> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.servicem8.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Introduction to ServiceM8 Network
> Get an overview of ServiceM8 Network in ServiceM8.
ServiceM8 Network is a free add-on designed to make it easy for businesses using ServiceM8 to collaborate with external contractors. It supports a simple, transparent workflow that enhances job management for all parties involved.
**As the primary business,** or the one requesting a subcontractor to either provide a quote or complete a work order, you have the ability to share job cards with detailed work requirements, and to track progress in real-time.
**As the subcontractor,** you get all job details, including location, what needs to be done, and customer information, and the primary business is kept updated as you work. If you are also using ServiceM8, converting the Network Request to a job reduces manual entry and increases efficiency.
This article reviews:
* [How the ServiceM8 Network works](#how-servicem8-network-works)
* [How to join the ServiceM8 Network](#joining-the-servicem8-network)
* [Additional resources](#additional-resources)
## How the ServiceM8 Network works
The primary business (i.e. the business issuing the request) creates a Network Request within a job card, for a subcontractor to either provide a quote or perform work. It includes a general description of the work to be subcontracted and specific job requirements, including all necessary tasks, photos, documentation, and Forms.
The primary business then sends the Network Request to the subcontractor. The Network Request will appear in both the job's Diary and as a new checklist in the job card.
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The subcontractor will [receive the Network Request](/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/servicem8-network/how-to-complete-a-network-request) and all job details via the ServiceM8 app or, if they do not have a ServiceM8 account, a browser link.
If the subcontractor accepts the job, they can check off job requirements as completed. All activity is automatically updated on the job card, giving the primary business full visibility over the job’s progress. They can also send and receive job-related messages within the platform, so all communications are housed in the job's Diary.
If the subcontractor does not accept the job, the primary business can send a request to a different subcontractor.
If there is more than one job to be subcontracted, multiple Network Requests can be created on the job card.
## How to join the ServiceM8 Network
To *send* requests to other businesses with ServiceM8 Network, you must have a ServiceM8 account with the free *ServiceM8 Network* add-on enabled.
To *complete* requests for quotes and work orders, you don't need a ServiceM8 account, but it is strongly recommended so you can convert Network Requests to jobs and manage them from the mobile app. (There are free ServiceM8 plans available for both [iOS](/help-center/getting-started-guide/basic-account-set-up/creating-a-servicem8-account) and [Android](/help-center/app/basics/how-to-use-servicem8-lite-for-android) apps, so you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!)
### To activate the ServiceM8 Network add-on:
1. From the Online Dashboard, go to **Account > Features & Integrations**.
2. Find *ServiceM8 Network* and click **Learn More**.
3. Toggle the button to **ON** to activate ServiceM8 Network.
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](/images/008-873-918-e06609bf-1cb4-47ad-bda1-021a977d42af.png)
#### Tip for success:
After you join the ServiceM8 Network, any Network Requests sent to your company email address should arrive in your ServiceM8 Inbox, ready to be easily converted into jobs.
Go to **Account > Settings > Preferences > Company Information** to check that your email address is configured correctly, and ensure all businesses you work with know to send Network Requests to that same email address.
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## Additional resources
For more information, check out these articles:
* [How to send a Network Request](/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/servicem8-network/how-to-send-a-network-request)
* [How to complete a Network Request](/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/servicem8-network/how-to-complete-a-network-request)
* [Best practices for using ServiceM8 Network](/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/servicem8-network/best-practices-for-using-servicem8-network-to-subcontract-jobs)