Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

cjherzog · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008

I have a question regarding hiring VA Subs.

I got a call this morning regarding an Access project. This would be an ongoing project, as the database would change, etc. I told him that while I have used Access in the past, I would not be comfortable doing his project. He thanked me for my honesty, and "that was that."

After thinking about it for awhile (I felt disappointed that "one got away"), I was wondering if I should have a VA sub set-up to take these types of projects. I could've referred him to her/him and still have him as a client.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Connie

Rebecka Melson · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008

It just depends on whether or not you want the responsibiliy of taking on a sub or not. Personally I wouldn't take on a project, even for the purposes on subbing out, that I couldn't complete myself, because I don't feel I could adequately monitor the quality of the work.

I have one person (my mom) that works with me that helps me with overflow, but I check everything before it goes out to make sure it meets my standards. I don't think I could do that to the best of my ability if it's not something I am educated in.

I just personally don't want the responsibility of dealing with subs.

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008

Hi Connie,

You don't necessarily need a sub setup for this type of situation. A good relationship and networking background with other VAs is definitely a good idea. This way, you can refer the prospect to the a VA you know pretty well and trust. The prospect will be happy you provided them with an alternative (they called you to begin with right?), the VA you referred the prospect to will be happy and you still helped out the person who initially called you (which is always a good thing).

Don't fret on the feeling like you let him get away...chalk it up to a learning experience..now you will be ready the next time you get a phone call just like that! I say kudos to you for telling him you were not comfortable assisting him with the task!

To explore the issue on subs...you can of course go that route. I am not sure where you are in your VA business. If you are established and feel like you want to outsource to a sub, then why not explore the idea more? Here is a pretty good thread on subcontracting that you may be interested in reading.

Of course, if you are still somewhat new (like me) referring services to other VAs it probably a better way to go, until you are ready to not only conduct your own day to day work, but delegate and then check the work provided by your subs.

Modern Marketing Support · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008

I work with subs and while most of them are amazing, I have had trouble with some. I don't take on new clients for the sole purpose of subbing it out. My subs are hired because a current client has requested something I can't do myself.

I'm sure some of the mulit-VA business owners here at the forums will provide some good advice. I'm also interested in what they have to say.

White Rose · #5 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008

If it was me, I wouldn't take it. If the project requires an experience that I don't have, I would refer them to another VA.

VagabondetteVA · #6 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008

I agree with the others, I wouldn't take it if I couldn't do the work myself - unless it was an existing client. I would refer them to another VA in that case.

cjherzog · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008

Thank you! I really apprciate everyone's feedback.

I think I will refer a prospect, until I get my nationwide business off the ground. I am in the process of studying and training to become a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional). This will include Access, which I've been avoiding for many years. I know I need to know this program, and this phone call yesterday supports that.

Again, thank you for all the feedback. You've been much helpful.

Connie

My Office Zilla · #8 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008

Hi Connie! I agree with everything said here so far. There are two points I'd like to add:

I had a request at my first networking event for something I'm not particularly interested in providing and felt exactly the same pain you felt. In order to stay connected with someone who had reached out to me I told her I didn't do that but I could definitely connect her with someone who did...thanks to the network we have here! I came home that Friday evening and by Saturday at noon I had TWO options for her. I think that reciprocity will come into play here and someday a VA from VAF will give me something too.
The other option is telling them about the board here where they can post an ad!

Hopefully after this string you'll feel like you have more options and it won't "hurt" so bad next time!

Make it a great day!

tildavirtual · #9 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008

I'm a multi-VA and I never take on work I can't do myself. My worse case scenario is that the sub becomes ill or unavailable and I need to do the work myself. I always take into consideration what skills I have and whether I would be able to meet the deadline should something happen. I didn't bring in VAs to extend what I do but to help me with my overflow so I can work on becoming less of a workaholic

cjherzog · #10 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008

Thanks Sundi:

Yes, I did get some great advice - yours included. Why I didn't refer him to this site is beyond me.....I've never had a request I couldn't do before so it through me for a loop. Not to mention is was very early in the morning and was still getting my kids off to school. Oh well, live and learn, right?

Make it a great day everyone!
Connie