Ladies, has anyone any advice or experience on this one?

I know that a company where I previously worked has approached one of the girls still working there to (partially) cover the work I used to do - and she's not at all happy (I think panic is the word), as it is something she has never done and she is not familiar with, I don't even think she has any interest in doing it.

Has anybody approached a former employer and offered them, say, a retainer of even a few hours a week? (Obviously to do work I have already done for them and am totally familiar with). I have to say I am on good terms with them, but want to know how to broach the subject in such a way that they don't see it as being maybe 'inappropriate' or 'unappealing' to them .

How do I make it seem like it's the best idea ever

Comments appreciated, please!

Louise

Louise,
I did this with one of my past employeers and am now working for them. If you are close with the manager or owner give them a call and propose how your new business can help them. Stress that since you are familiar with the work you will not need to be trained. You may be surprised how easily a yes can come and if nothing else you will get a no. Be prepared to explain what a VA is so that they have a clear understanding of your new venture.

I first contacted my past boss and I explained what I was now doing (since my move) and to let me know I was available to help them fill any voids in the position I was doing. I did not get hired for my original position but was hired to fill a void in another area that they knew I had experience in.

If you have a good relationship with them it is easier than you think. And maybe you can get referrals from them as well.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I have not done this but plan to do when I leave my full time position.

I would say approach them like you would a proposal for a new client, except you know exactly what they need and how to best deliver it. Use that to your advantage.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Louise,

Pitch it to them detailing all the benefits. It sounds like they're getting a little desperate so you might just need to give them a nudge to win them over to the idea.

Some people have a hard time thinking outside of the box, so it might take some time for them to see the logic in contracting the work out to you. My former boss (who's now a client ) orginally turned me down when I originally approached him about the idea. Then six months later he suddenly thought it was the best idea ever and here I am at home!

So if they say no, don't take it personally. It could turn into a yes down the road.

Sylvia

It depends heavily on how you left that employer. If you left on great terms then go for it. Go for it in a way you know they might respond positively.

Don't do the heavy sell though. Good luck

__________________
Sincerely,
Anastacia Prince of Prince Virtual Assistant Services
www.princeva.com

An old boss once told me to never burn bridges because you never know where they may lead and boy was he right! At my immediate past employer, I maintained close contact with one of the director's there. She helped me in putting my certification program together along with helping me define my niche more clearly. Two years later, she is now a division president and is going to start to promote my services to the agents that service her division!

I say you have nothing to lose and much to gain! Go for it!

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