I agree with Derek, if you are serious about getting into this industry you have to prove yourself. Someone mentioned earlier that if a Lead VA subcontracts work out, the VA receiving the work needs to treat the Lead VA as a client, essentially that is what they are.
On the flip side, if the subcontract VA meets all expectations the Lead VA should provide a testimonial for them. Which will help them get started and the Lead VA has a reliable person.
I know the problem is if they don't perform the Lead VA has egg on their face. Tough position for everyone.

If a lead VA acts like a client and wouldn't discuss about the "original" client's outsourced work being outsourced again, then more likely, the subcontractor wouldn't think that it's not really his/her business that will be affected if the work isn't completed. Letting the subcontractor think and feel that the buck stops with him/her would give him/her a sense of ownership.

Thanks for these tips guys, i am a newbie and i am also interested in doing sub contract works to other VA's. I learned so much on this topic. Very nice.

Great topic! As someone who has trasitioned into the "multi-VA" model, I have had some ups and downs with subcontractors.

Tess is exactly right when she said that subs need to remember that the lead VA IS their client. That seems to be my biggest problem as some subcontractors I've dealt with don't seem to take the projects I hand over as seriously or treat with the same sense of urgency or attention to detail as it is not THEIR client that they are doing work for. That drives me crazy.

But some additional tips to those that want to subcontract
1. Read the instructions or directions for a project thoroughly. Many lead VAs have worked painstakingly on those task instructions so that they do not have to repeat themselves. And one missed detail can mess up a whole project.
2. Do not leave a lead VA hanging when a challenge arises after agreeing to take on a project. Nothing is worse than having a sub take on a project and when things get sticky or they can't figure out a part of it, they just give up and say "I couldn't figure this out, sorry!" and vanish. Be proactive and help find solutions.

I must say overall, I have assebled some great team members now and I am looking forward to growing further. I've made some mistakes along the way but it has been a great learning experience.

Being new to the business, what's the best way to subcontract for other VA's? I'm in need of cashflow while building my client base. Any suggestions?

__________________
Laurie Brown
VAofSWFL

I'd say to get subcontract work for other VAs, besides browsing through and answering RFPs that VAs will submit at different networking groups, you should network, network, network. Let other VAs know you exist, that you are eager for work and looking to help out. But don't only beg for work when online networking, you should also contribute. Let us know what your skill-set is. Demonstrate your knowledge on a specific topic, or contribute to in interesting debate or conversation. That will help get you noticed by other VAs and hopefully drive some business your way.

Megan

Thank you Megan, I appreciate the feedback and will take your advice.

__________________
Laurie Brown
VAofSWFL

This thread has had a great flow of conversation! I know that this has been mentioned a lot, but communication is key. I say this because my confidence, again, has really been tested about working with VAs that are not personally referred to or that I do not know. I have seriously reconsidered using an RFP to meet potential VAs.

Onward and upward!

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

This really has been a great thread. I can totally understand the concern when subcontracting your work out to other VAs that you don't know. I believe there will come a time when I have to subcontract work out to other VAs. I believe I would have to subcontract out to either people I know I can trust and/or people with a proven positive track record.

I value each and every one of my clients, I work my hardest to keep them happy! I think if I ever were to subcontract for another VA, I would work just as hard for the VA(possibly a bit more)because I know what it is like being a VA and how much my clients depend on me. The VA I am subbing for (my client) is depending on me to assist them with their clients. Their reputation is on the line(as well as mine and their clients'). I would not want to do anything to make anyone look bad, ever.

__________________
Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
My latest projects

Originally Posted by D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance

This really has been a great thread. I can totally understand the concern when subcontracting your work out to other VAs that you don't know. I believe there will come a time when I have to subcontract work out to other VAs. I believe I would have to subcontract out to either people I know I can trust and/or people with a proven positive track record. I value each and every one of my clients, I work my hardest to keep them happy! I think if I ever were to subcontract for another VA, I would work just as hard for the VA(possibly a bit more)because I know what it is like being a VA and how much my clients depend on me. The VA I am subbing for (my client) is depending on me to assist them with their clients. Their reputation is on the line(as well as mine and their clients'). I would not want to do anything to make anyone look bad, ever.

Yes, I completely agree with you. Whether one is working independently or subbing another VA, professionalism is the key. Though one is subbing for another VA, her/his work ethics, integrity, honesty should never come down. Once the reputation is destroyed, it's hard to build it and and I would never want to harm my leading VA and my own reputation by being an immature and unprofessional VA who don't care about her/her client's business.