[Question] What do you do about Overflow / Subcontracting?

[ParadiseLegal]

When I began working in my VA business in 2005, I got so busy that I needed to hire subcontractors to do some of the work, specifically transcription services. I was just wondering whether anyone has had a time when they felt a need to subcontract their services or get an assistant.

More specifically, as a Paralegal VA, when dealing with attorneys, do you feel it may be unethical to do this or do you have a clause in your contract that states that some work may be subcontracted?

If you've subcontracted work as a Paralegal VA, how did it work for you? What type of work did you subcontract and did you subcontract with someone you were able to physically meet to discuss or did you do everything virtually?

I'm trying to get my ducks in a row. I hope to be VERY busy in the next 90 days!!

[MrsIngram]

I was also wondering about this. I am a newbie but have more real estate agents than I can handle asking me when I will be open for business. I really want to put a team together but I am nervous. Has anyone hired subcontractors or employees?

[Balancing Act]

MrsIngram, I sent you a PM about your "problem"

[MrsIngram]

Balancing Act,
Since I'm new I couldn't pm you back because I'm new and haven't had enough posts. But as soon as I get going I will definately be contacting you. Thanks!

[Essential Office Solutions]

Having started my VA business with telemarketing & telesales it became apparent very early on that I would have to have subcontractors as there are only so many hours in a day that calls could be made to businesses.

I set up my website with verbiage to indicate that my business was a team effort so that prospects and customers would know up front that I personally might not be handling all of their work.

Also, buy including in my contract forms my company would determine the staff working on any project or for any customer and I also included it in my initial conversation with prospects.

From the other side I also have clients that are aware that I personally do not have the skills they require but they prefer to work with me, so I find subcontractors to perform those services for me. One subcontractor - who does websites actually prefers our arrangement as it allows her to create websites and do what she loves without having to interact directly with the clients.

You have to determine how you will set-up your subcontractor business.

Your subcontractors will have contact with clients as a member of your team and you check in with client to ensure they are receiving the services and quality expect.

The subcontractors do not have client contact and you manage all client relations and provide tasks and instructions to each.

Or a combination of these will also work dependent on the client and/or the work.

Hope that helps - there is also a group here on VAF that is about subcontracting you might want to join connect with others who have multi-VA practices.

[Cpayne]

I have been wondering the same thing. I am mostly concerned about the subcontractor/employee problem. Anyone have a good contract/business plan to handle this. I know that the government starts with the presumption that everyone is an employee and it can be refutted. Just worring about taxes and workman's comp.

[ShelleyH]

Cpayne, when you 'hire' a subcontractor, you just need to file an I9 stating they are a sub. You dont take taxes out of their check, they do that.. its pretty straight forward.

[Cpayne]

Cpayne, when you 'hire' a subcontractor, you just need to file an I9 stating they are a sub. You dont take taxes out of their check, they do that.. its pretty straight forward.

Thanks!! I thinking I am just letting my mind wonder too far. I have heard stories about the government alleging mis-classification of contractors versus employees.

[Wordpro Wizard]

Personally I have never sub-contracted work and never would ... on a subcontract basis. I prefer to work closely one-on-one with my clients. If a client needs a service I don't do such as bookkeeping, graphic design or more than basic IT I refer them to trusted locals. In return they refer people to me. It's a win-win situation without headaches.

I only take on a certain number of clients and work that I can handle personally, even if it means working into the night occasionally for a client super rush. You are the face of your company, the clients trust you and want to deal with you personally. When your "face" becomes blurred they are likely to wander away. The personal attention is what makes us trusted as a right hand to a client, to understand them and their business and have the ability to take them and their business wherever they want to go.

Just my two pennyworth.

Lynne

[hbplifestyle]

As a subcontractor myself. A contractor can choose to let us have direct contact with their current clients or not at all. In that case I work through contractor or a project manager. Most of the contractors I have worked with let their clients be aware they subcontract to other virtual assistants.

It's a matter of building a trust so starting with small projects might be best to see if you work well with a sub.