How can I get testimonials

[Cookiecake]

Hi, I have recently started working as a virtual assistant and got a client back in September. This was initially afew hours but it's reduced from that now and im struggling to find other work. I think a lot of this is down to the fact I don't put myself out there enough as I'm not long finished university.

I have not struggles at all with the work I have been doing for the one client, in fact I have enjoyed learning new things. I think I need to just get some more clients so I can then get testimonials to back up that I can do the job.

Would it be an awful idea to perhaps approach people and offer to help them for a small fee/no fee in order to achieve gaining these testimonials and experience? If there are any business owners/entrepreneurs, would you go for this?

It is worrying when there isn't much work about...however I would really question the benefit of doing things for free. I have found that people don't value what you do for free and therefore it might actually not give you the experience or testimonial you are looking for.

I would personally put your effort into trying to find some more clients. Have you tried local networking meetings? Contacted people on LinkedIn?

You could always do a special deal - 5 hours for 4 or something if you want to entice them?

If you really do want to build up your testimonals list you could try the likes of peopleperhour.com and bid low to gain experience. At least you'll still be paid something. There is another thread on here about these types of sites.

I wouldn't see being just out of uni as a downside - it makes you a very well qualified VA which would appeal to some.

Good luck.

Thanks for your reply!

Yes I was wondering whether work I'd do for free would be valued. Maybe I won't go for that option, I might try and do some lower paid work for experience though.

I really haven't been networking like I should, it's not something that comes particularly naturaly to me (if I'm honest the thought terrifies me). I know I just need to get out there.

I feel a little more confident after your comment about being well qualified, as although I see myself as more than capable I do worry other people would question my limited experience.

I think lower paid experience is definitely an option.

You need to stop thinking "I am a graduate with not much experience" and instead think "I am a young entrepreneur" - honestly they are very much the thing these days! I really like www.enterprisenation.com/ they are very much about supporting entrepreneurs. Lots of cheap events and useful blog posts. I went to Number 10 with their leader, they take a group each month.

I also saw on Twitter this am that the IoD are seeking young entrepreneurs - twitter.com/IoD_99

Maybe your thing could be to support other young start up companies? Although they are less likely to have cash.

I am not sure that there are many people that love networking, but I rarely find it a waste of time. You will probably find most people are in awe of you opting for setting up on your own rather than going into an employed role. You could even start your own network for younger business owners?? Just sign up to one and give it ago.

Good luck. I admire you :)

Thanks for your kind and very helpful posts. I have had a look at the links and the one for enterprise nation looks very interesting and affordable.

Like the idea of helping young start up companies but like you pointed out they may not have money for this. So far I seem to have appealed more to entrepreneurs with businesses that do not have a physical office ( usually work from home or out and about meeting their clients). Their businesses seem to be slightly more established though, probably because they have more funds and need more help as their business has grown.

You are completely correct about the mindset I need to get into, may take a little time but I must start being more positive about myself.