A Subcontractor Who Invests

[hbplifestyle]

Recently I've been researching what service providers are looking for in a subcontractor. Curious to hear whether multi-VA firms are looking for a sub just to complete a task or invest themselves into a company.

Prior to doing the research I looked at subcontracting as clearing another's desk of small tasks. Putting the word "Vested" in front of subcontracting gives it a whole new meaning for both parties.

What are the thoughts of the multi-VA's of this group?

 

[debw241]

I would be interested in reading responses re this as well. As subcontractor of course would take tasks -- but would much prefer to have long on-going business relationship where I feel I am an integral part of the business.

 

[ftrammell]

I like the idea of a subcontracter. Is this the same as having other virtual assisitants under you as well?

 

[debw241]

Yes ftrammell -- there are many offices who are multi-VA offices. Stay on here and keep learning and asking questions. You can also search if there is a certain area that interests you.

 

[Your Virutal Assistants]

At this moment we do use sub contractors just for short term work. The initial plan of our business was to have sub contractors actually be a part of the business, unfortunately we have had a very hard time of finding reliable and affordable VAs in our growth stages. We have been had some VAs that we subcontracted work to- only to find out that they never did the work- and then never replied to emails afterwards. This makes it hard on the company because then we are stuck having to change passwords and inform a client on why we are changing their passwords. From this past lesson, we now make sure when we hire a subcontractor- that we give them trial projects for our stuff with only our passwords at risk. Once we know they are going to work out- then we move them to a client's job.

 

[Catherine Coombs]

Depending on business needs both can be beneficial. Partnering with another VA requires a long term plan that suits both parties and mutual trust. I suppose the short term sub contracting work could be a way to start this relationship.