Many new virtual assistants, as well as some seasoned ones, will subcontract for other virtual assistants. When doing so, it is crucial to take steps that will make you a valuable addition to another virtual assistant’s team.

If you think of those who subcontract to you as your client – you will be on the right track. While this is an arguable fact, I find that treating them as a client ensures that I give them the same respect that I would anyone else. Trust me, when you find the right virtual assistant to subcontract for, you might come to enjoy working with them even more than your other clients.

Tip #1 If You Cannot Do it – Admit It

I have heard this complaint over and over. A fellow virtual assistant has assigned a task to another VA who tells them that they know how to do the work. At the end of the day, the task goes unfinished, because they did not know how to do it. Sometimes, they attempt to do the task, and their work makes it clear that they have never done it before.

Most virtual assistants have told me that they don’t mind it when someone tells them that they have never done a task before, but they are frustrated when someone lies about it.

Typically, when I’m assigned a task that I haven’t done before, I let them know and charge less for the first project (it’s only fair). In my case, this has never cost me work.

Tip #2 Timing

While they can’t insist that you use their time management system, I feel that it’s important to do so (as long as there is no cost incurred on my part). This fosters trust between me and the virtual assistant who has trusted me with their client’s work. The sad truth is that some VAs just jot their time down on a piece of paper. In speaking with those who have hired them, there is an element of mistrust when this happens. So, whether you use their time system or another, use a time system. You will find this to be vital in building trust.

Tip #3 Meet Deadlines

When subcontracting, meeting deadlines is crucial. When responding to an RFP, I was told by another virtual assistant that many who have subcontracted for her didn’t meet the deadlines or simply didn’t do the work at all. This is never a good idea. Those who have you on their teams have made certain promises to their customers. If you fail to meet your deadlines, it will reflect on their business. Put yourself in their shoes. If someone did not meet a deadline, would you send them work in the future?

Tip #4 Exceed Their Expectations - Check Your Work

I’ve known VAs who have lost subcontracting assignments because they failed to check their work. What I’m about to say is a personal choice and some will disagree. I check my work on my time. If I make an error, it reflects on me and my business. True, it reflects on those who subcontract to me as well. However, at the end of the day, even if their client will never know that I have done the work, I know. That’s enough of a push for me to want to get the work done right.

Tip #5 Ethics, Ethics, Ethics

This is the “location, location, location” phrase of virtual assistants. Shoddy ethics can ruin your chances of future work. Think about this for a minute. Would you want someone with questionable ethics to work for you? For me, it would be a deal breaker. It is that simple. If you have poor work ethics, those who subcontract to you will notice, and it is going to cost you in future work or referrals.

Subcontracting is a great way to add income to your virtual assistant business. I have known of successful virtual assistants who have had to rely on it during slow periods (even after being in business for years). If you choose to do subcontracting work, take steps to stand out. Others will notice.