No Reviews, No SetupJust Grit

I still remember the moment I sent out my very first proposal on PeoplePerHour.

My heart was pounding. My fingers hovered over the keyboard. I reread my message at least five times before finally pressing "Send." I had no client reviews, no polished portfolio, and no prior freelancing experience on the platform. Just effort, commitment, and a strong desire to land my first gig as a virtual assistant.

Like many beginners, I was unsure if anyone would take me seriously. But I also knew something important—I had value to offer.

Before I even applied to that first job, I spent weeks laying the groundwork. I updated my PeoplePerHour profile, making sure it reflected my skills in customer service, email management, calendar organization, and project support. I drew from my two years of experience working in the hotel industry, where communication, attention to detail, and client satisfaction were everything.

Mre importantly, I kept learning. I had just completed my Virtual Assistant training with ALX, and every day I practiced new toolsTrello for task tracking, Google Calendar for scheduling, Canva for basic design. I also worked on soft skills: communicating professionally, managing time, and staying organized.

Then one day, I saw a small job posted. The task? Inbox organization and scheduling support. Nothing fancy. But I knew I could do it—and do it well.

I didn’t send a generic proposal. I made it personal. I acknowledged the client’s challenges, explained how I would handle the work, and included a small suggestion for how to improve their email workflow—based on my real-world experience.

That approach worked.

I got a response.

The client was friendly but cautious. They asked a few questions about timelines and tools. I answered honestly and confidently, even admitting I was new to the platform but eager to prove myself. They gave me a chance.

That chance became my first client.

The work itself was simple, but I treated it like gold. I was consistent, responsive, and organized. I created status updates using Google Docs, kept things professional, and always met deadlines.

A few days later, the client left me a five-star review and said, “You’re organized, quick, and detail-oriented.” That one piece of feedback meant everything to me. It validated my efforts and helped me believe that yes—I could actually build something here.

From that point forward, things began to grow. More clients saw my profile. More opportunities came my way. I added small gigs like LinkedIn content scheduling, market research, proofreading, and admin support. Each one built my confidence and reputation.

Eventually, I expanded beyond freelancing. I started supporting long-term clients and joined a virtual assistant internship. I even became a community moderator helping others grow on their VA journey. Looking back, it all began with that first proposal—and the decision not to give up.

If you're just starting, here's my advice:

• Don’t wait until everything’s perfect.

• Customize every proposal show that you care.

• Rely on your real-life experience, even if it’s not from freelancing.

• Keep learning. Keep applying.

You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience to start. You need consistency, a strong work ethic, and the belief that your skills are valuable.

My first client wasn’t just a job it was the turning point that changed my story.

So send the proposal. Take the risk. Someone out there is looking for what you offer.

And trust me—your first big "yes" might just be one click away.

Final Thoughts

Landing your first client isn’t about luck it’s about showing up consistently and being ready when opportunity knocks. PeoplePerHour gave me that opening, but it was my preparation, mindset, and willingness to learn that truly made the difference.

If you’re reading this and still waiting for your first break, know that I’ve been there too. And if I can start with no reviews and land a project, so can you. Your journey might look different—but it’s valid, and it’s worth it.

Believe in your process. Take the leap.

And when that first project comes, give it your all.