A joint Webinar segment on creating virtual teams for PRSA's Independent Practitioners Alliance (IPA) in July 2008. Presenters: Ann N. Videan, APR, and Heathere Evans-Keenan, APR
VU for 8 years Always functioned as a sole practitioner Want to remain solo Without knowing, structured what’s now called a virtual team model of biz Subcontracted when needed assistance
Here’s how I’ve structured VU virtual team Much larger when counting photographers, printers, admin and others
Have big project, need people who do what I do? Should I bring on a competitor? Won’t they undermine me? Find people with similar mindset. Be choosy! Most important -- loyalty and integrity. Ideal: start with someone you’ve worked with and trust, former job, association leadership. Someone admire for integrity and skills. Don’t know anyone? Develop them. Barter project to see how work. Just have expectations in writing —>
Things to think about Branding = Whose name will you work under? Letterhead, Web site? Service strategy = Set common goal. Low cost? Quick results? Full-service team? How handle quality? Work location/technology = Shared office? Home offices? Consistent technology? Client contact = Who has it, who doesn’t? Noncompete contracts = teaming up without you
• Critical to have agreement up front, so everyone knows exactly their role, responsibility, work hours, client contact, fees, mark-up, etc. • Make sure to include training costs and software, or other aspects of work. • Fee structure must also be outlined clearly. If client gets one bill or three. Who gets paid what and when. Ask for lower fees than yours, or proposal should include mark-up for team members. Recommend you mark up others fees at least enough to cover your tax consequences. • Figure out how to handle communication . Determine preferred methods: email, fax, phone or in person Recommend up-front meeting face-to-face, then once a month to “gel” activity. • Reporting . How and when team members report activity: daily, weekly, monthly? By email? Phone call? Plug into software?SharePoint, MS Project, Timeslice
Recommend this model to those who prefer not to hire employees, yet want to grow their business and enjoy more flexible lifestyle. Questions?