What Makes a “Good” Subcontractor for Your VA Business?

 

I was reviewing my “Subcontracting Made Simple” notes yesterday in preparation for a presentation I’m giving next week. It occurred to me that while I discuss the pros and cons of working with a subcontractor I have not mentioned what qualities I look for when I’m hiring a new subcontractor (team members in my VA business).

One item you won’t find on the following list is training. I do not believe in training my subcontractors. I believe that they should come to me fully trained in their respective niches or skill set and ready to accept that first assignment – just like my clients expect of me.

Here are the qualities I consider “must-haves” in hiring and working with a subcontractor:

1. Professionalism

2. Reliable

3. Stable

4. Confident

5. Skilled

6. Committed

7. Team player

8. Experienced

9. Willing to learn

10. Open to suggestions

11. Creative and innovative

12. Proactive

13. Follows directions

14. Asks questions

15. Organized

16. Easy to communicate with

17. Versed in the current technology

This list could be used to identify the type of clients I work best with too!

Because my subcontractors are independents with their own businesses it only makes sense to me that they would possess these qualities and utilize them in their own businesses.

On the flip side what makes a good contractor? Here’s what my subcontractor’s say is important to them:

1. Steady work flow

2. Professional

3. Organized

4. Pays well and on time

5. Sets realistic turnaround

6. Understanding and compassionate

7. Has resources

8. Proactive

9. Excellent reputation

10. Matches subcontractor skills to project

11. Stands up for subcontractors

12. Reliable

13. Communicative

14. Easy to work with

There you have it; a starting point for negotiation from both sides.

Growing your business using subcontractors is really easy to implement but it does take planning. I’ve been on both sides, subcontractor (which is basically what I am to my clients) and contractor. I try to be respectful of both situations. Working with subcontractors for past 15 years has been very rewarding and extremely profitable.

So You Want To Be A Virtual Assistant?

By Karen L. Reddick, MVA

With the virtual assistance industry being one of the fastest growing administrative services on the internet, many people are ready to jump on this well-reputed band wagon. But can you just wake up one day and say, “Today, I’m going to become a virtual assistant”? Sure you can, but will you be successful? Probably not. One thing is certain; you should have at least three to five years of administrative experience, preferably working with top-level executives, before even considering a career as a Virtual Assistant (VA). Here are 15 other crucial steps to think about before, during and after starting your virtual assistant business.

1)      Research, research, research! What do other VAs offer? Pricing? Certifications? Memberships? Take the time to research other virtual assistant web sites. Make notes of what you like and dislike. Mimic (but not copy) what appeals to you.

2)      Get a web site - I hope it goes without saying, that you will need a website. It doesn’t have to be flashy. Simple, professional-looking, with benefit-oriented copy wins out over bells & whistles every time.

3)      Network - Join, at the very least, three virtual or face-to-face networking groups. No one will know you are “open for business” if you don’t tell them. Google networking groups in your immediate area as well as worldwide.

4)      Be excellent at what you do - Not mediocre, not halfway, but excellent. The VA industry continues to grow and there is a lot of competition out there; you have to do or be something above the rest.

5)      Get certified - There are several virtual assistant training and certification programs available. Take whatever steps you need to get some type of VA certification under your belt and stand one step above the crowd.

6)      Define your services - Do you provide a niche or special services, or do you prefer to be open and a generalist? (Examples of niche services would be: bookkeeping, graphics, web design, transcription, writing/editing.) Choose what you do best and then market to clients in that group.

7)      Before you take the leap - Purchase all the needed equipment and software upgrades you’ll need to run a professional office, which would include a high-quality all-in-one fax/printer/scanner/copier, extra phone lines, high-speed internet access, domain name and website.

8.)      Think virtually - Everything you do now will be technology based. The computer will become your best friend. All of your correspondence will be done via phone and email. Make sure your computer skills are top-notch. Learn asmuch as you can about the latest technology and continue to stay abreast of what’s hot in your target market.

9)      Market like a prospective client - When building your business, think like a client. What would you want in a VA? Then offer these skills and benefits.

10)  Read, read, read! - This is right up there with research, research, research. There are an abundance of “How-to” books on starting your virtual assistant business. If you can find free advice, all the better, but invest in a few quality books and learn all you can before you land that first client.

11)  Get some training - If you want to do it right, set aside a few extra dollars to work with a coach or take classes at an online virtual assistant university or community college.

12)  Be patient - It will take, at the very least, four to six months of networking and marketing before you will land your first client.

13)  One word: Referrals - Word of mouth and referrals are what make your company grow. Doing quality work with a strong business ethic will get you referrals over and over again.

14)  How do we contact you? - Your contact information should be listed on everything. Business cards, website, email signature, blog. Every time you send out any type of communication, always be sure to have all of your contact information easy to find and read.

15)  Once you do land a client - Communicate. Remember, your clients cannot see you sitting at your desk. A two-second email reply to clients’ inquiries can make all the difference in creating trust in their minds, which will put them at ease and instill the necessary competence it takes for success.

© 2006 Karen L. Reddick, MVA, author of the A-Z Guide: The Best Ways To Work With A VA, has more than 30 years of administrative experience, the last five as a successful virtual assistant, and runs V-And-E­Services providing virtual assistance and editorial services to authors, writers and small businesses. Contact Karen@VAndEServices.com. www.VAndEServices.com

Don’t Be A Victim Of Your Business

By Cheryl Callighan, MVA, Mentor/Coach 

The title of this blog post came to mind after reading several posts on the virtual assistant list serves. It appeared to me that many of the newer virtual assistants were having problems in two areas: 1) taking responsibility for their virtual assistant business and 2) setting boundaries with clients. 

Those of you that know me know I’m an ardent fan of Jack Canfield and his book The Success Principles. I’ve taught The Success Principles and have had numerous people tell me “This changed my life!”  

Well, Success Principle No. 1 is “Be Responsible.” This one principle alone has changed my life and my business. I no longer look for excuses, blame anyone or anything else for the outcomes of my choices nor do I complain. I try to make smart choices in my business and in my life. If the outcome is not what I was hoping for I examine my choice and my reaction to the event. I strive to learn from my mistakes.  

Being responsible as it applies to my business and how I interact with my clients means no excuses, no blaming anyone or anything and no complaining. Simply find a solution, make the right choices and provide excellent services and work products.  

I take complete responsibility for telling my clients about fees, terms, communication style, etc. I take responsibility for getting all the details of a project, getting an actual, not arbitrary deadline, and I get it in writing. My clients are aware that any changes or deviations from the original project scope means additional time and fees.  

Most importantly, all clients sign a contract and we review the terms in person over the phone. No contract, no work. Plain and simple.  

My team members all have contracts as well. Their contracts spell out their services, fees and payment terms. Both contracts have a clause that allows either party to terminate the contract with 30 days written notice.  

As for boundaries especially with clients, most of these are laid out in my contract but I specifically review my hours and communication style with each client. Clients are aware of my regular business hours and how I prefer to communicate even before they sign a contract. Urgent or complex issues deserve a phone call, day-to-day tasks or updates work well with email and I don’t use IM with my clients, it’s too disruptive for my work flow.  

I do not work evenings, weekends or holidays period. I have my boundaries for family time as well and I stick to them. While my youngest son is going to be 20 this month (no kids at home!) I now have grandchildren that I spend time with regularly.  

The bottom line is to take responsibility for all aspects of your business from setting your fees, setting your hours, getting detailed information on each project and establishing boundaries for your business operation. These few things will go along way in avoiding conflicts with your clients, your family and help to smooth out your daily business operation through less stress for you.  

Take time to identify just how you want your business to run, what you expect from your clients and what they can expect from you. No one will be disappointed and your clients will respect your business just as much as you do.    

© 2007 Cheryl K. Callighan, MVA, owner of eOffice-Virtual Assistants LLC providing administrative and secretarial services to small businesses and entrepreneurs and the University of Virtual Assistants where she assists new virtual assistants through online training. She has over 30+ years of administrative experience and 18 years as a virtual assistant. Contact: Cheryl@eOffice-VirtualAssist.com * Cheryl@UofVAs.com. Websites: www.eOffice-VirtualAssist.com * www.UofVAs.com.