Communication can be just staying open with your contractor about small things. One really important area to explain prior to accepting a subcontracting project is what your hours of availability are. If you only want to work 10 hours a week and can only do it after 8 p.m. you need to tell them.

If you're not upfront, do you think this could break a subcontracting job, if so why? Have you ever come across anyone you had to let go for this reason.

When adding a sub to my team, I look for ability and honesty. I specifically ask potential subs what hours they currently work and how many hours they are looking to work as a sub. Depending upon the task I'm looking to subcontract, some can be done in the evening but other tasks must be done during work hours. It is important to match the task with a sub's ability and availability in order to create a win/win for all.

For me, it is discovering a person's goals and insuring that a sub's goals are a match with my team's business goals.

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Cathryn Jones
Assistants For Agents, LLC

When I am looking for a sub it is generally for a specific job type which they have indicated they have experience and skill in. With that in mind the project has a deadline or expected rate of return - we discuss the availablity in terms of hours per week as well as which hours per day as was previously said may or maynot fit the project.

If a sub has agreed to the project scope and does not perform the tasks requested within the timeframe indicated they are not peforming as was agreed. And yes, I have had to let a sub go due this very item - client was expecting work performed, sub did not perform and therefore had to be let go.

It was difficult but necessary - the new sub is working out great as she had the availablity and drive required for the project.

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Cindy
www.eoseasy.comThe Chrysalis Plan

I think we should always be upfront regarding our hours of operations and rates. The clients will certainly appreciate it.

Ivette

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

Sub-Contractors work all over and I try to take that into consideration when I need a sub. Sometimes it is necessary for me to find someone within a specific time constraint, so knowing their availability is very important.

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|