Virtual Global Business World - Lessons learned

Working within a virtual environment has its stumbling blocks in the freelancing world and they include:

• Clients are "faceless", with communication limited to email, phone calls and perhaps the occasional webinair meeting.
• The competition for projects is intense and includes providers from all over the world.
• Buyers want rock bottom pricing, and there are providers who will offer it, so a good provider can't get a fair price for their work.
• Buyers are not interested in quality, and are certainly not willing to pay for it.

These objections have a valid basis. Participating in a global marketplace where all transactions are virtual, a provider is unlikely to meet clients in person. My personal experience from working within a corporate environment, where contact across the states and with overseas clients via email, phone and web meetings was a necessity,  provided me with the ability to compete for business within the virtual global world. I transitioned easily from experiencing a lay-off into providing virtual business services from home or just about anywhere I could access Wi-Fi with my laptop.  

Yes, there is competition and many buyers value price over quality. However, I find that the percentage of those who were willing to give up quality to lower price is about the same for operating virtually as for the local market. I learned that the online virtual market is very large and growing at a rapid pace and so even with the same percentage as the offline world, those who were looking for “cheap” seem more numerous and noticeable.  

Success in tapping into an online virtual freelance market is rooted in four key factors:

1. A virtual business provider must have strong business/office experience, which translates to an emphasis on customer service, an ability to discern good clients from bad, and clear terms and conditions that work for provider as well as for the client.
2. Build a robust portfolio that supports the bids offered. Samples should cover the full spectrum of services offered.  
3. Provide excellent testimonials that attest to the quality and expertise you offer.
4. Finally, in a virtual freelance world it is advisable not to attach rate to ego. Offering flexibility in a competitive online freelance market will prove to be a valuable tool, whether you are a seasoned professional or a brand new start-up.

The primary reason that many freelancers fail to achieve success in the virtual market is that they are too attached to their rate, emphasize gross over net, and are unwilling to adjust pricing. Joining an online freelance board, utilizing free social media marketing tools such as Twitter and Facebook can save time and money looking for prospects. Be transparent in your marketing, and you will find a steady stream of leads, all from the comfort of your own home. Without the marketing and sales overhead that offline peers have, and without the overhead time and expense related to face to face meetings, a freelance virtual provider can charge a lower rate and still come out ahead on the bottom line.

Virtual-e-Yours is the result of experience combined with skill and yes, a bit of “chutzpah”! The entry into the world of conducting business virtually is not new to me, however I find it is a new way of operating for many who are accustomed to a one-on-one, face to face contact. An added service Virtual-e-Yours provides is the willingness to provide support to introduce the client to a world of optimal functioning conducting business online. This translates into coaching someone transitioning their computer “phobia” into a desire to open up to the virtual world and a want to address the needed learning curve.

With the onslaught of many businesses requiring customers to conduct business online making medical appointments, fill prescriptions, paying utility bills etc., Virtual-e-Yours recently launched the “Geeky Geezers On Line” Facebook fan page, a support fan page for the 50+ generation. We will be offering free tips and lessons to our fans.