Many business owners of thriving businesses describe their experiences with subcontractors as disappointing and frustrating. Although their thriving business could continue to blossom and grow, they choose to step back and halt their growth rather than deal with the issues of employees or subcontractors. So what is a business owner to do to ensure that their subcontracting experience is positive?

Do Your Homework
Take the time to get to know potential subcontractors. Conduct interviews and obtain references before agreeing to work with them. Never, ever be afraid to test the waters with a “test project” to ensure that the outcome is in line with the standards you have set for your business. Even more importantly, find someone that you feel comfortable being a representative of your company.

Get it in Writing
Even more important than getting a signed contract (which of course I knew that you would do), each and every project should be outlined in detail with no room for interpretation. Make sure that you provide clear and concise instructions and do it in writing. Have the subcontractor review the terms of each individual project and return an acknowledgement to you. Don’t be afraid to ask them to summarize the project in their own words to you and ask probing questions to ensure that they understand what is required of them.

Set Deadlines
When setting a deadline for your subcontractor to complete a project, be sure to allow yourself enough room to correct any errors or omissions that may be made. Many times business owners fall victim to cleaning up subcontractor “messes” at the eleventh hour. Also, don’t be afraid to check in periodically for an update as to the progress of the project and, if at any time you are concerned, let the subcontractor know and never be afraid to “pull the plug” on the project if things are not living up to your expectations.

Set Quality Controls
The most important key to a successful relationship is to set good quality controls. Although it might seem like more work for you, from time to time, ask your subcontractor to show projects to you prior to submission deadlines. If your subcontractor is dealing directly with your client, have them send you copies of the projects when they are complete and, if they are to have no direct contact with your client, make sure that the work is proofed and approved by you.

Honesty is Important
Don’t try to hide subcontractor relationships from your clients and potential clients. In many cases, potential clients will respect you even more if you can admit you can’t do it all. After all, isn’t that what they are admitting by contracting for your services?

Treat Your Subcontractors with Respect
Ensure that you always treat your subcontractors with the same respect you expect from your clients. Give them adequate deadlines and pay them within their payment terms. Once you find quality subcontractors, you will want to do everything you can to keep them.

By putting these six keys in place within your subcontracting model, I am sure that you will quickly see that subcontracting can be a wonderful opportunity to grow your business into the thriving business it is meant to be. Good luck!!