24/01/2023
A simple way for new VAs to get a client.
Onlinejobs.ph (OLJ) has recently introduced a new feature called Apply Points, which is parehas sa connects ni Upwork.
It limits the number of job applications a virtual assistant can submit.
This is to help hiring managers filter through applications ng mas madali.
As an experienced virtual assistant (VA for 9 years), I love this feature kasi it helps reduce the number of irrelevant or generic proposals that hiring managers have to sift through.
I remember before, my mga hiring managers na hindi tinignan yung application ko dahil sa sobrang dami ng applicants...
Ang mahirap is marami sa mga application letters ay copy-pasted lang at hindi man lang natingin sa job post at instructions.
Anyway, I know that for new VAs like you, this feature may seem unfair.
I can imagine nahihirapan ka na on how to start, and ngayon mas limited na yung number of job applications you can send.
Aray!
But did you know that there is a simple way for new VAs like you to use this feature to your advantage?
It’s by simply narrowing down your niche. Or rather, magkaron ka ng specialization.
Pero ano nga ba ang niche?
A niche is a specialized market segment for a particular product or service.
Ang problema ay marami sa mga bagong VA ay pumipili ng niche na sobrang lawak such as "writing".
Wala namang masama dito, kaya lang by doing this, it's going to be difficult to stand out among other candidates.
But by specializing in a specific area within a niche, such as "email copywriting for coaches," (tulad ko lol), VAs can position themselves as an expert in that field and increase their chances of getting hired.
Think of it this way, isipin mo farmer ka.
Instead of growing a variety of fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas, you focus on growing one specific fruit like strawberries.
In this way, makikilala ka as a farmer na nagbebenta ng high-quality strawberries.
Pwede kang mag market ng strawberries mo sa mga restaurants na my strawberry sa menu nila.
And if ikaw yung restaurant owner, sino ang mas matatandaan mo pag naghanap ka ng strawberries?
Yung random farmer na iba iba yung mga fruits na binebenta
O
Yung farmer na alam mong expert sa strawberries at high quality yung binebenta nya?
And that’s what you should be.
Become an expert in that particular niche.
By focusing on a specific area of expertise, a VA can become known for its high-quality work...
And attract clients who are looking for that specific service.
Syempre, para di na kayo mahirapan, here are a few examples of specialized niches you can choose from:
The formula is (niche) plus (market)
- Social media management for real estate agents
- Email marketing for e-commerce businesses
- Content creation for vegan and plant-based food blogs
- Graphic design for personal development coaches
- Transcription services for podcast interviews
- Customer service for tech startups
- Bookkeeping for creative entrepreneurs
- Virtual event planning for non-profit organizations
- Website development for mental health therapists
- SEO optimization for dental practices
Now, hindi porket nag narrow down ka ng niche is hindi ka na pwede sa ibang type of work, pwede pa din naman.
This is more about focusing on an area na magaling ka talaga or pag aaralan mo talaga para maging expert ka.
Dito din mag bubuild yung reputation mo as an expert in that particular niche.
Then pag expert ka na sa niche na yun, pwede ka ng mag expand sa ibang niches para madagdagan yung mga services na kaya mong i offer.
And finally, the best niche is yung something na nag eenjoy ka.
Tulad ko na sobrang nag eenjoy sa pagsusulat especially sa email copywriting niche.
