The trainwreck called “Subs Who Drop The Ball” is one I just helped a designer maneuver through inside our Successful Design Biz Academy. I felt her pain. Her confidence was shaken. Her client was pissed by the recommendation, and on it went.
It’s not the first time I’ve seen it in my coaching. Truth be told, every good designer has been blindsided by this one – myself included. So stop beating yourself up, my friend.
(If you need guidance on what to do should something go wrong on a project, I’ve got you covered in this blog: What to do when Something Goes Wrong in an Interior Project
Instead, do it right, from here forward.
Whether working on a project in your own region, or a distance project in another region – here’s some of what I coach my design entrepreneurs to do to get it right in either local or distance scanarios – internal or recommendation.
Here’s what has always worked for them and me!
The 7 Commandments:
- Exploit colleague recommendations. Reach out to your community –‘who do you know, or, who do you know who MIGHT know of a fantastic “X “..
- Reach out to colleagues you’ve never met to ask a favor. In either scenario: Explain your issue: my upholsterer had a nervous breakdown (true story!); my trusted carpet installer retired (yep); or I’m based in city X, but my client’s project is near you in “Z”(yes, been there on this one too.)
Designers are a great and generous group! Don’t be shy.
Offer to return the favor – to share a resource if they have a need. Promise to pay their goodwill forward. If their help is a huge save-your-rear-end for you – consider sending them a $15 gift card of thanks to buy a latte.
- Test the subs work – yes – in your own home or office – if possible. Not always possible – but it never hurts and worth mentioning.
- Google complaints about this new resource! THIS IS HUGE….do not omit looking under this rock. Besides a Google search, also check with the Better Business Bureau.
- Interview the potential sub. Nicely ask tough questions, not only generic ones: “Hey, what’s the worst thing that ever happened on a job and what did you do to correct it. Can you explain your work and billing processes. Do you have your COI? (certificate of insurance.” Vet well.
- Speak to 3 references. As above, nicely ask if anything went wrong on the job and what was done to correct it. The fix is important since mistakes can happen. Ask tough questions, not just the usual suspects.
- Follow your gut. Even if someone comes highly recommended, if your Spidey sense says run, then run. Your gut is your #bestie.
Whether you hired wrong or recommended wrong to a client, the wrong sub will create a nightmare.
I know new sub-sourcing is a PIA and a bit anxiety-producing since they’ll be putting YOUR reputation on the line. But it’s so doable.
You’ve got this my friend – I’m cheering you on.
If you’d love more support for your basic business health, download my deep dive checklist about the must-haves in your business core. It’ll put you onto my mailing list for more juicy support and info from me!
PPS. If you’re a DIY designer love and read this far, (Yay, you!) – You too can apply most of these subcontractor sourcing tips, but your “network” will be friends and family.