I've been working in the background on starting a VA business using the skills that I have. Last week my uncle asked me if I could create and maintain a website for him.

I'm wondering if I should have him sign a contract and put him under my VA business. My uncle does not know that I was already working on starting this business- he just knew I could start this website for him. Should I let him know about this business and if he'd be willing to sign a contract and accept the rates I was going to ask?

How do you deal with a 'client' that doesn't know they are a client?

I would tell him you are starting a VA business and he would be your first client! If you already agreed to help him w/the website w/out mentioning cost, I would just ask him for a recommendation you can put on YOUR website after you're done. If you haven't discussed it, go with your gut. If you would have helped before deciding to be a VA I would do it anyway and, again, ask for a recommendation you can put on your website.

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

He actually just asked me how long I think it would take me but when I sent my how long I also sent him my rates. He is the type that like things spelled out to him. I think I'll let him know that I am starting a VA business and if he'd like for this project to be my official first?

Also in your signature it has a CPS next to your name- what does that stand for??

I have an aunt who asked a similar thing and I didn't hesitate to let her know we'd be bringing her on as a client (with a family discount, of course)

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CPS - Certified Professional Secretary (IAAP). I also am a CQU - Certified Quickbooks User (Intuit) and am working on my Certified Bookkeeper designation.

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

My mother-in-law is a client and yes, she had to sign a contract, and she is billed in accordance with my standard billing practices. She does get a family discount.

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Dana Fortier
Fortier Business Solutions

Originally Posted by Office Goddess

CPS - Certified Professional Secretary (IAAP). I also am a CQU - Certified Quickbooks User (Intuit) and am working on my Certified Bookkeeper designation.

Great job on the CPS(R) rating!

I've also earned that certification as well as the CAP(R). They are killer exams!

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

[QUOTE]He actually just asked me how long I think it would take me but when I sent my how long I also sent him my rates. He is the type that like things spelled out to him. I think I'll let him know that I am starting a VA business and if he'd like for this project to be my official first?

For a family discount (if the project will take a few hours) you could also offer the first two hours free or X amount of hours in exchange for a testimonial from him about your work.

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Sarah Mosure

I have been offering support to my family for years... for free. I'm finally about to bring on a family member as a real client since the project at hand is very large. It's a touchy subject for me and I'm still not fully comfortable charging (although there will be a substantial "family discount"). The main reason I want it to be an official project is to reduce any back-and-forth that could occur and too many unnecessary changes.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who struggles with this issue!

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Sharon Rosen
Intelafina

WOW I do not know what I would do, my in-laws thing everything should be free LOL