Originally Posted by ASecondOffice

I have been operating a multi-va business for over 6 years now and while I am not getting rich, I feel good that I am making somewhat of a living and helping others make a living, too. I have 4 other VAs working for my company at various skill levels and offerings. I hire them as independent contractors (subcontractors). When I hire a subcontractor, they must have their own business, and even sometimes a business name for me to write the checks to. One of my subcontractors who signed an independent contractor filed an unemployment claim against me with the State of Colorado and won. It still amazes me that, first, the contractor broke trust and filed the claim, and, second, that she won even after signing an independent contractor agreement. She had her own office, equipment, etc. So, just beware. That's why I'm having current and future VAs have a business name. Thanks, Michele Guarino A Second Office LLC

Now this makes me nervous, but now I am very aware. Note to self, make sure any sub-contractors hired have their own business, verify name of business, make them present EIN, etc.

This is a great thread and discussion!

When working in a multi-VA business, does each VA have his or her own website and market the skills of the other VAs? Or is there a main VA who drums up business, then delegates? I figure that if each VA is essentially his or her own company that they would also assist in obtaining new clients. I suppose it would all depend on the how the VAs chose to work, but the whole idea of a multi-VA business is intriguing!

I will certainly be re-reading this discussion when I need to consider branching out.

~ Gloria

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~ Gloria
http://www.uptimevirtualassistants.co m

Originally Posted by UptimeVA

This is a great thread and discussion! When working in a multi-VA business, does each VA have his or her own website and market the skills of the other VAs? Or is there a main VA who drums up business, then delegates? I figure that if each VA is essentially his or her own company that they would also assist in obtaining new clients. I suppose it would all depend on the how the VAs chose to work, but the whole idea of a multi-VA business is intriguing! I will certainly be re-reading this discussion when I need to consider branching out. ~ Gloria

Thank you Gloria. The main difference in multi-va and subcontracting is a team approach. Multi-va businesses have the team members listed on their team web pages, but everything is under the umbrella of the multi-va business owner. The VAs do not market each other. Team members also have direct contact with the clients. Whereas, with sub-contractors, they don't have contact with the clients. You, as the multi-va biz owner manage the clients and projects.

In both cases, subcontractors and team members/associates are va's themselves and are at the point of beginning stages of their businesses or have room for more work. I hope this helps.

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Rita Cartwright, Founder
RJ's Internet Marketing Services

Thank you everyone for your interest in my post, as well as for your comments/posts. I started this thread in August 2007 and can't believe it is still active.

With the economy like it is, there will be more entrepreneurs and small business owners, and they will need virtual assistance. We probably will see more multi-va businesses, both team and subcontracting model. I look forward to reading your responses/posts.

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Rita Cartwright, Founder
RJ's Internet Marketing Services

Originally Posted by At Your Virtual Door

Now this makes me nervous, but now I am very aware. Note to self, make sure any sub-contractors hired have their own business, verify name of business, make them present EIN, etc.

Also include some type of verbiage in the contract that would prevent the sub-va's from being able to file a claim. I am going to include it in my future contracts.

Thank you Michele for sharing your awful experience in order to help us.

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Rita Cartwright, Founder
RJ's Internet Marketing Services

Hi Rita,

It is great to see you here at VAF. I thoroughly enjoyed your take on were the options virtual assistants have when growing their business! Thank you for taking the time to post. I look forward to connecting with you more!

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Rikki Green
www.timeforlifeconcepts.com

My goal is to eventually grow to a multi-VA business. I'll be watching for more advice on how to get to that level. Thanks.

Great article and thanks for the tips about the "unemployment" situation. There are so many little loopholes, it makes me sweat!! It's probably a good idea to get an attorney in your state to write up contracts, ect.

Thanks! Steph

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Your Marketing, Research and SEO assistant www.buckeyeva.com

Originally Posted by marketingva

Great article and thanks for the tips about the "unemployment" situation. There are so many little loopholes, it makes me sweat!! It's probably a good idea to get an attorney in your state to write up contracts, ect. Thanks! Steph

Hi, Steph,

I had one of the best law firms in Colorado write up my independent contractor's agreement, and it still did not help. I was told by the unemployment person that having an agreement only puts the burden on the state to prove that the person was an employee or an independent contractor.

Michele

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Business Support for the Busy Executive

Rita, this is a great article and even though my VA business is still in the early stages, my long range goal is to build a team of VA's with experience in other areas to build on and enhance the services I currently offer. This dicussion shows me that I am heading in the right direction with my business.

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Margie Gibson
http://mgvirtualofficesolutions.com