The Dont's of Subcontracting - Page 5 - Virtual Assistant Forums

executive_assist · #61 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009

Not a problem Cherisse. It was a running joke between my boss and I. He was a driver, a very agressive personality, and was always in such a rush his directions were not always what they should have been. For all projects I would always tell him, "let me just clarify that real quick...". lol.

AJ326 · #62 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010

I just found this thread for the first time. Interestingly, I posted something on my blog you guys might like http://theproverbs31life.wordpress.com/

Out of my own curiousity, I was wondering what are the chances of VA's not trusting a new VA (or any VA for that matter) with sub-contracting. I wouldn't mind sub-contracting, but who is to say a seasoned VA is willing to take my word for it when I say "I can do that."

Has anyone ever considered testing

the abilities of a newbie before taking them on in a sub-contracting situation. Sub-contracting could be profitable, but only if the VA you sub-contract is truly capability of doing what was promised.

I didn't read every post from this thread so I apologize if I'm repeating something was mentioned earlier.

hbplifestyle · #63 (**permalink**) 03-25-2010

Creating a database of subcontractors has brought a lot of interesting stories to my attention. One of the don'ts I'd like to stress is not being too general in the email when applying for a project. You need to make sure you give them a reason to take you on as a subcontractor.

kristyle · #64 (**permalink**) 03-25-2010

Collette, do you advertise for subcontractors or reach out to people you think you'd like to work with? Like a lot of people just getting started, I would love to subcontract as a way to "get the ball rolling" on my new undertaking, but it's another area that seems hard to break into.

InfinityBLUE · #65 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010

A great idea is to sign up at odesk (which can also be a great source for finding work, fee free), as they have aptitude tests with just about every software, skill, etc. You can always refer VA's/others to your results and include them in your portfolio (infact, I believe they have a link to direct people straight to your profile/test scores from the outside without having to log in). Just a thought.

VanessaB · #66 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010

never knew what subcontracting until i read this. thanks

jessie dsouza · #67 (**permalink**) 11-02-2010

Originally Posted by D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance

This really has been a great thread. I can totally understand the concern when subcontracting your work out to other VAs that you don't know. I believe there will come a time when I have to subcontract work out to other VAs. I believe I would have to subcontract out to either people I know I can trust and/or people with a proven positive track record.

I value each and every one of my clients, I work my hardest to keep them happy! I think if I ever were to subcontract for another VA, I would work just as hard for the VA(possibly a bit more)because I know what it is like being a VA and how much my clients depend on me. The VA I am subbing for (my client) is depending on me to assist them with their clients. Their reputation is on the line(as well as mine and their clients'). I would not want to do anything to make anyone look bad, ever.

Yes, I completely agree with you. Whether one is working independently or subbing another VA, professionalism is the key. Though one is subbing for another VA, her/his work ethics, integrity, honesty should never come down. Once the reputation is destroyed, it's hard to build it and and I would never want to harm my leading VA and my own reputation by being an immature and unprofessional VA who don't care about her/her client's business.

Chacois · #68 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010

This is great information. I am new to the VA industry and was wondering how to get started and gain experience. Thanks Tiffany for mentioning Odesk, I think I'm gonna hop over to that site right now. And thanks everyone else for the great tips!

YourVirtualGirlFriday · #69 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010

Very good points, especially with the way the economy has been over the last couple of years.

I've only been hired once as a sub contractor, but appreciate the option to work as one when I don't have clients. The benefit of having work while you build your clientel is priceless. It's sad when others don't value this opportunity.

You are learning and being exposed to situations before they happen in your business and how the more experienced VA who you are working with handles them.

Also being honest if you don't know how to do something, may get you a job anyways the hiring VA may have the desire to train someone that is not experienced, if they have the time.

Just my 2 cents ;0)

virtary · #70 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

Glad to find this post.

I have a question.
Until what stage, will you consider a sub contractor to be given access to client's personal account? Like Facebook, Twitter, etc.

I just made a terrible mistake by giving someone that I used to trust, access to client's Facebook account and got banned. My contract was cancelled, then until now I got no word from the person (actually she used to be a good friend)

kconroy · #71 (**permalink**) 04-20-2011

I was really upset or sorry for a better word, to read about this situation. I am a new VA starting out and it just makes things harder for VAs who truly have good intentions and follow through. Now I understand why a seasoned VA would be skeptical.

Thank you.