Self Employed Work Experience Valid?

CFA Level III
#1

Hi! I would like to know if I can add as valid work experience, the fact I am now self employed? I started my financial firm and I provide quantitative strategic research. I made contact with various institutional clients but I am neither charging them or asking for soft dollars yet. I have been doing this since May 2009 of last year. Can I add this as work experience? Thanks

#2

Is this full time? Do you have another job?

#3

Yes full time. No, I have no other job. I think what I am doing is highly relevant. Here is an example of what I write for institutional clients: http://www.emfin.com/economics/uploads/June2010.pdf I guess I could always ask potential clients who are CFA chartholders to sponsor me as I have no supervisor above me?

#4

The key is getting sponsors to vouch for you. If you can do that then there should be no problem.