This is a great article. This is definitely the way that I want to take my VA practice. I'm not ready to take that plunge just yet, but am working toward creating this type of business model within 6 months.

I believe the multi-VA practice business model is quite innovative way to create a team without hiring employees. Everyone is their own sub-contractor.

Thank you for sharing this, it is a great article!

Originally Posted by ASecondOffice

I have been operating a multi-va business for over 6 years now and while I am not getting rich, I feel good that I am making somewhat of a living and helping others make a living, too. I have 4 other VAs working for my company at various skill levels and offerings. I hire them as independent contractors (subcontractors). When I hire a subcontractor, they must have their own business, and even sometimes a business name for me to write the checks to. One of my subcontractors who signed an independent contractor filed an unemployment claim against me with the State of Colorado and won. It still amazes me that, first, the contractor broke trust and filed the claim, and, second, that she won even after signing an independent contractor agreement. She had her own office, equipment, etc. So, just beware. That's why I'm having current and future VAs have a business name. Thanks, Michele Guarino A Second Office LLC

Now this makes me nervous, but now I am very aware. Note to self, make sure any sub-contractors hired have their own business, verify name of business, make them present EIN, etc.

This is a great thread and discussion!

When working in a multi-VA business, does each VA have his or her own website and market the skills of the other VAs? Or is there a main VA who drums up business, then delegates? I figure that if each VA is essentially his or her own company that they would also assist in obtaining new clients. I suppose it would all depend on the how the VAs chose to work, but the whole idea of a multi-VA business is intriguing!

I will certainly be re-reading this discussion when I need to consider branching out.

~ Gloria

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~ Gloria
http://www.uptimevirtualassistants.co m

Loved the article Rita. Hopefully I will be considered up and coming very soon!

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy

Originally Posted by At Your Virtual Door

Now this makes me nervous, but now I am very aware. Note to self, make sure any sub-contractors hired have their own business, verify name of business, make them present EIN, etc.

Also include some type of verbiage in the contract that would prevent the sub-va's from being able to file a claim. I am going to include it in my future contracts.

Thank you Michele for sharing your awful experience in order to help us.

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Rita Cartwright, Founder
RJ's Internet Marketing Services

After considering it for a long time, I'm actually working towards creating a multi-VA business because I think that it's a great way to provide boutique services to small business owner. This is the reason why I started my VA business with the long term goal of having a very varied group of VA who specialize in different kinds of small business support.

It may not be best for everyone, but I love the idea of collaborating with other talented and professional VAs to help my clients!

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Farah Belliard, Virtual Mavrix, LLC
(347) 692-0144, CALL NOW OR EMAIL ME AT farah at virtualmavrix dot com!

Originally Posted by UptimeVA

This is a great thread and discussion! When working in a multi-VA business, does each VA have his or her own website and market the skills of the other VAs? Or is there a main VA who drums up business, then delegates? I figure that if each VA is essentially his or her own company that they would also assist in obtaining new clients. I suppose it would all depend on the how the VAs chose to work, but the whole idea of a multi-VA business is intriguing! I will certainly be re-reading this discussion when I need to consider branching out. ~ Gloria

Thank you Gloria. The main difference in multi-va and subcontracting is a team approach. Multi-va businesses have the team members listed on their team web pages, but everything is under the umbrella of the multi-va business owner. The VAs do not market each other. Team members also have direct contact with the clients. Whereas, with sub-contractors, they don't have contact with the clients. You, as the multi-va biz owner manage the clients and projects.

In both cases, subcontractors and team members/associates are va's themselves and are at the point of beginning stages of their businesses or have room for more work. I hope this helps.

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Rita Cartwright, Founder
RJ's Internet Marketing Services

Thank you everyone for your interest in my post, as well as for your comments/posts. I started this thread in August 2007 and can't believe it is still active.

With the economy like it is, there will be more entrepreneurs and small business owners, and they will need virtual assistance. We probably will see more multi-va businesses, both team and subcontracting model. I look forward to reading your responses/posts.

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Rita Cartwright, Founder
RJ's Internet Marketing Services

Thanks for the information, a lot of food for thought. Just starting out and trying to put all my ducks in a row.

Thanks for the clarification, Rita! It makes much more sense to me now and I like how you explained it in a way that shows how no VA is stepping on the toes of the other team members, but rather has their own set of specialized skills.

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~ Gloria
http://www.uptimevirtualassistants.co m

I want to say thank you to everyone for the great info. I am just starting and being very optimistic and I have already collected a team... so I feel that I am already doing something right. Thanks again everyone. Please let me know if you would like to add me to your team!

Good Info, thank you for sharing, has my brain a working!!

This is a great article. I definitely need to start hooking up with bookkeeping and REVAs, it seems those are the most sought after VAs.