I have been so excited today. I know, it's going to sound really pathetic when I tell you why I'm in this highly emotional state. What it boils down to is that I am new to blogging, and have set goals for myself to post a blog once a month. Not too bad . . . for those who are super bloggers and are really good at it. But there are some of us who, well, need to work on our skills -- which is most definitely a very good thing. We all need to improve, or we will never keep up with the times!

But back to my reason for the high elation! I think I've come up with a great blog topic!

I recently came upon a post that asked what to include in a VA's resume. And I really loved this topic because I can see that there will be tons of different ideas and opinions as to "should I? or shouldn't I?" I was thinking it would be beneficial to take a small poll or receive opinions from VAs -- to just get a feel for the mass majority's opinion, making my blog very credible.

My poll question: "Should a VA, as a business owner, keep an updated resume and share it with a potential client should the client ask for one?"

It was my opinion that a resume (or a summary of qualifications -- which is a great term) would most definitely be beneficial to a client who is wanting to see your qualifications, experiences, and past work history. In my opinion, it doesn't reflect that "I want you to hire me," or "I'm applying for a job" type thing. I consider my resume to be a summary of what I can offer to a client who is looking to partner with me. I also believe a well-written, up-to-date resume can add to a business owner's credibility and professionalism, in addition to a well-executed business plan. (Am I too rigorous?)

I would so love to receive opinions on this. I think it will make a great blog (and I may be wrong, since I don't know much about blogging). I plan on publishing this in mid-February, which gives me plenty of time to compile information. Thank you, everybody, and on to blogging .

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Patty

Hi Patty - I think having an up to date resume is a good thing. I was recently interviewed by a company who are going to trial my services and although they hadn't asked me for one, I gave them a copy of my resume anyway and they said it was very useful to them. Even though I have a fairly comprehensive resume on LinkedIn, which they'd looked at, they still seemed to appreciate a "paper" copy. So I'd go for "yes, a resume is a good thing"!

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Cath Walter
http://www.diamondva.co.uk

I think there is a huge difference between a resume and using a flyer to market yourself.

Prospective clients don't want to see your resume at first. They want to know what you can do to benefit them, by giving them a flyer or a packet of information about your services you are selling yourself. This business is about making sure you are getting clients. With a flyer you will be letting them know what kind of clients of you have worked with, providing testimonials, showing them you can create a flyer and maybe even a flashy information packet. The more professional your flyer looks the better too because they will be more impressed with that than anything else, at least I think so.

Keeping your resume updated is something that should be done annually anyway. But as a business owner that is one section of your resume mainly which is the top entry on the resume where you might update your skills.

In my experience I haven used one at all. The clients I have had come to my company because they don't want to waste time sifting through resumes to find skilled help, so to provide them with such a thing would defeat the purpose.

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper

Oh my gosh! What awesome comments! Thank you so much for commenting. Your responses really matter to me, as I love having concrete evidence when I write about something. Thank you again for taking the time to give me your opinions!

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Patty

Originally Posted by eXPERT Business Support

My poll question: "Should a VA, as a business owner, keep an updated resume and share it with a potential client should the client ask for one?"

This is my opinion only.

A resumé is used for those seeking employment as an employee. This can be anything from entry level positions to displaced executives looking for employment. I would be annoyed to be asked to provide a resumé - I am not seeking an employee/employer relationship.

Does a doctor, dentist, plumber, teacher, etc. provide you a resumé? No. They may have their diplomas or other achievements on their wall (like a website's "About" page), but they aren't going to hand you a resumé (and would probably look at you in astonishment if you asked for one!). I am just like any other professional service provider. I do not provide a resumé.

I do provide an "About SVS and Me" page on my website where I give information about my company and me. I feel as a business owner this sort of page is important for potential clients to see what you bring to the table--and potentially bring to their table--if they would like to work in collaboration with you. (I may rename this page [kind of wordy, which I have a tendency to do/be] , and also change up the wording when I revamp my site - it's been over a year after all!)

Most business websites provide an "About" page for this purpose. For a physical handout (brochure), they may include a brief synopsis of their skills, education, and experience.

Is this just a resumé in disguise? I don't feel it is because a traditional resumé lists dates of past employment and education in chronological order, and is very detailed, that an "About" page is not, or does not.

You guessed it, I don't like this term used for business owners.

That's my 2¢

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Jules, I have meaning to tell you that I always find your posts exceptionally written and always informative.

I love your 2¢-worth! I always look forward to reading what you have to say.

(P.S. I finally have the time this weekend to get to my blog. Yippey!)

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Patty

Patty, I think a resume is a wonderful idea. What better way to know what your VA can and can't handle.

Everyone made such good points. I don't think that a resume should be expected, but it sometimes is in my experience. I have both the about us page and a resume on my website just for this purpose. It's not because I feel we should provide it, but because I know that clients like to see it.

I like what was said about the Doctor having a resume'. Of course we don't ask them for one, but sometimes I wander if we should. LOL!

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Rhonda Holscher, Owner
Rhonda's Virtual Office - Hire a Virtual Assistant

I agree with Jules. As a business owner, I don't believe that anyone who is self-employed should be asked for a resume. That's what the About Me section and client testimonials are for. Basically, it's a summary of, not only who you are, but what you bring to the table which would include all of your work experiences. Since most of our clients will more than likely be small business owners themselves (or solopreneurs), they should know not to ask for a resume. Do they have a resume to show you so that you can make sure they're the kind of person you want to work with? (notice I say "work with" and not "work for" lol). I just honestly think that the whole resume thing blurs the line between independent contractors vs. employees. If they ask, certainly be forthcoming with your background and qualifications, but I wouldn't hand them a formal resume.

Just my $.2 worth.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy: