Hi everyone,

I've just finished my business plan and am about to launch into all the 'legal' aspects of setting up my business.

I only have one major competitor in this area, and I know her quite well as I have done work for her in previous years. However, we haven't had any contact for probably close to two years now.

It's been suggested to me, that as a matter of courtesy, I should contact her and let her know that I'm about to start operating under my own VA business. I can see how this could be a positive thing - even though she's a competitor it's obviously still good to form and maintain a good relationship with her. However I can't help feeling that it's almost like giving the competition a "head start' to knowing that there's about to someone else out there potentially taking work away from you.

What do you all think? Contact her or not?

Thanks,

Mandy

I don't see why you shouldn't contact her. Not only as matter of courtesy but possibly to create a mutually beneficial relationship where you can both refer work to each other as overflow or in case one does a service that the other does not. One VA near me, we have considered being each other's back up in case one is sick or on vacation. I would try and view her less as competition and more like a comrade or a contact.

Of course, you know her personally, but it's mostly been my experience that VAs are typically very supportive of one another.

I'm also not sure how "head start" fits into the picture. What do you think she's going to do when she finds out? It's her choice if she sees you as "taking" work away from you and there's not going to be anything you can do about that no matter when she finds out.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Thank you Kimberly, you've given some great advice. I think I will contact her. As you say, many VAs are supportive of each other, and I guess it can only be beneficial to both of us.

Thanks again!

I agree with Kimberly, give her a call and let her know you are starting. She may end up being your biggest supporter since she has worked with you in the past. She may even be able to pass on overflow work to you as a courtesy.

As for competition, it would be no different then all of us here sharing our wisdom and support although we are all in the same industry.

Good Luck to you.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Hi Mandy,

Reach out to the other VA and let her know you are entering the wonderful world of Virtual Assistance, absolutely! You both may very well be one another
's biggest supporters! If I have learned anything about Virtual Assistants, it is that they are extremely supportive of each other.

On top of that, since she has been a VA for quite some time, there is a very good possibility she made need assistance of her own or looking for a local VA to refer clients too.

Good luck with your new business!

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Thanks ladies! I appreciate your advice.

You say you know her quite well. Do you think she would appreciate a call from you?

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I haven't seen her for probably two years, but we certainly used to get on very well. I can't imagine her not being welcoming and appreciative. I was just unsure of how she would react when she heard that I would be setting up myself to do the same work she's doing.

However, the comments above have helped. I think she would be supportive and as already stated, there's always the chance that she could forward some of her overflow work to me as well.

I thought I'd chime in and give my nod to this as well. I think that the outcome is only going to be positive for both businesses. Good luck!

Thanks MondayMorn. I appreciate your advice.