I was just doing some more research on businesses (and potential competition) in town and decided to look thoroughly at one in particular. This business is a office support company and has several staff members (I looked at their website) and they are a bricks and mortar.

They say that in their services they are virtual assistants, their focus is HR and bookkeeping, thank goodness that is not my niche but because I am a small fry with weaker skills and don't have an "office", I do feel a little intimidated. So, I was wondering if I should embrace them and go in person to introduce myself etc..

I don't like to see competitors as a bad thing at all. There is certainly enough to go around. I actually would like to know how they are doing in a town that doesn't really know what a virtual assistant is. But again, that is not what they put out there.

How do you feel about your competition? Should I contact them? or just be aware?

Diana

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Diana Buchanan
When You Don't Have the Time

I would say that since you don't offer the same services, why not introduce yourself to them? If you exchange biz cards with them, perhaps you could swap work loads if you want or can't handle a particular project. It's a great way to network, too.

I wonder if you'll get some of the same type of responses...Best wishes and let us know what you decide to do.

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Kathya Kalinine
http://www.emeraldvirtual.com

Oh yes, Diana, introduce yourself. Always better to go ahead and put your cards on the table. And, as Kathya says, your services could complement theirs, and you'd have yourself a new client!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Yes! Go in and introduce yourself. Maybe you can start a networking group with them - meet for coffee or lunch. I try and work from the philosophy that there is enough work for everyone. What kind of service would you get if there was only one doctor in town, one dentist, one grocery store?

I know, I know there are millions of people unemployed right now but we have to look at the glass as being half full...

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Sue
Sue's Virtual Office

Yes, take the time and introduce yourself, who knows they may have cut back staff too and some opportunity may be available. The more people who know what you do, the greater the probability of being contacted when work arises.

Cheers!!

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Bernice
Energy Virtual Assistant

Hi Diana;

I would introduce yourself - you never know what could come of it. Maybe they started out as virtual and have grown, in that case they could be a wealth of knowledge and assistance for you.

Even if they didn't start virtually - you are, and not limited to geography in which case they could be as stated here; a contact for sub-contracting for you or you for them.

Our Illinois VAs have met and we are already accessing each other for all kinds of assistance from help with questions to sub-contracting work to overall learning exchange.

I don't think anything negative could happen from meeting new industry, business contacts.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

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Cindy
www.eoseasy.comThe Chrysalis Plan

I agree with the others, introduce yourself and let them know that since this is not your niche you would pass along any bookkeeping/HR leads if they are interested in them. Also let them know you would be interested in the same.They may have set up the brick and mortar for their types of clients.

I just spoke to someone over the weekend who is changing direction and adding virtual assistance to their business. We had a great conversation and her services are none that I offer. A conversation about our businesses turned into a great referral avenue for both of us since our services compliment on another.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

More of the same... Introduce yourself!

On another note... remember that you are virtual. Even if they are as well, we all are. There's really no difference that they are in an actual office and you are in your home office. Don't let that make you feel inferior or anything, because that is not the case. It doesn't matter where you work from as long as the work is done well. Isn't that, after all, one of the beauties of our profession?

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Vivi Gonzalez
www.VirtualBusinessPartners.com

Hello,

I agree with everyone else in that, you should seize the opportunity and reach out to them...introduce yourself. If anything, there may be times as your business grows you find a client will come to you with a need you do not handle...perhaps the other company in your area does...you will have someone local that you can refer them to and hopefully the company would in turn do the same.

What I wanted to pop in here and point out though is the fact that you had said "I am a small fry with weaker skills and don't have an "office", I do feel a little intimidated." Do not think this way...you are so not a small fry nor have weaker skills. You are a person opening their own business. You already have a leg up on many other people in this world...you are starting a business, which takes a lot of hard work, dedication and heart. Be very proud about that fact.

We each have different skill sets that we bring to the table; yours may indeed be different from theirs, but to say weaker, you are doing an injustice to yourself. You have what it takes, otherwise you wouldn't be where you are right now Be proud of that and be confident in your skills. You will do great. In fact, with the right attitude, the brick and mortar business will be shaking in their boots once they know you are in town

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Looks like the vote is in! I would go and introduce yourself. Be sure to bring along your business cards and maybe a tray of cookies! That will help them remember you. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

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Diamond Virtual Services