Thanks to everyone for your responses. I am still trying to consider how to handle this. I am considering covering training at a reduced rate. However, I totally see where Kathy is coming from with the earning potential that will be there from this acquired training. The jury is still out on this one.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Working as a subcontractor sounds great. You shouldn't have to worry about payment and you are working with someonw who knows the business and whose expectations are fair.

I've worked as a subcontractor doing transcription, and I love it. Don't have to worry about the client, and the people/company that I subcontract for have always been reliable for payment. I have one contract that I get paid twice a month without fail, and can request as much work as I can handle. I don't have to do the marketing for that work, and I don't have to deal with chasing down clients who don't pay.

As far as the training goes, if it's a skill-set that they will be able to use in other positions or working with other companies, then I would consider doing it as unpaid training. Consider how much people will often pay to be trained! If, however, there is really nothing they'd be able to use elsewhere, then consider some sort of compensation for the training. To save on those who abandon the training partway through, perhaps you could make an agreement that they must finish the training, and put in X amount of work, then they will receive a "bonus" compensation for the training hours.

Originally Posted by anisemama

I've worked as a subcontractor doing transcription, and I love it. Don't have to worry about the client, and the people/company that I subcontract for have always been reliable for payment. I have one contract that I get paid twice a month without fail, and can request as much work as I can handle. I don't have to do the marketing for that work, and I don't have to deal with chasing down clients who don't pay. As far as the training goes, if it's a skill-set that they will be able to use in other positions or working with other companies, then I would consider doing it as unpaid training. Consider how much people will often pay to be trained! If, however, there is really nothing they'd be able to use elsewhere, then consider some sort of compensation for the training. To save on those who abandon the training partway through, perhaps you could make an agreement that they must finish the training, and put in X amount of work, then they will receive a "bonus" compensation for the training hours.

I really like the training bonus concept. Thanks for your reply.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Hi Tamika,

I have not been a VA for very long. I have not subcontracted as of yet. If you need any assistance I would be interested in talking with you.
If you need assistance on a program that I have not been trained on I will do the training on my time I am always taking training classes.
The cost of software to me is a negotiable item.
I would be interested in speaking with you further on this if I may.
You can PM me if you wish. I am on skype also.

Thank you for your time,
Linda Taylor

Tamika,

If the program is not something they can use elsewhere, I believe there should be a reduced pay for training.

Another option would be to pay the trainees in increments based upon how long they stay with the training. So if the training is 6 weeks, then they would receive say, 1/3 of the total at 2 weeks, another 1/3 at 4 weeks and the remaining 1/3 at 6 weeks. This way if they pull out early, the loss wouldn't be so great.

Another thought...and this is way out there....since so many people will offer to pay for training to get the job, why not offer to pay them for half the training and they pay the other half at signing of contract. If they complete the training, then they are reimbursed for their portion paid.

Looking forward to hearing what you decide. Sounds like a wonderful project.

I realize this post was a while back but I was curious how you did with getting clients and if you found the need to hire subcontractors. Share your findings and advice with us. I have a couple groups going on specific to helping subs and it's good to get feedback.

Originally Posted by Administrative Partners

As I mentioned in the "brag" forum, I am anticipating taking on quite a few clients in the next few weeks. This will mean I will need to hire quite a few subcontractors. What I want to know from my fellow VAs who are subcontractors is: 1. Do you enjoy working as a subcontractor? If so, what is the VA you working with doing that makes this a good fit for you? 2. What would you like the VA you are working with to do differently that could make the subcontracting position more enjoyable? 3. Training: Were you paid for training on specific systems, if applicable? If not, do you feel you should have been? I need to start drawing up some agreements and figuring out how to structure my business with subcontractors as a major part of it. I think I actually need to revisit my business plan as this aspect was not addressed when I wrote my plan about 6 months ago. So any input regarding your working relationships would be great. If you don't feel comfortable providing this information in the open forum, please feel free to send me a private message or an email (you don't have to include specific VA names). Thanks in advance. tj

I am interested in learning more about this topic. Does anyone have any idea what thread I may be able to keep an eye on for VAs who are looking to sub contract to other VAs?

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by virtuallyrobin

I am interested in learning more about this topic. Does anyone have any idea what thread I may be able to keep an eye on for VAs who are looking to sub contract to other VAs? Thanks!!

Take a look at our subcontractor group on this forum. http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...-road-success/

I like to get contractor's to join so they can watch the interaction of the subs. Let me know if you have more questions.

Hi Tamika,

I will be glad to answer your questions! Here goes....

1. Do you enjoy working as a subcontractor? If so, what is the VA you working with doing that makes this a good fit for you?
I do enjoy working as a subcontractor. Since I am still starting up my personal VA business, it gives me an opportunity to increase my skill set.

2. What would you like the VA you are working with to do differently that could make the subcontracting position more enjoyable?
Nothing, I think we work well together. She knows that she can hand off tasks to me and I will take care of them (asking questions if needed). She knows she does not have to hold my hand throughout the job.

3. Training: Were you paid for training on specific systems, if applicable? If not, do you feel you should have been?
No I was not paid for training on specific systems. I do not feel I should have been paid because this is a skill set I will be using with my own business. Plus as a subcontractor and not an employee, it is my responsibility to be prepared not the company I am contracted into.

HTH!

__________________
Anjanette
Precise Assistance