Networking basics – how to get started

Starting your Virtual Assistant business is an exciting journey. You have the skills, the drive, and the freedom to build a career on your own terms. But working from your home office can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. How do you find those first crucial clients? How do you build a reputation when no one knows who you are yet?

While social media is a useful tool, for a new VA starting out in the UK today, nothing beats the power of face-to-face networking. It’s the fastest way to build trust, create opportunities, and move from being an unknown name to a go-to professional.

If you’ve never been to a networking event, the thought can be a bit daunting. It might even feel like a distraction from your busy to-do list. This guide will show you why it’s the most valuable time you can spend and give you a simple plan to get started.

Why In-Person Networking is a Superpower for New VAs

In a digital world, meeting someone in person gives you an immediate advantage. It’s your chance to cut through the online noise and show people the real you.

Networking, at its core, is about making genuine connections. While you can build relationships online, it takes a lot longer. Think about it: anything written on social media can be misinterpreted, and a profile picture only tells half the story.

When you meet someone face-to-face, you get to showcase your confidence and your personality. You’re not just an email address or a LinkedIn profile; you’re a person.

People work with people they know, like, and trust.

A simple handshake, a shared laugh over a coffee, and a real conversation can build that likeability and trust in ten minutes – a process that could take months of back-and-forth online.

You can instantly feel someone’s energy. By attending events, you’ll not only soak up the positive and motivating atmosphere from other business owners, but you’ll also quickly learn who you click with. That feeling of connection is what leads to brilliant business relationships.

The Opportunities are Real and Immediate

When you’re just starting out, you need tangible results. In-person networking delivers. At a single event, you can:

• Get Your First Clients: Meet local business owners who need help right now. You can listen to their challenges and explain exactly how your VA services can be the solution.
• Find Associate Work: Connect with established VAs who may be looking to subcontract work. This is a fantastic way to gain experience and build your portfolio. (Yes, networking with other VAs is critical!)
• Receive Golden Referrals: A person you connect with might not need a VA themselves, but they almost certainly know someone who does. A personal recommendation is the most powerful form of marketing there is and the most popular way for VAs to get their clients!
• Gain Invaluable Advice: Chat with people who have been where you are. Get their tips on pricing, finding clients, and the best tools to use. This peer support is vital when you work for yourself.

How to Find the Right Events for You

The key is to start local and be strategic. Building a strong reputation in your immediate area will create a solid foundation for your business.

• Start with a Simple Search: Use Google, Eventbrite, or Meetup and search for terms like “business networking [your town/city]” or “small business meetup [your county]”.
• Find Your Local Business Hubs: Nearly every area has established business groups that are perfect for new starters. Look up your local branches of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and your regional Chamber of Commerce. They run regular, friendly events.
• Tap into Female-Focused Networks: Groups like The Athena Network and Women in Business Network (WIBN) host structured and welcoming events across the UK, specifically for women in business. They are brilliant for building supportive connections.
• Use Word of Mouth: This is the easiest way to find the best events. When you meet a local business owner, simply ask them, “Are there any networking groups you’d recommend?” People are always happy to share what they know.  I encourage you to ask this question on both your personal LinkedIn and Facebook profiles. It’s a subtle way of telling connections you are now a business owner at the same time as getting a recommendation. (People love to help people!)

Your Simple Networking Strategy: Just Start

You don’t need a complicated plan. The goal is to build relationships, and that just takes consistency.

1. Don’t Go Overboard: I want you to be a networking tart for 90 days but after 90 days you can cherry pick the right groups for you.  The biggest mistake is signing up for everything long term – whereas I want you to be a tart for 90 days.  Choose just one or two promising local groups and commit to attending regularly for a few months. This is how you become a familiar, trusted face.
2. Prepare Your ‘Elevator Pitch’: You’ll be asked “What do you do?” hundreds of times. Have a simple, clear answer ready. Don’t just say “I’m a VA.” Say, “I’m a Virtual Assistant who helps busy tradespeople get their evenings back by managing their invoicing and admin.” Make it clear who you help and how.
3. Set a Simple Goal: Your aim for your first event isn’t to come away with five new clients. It’s simply to have two or three genuine conversations. That’s it. Ask people about their business, listen more than you talk, and be curious.
4. The Fortune is in the Follow-Up: After an event, connect with the people you spoke to on LinkedIn within 24 hours. Send a short, personalised message, like: “Hi Jane, it was great to chat with you at the FSB event this morning. I really enjoyed hearing about your new project.” This reinforces the connection and keeps the door open for future conversations.

Networking events aren’t a pointless drain on your time; they are the single most effective thing you can do to get your VA business off the ground. By putting yourself out there, you open the door to connections, support, and opportunities you simply can’t find from behind a screen.

What tips would you recommend for someone attending their first networking event? Share your thoughts ion the Facebook post in the VA Help Desk group – link below.