It's no secret that today, there are numerous opportunities to earn a living by working with clients. However, this also means facing substantial competition from many individuals vying for similar clients. A quick internet search reveals dozens of remote workers offering the same services as you, resulting in market oversaturation that makes it challenging to break through and capture the attention of your target clients.

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Imagine this scenario: You've honed your skills for the services you provide, and you're ready to collaborate with clients. However, you find yourself lost in a sea of similar remote professionals, all aiming to attract the same clients. Your emails go unanswered, you don't excel in that crucial discovery call with potential clients, and doubts begin to creep in about your suitability. Take a moment to pause and reflect; perhaps the issue isn't your capabilities but rather your ability to stand out.

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In August 2023, we hosted a virtual event as part of Runnovate’s monthly event series where we covered the topic of “How to make yourself stand out when looking for clients.” Our guest for the event was Kelvin Warui, a seasoned virtual assistant who also supported Runnovate’s virtual assistant training initiative in 2021. 

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In this article, we will share some of the points that we covered during the event that can help you distinguish yourself when seeking clients.

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1. Craft a compelling brand story

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Your story serves as your unique selling proposition. Share your journey, values, and mission with potential clients. This personal touch can establish an emotional connection that resonates with clients who share your vision. 

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For instance, if you are a mother who decided to become a remote worker to achieve flexibility while assisting clients, share that experience. You may attract clients who identify with your situation, such as other mothers seeking to collaborate with someone who understands their needs. Keep in mind that a well-crafted brand story sets you apart from other remote professionals, establishes a connection with your target audience, and fosters trust.

2. Showcase your skills and expertise

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Sharing your work is crucial to gaining the attention of potential clients. Consistently create and share informative articles, videos, or social media content that highlights your expertise. Provide valuable insights, address frequently asked questions, and cement your reputation as a trusted resource within your industry.

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By consistently offering valuable content, you position yourself as the go-to authority in your field. Clients seeking solutions to their problems may come across your blog posts and videos, piquing their interest in working with you. Sharing your work online not only increases your discoverability but also fosters trust among those who encounter your content.

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3. Network strategically

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Don't wait for clients to come to you; instead, take proactive steps to expand your professional network. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and directly reach out to potential clients. The more people you connect with, the greater your chances of attracting new clients. Networking enables you to build valuable relationships and positions you as an active and sought-after professional. This keeps you top-of-mind, so when clients are in need, your name comes to their minds first.

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By engaging in strategic networking, you transition from being a passive observer to an active and visible presence. As you forge connections and share your insights, you naturally gain recognition as a knowledgeable and indispensable industry resource. This active involvement not only broadens your network but also enhances your reputation, solidifying your position as an invaluable asset. Consequently, potential clients are more inclined to seek your expertise, drawn by the reputation you've cultivated through your strategic networking efforts.

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4. Offer something extra

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What simple yet valuable offering can you provide to hook your clients? Go the extra mile by creating a resource that you can offer to your clients for free or at an affordable price, allowing them to experience the value and quality of your work. This resource could take the form of a downloadable, a personalized consultation, or a checklist, tailored to meet the specific needs of your target audience.

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For instance, if you specialize in social media management services, consider creating a list of popular Instagram hashtags that your clients can download and use. This not only adds value but can also serve as a means to build your email list or gauge interest. By following up with those who engage with your offering, you can identify potential clients interested in your services. This approach sets you apart from the crowd and enhances your ability to attract more clients, as it's a strategy not often employed by many.

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5. Create an outstanding portfolio/CV/resume

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A meticulously crafted portfolio, CV, and resume showcasing your finest work can convey a wealth of information. When detailing your previous experience, provide sufficient details to paint a vivid picture of your roles, the tools you utilized, the impact you made, and any leadership positions you held. If a client seeks to delegate similar tasks, your track record of successfully handling similar responsibilities instills confidence that you can excel in their role.

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For individuals in creative fields, such as graphic designers, visual evidence of your skills allows potential clients to witness your unique style and expertise, aiding them in deciding whether to collaborate with you. This visual representation becomes a potent tool that speaks volumes, instilling trust in your capacity to deliver exceptional results. Consequently, your portfolio becomes a compelling invitation for clients to engage with your services, as it vividly demonstrates the value you bring to the table.

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6. Personalize your outreach to potential clients

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When you identify a potential client who could benefit from your services, proactively reach out to them. However, steer clear of generic messages. In today's competitive job market, job applications often attract hundreds of candidates. Sending generic outreach messages won't set you apart. Instead, invest time in researching their specific needs, challenges, and goals, and tailor your message to demonstrate how you can precisely address their pain points.

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By showcasing a profound understanding of their individual challenges and proposing targeted solutions, you position yourself as more than just another service provider. You become a proactive candidate prepared to tackle their unique needs head-on. This personalized approach significantly heightens the chances of capturing their attention and fostering meaningful dialogue.

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7. Be an expert in your field. 

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Most clients prefer to collaborate with professionals who possess expertise in their field. Invest time in gaining comprehensive knowledge about your industry and the specific requirements of your target clients. Stay informed by subscribing to newsletters from industry experts and keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in your sector.

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For instance, if you offer social media management services, it's essential to understand which types of social media content are currently performing well. This knowledge allows you to provide informed guidance to your clients. By positioning yourself as a valuable asset who stays ahead of industry developments, you increase the likelihood that clients will choose you over the competition.

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8. Use testimonials and case studies

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Satisfied clients are your most powerful advocates. Showcase success stories, testimonials, and case studies that underscore the positive impact you've made on individuals or businesses.

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If you are new to the field and lack clients, you can still gather testimonials from former colleagues and supervisors. Request a brief paragraph where they highlight your strengths and why someone should consider working with you. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn that allow you to request and provide endorsements.

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By sharing authentic success stories, you offer tangible evidence of your capabilities. When potential clients read about real-world achievements and relatable journeys, it instills trust and confidence in your expertise. These personal narratives not only resonate on a deeper level but also illustrate your commitment to facilitating meaningful transformations. Consequently, prospective clients are more likely to view you as a competent and impactful professional, prompting them to seek your guidance for their own journeys.

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In conclusion, achieving distinction demands effort and initiative. To capture the attention of your target customers, you must proactively engage and go the extra mile. While this may require dedication and hard work, the rewards are undoubtedly worth it.

Join us for our engaging discussions on the last Thursday of every month. This September, we'll delve into the topic of 'Finding Your Niche as a Virtual Assistant.' Stay informed about our upcoming events by subscribing to our email list using the link below and following us on our social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). Don't forget to visit Runnovate’s events page to register and secure your spot.

Are you ready to start getting clients after learning these great tips to make you stand out? At Runnovate, we match top virtual assistants with clients. Submit your application to join our talent pool.