As many of you were aware, we had our monthly Subcontractor's Q&A call with Danielle Cuomo last night.

Our questions were focused on "Why selling yourself and communication is so important as a subcontractor " A brief summary of the questions asked were:

1. Clarify the definition of niche and expertise for a subcontractor?
2. What are the differences?
3. While working on a project is it necessary to stay consistant with communication tools like email, phone, IM , project mgt software or documents?
4. Do you have specific communication and project management software preferences?
5. If a subcontractor hits a roadblock while working on a project how do you suggest letting the contractor know, without them losing faith in you?
6. Is it proper to ask the contractor's budget or time frame expected on a project?
7. How often should you communicate with a project manager or contractor? Weekly, daily or monthly?
8. Are there skill sets that are really difficult to find subcontractors for?
9. How does a sub contractor market himself/herself, if he/she has a specialized niche like real estate/web designing, etc ?
10. Any do's/dont's for subcontractor's while marketing their skills/expertise?
11. Should subcontractors

...

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The episode with Jeanne Clontz, has now been posted to my blog. http://softwaresavvysub.info/podcasts you can listen to it or download it to listen at a later time. Be sure to join my list to be notified of what upcoming things will be happening. All podcasts will be on software for the virtual business or subcontracting for other virtual business owners.

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As many of you were aware, we had our monthly Subcontractor's Q&A call with Sue Canfield last night.


Our questions were focused on "What contractors look for in a sub." A brief summary of the questions asked were:


1. Have you hired subcontractors? Do you have any lined up now?

2. What skills do you look for in a subcontractor?

3. Would you choose someone with some sort of certification over experience?

4. Are there any other things you look for in a sub?

5. Do you require your subs to sign a contract?

6. What do you expect as far as a sub's availability and turn around time?

7. Do you base your decision on hiring a sub by what rate they should charge?

8. What does a sub show to a contractor by having a website?

9. How do you look for subs. Through networking, applications, word of mouth or direct contacts?

10. Do you require a long term committment or a project base relationship. Do other contractors do the same?


Each month an advisor of a multi-VA firm or someone who has hired subcontractors will be available to answer...

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Interview by Roslyn D'Souza
A Virtual Events Specialist
http://www.reliablevirtualsolutions.com/

Collette Schultz, has been a Virtual Assistant since 2007 while continuing to work outside the home and a full-time mom. Her company, Virtual Dream Office Services, has become one of the most recognized for her subcontracting expertise. Collette has been acknowledged with creating the ideal virtual subcontract business model. She is the “Software Savvy Sub.” Listen to our interview with Collette while she discusses the subcontract side of her nickname. Pass along this link and help others take advantage of Collette's expertise and experience. It will help them to start subcontracting or muli-VA's to find the subcontractors they need expand their business. In the upcoming weeks a second interview will be available discussing the "Software Savvy" side of her name.

You can listen to the interview here http://softwaresavvysub.snappages.com/blog

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By joinin my email list. That's exactly what I would consider it, a blessing.

http://softwaresavvysub.snappages.com/join-my-list.htm

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By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mer...nberg]Meredith Eisenberg

The base skill that virtual assistants have is being a top-notch administrative expert. However, the online world is a different working environment that requires some specific online skills. Basics include knowing how e-commerce works (shopping carts, autoresponders, putting together virtual events, payment gateways), basics about websites or blogging, knowing how to find information online, etc.

Additional and more specialized skills would depend on your niche. Real estate virtual assistants need to know specialized programs for real estate agents. Virtual assistants who work with life coaches might need different skills including knowing about coaches console and knowing the systems promoted by the leaders on the online coaching industry.

There can be a lot to learn. How do you decide where to start?

1. If you are a member of a job referral notebook, note what skills people are asking for. In my market (psychologists, coaches...), one of the top skills people ask for is 1shopping cart skills. Other niches will ask for different skills and abilities.

2. What are you interested in...

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Author: Melissa Brewer

With the costs of living increasing, the economy shifting downward, and salaries simply still no enough to make both ends meet, it is no wonder that people are continuously looking for other means of paying for the day to day expenses. One of the alternatives that people turn to when they need extra cash is contract work - especially when they have the skills that are sought after in creative and technical industries.

Unlike other part time jobs, contract work allows you to do the work that you have already been doing, without forcing you to commute twice as much or juggle hours and schedules. This means that while you are working on the side, you are able to still practice the things that you already. Writers, photographers, web designers, graphic designers use their creativity to branch out into new areas that their day jobs often don't offer them the opportunity to explore. They love the fact that contract work never has any prescribed hours - only deadlines that they have promised to their clients. Contract work work only ends when you finish the work - and hopefully move on to the next project. The hours that you work will actually be dictated by you, on how fast you can...

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by Meredith Little
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com...1-1031201.html

Takeaway: Subcontractors are often in a dubious position: They're not quite independent, yet they aren't employees, either. How can you make subcontracting work for you? Here's some advice from an expert.


Independent contactors who subcontract find themselves in an ambiguous situation: They stop being completely independent, but they aren’t quite employees. If you, as an independent contractor, decide to subcontract, you probably won’t have as much freedom to do your work when and how you want. It’s also likely that you’ll need to budget extra time into your work for another layer of approval.

In this article, I’ll recommend ways to navigate such issues and help you make the difference between being part of a great project and contributing to a disaster.

Tip #1: Adjust your attitude
It’s easy to jump at the chance to subcontract. After all, you’re getting a project handed to you: You don’t have to find the client, negotiate the project, or establish the scope.

The flip side is that you won’t have the kind of control over the project that you’re used to....

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There comes a time in many small businesses when a decision has to be made whether or not to hire employees.

Maybe you've reached the point where you need to grow, but you're not sure you're ready to bring on more people. Or maybe you want to stay small and lean, and don't want the bother of having employees. Or maybe it's just been a bad year (totally understandable in this economy!) and cash flow is crunched.

Whatever the reason, there's still work to be done. And today there are more ways than ever to get the work you need taken care of without hiring. Where you turn depends on what type of business you have, and your particular needs.

Here are a few suggestions on where you can get the workers you need for the work you need done:

<b>1. Subcontractors and Freelancers

You aren't the only person who does what you do (even if you're the best!). Find a few good people you can call on when you have too much work and not enough time. Be sure to negotiate a price that will allow you to still make money on the job, though. Also, make sure you know how your client(s) feel about someone else doing the actual work. FYI...there are a lot of freelance websites...

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For two years now I've been a virtual assistant and couldn't put my finger on the reason I wanted this so bad. After talking to a sister, going through the empty nest stage, it hit me. It's truly a sense of accomplishment that I will always be able to do more and a means to bring to peace to my life. I enjoy that I'm able to talk with other VA who share so much of the same interest that I do as well. The best part about it is I was able to figure out that I need another avenue in my life other than just my children. Don't get me wrong, they mean everything, but they will grow up.

So ask yourself. Do you get a peace of mind or is it work?

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Thanks to Susie Schuele my name was selected in her recent logo creation contest. I absolutely love it. Please share your thoughts.

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I'd like to share with other VAs something that just happened to me and will happen to them at one time or another. Recently I decided to get my on blog and host. After that I was going to create and maintain the blog. On this blog I have podcasts I want to post. Needless to say I've never worked much with audio posting. It took me two weeks to trying getting it on my blog. Finally enough was enough and I just said I've learned what I can but I pulled in a fellow VA that is an expert with Wordpress. And Woo La she had the audio I gave her posted within 48 hours. A big thanks to her.

Learn from me and just hire an expert, don't waste valueable VA time

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As a graduate of the CVP program. Virtual Dream OfficeServices became my business name. Living on a farm in Wisconsin, I never thought there would be chance to supplement my income and do it while at home. Having two small kids and working full-time there was no way for me to have a second job outside the home.

While going back to school for my associate degree in accounting, I did a research project on telecommuniting. Then, I got pregnant with my first child. While on maternity I researched more about working from home. At that time there were very few companies that hired employees this way and very few people did it as their very own business. I was too conservative to quit my job since I carry the health insurance for the family.

I live in a rural area and jobs are quite scarce if WAH didn’t work out. So, starting slow has helped. I switched jobs and less stress gave me more time to really do some calling for opportunities. Then I met my mentor, Diane Hess, of the Certified Virtual Professional program. I was given the opportunity to have hands on experience with Diane Hess, I really didn’t feel like I had much to offer.

Now, limiting my availability and making sure I stay fair...

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