HI all!

I wonder if I could get some feedback on the issue of partnering with another admin. My business is new - as a matter of fact I don't yet really consider myself "launched", even though I have a couple of project based clients. Until I have my business plan, website, contract, etc. I don't consider this an "operating business".

I have an ex co-worker and friend who is interested in partnering with me in this. She is currently working in a contract position that will be finishing up soon. Her 15 years of admin and organizational skills are great and she comes from the Human Resource field. Plus we worked together (in different states) for 7 years.

I don't feel like I am in a place where I would "hire" her full-time and that is not her goal either. Because we are friends that creates a more emotional element to this.

So how does it work? We live in different states (SC & GA - 3 hours). Does she just market her clients and I market mine and if there is overflow we work together and figure out percentage based on who was the lead? Or does that only work for referrals you bring in and all new people that hire us are assigned in some manner but each takes a percentage of income. The only thing I feel like I bring to the table that I have ownership to is the name (which isn't worth much at this point), the website domain name, no website yet, and an email address. And the idea. What's that worth? At this stage I would not think much.

I have lofty goals but at this point the main focus would be for us both to make a living. Hopefully there would be a point where you are drawing a salary and also have funds to invest back into the business. Something to look forward to anyway.

For some of you that have been in this business for many years this may be a scenario that you started in or came across at some point. Any advice?

It is great that you have someone to do the overflow work. But, I agree with your inclination that she market for her own clients and you market for yours.

Being in the start up phase can be frustrating enough on your own and to add someone to it, who is also just starting up, can make it more than you need right now.

This doesn't mean that you both can not advertise each other skills on both of your websites and then subcontract each other out.

Good luck and I hope what I said has been helpful,
Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Thanks Andrea. That may be the way to approach it. She is going to be coming my way in a week or so and we were going to sit down and talk about it. Alot to think about. In a way I want to hug this to myself and have it be something I created and did on my own. On the other hand, she brings alot to the table and together we do make a pretty good team. I guess the most important thing is communication and everything clearly laid out in the beginning....

If you are going to partner up then yes, you do need to lay it out all on the table in the beginning. For instance, If you will be splitting 50% or 80/20 etc. Who will be the lead VA or will you both be the lead VA. Will you be signing an agreement for partnership, will you both be advertising, will you both be splitting the expenses. There is a lot to consider here.

Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Nobody said this was going to be easy!!! lol

I would go with your gut instinct. It can get pretty 'messy' partnering with someone. I have a friend who considered this, too, and asked if I could pass 'overflow' work her way. I said, yes, but you'd have to get a license and be able to manage your own taxes, etc. because I wouldn't be hiring her. So, yes, there's a LOT to consider.

I think if I were you, I would approach it from the standpoint of concentrating on your own start up business and provide guidance to her along the way--sort of a 'lessons learned' so to speak. It is EXACTLY what I'm doing with another friend who is gung ho about starting up doing what I am based on what she's seen on my website, etc. So, I figure we can collaborate with each other--she has strength in areas I don't, so if I get proposed with a project I can't assist with, I might pass that onto her.

Sorry...I'm rambling here. I hope that helps. I would focus on you for right now...

Best wishes and let us know what you decide!

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Kathya Kalinine
http://www.emeraldvirtual.com

As a newbie I come across all kinds of questions... some apply some don't, but I am happy that someone else had these same questions and concerns. I have told a friend of mine about this and while I choose to work alone, I find that I can use her expertise and she mine (when needed) and it works for me.

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Have a Great Day on Purpose!!!!!!!!!!!

As always great advice everyone. Another possibility is having her be an associate of your business. EVA and Associates is a VA here in Minnesota that does exactly that. Since you created the name, website, etc. You have already invested time and money in the creation of this business. If you have your friend become an associate, she uses your name, website, branding, and anything else that you set up for the business, but she has her own business using your name. She will be following your guide lines (like a franchise), but she will be running her own business, taxes, etc. And for the cost of being an Associate and using your name she would pay you a small percentage. EVA and Associates was started by one person two years ago (I actually got my idea of starting my own Administrative Service from her). She just sent me a newsletter to celebrate being in business for two years and having 8 associates! If you would like more information you can go to her website www.ExecutiveVirtualAssistant.com to contact her and she may be willing to help you out since your are not in direct competition with her.

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Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.

Wow, now you've given me something to think about! What a neat idea...I'll have to look into this.

Thanks for your post!

Originally Posted by AdvantageAdministrativeSltns

As always great advice everyone. Another possibility is having her be an associate of your business. EVA and Associates is a VA here in Minnesota that does exactly that. Since you created the name, website, etc. You have already invested time and money in the creation of this business. If you have your friend become an associate, she uses your name, website, branding, and anything else that you set up for the business, but she has her own business using your name. She will be following your guide lines (like a franchise), but she will be running her own business, taxes, etc. And for the cost of being an Associate and using your name she would pay you a small percentage. EVA and Associates was started by one person two years ago (I actually got my idea of starting my own Administrative Service from her). She just sent me a newsletter to celebrate being in business for two years and having 8 associates! If you would like more information you can go to her website www.ExecutiveVirtualAssistant.com to contact her and she may be willing to help you out since your are not in direct competition with her.

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Kathya Kalinine
http://www.emeraldvirtual.com

This is actually my future plan for my business. When I start getting close to being too busy, I will addd associates instead of employees. I may even do this once I get more comfortable because I would love to add a website designer and an account to my business. The women who started EVA is very particular about who she lets in and how they represent her company. But they are their own business owners.

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Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.