I am getting all of my Policies and Procedures, contracts and welcome packet together and was wondering if anyone has ever put information in to their packets about being a stay at home mom.
I am going to be a stay at home mom with my two boys while trying to get this business going. This makes me wonder if I should disclose that to my clients before hand, there my be times when I have to take care of my family when they might want me to be doing work for them.
Has anyone every had an issue with this or even this it should be mentioned to a potential client?

I don't think this is something that needs to be addressed. Everyone has different situations and part of being a business owner is figuring out how to work around your particular situation. You probably don't know what the waitress at your favorite restaurant needs to worry about. Or the personal situation of the receptionist at your doctor's office. Why do they need to know about yours.

Having said that, there is nothing wrong with giving out information about yourself so your clients know you better. Maybe put something in your about page on your website. Or post a picture of your children on your Facebook page. Try to keep it as professional as possible, with a bit of personal whimsy to show your personality.

My personal situation - I take Friday afternoons off to go to the beach, year round. Most of my clients know this. But I don't broadcast it. I have never had any problems working around this time issue. There have been a few times when I couldn't go because of a client project. But it all works out in the end.

So, I don't think you are required to do anything, but if you choose to, do it in a professional manner.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

I agree with Pam. I don't see any need to address it. I have a diabetic dog that goes to the vet far too frequently (he's not well stabilized and has insulin emergencies) and I've always been able to work around that. In the summer I also schedule beach time. The bottom line is I get client work done how they want it and when they want it. The fact that to accommodate my crazy life I'm sometimes working at night isn't any concern to my clients and quite frankly I don't think they would care as long as I'm getting the work done.

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Susan Sheehan - VA Cape Cod
21 Steps to Better Networking

I agree with the other two comments. I don't think that you need or should address that you are a stay at home mom.You need to remember that you are in business for yourself therefore, there are certain things about your time, business, schedule that should not be disclosed to clients. By disclosing, certain aspects of your day you might confuse clients and create a questions as to whether you are self-employed or an employee. The IRS is very clear that even if you state you are a 1099 worker if your actions or conversations with your clients resemble an employer/ employee relationship then the IRS can/will reclassify you. On the IRS website they have some very good guidelines to review to help you avoid making that error.

Your actions and your paper trail need to match the definition of an independent contractor.

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Holly Sheriff, MSLS
Best Virtual Paralegal, LLC & BVP Services

That is what I was thinking, so maybe I should at least put in an emergency notification clause in case of family emergencies. I just don't want a client to ever say I never told them about my family situation and use that against me for loss of services or something.

Originally Posted by KieraLacy

That is what I was thinking, so maybe I should at least put in an emergency notification clause in case of family emergencies. I just don't want a client to ever say I never told them about my family situation and use that against me for loss of services or something.

Kiera Lacy:

Why is that a concern? You are a business aren't you? Clients pay you for a service that is very different than an employee/employer relationship. By you having the concern that you do for the reason that you do makes it appear to me that you don't understand the difference per say.

I strongly suggest you find a mentor/ business coach to help you with this challenge. I would also suggest you really sit down and draft a business plan and use it. A well drafted business plan will help negate some of these types of concerns and challenges. I know there are several business coaches, out there including myself that are very good and affordable. I am in no way stating that you should not use the free advice on the forums, but what I am saying is you need to find a business coach that will help you based on ability to pay . I am not trying to suggest that you retain my company, but nevertheless I would not be opposed to talking to you to see if we are a right fit either it would be your choice.

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Holly Sheriff, MSLS
Best Virtual Paralegal, LLC & BVP Services

I understand what you are all saying. I have not run my own business before so it is still in my mind that I need to be straight forward with "why" I couldn't get something done. Time to get in the right mind set as a business owner! I am going to do some more research and reading on my own since I can really afford a coach right now but maybe sometime in the near future I will be able to. Thank you!

Hi, just some thoughts on your question.

I wouldn't give out too much private information, but I like to keep personal info private

Everyone of us working from home needs a backup plan for certain situations, in my country we have a crises with electricity and two days ago they just started with load shedding (again!)
Weather you want to go on vacation, or have an emergency at home, once your established you could always get a "go to" helper like another virtual assistant who can assist you and can reach you in case of an emergency.

You can also look carefully at jobs you want to take to see if it will fit into your current situation with your kids.

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Marietjie Faurie, Online Typing & Design

Hi, I agree with what has been said and have been thinking about hours as I start my own business. I don't want to work a 9 to 5 schedule which is part of the reason I want to work for myself. As long as you are providing the service to your client's satisfaction in the time agreed to I don't see a need to share the details with anyone as to how you did it or when. One of the things I've been thinking about is that it may be a plus that I'm available when others may not be. Weekends, late night, early morning for example.

I don't think it should be of too much concern, I actually work a regular 9-5 job in addition to being a VA, and no one has even noticed, because I get the work done on time.

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Alyssa Johnson, Virtual Assistant
www.alyssajohnsonva.com