Good morning all,

I'm currently working with a company that has a TON of sales reps located throughout the country. I have access to all of their contact information in my lotus notes address book. Based on the work that I've been doing for some of them and for the company itself (vast majority done through online databases), I'm POSITIVE that there's a possibility that some of them would be interested in a VA or may know of someone who's interested. Actually a majority of the employees here could telecommute!!

I'm not sure but I'm checking to see if there are staff within the company that assistant them. Their customer service reps might provide some assistance but from what I've observed so far, they're mainly on their own.

I was wondering about compiling a database of sales reps information and contacting them about using a VA. But I was feeling like this could possibly be unethical but I'm not sure how, except for not getting permission.

My services do not conflict with anything that the company does. It would help their sales staff work more efficient.

Would I be wrong for making such contact database? I've thought about possibly pitching my services to the company's president and asking for permission to market to his reps but thought he would see my services as an expense that the reps would try to be reimbursed for.

The other issue that could be a roadblock is the fact that they wouldn't feel my computer is secure and they couldn't "police" which is one of the reasons I believe they are not allowing employees to telecommute.

I also felt that since I'm working here as a temp I wouldn't be taken seriously or given the opportunity to meet with the company president.

Any thoughts on this?? Sorry for the long post.

I personally would be uncomfortable using their database for personal reasons.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I wouldn't do it - to me it would be breaking privacy regulations. If your clients wanted to refer you to their clients/contacts, that would be one thing, but going ahead and using their information on your own, that's another matter. Your clients trust and expect that their information is protected; don't let them down.

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Julia

I agree with Lily and Julia - it's a good question to be asking, but I think you already know there's an invisible line there.

If you really want to try to contract this company request a meeting with the pres. at the end of your temp gig - let him know what you have to offer and market to him directly - adding that you'd welcome the opportunity to leave a few business cards for any interested reps at the company...you never know what may come of it and although you're a temp - fabulous employees cause positive rumors that do trickle up to the top so make an impression while you're there and perhaps he'll already know who you are by the time you meet with him

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Good Morning,

I agree with everyone else. I wouldn't do it either.

All the best,

I agree with Lily and everyone else. I would not be comfortable using their databases to gain new clients. I'm sure you are right in assessing their need for a VA but since you're questioning whether it is ethical or not, I think you already know how you truly feel about the issue...deep down. I think we've all been faced with ethical dilemmas like this where it is not as obvious what is right and what is wrong but I think since you're questioning this particular situation, you feel that it's wrong too.

Now, if you were to ask for permission from the right person with the company, maybe that would make it more ethical because you'd have your answer right up front on what you can and cannot do. Plus, by asking for permission, you will present yourself as a respectable professional with a high standard of ethics because you didn't just take the information and run. Even if they say no to your request, I bet they will hold you with high regard because they will realize how easily you could've taken their information without their knowledge.

I hope I helped and didn't come across as harsh or rude! I really didn't mean to if I did! Best of luck to you!

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Kari Bullen
Virtual Cornerstone, LLC - Supporting your business virtually.
www.virtualcornerstone.com

You guys are right. Kari you weren't harsh at all, thanks for the feedback!

It's just so tempting especially when I have all these possible clients sitting in front of me and I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas for prospecting for possible clients.

My sphere of influence is kinda small and most still believe the internet is evil and full of predators waiting to steal credit, identity and your kidney if you sit too close to the computer, lol. I'm from a rural area that is extremely behind the times and my chances of networking with them probably wouldn't benefit much. So it is very tempting. But thanks, ladies. You put me back into perspective.

I would be very leary about doing something like that too, but, like someone was saying, get a meeting with the pres and see what's what. I would think it would be difficult, but I think there is a possibility (with authorization and contracts, etc), it could be a big thing for the business.

I have to agree with the others as well. But what you could do is talk to the owner of the company or the "Boss" and request a meeting. Explain that you have found a way to increase the sales reps productivity and no expense to the company (if the reps are independent) or at a substantial cost savings for the company. Work your magic and explain what you do etc., and then ask for permission to contact the individuals, if not, see if you can have a blanket contract with the company that will cover services you provide for any rep. In addition, you may even want to think about implementing a referral program or a reduced rate structure for the company.

I am in a very similar situation. I was independently contracted with multiple people from one agency. The owner had a project for me and just decided to have me create a contract for the agecy itself so now anyone can use my services. It's a win-win for everyone!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

The point is very clearly made, but I'm going to add that my first reaction was, look out, you will end up in court! Unauthorized useage of your employer's resources amounts to stealing, right? I've worked with employers who go ballistic over this.
I love Tess' suggestion - if you do a notable job, when you're set up officially as a VA, people will remember you.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com