I've been building my team with a mix of VA's as subcontractors and with "regular joe's".

Some of the problems I've had is that I'm investing a lot of time in finding the right person for the job, but because it's not steady full time work, people seem to be dropping off like flies.

I find a great worker, they do a great job. The next job comes up and they're gone!

I use only VAs with an established VA business for subcontracting. Yes, there is an investment of time to find the right person and the right "fit". However, as I have repeat work, all my team of subs do work for me/my clients each month. Some of my subs have worked for me for years! They are absolute lifesavers and gifted VAs!

Hang in there! A multi-VA practice is a great way to go!

__________________
Cathryn Jones
Assistants For Agents, LLC

I think Cathryn is right, it would be worth the time to find the right ESTABLISHED VA - someone who is in this "for the long haul." That way you have someone you can count on when you need them.

__________________
Kathy
www.theofficevirtuoso.com

I agree that it is best to get someone that already has an established business. They will have other clients to work with and won't be as dependent on work coming from you. They will still be there the next time you need them. From the point of view of the subs, they probably couldn't afford to wait and had to find jobs or other ways to earn money. When I subbed early in my career, I was always surprised when the contractor contacted my weeks or months later, thinking I would still be available. Then I had to inform them that due to low demand from them I had taken my business in another direction.

__________________
Virtual Bankruptcy Paralegal
www.bkprep4u.com

My niche for the past three years is subcontracting for other VAs.

What a lot of the subcontractors don't realize is it takes time to become established. They have to be willing to put the time into getting known by other VAs. Subcontracting for me is an ideal situation for a few reasons. I don't require a retainer fee because it's not my main income, I learn from established VAs, I chose the things I like doing(web research, excel spreadsheets, bookkeeping) and finally the lifestyle I'm looking for could very well be established by strictly subbing for others.

I have established a few subcontracting groups, I will be sure and stress this is an issue for multi-VA firms.