A newbie emailed you or sent you a letter out of the blue in the same manner that we send out marketing material asking for subcontracting work etc?

LOL, perfect timing. I just posted about some random email I received from someone looking for work.

To answer your question:

No, I would not be offended if it was submitted in the proper way with a short cover letter and some sort of attachment detailing your experience. I don't expect a resume but I do expect something to back up your request for work. Also, take the time to look at my web page to see what type of services I offer. If you are not experienced in any of those areas, then why would you be requesting work from me?

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

No, I wouldn't be offended - and it happened all the time when I had my business site up As Rebecka said - proper form and the VA taking the time to be pre-informed, etc. was helpful.

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I agree with Rebecka and Tess, no, I would not be offended if the request was phrased properly.

However, a differing scenario is this: I was contacted via PM by another VA indicating she had some pertinent information regarding our particular specialty and would I be interested in learning more? I was familiar with this VA and said sure, no problem and sent her my email address as asked. Next thing I know I am getting repeated emails from her asking me to read her latest blog postings (which have nothing to do with our specialty) and am now getting inundated with requests to join various social networking groups from her.

As far as I am concerned , she misrepresented her request for my email address and if she simply wanted a membership list for her blog she should have worded the request as such. I probably would have gladly subscribed to a mailing list for a new VA blog, but the manner in which she obtained my address was underhanded and has resulted in my boycotting anything she writes. Not the result I suspect she was aiming for.

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Kate, was this a PM sent to you by a VA on this board? If so, please PM me the details right away.

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Sorry, I should have been clearer and said it wasn't on this board!

Thanks, Tess!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Originally Posted by KateK

I agree with Rebecka and Tess, no, I would not be offended if the request was phrased properly. However, a differing scenario is this: I was contacted via PM by another VA indicating she had some pertinent information regarding our particular specialty and would I be interested in learning more? I was familiar with this VA and said sure, no problem and sent her my email address as asked. Next thing I know I am getting repeated emails from her asking me to read her latest blog postings (which have nothing to do with our specialty) and am now getting inundated with requests to join various social networking groups from her. As far as I am concerned , she misrepresented her request for my email address and if she simply wanted a membership list for her blog she should have worded the request as such. I probably would have gladly subscribed to a mailing list for a new VA blog, but the manner in which she obtained my address was underhanded and has resulted in my boycotting anything she writes. Not the result I suspect she was aiming for.

Wow, def not the way I would go. I'm trying to make friends and alliances, not burn bridges.

I would not be offended either and would agree with the prior posts.

Kate, oh my goodness! A great example though of having a great opportunity backfire due to inexperience.

Best of luck Rhonmanning! (Not sure what your real name is?)

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Ness, REPA
www.NessLindsay.com

Originally Posted by GFVA

Best of luck Rhonmanning! (Not sure what your real name is?)

Thanks! My real name is Rhonda. Help me Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda!

I had thought of doing this as well, but wasn't sure about it. It's nice to see that most VAs are willing to help others and wouldn't have a problem with it.