blog-based platform for websites, and it's fairly simple to get a basic website set up even if you don't read code. There are many other alternatives out there, but do a little research to make sure that whatever solution you pick has a good reputation for SEO – Search Engine Optimization.  If you have the budget to hire a professional, do so. You may also consider trading services at BarterQuestor TradeAway.
     
  • Embrace Your Small Business. Many companies are looking for small businesses or individual freelancers.  It's tempting to position your company as larger and more experienced, but consider using the small size of your company to your advantage. Small businesses are usually more personal, cost-effective and more willing to go the extra mile to please their clients.
     
  • Don't overdue it. Most website visitors are in and out in no time.  Consider who your target audience is.  What would you like them to learn about you in 1 minute or less – address, list of services, about you, contact. You want your visitor to be able to read through your info and contact you all in a reasonable amount of time. Keep it brief and organized.

Networking Can Pay Off Now & Later

• Networking Events: Face to face networking is a great way to leave a lasting impression.  There are networking events going on every day in cities and towns across the country. A quick Google search can put you on the notification list for networking events in your neighborhood. Eventbrite, Eventful, and Meetup are popular event lists. Join some local Linkedin groups, and you'll be sure to hear about some local happenings. I would also recommend getting in touch with your local business association to see how you can get involved.

• Get out around town: If you're offering services that can be used locally, drop in to say hi to the other local business owners.  If you can leave a brochure or business card behind, that will give them something to reference later.  Also, get their name and email if possible so you can follow up.  Many times, picking up their business card will take care of that.

Become Your Own Publicist

• Get Quoted: You don't have to hire a PR company if you're willing to do a little promotion of your own. Helpareporter.com is a great resource that puts business owners in touch with reporters who are looking for quotes and businesses to feature.

• Press Releases: There are many opportunities for submitting press releases online, free and paid. For starters, Free Press Index, News Reel Network, and PR USA are free resources but there are others. Again, consider your local newspapers.  Many times, you can find an email address or press release submission link if you take the time to look for it.

There are so many resources out there for businesses to grow.  What are your favorites? Have any of the marketing sources in this article been of particular value to you?  Please share your story with us.

Angela Denby is the founder and CEO of Java Social Networking, an online marketing firm focused in website design, social media strategy and online community management. Read more about Angela here.