Subcontractors can help boost your business significantly by allowing you to provide services you otherwise could not offer.  The issue though becomes, how do you keep a subcontractor from taking your clients?

This is a huge concern when IT consultants start considering bringing in a subcontractor. But, if you are doing it right, then anyone you subcontract to should not be competing with you in the first place.  Here are some tips for hiring subcontractors:

Hiring Subcontractors

  • Be sure to research every company you consider subcontracting to.  If they compete directly with you, keep shopping around.  You really want to get people that are in deep niches that don’t do what it is that you do.  
  • Meet with a potential subcontractor a few times.  Just like you don’t want to jump into bed with someone on the first date; you don’t want to subcontract work to someone you met 10 minutes ago. Let the relationship evolve after a few lunches, exchanges of email, etc… You need to be able to trust your subcontractors.  
  • Have every subcontractor complete an agreement that includes non-compete and non-disclosure clauses. Have your agreements reviewed by an attorney. Remember that no amount of paperwork will stop someone who’s determined to get the better of you, but it will make it harder for them to do so.  
Bottom Line on Subcontractors
Finding a subcontractor is only the first part.  Once you find a potential subcontractor it is your responsibility to ensure he/she is trustworthy.  Go through a process of due diligence before introducing any subcontractor to your clients.

In this article, you’ve been introduced to Subcontractors. To learn more about how you can improve your knowledge about Subcontractors, just click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.