This is NOT How a Virtual Assistant Gets New Clients!
Today I was working in one of my clients’ Gmail account as this is the account that we do our WordPress work in. Imagine my astonishment when I came across this little gem.
Where do I start?
- Poorly constructed message. In fact, I would go so far as to term it both lazy and sloppy. There is nothing there that tells the potential client what her skill levels are and why she would be capable of helping him build and grow his online business.
- No punctuation.
- No proper capitalization.
- Her website is hosted on Homestead which violates all of my rules about self-hosting your website. Not only that, but she lists “Web Design” as one of her services. I won’t put a link to her site here, but can assure you that it is not professional in execution.
- Her primary verbiage on the front page was lifted word for word from MY website!
Again, I repeat, this is NOT how a confident, capable, and technically savvy Virtual Assistant acquires new clients.
Your thoughts?
10 Responses 
Leave a Reply 
Denise Griffitts is a nationally recognized virtual assistance industry expert, thought leader, VA coach and mentor. She is also a web developer and online entrepreneur who believes that any person with the knowledge, skills, ideas, drive and the ability to mobilize resources can create a high impact business. 
Website by Your Office On The Web
Copyright 2009 * All Rights Reserved.
Copyright 2009 * All Rights Reserved.
This looks like she adopted an idea from one of several web marketing webinars. It amazes me how sloppy some of the marketing for these webinars can be- same issues Denise points out: poor spelling, incorrect punctuation and lousy grammar.
On top of that, this method is asking the prospect to do the work this marketer should be doing.
Develop a relationship and position yourself as an expert by GIVING GREAT CONTENT. Then ask for the contact information.
There are NO shortcuts!
Follow the advice Denise gives and utilize her services if you’re willing to do the work it takes to succeed!
Best!
Jim
Jim Bouchard
Author of Think Like a Black Belt
I have been receiving this type of message quite frequently lately, and it is usually sent from someone in India or the Philippines.
To be honest, I don’t have any thoughts! An e-mail like this would have gone straight into the trash can almost before I reached the end of the sentence! :{
I have to agree with Denise. Straight to the trashcan and no looking back! I’ll take it one step further, though. I also consider sloppy forum posts when researching a potential working partner. If they are that careless with a posting, how do I know they would be careful with my work?
I really have to ask if that was the whole message? Was there no link attached for further information, etc…? I guess I’m kind of amazed.
Hi Christina – That was the entire message. I have blocked out her name and email address but yes, that was it.
Denise – After I looked at it in dismay a couple of times it did go straight to the trashcan.
Lily — I couldn’t agree with you more. Proper grammar, punctuation and spelling are critical for anybody who wishes to work as a virtual business partner, virtual assistant, web developer and just about any other role that requires professionalism and attention to detail. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Jim!
I have had a lot of comments on LinkedIn and somebody over there said that she is getting similar emails but they appear to be coming from overseas. Alas, this lady is American. My hope for her is that she takes the time to learn more about her craft so she can be successful in her VA practice.
Good Grief!!
That is quite the display of unprofessionalism. Frankly, my 5 yr old can form a better sentence. I can’t stress enough how STEALING….that’s right I said it….stealing content off another website is just the worst display of an uncommitted business person.
Don’t forget my friends, a quick trip to copyscape and you can check up on your website and see if anyone is using your content.
If that one sentence shows the amount of effort placed in obtaining a client, then I bet she is still looking.