Got my 1st contract...and its my former employer - Virtual Assistant Forums

D'Helper · #1 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009

Hi All,

I just started my business last week and my former employer, a big private university, has contracted with me to do some training. My initial reaction was cool...but then i started to think about it. How do you change the role from Employee to business owner in their mind? Is is possible to do so? Has anyone ever been in this situation?

Thanks for the help.

Gia

AboveParr · #2 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009

Hi Gia

It seems to happen to a lot of VAs (not me - my employer was VERY annoyed that I left!)

I'm sure you'll get lots of practical advice but all I've got to say is well done! They obviously value the work you did - just don't do them too many favours, you still need to eat...

debhowardgreenleaf · #3 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009

Gia: I agree with Sara. It's important that you don't give away your time as if you were still on the clock as an employee.

Just be sure that everything is well-documented upfront. Your rate, your scope of work (what you were and weren't hired to do), and your terms of payment. The more professional and prepared you are, the more respected you will be, not just by your former employer but by other potential clients as well.

Speaking from my own experience of working with a former employer, I think the biggest obstacle was reminding them that I had other clients now. When I'd mention that I also had to put in 2 hours for XYZ Company today, it would remind them that I wasn't at their beck and call!

HTH!
Deb

D'Helper · #4 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009

Thanks so much you guys for the input! When they first called me, they tried to give me the same hourly rate I had as an employee. However, business owner instinct kicked in and said...ummm...no :0). I must admit, it was quite difficult not to "have a heart" as far as my pricing. I gave them a slight discount partially because they're my first customer. Again ladies, I appreciate your wonderful feedback!

Gia

Administrative Partners · #5 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009

You got good advice. To me that is the ideal first client. They know your competencies and obviously value your skill set. Build on that. I'm confident you can do it. Just keep it EXTRA professional as if you didn't know them.

Shaheda · #6 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009

Hi Gia,
Even though I havent officially launched my business yet, I was wondering if any VA's actually had any postings about that same issue. I think its great that you have a former employee as a client, and this is a wonderful way to start your business. Through your university relationship, I'm sure you can discretely also reach out to some of their vendors/clients for more business. Best wishes to you and your success.

D'Helper · #7 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009

Hi All!

Sry I haven't posted in a while. I've been doing the training over the last few weeks and wanted to update everybody. It's basically been a big challenge! The person that they had me train is now doing my former position. But the challenging part is...she's barely computer literate. She had never even used Outlook so trying to explain a database program to her has been a nightmare. The final day is tomorrow. They contracted for a total of six days. I gave her homework assignements to do when I'm not there, she doesn't do them. She says she's scared to do it when I'm not there. Ugh. I've been having her sign off on the material that we've covered just so it can't be said I didn't review with her, but her learning curve is not where it needs to be to cover the information in this time period. Any suggestions ladies? My progress report last week was very hopeless.

Business-Bytes · #8 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009

Is there a nice way to tell your former employer that this new "employee" just does not have the skill-set/qualifications to do the job, and that they need to keep looking? That in your professional opinion, this person is not going to work out? Maybe they could hire you to interview potential replacements? And then train them?

Not sure I helped much, but it sure sounds like this gal is in over her head.

VBP · #9 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009

My former employer is also a client and it's a great relationship!

I would be very clear on the terms and you do that by having a solid agreement in place. I kept in contact with my former employer and they asked me for the agreement! But, always make sure the terms are layed out so then the rest of the time can be used for fostering the relationship that could lead to further work :-)