Not sure if I'm placing this question in the right spot, but here goes:

One of the avenues I'm using to find my first (or more) client is by searching Craigslist.
How do you handle the response to a prospective client that wants you to submit a resume?
My thoughts are, since I am a business owner looking to contract I shouldn't have to provide a resume. But then, if I'm not following their request, they may look over my response and not give it a thought.

Any advice, suggestions, etc?

Thanks much!

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LaVon S., Owner
Midwest Virtual Assistance

Hi Lavon,

I'm sure you'll get some great advice from the seasoned pros, but here are my two cents: I would look at their request more broadly and instead of taking the word "resume" literally, I'd ask myself, "What is it that they want to learn from my resume?" Then I would address that in a way that is appropriate as a business owner.

For example, you could send them an email that introduces yourself, explains how you would solve their problem, briefly touches on the most relevant parts of your skills & experience, and directs them to your website if they want to learn more about you. (I'd find a way to mention their resume request, too, so that they don't assume that you didn't notice it.)

I look forward to hearing about what the others have to say. Good luck!

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Liz
Blue Canary Design & Virtual Assistance

Hi Lavon,

I have responded to a couple of ads on Craigslist. No luck thus far but if it looks like a good opportunity, I figure there's no harm in trying.

In my proposal letter, I tackled the resume request in the following way:
As a business owner I do not provide a resume or references as they are associated with a traditional employer-employee relationship. However, I invite you to review my biography and testimonials on my website (insert link here) and you can find detailed information about my background and experience on LinkedIn (insert link here).


Like Liz said, the seasoned pros may have some better suggestions but hopefully that helps out in some way.

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

Perhaps you could attach your company profile to show what you are all about and it comes across as more professional than a resume anyway. It seems to impress people from what I've seen anyway!

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

I had similar experiences, except I have had a couple individuals contact me about an "open position" or a "job opportunity." I just responded with something like, "This sounds like a great opportunity, in which I feel I am highly qualified. However, I would like to make it clear that I am not looking for employment. I am a business owner who is looking for clients that can utilize my unique abilities. To find out more about me and what I do, please feel free to visit my web site. If you feel that you could use my services, please contact me via e-mail or phone to discuss your specific needs. I look forward to hearing from you." Then I make sure to have all of my contact information in my signature line, with my business name in bold.

I don't know if that is the best way to respond, but one individual e-mailed me back and the other one didn't, so I'm 1 for 2, so not too bad.

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Jennifer Simons - Girl Monday
www.girlmondaysf.com

Thank you so much ladies! This is exactly the type of help I was looking for. I'm glad to know I wasn't wrong in thinking I shouldn't have to send a resume. Like Jennifer said...I'm not looking for employment, I'm looking for clients. Thanking you for giving me insight on how you would/did approach this type of situation.

And I agree, Linda, there is no harm in trying!

I will follow your suggestions and respond to their postings accordingly and hopefully get a positive response back!

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LaVon S., Owner
Midwest Virtual Assistance

Lavon,

Just to add one thing to the conversation, I have a current capabilities statement that I include with my prospect package. It outlines a few clients that I work with (with their approval of course) so that they can see the diversity of clients we service. I also have a section on education and professional experiences. This covers the question from the PC about the type of knowledge and experience that I have.

It seems to work well for me as there is everything a PC needs to know to make an informed decision.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

[quote]As a business owner I do not provide a resume or references as they are associated with a traditional employer-employee relationship. However, I invite you to review my biography and testimonials on my website (insert link here) and you can find detailed information about my background and experience on LinkedIn (insert link here)./quote]

Linda, this is an excellent way to handle a request for a resume. Thank you for sharing that!

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Patty

Be very careful when dealing with craigslist. Yes, there are clients that use craigslist as a means of searching for a potential VA however, the number of scam artist that are now using cragslist as a venue for their traps is outrageous. Never accept monies wired or via a cashiers check from a potential client unless you have completely verified them.

I assisted an associate who was mailed two cashiers checks "in advance" while a contract with a potential client was still pending. I cautioned her to check with the local authorities due to the suspicious nature of this transaction. (The cashiers checks looked completely legit.) We found out from our regional FBI office (which she was directed to from her local authorities) that there are several organizations doing this and sending forged cashiers checks. Requesting the VA send "payments" to their vendors after cashing the cashiers checks.

Just a note of caution.