This is an interesting thread for newbie VA's considering subcontracting..I'll definitely be carefully checking out any VA's I decide to subcontract to.

I guess all the info above comes down to if you want to be a VA in buisness by yourself or if you want to be a VA that offers a 1STOP shop and is a multi VA or a Multi Service Firm.

One thing I can say is that if you are going to contract out make sure that you know your VA's well and they are active in the forums and make sure you have at least 1 or 2 backups if you cant do the task yourself. I am keeping my fingers crossed however have the backups if need be. I also am in the middle of learning the services I am not familiar with so I can do it myself if anything goes wrong or if I want more money to stay in my pocket.

Do any of you have suggestions for VAs that do subcontract how to make ourselves stick out among others? What traits would you look for?

I have to totally agree with you VBP.
If I can't do a job for a client and I can refer them to someone more qualified. The client is usually quite impressed with the fact that you referred them to someone else and that you value the quality of your work and they will usually value your judgment more.

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Regards,
Marg

To answwer the first question in this thread...I have the client provide a vonage line and box for any and all phone work. That way they can remotely monitor the line if they so choose and as long as I keep the number of phone clients to a minimum it isn't a problem answering the phones correctly. As to email, my clients usually provide access to an email account and server. This is really a simple thing...project tracking has been a little more tricky. The main group I contract with has tried several applications, but Central desktop has been the best and least costly thus far.

Being a subcontractor who has managed other subcotractors I have to agree that some of the VAs I deal with are really flaky. What makes the good stand out from the crowd is how involved they are in the community and how well they communicate. If I hand over a project (I have a standard test project for anyone coming into the firm) I expect directions to be followed, timelines to be met, and information to be returned in a legible and organized fashion. If that doesn't happen the contract is terminated. There is no coddling in being a VA. You either know what your doing and do it or you don't.

Best of luck!

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Kristi Bennitt
Virtual Assistant/Bookkeeper

It looks like so many VA's have had negative experiences in selecting another VA to subcontract with.

This poses a real concern to the integrity of VA's assuming such professional roles. Although I understand what is being said about the frequency of flaky subcontractors, it's truly disappointing that the risk of ruining their professional reputation is so carelessly blatant.

Therefore, I have a question to the leery and established VA's: What do you do when you are in overflow of work? A good problem to have - but what is your solution? Do you have trusted colleagues that you do outsource and subcontract with, or do you hire within and create a partnership?

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~ Jennifer ~

Hi Jennifer,

this is a tricky question and really depends on the projects that come in. Personally I have a few VAs that I have worked with before that I would approach to sub out the projects on an as needed basis. It seems easier on everyone when done this way. Basically go with your gut. It's rare that your first impression of someone will be wrong, especially when talking integrity. If you don't have a network of trusted VAs to resource out to try posting the project here and interviewing those who respond to you. You can learn a lot about someone by talking with them.

The good far out weigh the bad, but its the bad that stick out. I'm finding that some, not all, of the newer VAs on the market are trying this arena because they have failed at their last jobs. (especially those who dabbled their toes in the real estate biz. Not sure why they make such poor VAs, but it seems to be the trend.) Finding out about a VAs past and personality will help to weed out those that don't have the work ethic for this field.

If your looking for a possible sub-source I'd be happy to send you my resume and talk with you briefly. Just give me a shout when you need anything.

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Kristi Bennitt
Virtual Assistant/Bookkeeper

I was just signed on to my first VA team the other day so I am finding this information to be helpful. I have heard about VAs flaking out. I had to sign my paperwork first. But shouldn't there be a clause in the sub-contractor agreement about this? Honestly, I am a newbie, but it really is unprofessionable and to put this problem on the VA outsourcing is really mean. Any thoughts?
Jo-Carol

I knwo this is topic is from quite awhile ago but i wanted to add that you must ensure that you have plenty of backup for each service. I can't do it myself because I am just too darn busy so I have to ensure that I have plenty of backup.

Hi Ladies,

If your sending files there is sendthisfile.com. This has worked very well when sending files back and forth for me and my clients.

I just want to comment again about VAs flaking out. Although I think this is really a terrible and not to mention unprofessional thing to do whether its to a client or another VA, I find it frustrating every time I hear it. The reason is that it gives a bad name to VAs, doesn't it? I'm a VA with my own business and I would also like to subcontract(sc) and although I'm just getting started with (SC), I would hate to think that they wouldn't give me a shot because I may "flake out". In case anyone is thinking that I am taking this personally, I'm not :-). It just frustrates me that it happens and I wonder if this may be the reason someone may not contact me.

Anyway, had to mention it.....hope the first paragraph helps.

Warmly,

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Simone M. Pohl
Executive Virtual Services