Build an overflow network
There may be times when a business opportunity presents itself that you are just not able to take advantage of. Perhaps you’re already completely booked, or the skills needed are a bit outside your core expertise, or the client is geographically inconvenient, or you’re just headed out on vacation. Depending on the nature of your business, you may want to engage someone in your own industry as an independent contractor or a subcontractor. Get to know others who do similar work to yours whom you would feel comfortable recommending or sending in your place. Many people are happy to pay a percentage of earnings as a referral fee in such cases.
Consider a virtual assistant
A virtual assistant (or VA) is someone who handles tasks for you but works from his or her own place of business as an independent contractor, someone you might never meet. Communication is via phone and e-mail. VAs work best in an ongoing, one-on-one, collaborative relationship. They usually provide administrative support, often specializing in creative, medical, legal, financial, or technical fields.
Their backgrounds, which often include experience as an executive assistant or office manager in addition to their specific skill set, make them reliable, responsible, and resourceful. They may handle appointments, bookkeeping, customer service, website creation and maintenance, online marketing, or other important, but time-consuming tasks for solo professionals. This can be extremely cost-effective since they’re paid only for actual time worked.
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