Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008

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?

#2 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008

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?

#3 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008

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.

#4 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008

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.

#5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008

Originally Posted by KateK View Post

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.

#6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009

Originally Posted by Kerans VA View Post

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.

I'm glad I stumbled upon this topic. I would not be offended, if asked about work if it is handled in a professional manner. ( by submitting a CV not nescessarily a resume, cover letter and proof of education) However, I typically get requests from people whom are not VA whom are looking for help in getting business. In otherwords , wanting me to provide him or her with a "baseline" client list. I believe that we all need to help one another, but don't be rude or try to seal my clients after I have helped you. I now tell people I am not hiring and when I will have to subcontract something out but they are welcome to submit his or her CV Cover letter for my resume file for future reference. ( this way I can keep track of the "fishers" (Fishing to steal my idea, clients, business practices) Its working great thus far (6 months and counting)

#7 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008

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

#8 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008

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

Thanks, Tess!

#9 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008

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?)