Building a VA practice while still working full-time - Page 8 - Virtual Assistant Forums

Dembo Inc · #**106** (**permalink**) 06-17-2010

Lily I you are my "outline" as to how I will handle my FT job and my business...Thanks

valueaddvs · #**107** (**permalink**) 06-17-2010

This is a really interesting thread - I've only just found it and yet to read it all however for all of you working 9-5 have you had any problems with your fulltime employer? It's written into my employment contract that I don't work for anyone else whilst employed. For this reason I'm really nervous about taking on any regular clients. I'm not ready to quit my job though so I don't want to take the risk. I'd be grateful for any feedback and how any of you resolved this issue.

Office Goddess · #**108** (**permalink**) 06-18-2010

Originally Posted by valueaddvs

This is a really interesting thread - I've only just found it and yet to read it all however for all of you working 9-5 have you had any problems with your fulltime employer? It's written into my employment contract that I don't work for anyone else whilst employed.

My boss doesn't know Goddess exists (or my bookkeeping class, TVE magazine, my LIFE!) so it's not an issue for me.

I don't see any reason why you couldn't put your business setup into place, but I highly suggest you consult with an attorney about your current employment contract before taking on clients - JUST IN CASE!

Jen306 · #**109** (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

My company has an Outside Business Activity form that needs to be signed off on by my direct manager as well as Corporate Compliance. Just got the ok from my manager now hoping everything goes smoothly with CC. I'm hoping to have my first client by October and get up to my maximum part-time capacity (12 hours per week) within 4-6 weeks.

Office Goddess · #**110** (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

Originally Posted by Jen306

My company has an Outside Business Activity form that needs to be signed off on by my direct manager as well as Corporate Compliance. Just got the ok from my manager now hoping everything goes smoothly with CC. I'm hoping to have my first client by October and get up to my maximum part-time capacity (12 hours per week) within 4-6 weeks.

Wonderful news! Go for it and good luck!

Suberg · #**111** (**permalink**) 07-07-2010

Thanks to everyone who responded as I am in the same full-time during they day and trying to get started as a VA nights and weekends. My two children are both in college so I can devote the time outside my 8am-4pm work. Just reading all of these reponses has given me new energy to continue down the path of being a VA part-time. The economy has made me feel like I need to put the "pedal to the metal" for the next several years so I can work part-time as a VA in my early retirement years.

Susan

Marsh Willis · #**112** (**permalink**) 07-08-2010

I know exactly how Susan feels! I'm know I need to start this business while I'm still working because I'll definitely need to work P/T once I retire and I can't stand the thought of having to continue to commute even to a part-time job. Atlanta traffic is terrible and I can't wait until I don't have to be in it every day.

virtually yours vo · #**113** (**permalink**) 08-27-2010

All of the responses here have been helpful to me and taking away some of the butterflies I have about meeting my first client on Monday

Teresa Lombardo · #**114** (**permalink**) 08-28-2010

It is such a hard thing to decide. When do I give up my guaranteed income to focus on being a full time VA. Bills still need to be paid and food needs to get on the table every night.

It’s nice to know that I am not alone with this dilemma.

Since starting my business I have had one client. I met them on a Sunday for our initial meeting (as this suited them anyway). I then worked on the project in the evenings and even on my lunch breaks at my employed job. I don’t work at my employed job on Wednesday’s so I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time working on the client’s task on this day too.

The only problem is that the client was quite demanding with my time and called me a fair bit. I had no idea that it was ok to not answer my phone and I did get myself stuck on the phone at my employed job for over an hour one day. I now know not to answer my phone and make that mistake again.

valueaddvs · #**115** (**permalink**) 08-30-2010

Could you not use a call answering service? I think I would rather do that than not answer a clients call.

Teressa · #**116** (**permalink**) 08-30-2010

Originally Posted by Teresa Lombardo

.

Since starting my business I have had one client. I met them on a Sunday for our initial meeting (as this suited them anyway).

I know this probably isn't the right thread...but I have a question for you and anyone else.

How long after starting your marketing and actual client search did you get your first client? I am almost to the point of marketing and accepting clients, but wanted an idea of how long it might take so I won't be disappointed and get frustrated. Thanks

Patricia Bumpass · #**117** (**permalink**) 11-14-2010

Lilly,
Good Luck with Goddess. I too am trying to work a full-time job and build my practice at the same time. Thanks for the encouragement. We can do this.
Pat Bumpass, P.A.B. Consulting

Patricia Bumpass · #**118** (**permalink**) 11-14-2010

TayloR,
Glad to see there is someone else trying to do the same thing I am for the saem reasons. I too have a special needs pre-teen at home and I am finding that I need to be there for him more. Let's build our businesses while supporting each other.
Pat Bumpass, P.A.B. Consulting