Getting started with online marketing means deciding between two types of business. Will you offer a service that helps others? In other words, will you get paid for doing work and interacting with clients? Or will you create products and sell them to others?
Today we will explore getting started by offering a service. In future posts we will look at three ways to offer information products online.
For example, let’s say you are a fitness trainer who understands how your clients struggle wih weight loss. You can decide to coach clients by phone and email, assuming you make sure you have the necessary licensing. Health coaching has become a popular field and you may find a home there.
Your challenge is to make sure prospective clients are searching for you online. Alternatively, you can engage in live networking and use your online presence to give prospects more information.
But suppose you have absolutely no idea what you want to do. You just know that you want to get started with a service.
In my experience, the best way to begin your new business is to investigate becoming a Virtual Assistant. Work with experienced business owners. Discover how they run their operations. You’ll pick up a wealth of knowledge, on their dime.
Some people view a Virtual Assistant as a Virtual Secretary or Assistant. In reality, these VAs tend to be more like independent contractors who offer a service. Some don’t even do secretarial work. They might install or update blogs, mantain websites, track appointments, handle all customer service, and a whole lot more. Some specialize in shopping carts, video or another technical area.
If the term “Assistant” stops you cold, you can call yourself something else. You can be a Concierge, Project Manager, or Technical Support Pro.
Of course, any service business is…a business. You will learn how to promote yourself, deal with ciients and create packages with appropriate pricing. If you’re wise or lucky, you will learn a lot from the folks you work with.
When I’ve recommended this option to my clients, they often say, “But that’s not what I really want to do!” It’s important to remember that your first online project – especially in a service business – won’t be your last. Most people change their business offerings, niche and/or services within two to five years. And I know many high-earning Internet marketers who began as Virtual Assistants.
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Cathy, it is a totally creative idea to get started by working as a Virtual Assistant to learn an industry. In my experience, starting and maintaining a service business is seductively easy. It is so easy that it is challenging to resist the allure of quick income to focus on the longer term prize of product development and sales. I look forward to your future posts focused on product creation and marketing.