I was informed yesterday that I will be on "lay-off" status starting June 30. This department is under tremendous budget cuts, $400,000 worth, and I am one of the cuts. I've worked here for 14 years as an executive assistant for the department's deputy director. Of course I was shocked, surprised and just...oh well. THIS IS MY OPPORTUNITY TO SEIZE THE MOMENT(right?). I keep telling myself this.
Anyway, I was wondering how could I turn my current employer (until June 30) into a potiental client? Since I've never been in this particular situation, I would like some suggestions as to how would I go about doing this.

Thanks for your help

I was in the same situation and was let go, on the spot. No warning. Lucky you that you have three months to prepare. My suggestions is to get your ducks in a row as far as starting your business. Don't waste any time. Get your website up. Get your contracts in order. And get started.

As far as your old employer, you have the opportunity to make this work in your favor. Go to your boss and sit down and tell him/her what you plan to do. Being that the company is in such trouble and they need to let people go, they still need to get the work done. Propose your services as an independent contractor. You don't have anything to loose and everything to gain.

Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Draw up a simple proposal and show employer where by keeping you as a VA they could get the work done for a fraction of the cost to house a full time employee! This has worked for me twice before.

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Kristina ~Success Office Solutions
Our Solutions Equal Your Success!

I was in the same situation. I had been tossing the VA business idea around for about 3 years. I was laid off at the end of April, and decided to take this opportunity to set up my business. I now have the time to devote to this and am taking the plunge. I am working on the same idea - turning my former employer into a client. Makes a lot of sense as you already have the experience with their clients and procedures!

I would definitely focus on the benefits for your employer of converting you to a subcontractor: the work will still get done, they will only be billed for time actually worked, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, NO TRAINING TIME since you already know the job! Good luck!

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

I would approach your employer! I have been a VA for three years now and I have kept in contact with the now President of one of the divisions. One of the other divisions wants me to come in and meet with the SVP in the next week or so!

It never hurts to ask or to try! Go for it!

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

How are things going Divine Solutions? I hope you are brimming with excitement at the opportunity to become a VA full time. It is often said that everything happens for a reason and this may be your time to shine! I left my job of my own volition, but still get some work from them every now and then. Funny thing is, the transcription work was the boring stuff I disliked while working for them, but now they are paying me by the hour I enjoy it! hehehe

All of the suggestions are good - put together a plan pointing out the tasks you could do from your home office, how they will save money by only paying as they need you etc. Take the time to make sure that everyone who could possibly need work done knows that you are planning to become a VA. Talk it up - about how excited you are etc - they won't send work to someone who is in a grumpy mood about being retrenched of course. Make sure you have everyone's emails/FaceBook/Twitter so you can keep your name in front of them. Send messages saying how well things are going after you leave the business. Keep dropping hints about the type of work you do/can do. It's all about networking and connections.

I hope things are looking positive for you! Good luck and let us know what's happening.

Cheers,
Marie

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Marie Chandler - your virtual assistant
www.officesupportonline.com.au

Marie, that was very inspirational - you got me even more motivated! Thanks!

Monica