Louise,
I did this with one of my past employeers and am now working for them. If you are close with the manager or owner give them a call and propose how your new business can help them. Stress that since you are familiar with the work you will not need to be trained. You may be surprised how easily a yes can come and if nothing else you will get a no. Be prepared to explain what a VA is so that they have a clear understanding of your new venture.

I first contacted my past boss and I explained what I was now doing (since my move) and to let me know I was available to help them fill any voids in the position I was doing. I did not get hired for my original position but was hired to fill a void in another area that they knew I had experience in.

If you have a good relationship with them it is easier than you think. And maybe you can get referrals from them as well.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant