How do you use referrals and testimonials to grow your virtual assistant network and reputation?

Potential clients want to be assured that they will receive a good ROI. Showing that you have provided a valuable service to others will make the decision to take a chance in hiring you easier.

I've found that potential clients need to trust you to provide access to their business and back-office systems. Referrals and testimonials serve as online social proof, demonstrating that you've worked with other clients in a similar fashion and that you are reliable. Think about when you are looking for a restaurant in a new town; you likely will read the reviews online before making the decision to go to the restaurant.

Think of it this way – you're way more likely to try a new restaurant if a friend raves about it, right? The same goes for clients outsourcing their work to you. When people see others had a great experience with you, they're way more likely to trust you with their own work. Plus, testimonials and referrals are like a snowball – one good one can lead to a whole bunch more!

I’m a big believer in the power of word-of-mouth. Referrals and testimonials are like gold for us. When our clients are happy with our services, they often share their experiences with others. This not only helps us grow our network but also builds our reputation. When a satisfied client refers someone to us, it’s the highest compliment. It means they trust us enough to recommend us to their colleagues or friends. We reward this trust by offering referral incentives, ensuring both the referrer and the new client feel appreciated. Testimonials are another powerful tool. I love collecting feedback from clients and sharing their positive experiences on our website and social media.

Referrals and testimonials are vital for growing your business. Happy clients recommending you and sharing positive experiences build trust. Ask satisfied clients to refer others. Display testimonials on your website and social media as proof of your skills and reliability. Personal success stories make potential clients more confident in choosing your services. Overall, referrals and testimonials are key to a successful business.

I set a mark in my diary x months after client starts working with us to remind me to approach them for a testimonial, and then a further x months for a case study when they've seen even greater impact.

If you have clients that are willing then ask them to record a video testimonial with you. This then can reflect your working relationship as well as they can really deliver the impact and emotion that you have on their business.

Timing is everything! Think of it like asking someone out on a date – you wouldn't do it right when they're stressed out. Catch your clients when they're super pleased with your work. Did you just nail a deadline for them? Send a quick email saying how much you enjoy working together, and that you'd love to help others like them. Be upfront about why you're asking. It doesn't have to be complicated. Something like this works: "Hey [client name], I loved working on this project! If you know anyone else juggling a similar workload, I'd be so grateful for an introduction." That way it's about helping their friends, not just getting more business for yourself.

I have a feedback form ready and I send it to my clients every now and then. This helps me collect testimonials while also identifying areas where I can improve. On another note, asking for video testimonials can be a game-changer. It helps build your credibility and attract potential clients.

Before you use a testimonial, always get the client's approval! Here are a few ways to creatively display testimonials to make a bigger impact: -Instead of a plain testimonial, weave a mini-story about how you helped a client achieve a specific result. This shows your impact, not just that people like you. -Dedicate a section of your proposals or pitches to let your clients do the selling for you with powerful quotes. PS: Don't just dump a list of testimonials and call it a day. Make them work for you!

I use them on my website, in my proposals, in my portfolio and on my social media. It is important to have them in several places so your clients can see the value you provide no matter where they are looking.

If you have a website, leverage the testimonials you gathered by adding a Testimonials page on your site. You can also use these testimonials by adding them in your portfolio, along with the sample works. This helps potential clients see that aside from the skills you have, you are a good VA to work with.

One thing I've found important in terms of Testimonials is to have them on trust platforms like LinkedIn or even Upwork, Is essential to have feedback from our past clients but they become valuable testimonials if come from these trust platforms. We can add direct links to our resume to straightforward our future clients to our valuables testimonials.

Offer Referral Incentives (Optional)- Consider offering referral incentives (discounts, bonuses) to encourage clients to recommend your services. VA Network Building- Use referrals as a springboard to connect with other VAs in your niche. You can build mutually beneficial referral partnerships. Stay Connected- Maintain relationships with past clients through occasional check-ins or holiday greetings. This can lead to repeat business and referrals down the line.

Referrals and testimonials are golden in expanding my VA network. I prioritize building strong relationships with current clients—satisfied clients are eager to spread the word. Politely ask for referrals and testimonials after completing successful projects, leveraging their positive experiences to attract new clients. Authentic testimonials showcase my skills and reliability, boosting my reputation and credibility in the industry.