Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

ndlandis · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

Hey!

I am preparing to go to my first networking meeting and I'm just curious, do you tell potential clients that your office is in your home? I wouldn't just bring it up in conversation, of course, but if you're asked, what do you say? Has anyone had any negative effects? Do you lose a certain amount of credibilty in some people's perception of your professionalism? I don't want to offend anyone here. I know that where your office is has nothing to do with your professionalism or the quality of your work, but what do clients think?

CarolineCloutie · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

Hi Norma,

I haven't had negative responses to me working in a home office yet. In fact, the home office is becoming more and more popular in many different industries. I think many companies are recognizing the value in allowing their employees to work from home to save money and many entrepreneurs, not just virtual assistants, also see it. I wouldn't worry about negative response. You may just have to answer questions relating to the equipment and software you use to keep up with clients.

ladydianab · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

Since I have just closed a bricks and mortar store (and consequently am now unemployed but building my VA business) I think as more businesses close due to high rent it is becoming quite acceptable to work from home. Working from home is economical and green. In my town that is huge thing. If it comes up promote the working from home movement. Best wishes, diana

lanelt · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

I've never had anyone respond negatively to me when I said I worked out of my home. I had all my systems/policies in place and I just naturally told them I'd meet them at XYZ Coffee House for a meeting. They never questioned it. I'm in an office now and still meet people at the coffee house for meetings.

Office Goddess · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

Working from home is so common that most of my clients use a home office, as well. Like Lanel, I meet them at coffee shops or book stores (e.g. Borders cafe).

leedrozak · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

I have not had any negativity towards my home office. And I think many companies are now embracing "telecommuting" as cost cutting measures. Get yourself set up in a "professional" office with all the items that you need and let those in doubt know you have a full set up and many times the most up to date software and equipment.

Administrative Partners · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

I find that our target market is typically in a home office as well, thats why us not being in the office with them is a selling point. Your low overhead equates to savings for them (or something like that :-)

Your Virtual Wizard · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

I say 'home office' when the topic comes up. Most people know a virtual assistant works from a home office. I have not had any negative responses to that. I catch more 'eyebrow lifts' when I say 'virtual assistant'.

Jan

PamH53 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

I think working from home can be an asset for your clients. Like it was said above, you are saving them money. You do have a professional office and a lot of other people work from home, given the economic times we are currently experiencing.

VA17_CS · #10 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009

This is a great question I was wondering about this as well.

Working in different industries from home you are really not sure what to expect. Where some say it is okay to say you work from home and others make it seem like you have committed the ultimate sin if you say you are working from home.

Thanks