Problem Proposal to contract with Present Employer - Virtual Assistant Forums

ParadiseLegal · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

I currently work at an on-site part-time job. We have 3 offices, two of which are in Texas. We just received notification this week that all employees will need to take a 9% paycut. While talking to the recruiter, I discussed the possibility of providing virtual services to help cut costs. He asked me to get a proposal together to provide the services to both Texas offices as a cost saving measure.

Any suggestions on how and what to present to the executive management? I am so terribly rusty!! I truly feel like a newbie at this!!!

Balancing Act · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

I don't feel like I can help you with this, but wow, what a great opportunity!

ParadiseLegal · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

What's so funny is that I've done this before when I left my employer in 2005. But it was easier because I had a more personal relationship with my boss and his wife. They are like my spiritual parents and I was with them for over 6 years.

I've only been with this company 2 years and I'm still learning personalities. I guess I'm nervous about how they will take this presentation and what they will think about me approaching them this way. I'm actually already working in a remote office because the corporate office is in Denver... so I'd be asking them if I could possibly move the remote office to my home and then add the Houston office to my list of duties so they will get two for the price of one.

dognose · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

From my experience with corporate, if you can show them a way to save money & still retain quality service, they will be more than open to your presentation & proposal. Like April said, what a great opportunity! Good luck!

Office Goddess · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

And, remind them that you are ALREADY working 'virtually' for 2 of their offices and show them how they can cut costs even further by having you go virtual for all 3 (no office space, your own equipment, more flexible hours, etc.)

ParadiseLegal · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

Thanks, Lezly... Here's the spiel I sent to the HR office:

"I'm not really sure how to approach this topic or whether it is appropriate. However, I feel you and I have built a rapport over the years, and in light of the recent salary changes, I thought I'd present an opportunity that might be a temporary or maybe even a permanent solution to help cut costs for the organization.

As you may remember, previous to my employment here, I provided onsite and virtual administrative support services to small businesses. With ____ leaving the Houston office, I would like to propose providing remote/virtual support services for both the Houston and Dallas offices, giving ____ the benefit of having office support for two offices for the price of one, and maybe increasing my salary slightly to say, maybe $___/hr? This shouldn't be a difficult task, since I did this for a short time before ____ was hired.

Another benefit is that you wouldn't have to train someone new. The only problem I see at this time would be during the new hire HR training piece which would probably have me traveling to Houston once or twice per month. But I wouldn't mind that if it would help. This could possibly cut out $25-30K per year from the overall budget. An additional option would be to hire me as an independent contractor for both offices, working from home, which could provide an additional $10K savings since I would cover my own taxes and I could quote you a flat rate per month. I could work on-site once per week, most likely on sales meeting days and also for HR training.

This is just a quick overview, but I'd like to know your thoughts on the matter once you've had time to consider the possibility."

What do you think?

dognose · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

I think it's great, Shellye. You sold me!

Good luck!

ParadiseLegal · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

LOL! Thanks, Lezly. Keep your fingers crossed!! I had one of the managers read it and he thought it was a great idea. He said he'd go for it!!

Office Goddess · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

Sounds really good! It provides sound reasons and, more importantly, offers even more cost savings! My fingers are crossed that this will work out for you!

ParadiseLegal · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

Thanks, Lily!! This would really be a great opportunity since I've wanted to get back to this full time. If it should get approved, I'm thinking I'll propose a 1 yr contract and then during that time, I'll propose to get 1 or 2 more clients simultaneously.

What do you think?

JolenePatey · #11 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010

What a wonderful opportunity! I hope the negotiations go well for you.

vballiances · #12 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010

Shelley,

I really hope this works out well for you. You seem to have done your homework in the presentation--you are letting them know how the work can get done, and how much money you can save them. Sounds like a win-win situation to me. Please let us know how it goes.

ParadiseLegal · #13 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010

Still waiting to get some type of response... No news is NOT good news! LOL. They've posted the Houston job on Monster soooooo I guess that might mean they're not looking at this as an option.

JolenePatey · #14 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010

Would it be appropriate for you to call, to follow up?

ParadiseLegal · #15 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010

I'm not sure about calling to follow-up. I almost want to apply for the Houston job offer and see what they say!!