Snap talk: Need help? Phone a friend

Posted by AIIP

05/30/2019 | 10:00 AM

Monica McCann, Medical Writer and Prospect Researcher, Chesapeake Medical Communications reports on the 2019 AIIP Conference Snap Talk: “Need Help? Phone a Friend.”

Do you frequently find yourself with more work than you can handle? Well, subcontracting may be a business strategy to consider. AIIP members Karen Klein and Michelle Rawl shared their insights during the 2019 AIIP Conference Snap Talk: “Need Help? Phone a Friend.”

Karen Klein and Michelle Rawl discussed how they have developed a successful sub-contractual relationship and leveraged the unique capabilities of AIIP members.

When is it helpful to hire subcontractors?

You have a quick-turnaround project
You do not have the full skill set required of a project
You have competing work and family priorities
You are not yet able to absorb the overhead of hiring an employee

How do AIIP members find a subcontractor who can make you shine?

Conduct a key term search in the AIIP membership directory.
Network with as many people as you can at AIIP conferences.
Don’t be shy about expressing a desire to work with other AIIP colleagues. Share with other members information about what you enjoy and what you’re good at; this makes an impression that could lead to opportunities down the road.
Volunteer with an AIIP committee. Volunteering is an opportunity to give back to the organization and show off your current skills, while potentially learning a new skill set, observing how your colleagues work, and identifying whom you “click” with and how you can complement each other’s work style.
Look for someone who is the best fit, who will make your work easier, and whose experience and skills strengthen your client proposals.

What are some tips to successfully hire a subcontractor?

Slow down and be clear about your expectations.
Agree on payment options before getting started.
Create templates and set deadlines.
Provide written terms of the agreement outlining the task(s), deliverables, deadlines and what and when subcontractor will get paid
Start with a small, low-risk project to help build trust in the relationship.
At the onset of the project, have the subcontractor sign a non-disclosure agreement and, if necessary, a non-compete agreement. (Samples are available on the AIIP website.)
Involve the subcontractor in the project planning process.
Conduct periodic check-ins with the subcontractor to ensure expectations are being met.

Subcontractor point-of -view:

How can subcontractors facilitate a good working relationship?

Be professional: Treat the relationship and the work with respect, as you would any other client
Give your best effort: Be proud of the work you are delivering to the person hiring you
Ask questions: If you don’t understand the task you are being asked to do, call to get clarity as soon as possible
Schedule check-ins: Share your progress at regular intervals to be sure you are on the right path. If something has gone wrong, the work can still be corrected or salvaged if the problem is identified early enough.

What do you do when the arrangement is not going well?

Have a “graceful exit” ready!

“Thank you for all the work you’ve done, my schedule is freeing up and I’ll be able to handle the project from here.”

If you find yourself needing extra help during a busy project season, or if a new opportunity arises that requires a different set of skills that complement your own, consider reaching out to your AIIP colleagues. You just might create a long-term, effective working relationship that can help you grow your business.

Thank you to Fulcrum Information Resources and Rawl Research for sponsoring the Snap Talk.