I agree with Shauna that I'm not about to start doing "free" work for someone to prove my worth... nor would I expect someone else to do the same for me. However, I don't believe it was anyone's intention here to suggest that this is a method to pursue either... unless I've completely missed something. With that said, to ask for an example of previous work completed as Diana suggested, especially in the case of creatives, or web designs, anything visual in nature, would be a completely acceptable practice that I don't think anyone should take offense to. I've had clients ask for examples of work I've done on many occassions. I think it's only good business to have a portfolio to refer to; whether that be a physical one or an electronic one that could be sent either via email, or via a link to a page where you have it stored online.

It doesn't matter if you're "interviewing" with your own clients, with another VA or if you're interviewing a VA yourself that you may want to subcontract. You can't expect someone who doesn't know you, your work habits, ethics or convictions to just hire on blind faith. And, as a business person, I certainly wouldn't hire someone on blind faith; especially when in the end, it's my name on the line.

Just my two cents.

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Tanya Ericksen-Troska
Executive VA - Member of Kudzu, IVAA, REVA, IREAA

great advice.. I will definintely keep the info for future issues

You'll find that this forum offers a plethora of great advice, and an equally great number of members with varying styles, experience/backgrounds and creativity.

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Tanya Ericksen-Troska
Executive VA - Member of Kudzu, IVAA, REVA, IREAA

Comunication is key! Thanks for the insight.

Originally Posted by DianaEnnen

Hi There were such excellent advice and tips offered here on subcontracting. I know it will help so many. Communication is absolutely the key. Subcontracting can be such a positive experience for both when it works out. As a VA who used Subcontractors on a regular basis, I know that once you find some that are good, they are like gold! I do everything I can to keep them and make them happy and want to stay with me. Here are some of the things that I've discovered that have worked for me over the years. 1) Directions are very important. I will often have the subcontractor write back and confirm the directions before getting started and also send me an example before they do the entire project. That has saved us so many problems. Often times it's been me that has written the directions wrong. I'm in a hurry and write them quickly and they aren't as they should be. But by having her repeat it back, and send a sample, we catch it. Of course, I do try and slow down and send better instructions too. 2) Time for completion of work. It's really important to have an understanding of this. When I send something new, I will let them know when I need it by and then they confirm. If anything comes up, they know I need to know ASAP. They realize that I'm on a deadline with my clients, so usually they are very good at meeting the timeframes we need. 3) Mistakes ... Often times when something is done wrong, I'll try and explain what is wrong with it and not be too critical. We all make mistakes, and I value them so much that it's not a problem. But I want to be able to come to them with how to do it right so that it's done correctly the next time. I know how I feel when a client comes to me with a mistake, so I avoid the terms "typos," etc. It's a learning process for both of us, so we try and keep it that way. 4) Samples .. I will try and provide them with samples of what I need whenever possible. That really helps. It's so true that our reputation is on the line so often. I've too had VAs that have disappeared. It is so stressful. I try now and get a phone number and get references and really check them out first. How they present on the forums and their website is a big indicator of their professionalism. Thanks! Diana Ennen

Thanks for these very important tips Diana. I do subcontracting work for another US-based VA ( I am from the Philippines) and it's nice to read the thoughts of a VA/Client.

As someone that works with sub-contractors this is all very sound advice. I just want to add that i learned from the ones that did not work out. I have established a criteria list and took note on why it did not work out so that i could work to prevent those set back in the future. Not all things are avoidable.

Like a few of you stated, some work out great in the beginning then they just vanish even with great communication. The last time that happened. I waited a couple of weeks and then contacted the person back and she simply did not know how to go about contacting me after some time had passed. Just not business savy. She thanked me for giving her a second chance. Some new VA's have never owned their own business or have any business backgroud they just know how to do the work that is given to them and it is all a learning process.

I would suggest setting up a follow up process with your subbies and establish working guidelines.

I am always looking for new VA's to delegate to. Not every one is a match but when a good one comes along it makes it all worth it.

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Carla Kroger, Business Manager
www.dailyadministration.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.

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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