Before I joined forums like these, I used to go to the "school of hard knocks." Just like VA's who do not pay their subs (luckily I was never on the receiving end or the giving end of that) there are clients who do the same. I learned from that and got smarter as I went along... developing procedures, contracts, offering pre-pay discounts, etc. I have had a lot of help and mentoring along the way. This group is an excellent resource for helping others so they do not have to go it alone and learn from mistakes.. like I did! Thanks for another great post, all. Rose-Anne Raies, A+ Virtual Assistant, Inc.

When I first started as a sub I too was very hesitant whether I would get paid by a fellow VA. In our own was I feel like the VA industry has become a familly. So far so good. However I can't stress it enough to do your research before taking on a subcontract project. If it doesn happen please share it with other subs so they are aware.

The question above "Is it just me, or do others feel a wee bit apprehensive about responding to RFPs for sub work?"

By no means let this stop you from responding to an RFP. You can always turn down the project but you'll never get a chance if you don't respond.

It's timely that Jules started this thread now. I was just thinking of writing a blog post with tips for what VAs who sub should consider/know before subbing to help ensure they don't get burnt and help make sure that their subbing experience is a positive one.

I agree with Tess about putting on your big girl boots and having policies and procedures in place before going into it. You have to have a certain amount of chutzpah if you are going to be in business for yourself. There will always be those out there who will take advantage of someone else if given the opportunity.

I also agree with Christina that many subs undervalue themselves and their services. There have been instances for me as well, where I've told VAs who have offered to work for $5/hr just to get their feet wet, that while I may not know them well, I was quite sure they were worth more than that.

New VAs or VAs who are considering sub-contracting would do well to follow Jules' tips for how to research the VA you might work for before you agree to work with them.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

It saddens me to know that there are contractors out there that aren't paying their subcontractors on time or not at all. In fact, I think it is even worse than a non-VA client not paying (although that is never a good situation as well). I say this because as people within the same industry, we each know what it took to start and grow our business. I feel as though there should be a common courtesy -- like a sister/brother hood, you know? But, that is just me and my own thoughts.

Overall, paying for the work that is done is expected and following through with payment for work that is done is sign of respect.

I agree with all that has been said here thus far - research who you are planning to be a sub-contractor for, put policies and procedures in place and enforce them (especially payment policies) if you run into any problems.

Don't let the idea of not being paid scare you away from starting your own VA business - simply take the steps needed in the first place to build a solid foundation (contracts, etc.) stick to them and you will be just fine!

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Thanks again Jules for your concern.
I will most certainly heed the advice so willingly shared.
Have a productive week ahead! : )

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Cindy Howe|Howe Virtual, LLC
http://www.howevirtual.com

Thank you all for bringing this to the forefront. It allows us 'newbies' to get ahead of the game and ensure we have a solid foundation BEFORE looking at subcontracting. I am glad I saw this since someone else told me to Subcontract first as I am getting my business documents together.