Hello,

I have the opportunity to work with a local businessman that would be a 20 hour a week contract! I need to write a killer proposal and give him all of the reasons that he should work with me without sounding too desperate. I am currently staring at a blank computer screen with no clue where to start.

Also, he is wanting someone that answers phones, so is there any way to have the calls forwarded to me, but still be able to transfer them to him?????

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Dina Schoenfeld
Rosebud Virtual Services

OK. This is what I have come up with so far. I have never been at a loss for words, but when it comes to a potential client, WOW! This is tough.


[Dear Mr. XXXXX,

Rosebud Virtual Services offers off-site administrative support while still being able to perform all of the duties of an in house assistant, with the exception of making the morning coffee. All "work" is done in our own office, through email, fax, instant message and Skype. Being a local businesswoman, visits to your office from time to time are also a possibility.

How does this help you? You do not have to provide any benefits or insurance, 401K, sick leave, vacation pay, etc. Many employers have to pay for hours of unapplied time during an eight hour day. With Rosebud Virtual Services, you only pay for the hours worked.

If your desire is to obtain an administrative assistant with a "can do" attitude and the skills and abilities to handle time management and client needs, Rosebud Virtual Services is the answer.]



Please let me know what you think.
Dina Schoenfeld
Rosebud Virtual Services

Good start. I would flesh it out more with specific cost savings i.e., employer matching taxes, benefits, etc. Business people are always looking for the bottom line.

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

Hi Dina,

I think your proposal sounds great so far. As far as being able to take and transfer calls, check out Skype business. I believe you can set up a Skype number for the client for which you can forward his business calls to. This should allow you to id his company calls as they come in as well as the ability to transfer his calls. If this doesn't work, another service you may want to check out is phone.com which also have features that would allow you to id his calls and transfer to any number of his choosing. Hope this helps.

Sheila

Do you have any ideas what specifically he needs help with? If so, I would include information about how you would help with these tasks. Be detailed, layout exactly how you would help. For instance, with the phones, layout what hours you'd be available, how you'd answer the phone, establish guidelines for taking messages or forwarding calls, what kind of system you'd set up to make things run smoothly and efficiently.

I'd also focus on what particular skills or experience that you have that will benefit him. Not just that you have years of a certain type of experience but something like a specific skill that you have and how you would use that to help him.

If you know anything about his business, then comment on it. Comment on why it would be a good fit for you.

I would focus less on them paying for the hours worked and more on the **value** you bring to his business. A client who wants you for 20 hours per week is basically taking up half of your practice. If you going to be committing that much of your business time to his business, then it's best if you direct his views towards the ways in which you bring value to his business and not so much on how you are saving him money so that he's more willing to pay an appropriate fee.

Just my two cents!! Best of luck. Let us know how it turns out. Or post back more of what you wrote for us to review.

__________________
Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Thank you for the advice. I have been building on this and will post the "rough draft" later today.

Thank you,
Dina Schoenfeld
Rosebud Virtual Services