Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Malaika · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Is it normal practice for potential clients to ask for references before starting a job?

Just wondering because, if someone already has a full time job and their VA business is secondary income and you give your current employer as a reference, wouldn't that put you in a "sticky" situation? Because your current employer is going to get the impression that you are leaving them even if that is not your intention.

Just wanted to get your input..

Thebrainygal · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

I've been asked for references. When I first started I did a couple of 'practice' jobs for friends and family at no cost. In return, they provide me with a good reference if anyone asks (and it was really helpful to get the experience too).

Malaika · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Thanks for your input.

That's my problem, because I'm just starting out and am yet to gain experience as a VA. So I'm assuming if I'm ever asked for a reference I'd have to resort to current/past employers?

Office Goddess · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Try volunteering in return for a reference. That is a great way to get references that separate your business from your 9-5.

Thebrainygal · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Another tip I sometimes use if I don't have any references for a particular type of project, I will offer to do something for them at a special lower rate. Be completely honest in saying that although you are highly trained, you have just started in business for yourself. This way you are gaining some experience you can use in the future and they are getting a good deal out of it. If you do a good job, that client will use your services again and you will be able to use them as your reference next time.

Canary Admin Services · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

I once gave a client references at a previous job I had, not the current one to avoid the "awkward" situation. The client never called, I think sometimes they test you to see if you can provide a name or whether you hesitate because you don't have enough confidence in your own skills.

I have a long-standing client who is now a friend and when I officially started my VA business I sent him a link to my website to get his opinion and the first thing he said was that if I need a testimonial, he would happily provide one. If you've done work for people in the past, they can just as easily provide a testimonial of your skills.

SandyM · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011

I second the idea of doing volunteer work or asking friends/family to do some projects for free so you can get references. I think it's important to do a couple jobs when you are just starting, not only to build your portfolio but so you can refine your business processes. You never know what might be an issue until you've gone through the motions of actually completing an assignment.

Williams · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011

I agree with Lisa. When I began, such a short time ago, I found that most would not pay the wage I was asking. I lowered my rate for the first 3 clients and will be asking for references by the end of the year. Recently, a new prospective client asked, "So you've only built 3 websites." I said, "Yes, and am currently building my fourth and maintain two others." I just received her check with signed agreement to build her a website. Guess she liked what she saw...and by the way, she was the lady I met at last month's networking event!