This is actually my future plan for my business. When I start getting close to being too busy, I will addd associates instead of employees. I may even do this once I get more comfortable because I would love to add a website designer and an account to my business. The women who started EVA is very particular about who she lets in and how they represent her company. But they are their own business owners.

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Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.

Its a big country out there. She can advertise in her area, and you in yours. Then you could just give each other your overflow work and keep all the billing seperate. You will probably stay friends longer that way!

Hello,
This is how Assist My Business got started.
I had an idea about what to do with the VA business and my partner pretty much filled in the blanks. So when we figured out how we wanted to structure the business we both decided to make each other Co-Owners. We are an S Corp so we have stock in our business. We both own about half the stock each. We both work on equal but different part, which is pretty much (what is our expertise in?) He is the company's Marketing agent and website developer he works on the back end. Also he does not talk directly to any of our clients if we had one on one consultations. I am the PR agent and the virtual assistant. I go out there and attend networking group meetings and get involved in my community. I also do work on all VA online marketing and social media where as my partner will work on the marketing campaigns, and website development. I am usually to go out and talk with a potential clients and find out exactly what their needs are. He will set the meetings up if he meets someone and I go and meet with them. As partner we both work together really well and we both have the same business mindset. We never make decisions without each others opinions and thoughts. We always consult each other before we jump into anything. Which I truly think has been working for us. You want to definitely go into business with someone you trust and someone you can always count on. We have a board set up in our office that presents all of our future ideas, upcoming events, and todo list. SO if we dont get a chance to talk to one another we just look at the board. Also any client we have emails with we always cc. or bcc copies so we are both in the loop of each client. We do this in case one of us is unable to perform a task the other can take over. As far as finances go, this is what we did.
We opened up a business account under the Corp name, but also put both of our names on the account so we can both access it. The thing is, that when we charge a client all the money goes into our account no matter what. At the end of the month we get paid. A certain percent stays in the account to invest back into the business and another percentage pays us for that month. I hope that makes sense. So far it has been working for us. Let me know if you have any questions.

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Alyssa
CEO, Co-Owner of Assist My Business

I am a fairly new VA, as I established my business (on a part time basis while still maintaining a full time JOB) just over 3 months ago. I am now looking into partnering with other VAs on a consulting or subcontracting basis to compliment the services I offer. I am hoping to gain experience in several new aspects while expanding my list of services. It's all a learning experience and I look forward to building relationships with like minded VAs along the way.

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Carol Aldridge
www.ProgressiveBusinessSolutions.net

Carol,
Your website and brochure are nicely done. Is the brochure done in Publisher?
You have quite a list of skills and experience now. I'm sure you will find a partner.
Best to you.
Mary

Hi Mary. Yes, the brochure was created in Publisher. Thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving.

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Carol Aldridge
www.ProgressiveBusinessSolutions.net

I'd be interested in hearing how things progress for you.... I'm in the same situation myself. Keep us posted!

Thanks Ellee, I will. And best wishes to you in your endeavors as well.

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Carol Aldridge
www.ProgressiveBusinessSolutions.net

Partnering is a subject that I've considered several times over the years - I've got a friend who is FANTASTIC with web work and graphics where it's not my strongest skill... and other areas where she's lacking I tend to shine so it would be a great win-win situation. The only thing that's really held us back over the years is not wanting to give up our individual practices and not knowing how we could successfully merge them. What we've done is just refer the work back and forth and it's worked out nicely so far.

We have a partnership of 3 individuals and combining the knowledge is a great edge!! Good luck and keep us posted.

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Christine Thomas
Social Pepper