I'm not sure if this has been asked before, I tried to peruse, but didn't see anything.
(Also, not sure if I'm putting this in the right spot)

But, for us new Va's that are starting out, and are still working full time outside the home, when you do get a client, do you let them know that?
Ive been putting together my business policy page (regarding holidays, office hours, etc) but not sure what I should put as my hours, since I still work outside of the house.

Hope this isnt too rambling!
I'm just curious how others have handled this.

Thanks in advance!

LaVon
Midwest Virtual Assistance

I have seen this question on the forums I am just not sure where I found them before. It would seem that alot of VA's start their businesses while still working full time. I am also currently working full-time and was wondering the same thing. Thank you for the post I hope to see some of the responses soon.

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Valerie Snyder KBK Office Services
www.KBKOfficeServices.com

From what I have seen, most potential clients, especially any sub-contracting opportunities prefer that you don't work outside your VA business.

Most part-time VA's only do project work. Things that don't require them to be available during regular business hours. I would also stress to customers that you do have some availability during the day (breaks, lunch, flex time) to answer questions or emergencies. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the posts so far! I understand clients would prefer va's not having outside work, however, since I'm just starting up, I can't afford not to work outside my va business.

Thanks again, and I look forward to more feedback.

As someone mentioned subcontracting is a perfect opportunity to do part-time. You will find the subcontracting section of this forum very helpful.

All clients wants is to make sure that their work gets done. If it's a client that needs normaly business hour help that wouldn't be a good fit. I would work if you're working FT outside in the evenings. We can't assume everyone is working during the day hours.

Originally Posted by cyndijorgensen

From what I have seen, most potential clients, especially any sub-contracting opportunities prefer that you don't work outside your VA business.

I've heard of several VAs working full time while they are just starting out and I think that one of the benefits of being a VA is being able to set your own schedule/hours. I know for me, I'm a full time Mom in addition, so I don't plan to be sitting at my desk Monday-Friday 9-5. If it were me in your situation, I would simply say your hours vary but that you check email/listen to voicemail X number of times per day. Or something like that.

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Jessica Principe
Clear Virtual Solutions

I'll chime in here... Based on my own experience, some people don't mind as long as you are upfront with them and tell them your limitations and when you are available for them. I am leaving my full time job at the end of this month but have been working hard on setting up my business so that I have a couple of clients when I leave. I have done work for two clients now who know about my full time job and are happy to fit in with when I am available, at the same time they know that I will soon be able to assist them during regular working hours. Maybe this is the exception and I just got lucky!

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Ann du Plessis
www.virtuallythere.co.za

In my experience, I work full time but I don't tell my clients that. Some of them know because I know them in real life. I don't post hours on my website. I also don't promise anything immediately. I say 24-48 hours and that seems to work well.

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Stacey B. Stahl, Owner/Virtual Assistant
CuttingEdgeVirtualAssistant.co m

I hadn't planned on posting my hours online, and also won't guarantee anything right away, even when I am able to do my va business full time. I will also be using the 24-48 hours turn-around timeframe.
Thanks again everyone for the posts, it gives me a good idea where to go from here.

LaVon
Midwest Virtual Assistance