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.

Will you wait for your company to fall apart or act now?

One solution is to subcontract. Subcontracting is commonly known as the administration and supervision of one part or parts of the core business managed by a third party.

Like any business events, there are advantages and disadvantages if one decides to subcontracting.

The following are subcontracting advantages:

• Flexibility

The hours of work may be shorter or longer depending on the lead  contractor’s decision. Additionally, since it is contract-based there is room for  contract extension if subcontractor’s efficiency is well; otherwise contract renewal is not possible.

• Expertise on everything is not a must

Since the subcontractor will be the one to handle part of your business’ sector, you have an option whether or not to be an expert in the field that you want to outsource. Normally, the subcontractor being the party offered by the outsourcing business are the ones expected to be specialist in their field.

• Cost-effective

Generally, subcontracting saves you and your company money. Most often  than not, subcontractor has lesser production cost with efficient services.

• A venue for new learning.  Subcontracting gives both the contractor the chance to explore new business resources such as reading materials, technical and non-technical information.

Not all things are good, others believed that for every matter in life there are inconveniences.

The following are subcontracting disadvantages:

• Inability to have complete peace of mind. Since one part of your company is with someone else’s hand, more likely you will be hesitant once in a while. You may start to worry if the subcontractor can keep up with your business. Henceforth, it is important to have a good foundation of trust.

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.

Sharon Williams, the Steering Committee and OIVAC’s presenters are leaders in the Virtual Assistant world, and have formulated the best program to help build your virtual business. I’m presenting in one of the dedicated tracks you can choose from or better yet, register for the entire event. No matter what stage of business development you are in: start-up or aspiring, novice, seasoned, OIVAC 2013′s presenters are committed to sharing with you real world tools and training for maintaining and growing or expanding your successful VA business.

Here’s what we’ve put together: • 48 hours of training, webinars, networking • 2 and 3 hour “Break it Down” sessions where VAs walk away with a skill, new process or technology awareness • International Virtual Assistants Day Celebration • Networking galore • Ask the Seasoned VA sessions • UK, Aussie, African VAs sessions • VA Hot Seat session

These seminars will be presented, over the course of 3 days, by your fellow Virtual Assistants who have been there, done that.

AND… ANY Virtual Assistant at ANY stage in his or her business career can attend, accessing cutting edge information about getting ahead in an increasingly competitive virtual business environment.

Added Value Benefits: • Pay for entire convention registration in 3 equal installments • Attending live conference will cost about $1,500, but you can participate in OIVAC for less than $300 (and get copies of the recordings too) • No travel, lodging, food or entertainment costs • No lost business because you attend from the comfort of your home/office • Attend from home, available to handle family matters

The cost? Save $50.00 by using the Early Bird Registration $99 to $189.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW http://www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=17_2_5_9

Hope to see you there!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Business Name: Katzz The VA

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

Guest Blogger: KassandraBrownis a new business owner who enjoys yoga, meditation, walks on the land and the freedom to focus her energy on the tasks that are important to her.

When starting my business  ParentCoaching.org I thought I would do everything myself. I’ve started a business before and did all of the website design and construction myself, did all of the advertising design and creation myself, and did all of the actual work myself. I figured I’d do it that way again.

My main motivations for doing it on my own fell into two categories. 1) I didn’t think I had the money to afford help. If my time is free, then the least expensive way to do anything is for me to do it myself.  2) I wanted to be seen by myself and others as being competent enough to know what I was doing. I was proving myself and somehow thought I was admitting to some lower level of capability if I asked someone else to do a task for me.

After all, it worked before so why change it?

It turns out there are good reasons to change the ‘do it yourself” paradigm for a start-up and an easy way to change it is with sub-contractors. But before I could benefit from hiring subs, I needed to examine some of my underlying beliefs – namely the ones listed above – and see what was really true.

3 Do It Yourself Myths

1. I don’t have the money to afford help. Asking others to help me in their area of expertise means the work gets done faster and better than if I do it on my own. The increased professionalism of the end product can pay for itself in terms of helping create more customers through ease of use or appearing more competent through having nice presentation. This needs to be balanced and services paid for judiciously when one is on a tight budget, but it is not necessarily more expensive to hire help.
2. My time is free but other people cost money. Undervaluing my own time makes everyone else seem very expensive. Having children and balancing time with my family helped me realize just how valuable my time is. This made it easier for me to hire a subcontractor for specific tasks and feel good about the investment.
3. People will respect me more if I do-it-myself. Being capable is very respectable. Yet most of us want to be seen as capable in our chosen field or vocation. I realize I often have more respect for people who ask for help when they need it rather than maintaining a stoic struggle for independence.

Some tasks of a new start-up are best handled by the owners, but others can benefit from being delegated. I started by bringing in a friend to consult with me on the start-up and visioning. From there, I hired a subcontractor for my website. After I created the basic site and content, he came in and created a unified theme and easy-to-use forms. The subcontractor was hired for a specific task, given a specific budget, and expected to deliver within a specific timeline.

When the scope of all that was finished, our official relationship was also finished. I was left with none of the expectations I would have for an employee like continued production and my subcontractor had none of the expectations for an employer like continued compensation. Clear boundaries for the work, scope, and timeline are some of the best features of a subcontractor relationship.

There are some things that a business owner benefits by doing for themselves. There are other things that are very effective to subcontract. An example of a whole category of things that are good to subcontract – specific tasks requiring technical expertise you do not wish to acquire at this time. Subcontracting allows a business owner the flexibility to focus on the tasks that are important to them because they’ve hired some competent person to do the task they don’t want to do.

For instance, subcontracting aspects of my web development has been invaluable. I’ve saved time by asking my subcontractor to do targeted jobs, but I would not have benefited from subcontracting the entire development of the site. I needed to develop the content and going through that process helped clarify my vision.

I’ve also enjoyed the flip side of subcontracting. I’m currently blogging for acoolerclimate.com  A Cooler Climate. Raising awareness about climate change is a mission I believe in but this business has no budget for hiring me as an employee. Subcontracting allows me to take on finite tasks for a known amount of money over a given time period. Both of us benefit from this clarity and flexibility.

What’s your favorite benefit of subcontracting? Known timeline? Ease of using the right people for the right tasks? Ease of budgeting? Or something else? We look forward to hearing from you.