So, my VA plan is to do what I do on a full time basis anyway, just aimed at a much broader market and less services than what I provide at my current job.
My issue is, the reps I work with ARE the people I'm after and the ones who need and would use my services.
The problem- I can't very well offer them my services while the company is paying me full time to only assist the 1 rep who can afford me. But there are at least 2-3 clients here who could and would use me on the side venture!
Is there anyone who has ever had a situation like this and how did you handle it?
While I could go to each individually, I'm not sure how confidential my services would be kept and I'm not anywhere near ready to leave my full-time job seeing as I just began this journey on Friday..
My suggestion would be to market your services to reps in other companies and avoid the conflict of interest (real or perceived) of marketing to those with your current employer. Once you leave your current position you can contact those reps and let them know about your services.
Be very careful about approaching anyone who is currently in a business relationship with your employer. A lot of companies have non-compete clauses in their employee contracts. Sometimes that even extends for some time beyond the employee's termination date. (I know an insurance agent who changed companies and has a 3-year non-compete. He cannot approach any of his former clients during that time.) If you are offering services that your employer does not provide then I think it would be fine to contact those potential clients some time after you leave your job. If you contact them while still working there it might seem that you are using paid work time to build your own business.
Our reps are not in non compete clauses, so that's not a worry for me. Also, I'm not offering services NOT provided here, I'm offering services that I already provide, only to reps who do not qualiify for or can not afford full time services.
I don't really see a conflict of interest here, I'm not going to be taking clients from my employer, actually my services will HELP my employer because their reps will be able to bring in more business because they will have more time to focus on getting new clients.
I wouldn't approach the reps until you're on your own. Even though your company doesn't work with them someone could still construe that as "stealing" from the company. When you no longer work for them you could find those same reps through "research."
I know you want to start your business now. But, as someone already said, there are plenty of other reps out there you can start with.
If you feel it will help your employer, maybe you could discuss it with them to make sure it will not cause problems. My employer knows I have a Virtual Assistant business on the side and does not have a problem with it. Just a suggestion.
I was thinking hard about going to him with the idea. I do think he would support me, I just don't want him taking a cut I doubt he would, I may just mull it over for a little while longer, feel it out a bit and go from there....I don't want to step on any toes, and I doubt I am, but I want to make sure I SEE all the little toes that are out there to be stepped on before presenting the idea..LOL!
It sounds as if you won't have any worries about contacting the reps after you leave your job. Unless you feel that you can let your employer in on what you are doing and assure that it will all be done after hours, I really think you should not try to work on the side with current reps. That type of thing is almost impossible to keep quiet.
I think out of respect, I'd not contact anyone that works with your current employer. But saying that, I'd do what someone just suggested to you and market your services in another location.
Good Luck
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This is an interesting ethics question. I would not contact them while I am representing the current employer unless it is after you have already given your notice. Then it may be a lead in of what your plans are. I have usually had to sign extensive confidentiality and in one instance could not work for another company in the same business for two years.
I believe you have a unique situation so tread carefully, you want to build trust and respect right from the beginning in your business relationships. Good luck
How to Get Clients From Your Employer
I doubt he would, I may just mull it over for a little while longer, feel it out a bit and go from there....I don't want to step on any toes, and I doubt I am, but I want to make sure I SEE all the little toes that are out there to be stepped on before presenting the idea..LOL!
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