Hi all!

I got a call from a prospective client the other day. I chatted with them and found out briefly what they need me to do. They also asked me to email a resume. I found that very weird. A resume is about me right? Not my company (even though I am the company ). I wasn't exactly insulted but, it kinda felt like they were checking out me more then my company. But... ggrrrr... It is kinda like they are hiring me. I wasn't sure what to do so I did send a copy of my resume and I wrote a letter about my company and included that. What services I offer, rate, extras, etc...

I'm now thinking of making a company resume. Unfortunatly it will be very short at the moment, but I'd include the creditenals, years operating, services and a short list of the names of companies that I have/am working with.

What do you do if someone wants a "Resume"?

Kim.

Hi Kim,
You will run into a lot of people who are new to virtual professionals and doesn't know anything other than to ask for a resume. It's natural and one of those things that we have to educate them on, so don't feel bad

If this comes up again, you can shift the conversation to say "I have a customer information packet that I can send to you which lists my company information as well as a lot of other information - what email can I send that to?"

From one of my lessons:
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A customer information packet incorporates all the information a prospective client would need to know about you before they partner with you. This packet can include a welcome letter, your profile, listing of services, fee schedule, client questionnaire, testimonials, and more. You can include the entire packet as a PDF file, no need to have items printed and mailed.

A welcome letter or letter of introduction introduces you, your business, and the services that you offer. You can personalize this letter to touch upon points discussed in the initial conversation.
Your profile, as we talked about in lesson 3, is a concise story that portrays who you are and what your business is all about. You can add your achievements, skills, products, services, and expertise. You can also add just enough information about your personal life if you’d like.

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Note that instead of "resume" I prefer a "profile." A profile is more about telling a story of who you are and what you do now - not a chronological list of education and jobs because the prospect probably doesn't care. They want to know how you are going to help them with their problem not who you worked for 10 years ago.

If the person insists on a traditional resume I have a sample I can send to you, just contact me. Hope that helps!

Lisa

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Lisa Wells~Online Biz Manager
Free Marketing Tips, Resources, and Reports for your VA Biz

Thanks.

I am putting together a packet like that (got the idea from here) but when they asked for a resume I was a little thrown for a loop. I've had other potentials ask if I have references, or just want a few more details about the services offered.

I like the idea of saying that I have a company profile I can send them. I was wondering how to word something like that.

Thanks again

Kim.

Hi Kim,

I have seen "biographical profile" used as well--just to add another idea.

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Sylvia Mesaros
The Alliances

I have a Redhead Business Solution Information Package. It provides details about me (since I am the business), the business and some of the more interesting tasks I've handled for clients.

I also include a brief overview of the types of services I offer as well as how I work and some short testimonials.

This is what I send when there is a request for a resume, whether it be from a prospective client calling me up or I"m replying to an RFP.

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Renee Shupe, Become a Techie Virtual Assistant
eMail Marketing & Aweber Training Starts May 15! - Save 50% using VAFAweber

I have a Business Resume, which is labeled as such. It's included in my Business Profile. The Resume includes who I have worked with and the services I provided.

I give my Business Profile out at networking meetings, Business gathering, etc. along with my business cards. I figure in their free time potential clients can read about me and my company.

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Phyllis L
UNIQUELY40, LLC
http://www.uniquely40.com

I have a linkedin profile. If they really want to know, the can take a look. No secrets there. But I think, after this discussion I will make a short (business) profile.

Thanks for this discussion.

Regards,
Melissa

I have developed a portfolio as part of my packet and in that information I have written a biography and I have information that directs them to my website and LinkedIn where I have testimonials.

Even top management in corporations have bios. People want to know who they are working with. If they ask me for a resume...I think its just because its the first word that pops out. I just tell them that I have a great information packet and would they like that sent to them by mail or by email.

The thing that I find offputting is when they ask to check your credit. I'm like - uh,,,no....:-) One day I'll have to get a D&B number...but my personal credit...huh, uh. So - with that I do tell them I have not registered with D&B yet, but they can check my references to be assured that I'm reliable.

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Pam Blackman - The Process Coach
Get more done in less time by streamlining!

Definitely have a packet -- that is something physical you can leave in someone's hand. You can also use pages from it to develop your website (or vice versa). ALSO re resume -- I have what I call a Synopsis of my education and experience.

re checking credit -- oh yes Pam I agree -- no no. State of Illinois just in the past couple of weeks voted to ban employer from checking credit as part of employment process. WOW... they did SOMEthing right!