Let me take a minute to talk about interruptions. As business owners, we must learn to adapt to interruptions. It’s not about how to keep them from happening it’s about adapting and adjusting when they happen – because they will happen, my friend! One of the best ways to help you adjust and adapt is to have help in your corner. That’s why I’m looking at the second part of this article with fresh eyes today. Scaling with subcontractors and starting your virtual team, part two of two will open a fresh door into why.
Definition Reminder:
Growth and Scaling Definitions:
My growth definition (based on my 16 years in the online service industry) is: an entrepreneur who does this through hard work, attracting the maximum number of clients you (solopreneur) can work with by yourself.
Scaling, however, is a strategic strategy to grow your business utilizing the skills of subcontractors alongside your own.
How Many Times Can I Get Another Opportunity To Live?
I started this article about interruptions this week because I became very ill last week. Before I knew it my body no longer did as I wanted. I got so bad that I could not walk! I was hospitalized Friday with severe sepsis and nearly died. How many times can one person get another opportunity to live?
While I don’t pretend to know the answer to that question, I do know miracles are alive and well as is the miracle maker, God Himself! I was so sick, I think I slept for nearly two days while in the hospital. By Sunday there were so many things happening. One of which was my awareness that my body was not responding as I wanted.
“Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection. This overreaction can lead to widespread inflammation and organ damage.” (Google AI)
It turns out I had severe sepsis.
The other thing I began to know and feel, were the prayers of so many around the world (quite literally) lifting me up to the Father. The change between Sunday & Monday was remarkable, literally. Sunday night I finally went to the bathroom (walked in) for the first time and by Monday I was walking the hall of the hospital.
When the doctor came in Monday and told me I could go home that day IF a few things happened, I did everything in my power to do the things needed and allowed God to do His healing thing the rest of the way. By 5:30 PM that night I was headed home.
I only start the article this way because we all have interruptions happen in life – it just happens so how do you plan for when it happens?
Team Members = Business Owners
One of the best ways to prepare ahead of time is to build a virtual team of subcontractors. Start with one and add more as needed. Having someone who has your back and will help you when you are out for the count (quite literally) is important.
Your team members are also business owners. Reminding yourself of this and that they are choosing to partner with you and help your business grow. So, how do you do this?
Steps to Building Your Team
Start with the first steps to building your team. I talk to clients all the time and they are so hungry and ready to do it all and jump ahead. There is no way, however, to jump ahead of the curve, aside from this one tip – build a virtual team.
If you haven’t yet picked up our new Boost Your Growth By Outsourcing now would be a great time to do so.
Pick Up A Quick Help Guide to Help You Outsource
First Step – Where to Find the Right Subcontractor
The first step to building your team (after a few determining factors – see the checklist) is to learn where to find the right subcontractor. There are many great communities online with competent virtual professionals. I suggest however you start by accessing your needs so you know who you are looking for before trying to find one.
Communities I Recommend
- Freelance U – Online educational platform for freelancers. I suggest platforms like this because they have a standard of well-organized and taught courses to help students. The other reason is that those belonging to it are always trying to increase their skills and keep up with this industry.
- Ask a Freelancer or VA Facebook Group – This is one of my groups on Facebook. I cannot attest to every freelancer within the group but know most are honest looking for opportunities. Give it a try. It is for both business owners and freelancers (and VAs of course).
- VA Networking – This is Tawnya Sutherland’s group. She has been a trusted member of the industry for years. She helps mentor and train hundreds to thousands each year. Those on her website are similar to Freelance U and have similar reasons why I recommend this community.
Interviewing a Prospective Subcontractor
Once you’ve visited a couple of these communities, ask for permission to post your needs within their community. Putting your needs out in front of you will help cut down on those without the experience you need especially if a high-tech need. Make your list clear and detailed including any software you use that they will need to know.
Do your preinterview via email. This will help you sort through those you want to talk to. Ask about their skills and experience as well as what they would love to do every day if they could and secondly ask what they really dislike doing. Those last two questions can change everything. You do not want someone writing your blogs who hates writing nor do you want someone posting to social media who hates social media.
Lastly, choose one person at a time to interview and make a decision before moving on to the next one to interview. After you decide make them an offer. If they agree then onboard your new team member!
Final Thoughts
As you know I can only barely touch on these subjects but for more help feel free to set up a free session with me. Also, remember to grab my free offer above as I think it will help you. I am here for you. If you have questions, feel free to ask.
