Back to the Drawing Board – Getting Focused

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Collette Leave a comment


Many business owners end up going back to the drawing board once they start their business.  Key is knowing when it’s time to head back.

It’s been six years since I’ve been a virtual subcontractor.  There’s no way I’m stopping.  However it’s time I go back to the drawing board.  You ask why?  It’s simple.  For the past four years a client of mine has sucked the energy from me.  Not all bad because there was a lot learned too.  Last month we decided to call it quits, at least for awhile.

What does this mean for me for the subcontracting business?  Don’t worry I’m still available to provide my usual services online bookkeeping, excel spreadsheets, web research, software beta testing and other requests.  In three months that plan is to get my subcontracting resources cleaned up and ready to help others find projects or get the assistance they need.

One of my theories is that in order to make money it’s necessary to spend money.  That’s where your help will come in handy.  If you too want to get focused on your business take a look at the tool I want to purchase.  We can go through it together.  It’s Kelly McCausey’s Power of a Focused Business.  It doesn’t have to be scarey but having a hand to hold onto doesn’t hurt either.  So lets jump in it together.  Comment if you think you’ll be trying this tool as well.

 

Subcontracting Tips

How to Subcontract Parts of Your Internet Business — .

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Collette Leave a comment

You’d be amazed how thinking about subcontracting and where to begin outsourcing flummoxes everyone from the newest newbies to the seasoned gurus and everyone in between.

Buy why? Why is it so very confusing? Most of us manage to subcontract quite nicely in our day to day lives.

I oftentimes pose these questions to my coaching clients –

When you go to a restaurant, do you head back into the kitchen and cook your own food? (That’s just silly.)

And, if your appendix burst right now, would you go online to find out how to remove it yourself? (Please say “no”.)

Of course not!

But, why do we think it’s ok to do everything ourselves in our businesses?

I can’t figure out what it is, but I think I’m starting to narrow it down.

* Fear of losing control.

* Not knowing who to outsource work to. (Needing a recommendation.)

* Not wanting to take the time to outsource. (You think: “It’s quicker to do it myself.”)

* Costs. (Oftentimes, though, you can get help for a lot less than you think it’ll cost.)

* Lack of confidence in ourselves.

* Lack of confidence in the potential of our business.

No matter which of those it is, there comes a point with all of us, where you HAVE to outsource — at least if you ever want to be able to go on a real vacation where you leave the internet behind and relax with your loved ones.

I know. I know. If you’ve been following me for any amount of time – you’ve heard this song and dance before. BUT! While subcontracting isn’t perfect, it’s a heck of a lot better than putting the chains on your wrists from a job that you’ve created for yourself – one where you can’t escape.

So, my #1 tip for outsourcing is to try it.

Choose something small and work from there.

* Submitting some articles that you’ve written to the article directories.

* Finding blogs to guest post on and contacting the owners.

* Answering some emails regarding customer issues.

* Graphics to promote your products.

It really doesn’t matter where you start. The big thing is taking that first step so that you can enjoy the FREEDOM that comes with the online lifestyle.

Start small. Don’t go crazy. But, when you find someone who you work well with – build on that relationship so you have access to great people who know your style and who you’re comfortable working with. When I need a project done, I have my own personal rolodex of fabulously skilled people who I turn to on a regular basis. Not only does it save me time – but it also helps me to get great prices because they already know what I like, they know that I’m easy to work with and that I pay on time.

I hope this inspires you to start subcontracting in your business.

Nicole Dean can help you to get more done in your business without going crazy in the process. Yes, you can have a business AND a Life!

Check out https://www.mostlysanemarketing.com/ezGaffurl.php?offer=savvysub&pid=4 and sign up for her free “Outsourcing Mistakes” lessons on the top of the page to get started.

 

How & What To Subcontract , , ,

How To Get a Subcontracting Project When You Have No Experience

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Collette Leave a comment

Every virtual assistant posting seems to end the same way.  “Experience necessary.”  “Experience preferred.”  Some of them even say, “5+ years in business.”  Many newbies are facing the same conundrum:  How do you get experience if you have never worked virtually?  How do you get a client with no experience?

There are two ways to work around this dilemma.  The first is to focus on things you have done and show how they translate into virtual world.  The second is to do more things to create more work experience.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last several years, you have done things that can called experience.  Any membership groups, organizations, or activities you have participated in can be considered experience.  Try to highlight any of the accomplishments these types of groups have had, even if you did them as a team.  Brainstorming, recruiting new members, presenting ideas to other people all can be considered work experience.  Even past work experience, helping neighbors, or volunteering in groups can be considered experience. You simply need to tailor these experiences to meet the needs of the client’s needs you are trying to fulfill.

Ask other virtual business owners for informational interviews.  Many working professionals are willing to share their experiences and help people get started in the field.  They can give you direction on how to gain the necessary experience.  Be sure to attend any virtual conferences and take advantage of membership sites that socials groups maintains. Join professional organizations and network with as many people in your area of interest as possible.  You never know who you might impress or who may provide that first job opportunity.

Consider joining a non profit org, looking at internships, or mentorship opportunities.  These can be life changing experiences that open the doors for many clients.  While you are building a portfolio, you will also be making a contribution to the world and learning about yourself and your abilities.  Although these are usually considered volunteer positions, you may be given room and board and a monthly expense allowance.  You will gain experience and skills in ways that will make connections with people that can last a lifetime.

Gaining experience and building a portfolio is certainly a challenge for most people just starting out in the virtual world.  With some creativity and perseverance, it can be done.

 

Become a Subcontractor

Meet Subcontractor, Sandra Sims

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Collette Leave a comment

Name Sandra Sims
Business Name Lighthouse Virtual Solutions
Website www.lighthousevirtual.com
Twitter lvsolutions
Facebook sandra.sims2
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/sandrasimsva
1. Have you started subcontracting? Yes have been 2006 when I started my business.

2. What are your expertise and favorite services you will be offering? My expertise is Real Estate have been in that field for over 20 years now. Services I offer quite a few because of my Administrative assisting background I am well versed. I do have certifications I have the Real Estate Professional Assistants, REW Webographers, VAclassroom’s Social Media Marketing, and am trying to finish up VAclassroom’s Internet Marketing course.

3. Why have you chosen to subcontract vs contracting your own clients? I have both I subcontract and have a few of my own clients. But I love to subcontract with other VA’s because of the teachings that I receive from some of the best! I am currently on two teams of VA’s.

4. What resources have helped you in getting started as a sub? Forums, blogs, coaching, books? Having the VBSS system by VAnetworking.com and the Microsoft Office Suite, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA by Dianna Ennen and Kelly Poelker& The Virtual Assistant’s Guide to Marketing by Michelle Jamison, VAclassroom courses.

5. Share a success story or something about yourself and how this could benefit someone to take you on as a subcontractor. That I started my own VA business in 2006 due to wanting to work from home and be available for my son and family. I knew that I had several years of Administrative Assistance due to all previously held positions in the commuting workforce and just didn’t want to do that anymore. I feel that with my Real Estate back ground in Property Management this especially has helped me to be able to take on lots of tasks that my VA teams that I currently work with need for their clients and I just love being able to assist with those tasks and learn more all the time! This is why I know that I can benefit another subcontractor.

6. Additional comments you’d like to share. I am constantly trying to learn and keep up with new technology as mentioned above with my certifications and that I am in the process of taking VAclassrooms Internet Marketing 2010 course. I love to help other VA’s and helping them increase their clients businesses!

SubContractor Interviews

Meet Subcontractor, Julie Fuqua

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Collette Leave a comment

Name: Julie Fuqua
Business Name: Lioness Virtual Assistance
Website: www.valioness.com
Twitter @valioness
Facebook: https://bit.ly/bfOTPF
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliefuqua

1. Have you started subcontracting? Yes, I currently work on three teams of varying sizes.

2. What are your expertise and favorite services you will be offering? Web site maintenance, 1SC set up and maintenance, custom graphics, internet research and e-zines.

3. Why have you chosen to subcontract vs. contracting your own clients?
When starting out the most difficult task is finding clients. It takes awhile to build trusting relationships with people who never see or meet you in person. Other VAs understand this so I targeted busy seasoned VAs as my initial clients. I market my efficiency, accuracy and reliability and have not had any problems finding enough work. I may eventually extend my marketing to find my own clients one day.

4. What resources have helped you in getting started as a sub? Forums, blogs, coaching, books? I took some virtual business classes at a local college and did an internship with a seasoned VA. I joined IVAA and also attended the live IVAA Summit and networked with other VAs looking for reliable subcontractors.

5. Share a success story or something about yourself and how this could benefit someone to take you on as a subcontractor.
I am a perennial student and love learning new things. My favorite aspect of working on the internet is that it is continually evolving which means you need to be able to assimilate knowledge quickly and put it to work. I love that there is always something new to learn. I truly enjoy helping other VAs and their clients grow their businesses. I also like being challenged and am not afraid to take on a task or project which may not be in my particular expertise. Of course, I do not consider myself an expert in anything except learning, completing a VA’s task list, and putting out a superior product. As soon as I feel like an expert in a software program, an update rolls out and I know it is time to refresh my skills.

SubContractor Interviews

Top 5 Reasons To Choose Subcontracting

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Guest blogger Leave a comment

Most small business owners want to find ways to lower their costs. In reality, employee costs are usually the highest cost associated with running a business. One way in which an entrepreneur can save money is by hiring contractors. Here are five reasons to use a subcontractor.

It is usually much cheaper to outsource work rather than hiring an employee. With an employee, a business owner must pay heavy taxes and a full-time salary. On the other hand, a contractor only gets paid for the work they complete. Not only that, a contractor is responsible for paying the taxes associated with compensation. Of course, one must pay a contractor a higher wage to compensate for the lack of benefits.

Employees are what make a company; employees cannot do everything. In reality, there will come a time when a business must outsource some of their tasks. When outsourcing tasks, a business owner will usually have to call on a contractor. In reality, unless a business is large, the employees will not know how to do every complex job that the business requires.

A lot of times a contractor does not have to be on site. With an employee, a business owner must provide space and tools for the employee to complete the job. A contractor usually uses his or her own tools for the job, and often does the job from his or her home or office.

Flexibility is one of the biggest reasons companies love to bring on contractors. When a business needs a new website or extra help at tax time, the business can quickly find a solid contractor to complete the job. Then, when the contractor completes the task, the company can move on to other projects without having an employee on the payroll.

A subcontractor is going to, in most cases, offer a superior service. Most independent contractors have been working in their field for years and have improved tremendously upon their skills. Whatever a business hires a contractor for, they are most likely going to get a well-qualified contractor to complete the task.

In reality, businesses, be it large or small, love to use contractors. While there are some benefits to having full-time employees, there are also benefits to using a contractor. In the end, most business owners enjoy a mix of both contractors and employees. With this, a company can bring on help for critical projects while still keeping the most qualified employees on the payroll.

How & What To Subcontract , , , ,

Meet Subcontractor, Catherine Reay

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Collette Leave a comment

Name Catherine Reay
Business Name Reay Solutions
Website https://www.eaysolutions.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/reaysolutions
Facebook https://companies.to/reaysolutions
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/reaysolutions
1. Have you started subcontracting? I am currently subcontracting for a fellow Virtual Assistant
2. What are your expertise and favorite services you will be offering? My niche market is Human Resources, Project Management, Social Media and Administrative. I enjoy both Social Media and Human Resources
3. Why have you chosen to subcontract vs contracting your own clients? I offer both but I enjoy subcontracting and working with other Virtual Assistants.
4. What resources have helped you in getting started as a sub? I have found the best resource is networking.

5. Share a success story or something about yourself and how this could benefit someone to take you on as a subcontractor. My background is Human Resources and was speaking with a fellow VA about the ins and outs of recruiting and today’s economy. Recruiting has changed due to the use of all the social media tools available. I think that is why my two favorite services are HR and Social Media. We spent about an hour chatting and sharing ideas. A few weeks later the same VA called and asked me to assist her on a recruiting project. Since then we have been able recruit qualified candidates to present to her client and move forward with the interview process. On a side note during this conversation, I learned of a company hiring directly and was able to pass on the information to another VA who was looking for a full time position. I am always willing to share ideas, thoughts, and just chat with fellow Va’s you never know what might come of it down the road.

SubContractor Interviews

Meet Subcontractor, Katherine Ortiz

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Collette Leave a comment

Subcontractor: Katherine Ortiz

Business Name: Katzz The VA

Website: www.katzztheva.me
Twitter: katzz75
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Eureka-CA/Katzz-The-VA/141238022572054
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherineortiz75

Each subcontractor has taken the time to answer the following questions.

1. Have you started subcontracting?
a. No not yet, I have had a few friends give me some stuff to do to gain experience but they were not paid. One was editing a book, and the other was a few word document creations.

2. What are your expertise and favorite services you will be offering?
a. I have a lot of experience in Powerpoint, Word, and Publisher. I also have some experience in creating social networking sites for people. I also have some experience in screen captures and video captures with screen capture programs; like Jing.

3. Why have you chosen to subcontract vs contracting your own clients?
a. I was told it was the best way to build up a client base while I get my business going. I don’t plan on doing it forever and I am hoping it will turn into getting my own clients through recommendations.

4. What resources have helped you in getting started as a sub? Forums, blogs, coaching or books?
a. All of my college degree training has been through online schools, so all of my experience has been gained through the schooling. I would have to say that contributed to 90% of my experience.

5. Share a success story or something about yourself and how this could benefit someone to take you on as a subcontractor.

a. I am easy to work with and I have a great listening ear. I am willing to follow directions to a T. I will always give my best; and I have high morals of making sure everyone and everything is treated fairly. I also never turn in something that is not my best work.

6. Additional comments you’d like to share.
a. I find working as a Virtual Assistant fun and enjoying work. I love working on computers and being able to connect with people around the globe. I also find technology very interesting and fun.

SubContractor Interviews

Help Create My New Home Office

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Collette Leave a comment

Many of us set goals for our businesses.  In 2012 mine was to earn enough money that I would be able to redesign my home office.  Thanks to long hours and dedication, the office is on it’s way.  I’ve taken some pictures I’d like my readers to look at them to share their ideas and suggestions.  There are three different views you can see it’s got potential.  It’s a beautiful view of our farm land.  Designing isn’t one of my expert areas.  However, recently I signed up as a Thirty One consultant so hope to put some of the storage bins to use.

Whether it’s layout, colors or your wishes please share with me.

My old desk

Where the new office space will be

Walking into the office

Subcontracting Inspiration , , ,

Introducing Weekly Subcontract Interviews

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Collette Leave a comment

It’s taken a few months but the subcontractor interviews are available here on the site. As I promised it’s a goal to connect multi-VA firms with available subcontractors. That’s why the interviews will share a little bit about them and their goals. Feel free to connect with the subcontractors. All I ask is that you share your story of connection. Either if it was a success or lessoned learn story we want to hear about it.

Good luck and read who our first interview was with.

SubContractor Interviews