International Virtual Assistants Association Summit 2008

Wow! I’ve just returned from the IVAA’s 2008 Summit in Charlotte, SC.

What a wonderful Summit. Fabulous speakers, tons of great information and contacts! I met so many people that I recognized just by names in signature blocks. Now I have a face to go with those names.

The speakers were energetic and all had great information to share on marketing, relationship building, contracts, search engine optimization, not to mention the information just passed around by networking with everyone.

The only word I can think of is “energy”. There was lots of energy from the new VAs. Their excitement fueled us all on and in my opinion, brought out the best in all of us. I know my batteries were fully recharged!

Beside the energy factor, the networking was the best. I had the opportunity to reconnect with VAs I’d met before, met VAs I’d never met but only corresponded with via email and I found a few new team members too.

I will definitely be at the 2009 Summit. I can’t wait to see what the line up is!

© 2008 Cheryl K. Callighan, MVA/Coach and owner of eOffice-VirtualAssistants LLC (www.eOffice-virtualAssist.com), has more than 30 years of executive administration and 19 years as the owner of eOffice-Virtual Assistants LLC Contact at Cheryl@eoffice-virtualassist.com.

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.