I am just so happy and grateful that we have this forum was created and that we have an opportunity to subcontract. I think that subcontracting is win win situation for everyone. I am certainly looking forward to searching for help here in the forums.

Ivette

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Ivette Matos, Excel Virtual Services
http://www.excelvirtualservices.com

I've found that subcontracting out projects can be a very tricky situation. The trust required to work with/as a subcontractor is very important. I think that the relationship should be established and fostered long before getting involved in such an endeavor.

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Nikki Johnson
The Millionaire's Assistant™

As a VA who sub-contracts I think these are very valid points, and I appreciate you posting this thread. I think this will be very helpful to those who are looking to sub-contract.

I still consider myself a newbie, but I do my best to get on the forum and interact as much as I can. I don't just do it to find work, but the resources are amazing here and I think the point of this forum is to allow us to connect with each other, learn from each other, and to be supportive in anyway we can of each other.

While getting new projects, new clients, or find sub-contracting work is always exciting and sometimes a plus here on the forums I do not believe that is what we should expect from this forum.

I come here first to read other posts and blogs and respond to them when I have something to say. Then I check the resources, and then I check the RFP's. So I'm not saying don't take advantage of the opportunity to work with each other just remember that this is not the main point of this forum. Take advantage of the many resources available here as well.

This is a great place to network other VA's but don't abuse it or take advantage of it.

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Rhonda Holscher, Owner
Rhonda's Virtual Office - Hire a Virtual Assistant

I agree that this place is a great wealth of both opportunity an information. Regardless of how well-written the endless supply of online articles may be, nothing can replace the value of interaction with fellow VA's!

Someone's being a VA (I know esp. for those SAHM/D's) is like being an island!

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Tiffany L. Mullins - InfinityBLUE Business Solutions
http://www.wix.com/InfinityBLUEva/InfinityBLUEva

What I love about subcontracting is both parties can do what they love to do. Example, I don't care to write but I could hire a sub that loves it. We would be able to kill two birds with one stone.

Hello all, as I am relatively new with over a year experience I find this very helpful. I started out small and now enjoy it so much I want to try and get other work and thought subcontracting for others would be a great start. My question is - how if you are relatively new like me could you get into subcontracting? Do they look for more experience? I have over 12 years in executive assistance and accounting experience so should I also mention that or leave my professional experience out and just include my VA experience? Thanks.

Welcome. You've come to the right spot.

Sometimes when you're new the best thing to do is subcontract. You can learn from some amazing VAs while working. I wouldn't say they are looking for virtual experience with 12 years experience in the business industry that gives you a great starting base. So definitly include it.

In one of Darlene Victoria's latest subcontracting episodes experience over trust is discussed.

I feel like such a newbie. I think doing subcontact work will help me get more experiece under my belt. How do you know who you can trust to work with?

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Tammy Lessick, Owner
AutismLearningFelt

I'm glad to see that people are addressing this subject. As a new VA subcontracting is definately an option for most of us as a way to get established but its very hard to find legitimate subcontracting jobs. All this advice is really appreciated. It makes the transition into our new career much easier. I'm glad to have this resource.

How do you get started in subcontracting, where do you go?

I will say that I have a friend that has been doing a lot of subcontract work and from that I have learned that it can be quite taxing sometimes. The comment I posted earlier in the discussion was that it is imperative that you do your due diligence and know who you are working with and get a clear understanding of what their expectations are and what you expect from them. None of her subcontracting situations have worked out and I am sure that can be attributed to various reasons - lack of planning, lack of research/understanding of the agreement, and most of all DESPERATION. Don't take a subcontract job SOLELY on the basis that you are desperate for work...it makes you more open to being taken advantage of. In the end, in my opinion, you are still working for someone else, which slightly defeats the purpose of owning your own business.

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Nikki Johnson
The Millionaire's Assistant™

Thanks all for your advice! It sums up the value of VAF as not only being a place to find support in this industry but a place of significant connections for your business. I appreciate your direction.

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-Victoria

I think that if you are considering sub-contracting this is definitely a viable option. However, you must do your due dilligence. I have learned from experience not to just take someone at their word because they are a VA. Talk to the VA community about the person for whom you are considering sub-contracting with, and ask them for references from other VA's they have sub-contracted. Protect yourself and your business. As it has been pointed out to me just because they are a VA does not mean they are not a client. So keep that mindset and protect yourself and your business.

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Rhonda Holscher, Owner
Rhonda's Virtual Office - Hire a Virtual Assistant

Originally Posted by boldnewadventrs

I will say that I have a friend that has been doing a lot of subcontract work and from that I have learned that it can be quite taxing sometimes. The comment I posted earlier in the discussion was that it is imperative that you do your due diligence and know who you are working with and get a clear understanding of what their expectations are and what you expect from them. None of her subcontracting situations have worked out and I am sure that can be attributed to various reasons - lack of planning, lack of research/understanding of the agreement, and most of all DESPERATION. Don't take a subcontract job SOLELY on the basis that you are desperate for work...it makes you more open to being taken advantage of. In the end, in my opinion, you are still working for someone else, which slightly defeats the purpose of owning your own business.

This is a great point on subcontracting concept. Sometimes, aspiring virtual assistants may just feel comfortable working on sub contracting and may actually forget their real goal. It may also discourage someone to start their own VA practice as they are solely depend on other VAs for work. To learn the ropes of VA journey is fine to start with sub contracting. But, it shouldn't be the ultimate goal of a professional VA. just my 2 cents