I may be a bit apprehensive because I am a newbie. However, I am a newbie who is transitioning from full time employment to becoming a full time VA. I've often thought of using sub contractors to take care of my clients (as I obtain them) until I get enough where I feel comfortable quiting my full time job. But I am a control freak and a bit of perfectionist, which is difficult for some people to handle. I think its from my competitive corporate upbringing. I'm sure there are VAs who subcontract who are GREAT, but to hear stories like this likely will make all of us cautious.

tj
administrative partners, llc

TJ,
It's been over a year since you posted this comment. I'm currently in the same boat you were at that time. I'm curious to know... how has the transition been? I also work full time employee and want to subcontract to others until I take that final step of becoming a full-time VA. Do you have any tips to offer?

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Shaheda J

This has been an interesting and enlightening conversation. In business, you have to take the good with the bad and like Kylie said, "halk it up to bad experience" and move on!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

The whole conversation about subcontracting is is interesting. I would be interested to hear the experiences of VAs (positive and neagtive) of actually being the subcontrator. For example, did you get paid on time, did you enjoy the work, did you learn alot, etc.

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Lidia Griffin - Majenic Virtual Solutions
Virtual Assistant Services for Real Estate Professionals

Originally Posted by lidiagriffin

The whole conversation about subcontracting is is interesting. I would be interested to hear the experiences of VAs (positive and neagtive) of actually being the subcontrator. For example, did you get paid on time, did you enjoy the work, did you learn alot, etc.

It was really interesting to read everything from VAs who subcontract some work out to other VAs. Let me say what experience I have as subcontractor (I am working with VAs only).

I LOVE to work with other VAs (and that is probably because all the experience I have is only positive ). I learned a lot, I read a lot of new articles as I wanted to know more and to add more value to my work.

About communicating- that's true, communicating is the key. When I get new project I ask all the questions that I have. More questions in the beginning- less mistakes later

For time tracking we use myclientspot.com, so, lead VA can check it everyday. And we also use skype or gmail chat for communicating.

I really enjoy to be part of team. I am getting bigger projects now, so, what I can say to new VAs- you have to earn trust, it won't come in one day.

Wishes!
Jade

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VA for VAs
www.jadesvirtualoffice.com

Originally Posted by lidiagriffin

The whole conversation about subcontracting is is interesting. I would be interested to hear the experiences of VAs (positive and neagtive) of actually being the subcontrator. For example, did you get paid on time, did you enjoy the work, did you learn alot, etc.

I am also finding this conversation very interesting. I have had the pleasure of sort of sub contracting with 2 great VA's and the displeasure of subontracting to another individual.
As a grad from Red Deer College VA Certificate program one requirement is to put in 100 hours practicum with a VA. I worked with 2 seperate VA's to acquire my 100 hours and they were fantastic.
Unfortunately, my experience as a sub contractor with another VA that I found on my own was not as pleasant. After reading everything posted here I realize that a lot of the problem was lack of communication.
If I have learned nothing else it is to ask questions of what the contractor expects of me!

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Helen
H & L Bookkeeping & VA Services

Quote:

For other VAs looking to subcontract out, I highly recommend interviewing your subcontractor just as you would an employee or client. Ask for work samples and maybe have test projects to give potential subcontractors to complete for you. Really get to know them before adding them to your team and unleashing them on your clients.

This is a good idea, Kylie. That is exactly what I will do should I need to sub-contract with someone for my client's project.

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Brenda A. Jones
www.brevos.com

I really like the idea of a Test Project. As a newbie I don't really have a lot of work samples (but I am working on doing some of my own just for exampls of what i can do), and a test would be able to prove to other VA's that I have what it take.

I am not working full time and am just finishing receiving maternity benefits ... so I take my business VERY seriously. I get so disappointed when I see others out there who hurt the reputation of an industry by actions But I guess it happens in all other industries as well. Its just a matter of doing all you can to ensure you contract out to the right people.

This gives valuable information regarding the ins and outs of sub contracting work out as I was thinking about this have gained some great info. Need to do some more serious thinking

Thanks

This is a great topic. I think it is best for lead VAs to give subcontractors test projects that they would be willing to complete for free. If the subcontractor is serious about their business and wants to create and establish great business relationships, then he/she will do this without hesitation. Also, as mentioned earlier, communication is key. If you have given a subcontractor work, you must constantly communicate with that person to get status updates so you won't be burned at the last minute.

These types of stories make it difficult for VAs to trust other VAs to do work for them, which in turn could decrease the chances for good businesses to take on work for lead VAs. It is difficult for lead VAs to delegate to other people when they have bad experiences with subcontracting work and their level of expectations is a lot higher than the person working on a project for them. I've tried to offer my services to other VAs in the past, but they always mention the difficulty they've had with finding good businesses to work with. As a result, I lose out on good business opportunities.

Derek