Referral or Multi-VA? - Virtual Assistant Forums

misssjean · #1 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008

Hello all:

Hope everyone is having a great day so far! I was curious to see how many other VAs out there refer work they are not able to take on at the moment to other VAs in your "network" or if you have started a VA team of some sort similiar to a multi-VA group?

For me, I have referred projects that I have completed for my clients to other VAs and inform the client/fellow VA the project details and between the client/fellow VA - the fellow VA can inform the client of his/her rates, agreements, etc.

I'm curious to see what your thoughts are. Thanks!

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008

Hi Jean, I usually hand-pick VAs for straight referrals (introduce VA and client to each other). And while I have outsourced a very few small projects to trusted colleagues (where I was in contact with the client myself but passing info on to the VA) I can't imagine having the time [or inclination

] to run a multi-VA practice.

kathiemt · #3 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008

I do have a group of VAs that work is referred to. I've been doing that since 1996 and works very well. I refer the client to my team so that the client and the VA can work direct. I don't sub the work out.

Modern Marketing Support · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008

I sub the work out most of the time. I've only ever referred anything out just once. It was way beyond my capability so I gave it away. Otherwise I have 2 subcontractors that I've been working with for over a year and I sub work to them when I need to.

divette009 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010

I want to compose a network of VA's to refer clients I won't be able to assist. I don't want to overextend myself by taking on work I'm unable to do. Instead of just truning them away, I'll hand them over to someone else who is qualified and available.

kathiemt · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010

Originally Posted by divette009

I want to compose a network of VA's to refer clients I won't be able to assist. I don't want to overextend myself by taking on work I'm unable to do. Instead of just truning them away, I'll hand them over to someone else who is qualified and available.

And you have a ready resource of VAs here for that. I guess it really depends on what you're looking for. If you're promoting/advertising what you're capable of doing then the likelihood of having clients asking you to do what you can't do will be less, however once you have established working relationships with clients they will always ask 'do you also do...?'

Cathryn Jones · #7 (**permalink**) 01-15-2010

I have subs that work for me. However, I also have a "network" that I send referrals to when a client ask for services that I don't offer. My "network" is just established VAs that I have met through the years. Many of them I met at VA conventions or real estate industry conventions. I find my "network" to be very valuable to me as a business owner! I refer out to VAs that offer complimentary services to mine. In return, they send referrals to me.

executive_assist · #8 (**permalink**) 01-15-2010

I plan on referring anything I can't handle to other VAs and possibly a minimal referral fee. If it is a current client I will tell them I could subcontract that particular project out. It will just depend on the situation.

hbplifestyle · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2010

It all depends on where you want to focus your time. If you bring contractors on you want to make sure they are meeting your clients expectations. That can take time.

RobnT08 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-08-2010

You all shared some good thoughts. Have you ever felt like you needed your own VA? I have days that I wish I did! lol! I meant to ask that in another thread I commented on but it came to mind again just now.

OrganizedAssistant · #11 (**permalink**) 03-09-2010

I had my own VA for about a year. I'd reached the point where I just didn't have time to do everything myself, so she looked after my website updates, ezine, and things like that, and similar tasks for my clients when I was too busy to handle them. Once my husband joined the business it no longer made sense for me to pay someone else to do stuff that he can do, but I can't even imagine trying to do it all myself anymore.

One of the reasons I started a local VA group was to have a chance to get to know other them and learn what they're good at and enjoy doing, so I know where to refer people who are looking for services I don't provide. The only time I subcontract is when an existing client wants something I can't (or don't want to) do; otherwise, I just make a referral and let them work out the details between them.