phelps subcontractors-aiip2015
TRANSCRIPT
Subcontracting SuccessMarcy Phelps
Phelps Research
AIIP 2015
Twitter: @marcyphelps
Subcontracting Success
Why?
What?
When?
Who?
How?
Why?
IT WORKS!
Client Contractor Subcontractor
Richer product Added value Learn new skills
Faster service New services / products Increase revenue
Single point of contact Flexibility / availability Make new connections
Trusted advisorBetter vendor / service provider to clients
Better vendor / service provider to clients
Bigger projects
Increase revenue
What?
Complementary skills
High demand
Short timelines
Local needs
When?
As needed
Ongoing
Who?
Regular group of contractors / new contacts as needed
Direct / indirect contacts
Committed to profession / references / reputation
Newbies?
“Associates” / “Team members”
How?Tips for Subcontracting Success
Top Tip:Communicate early and often!
Goals
Expectations
Changes
Timeframe / budget issues
Quality issues
Process evaluation / refinement
Contractors
Vet your subcontractors
Try a pilot project
Get organized (process, timelines, templates, paperwork)
Manage expectations (yours and theirs)
Contractors
Build in time to train, manage, do quality control
Make it seamless for client
Need to make money, but don’t be cheap
Pay promptly
Subcontractors
Treat as any other client/contract
Be adaptable
Provide the “extras”
Subcontractors
Offer suggestions when appropriate
Send invoices quickly
No surprises
No inappropriate communications with client
The Golden Rule:
Do unto others
as you would have them do unto you.