All-In-One: Outsourcing Secrets

[sndas]

Outsourcing your job to a freelancer and getting it done in cheap price is not an important factor. You have to check the work done with the quality.
Every work's cost, starting from an article writing to developing a software, should be calculated over its completion of time and quality of work.

Thanks
Satya

[Mukul Verma]

How do you find training outsource employee around marketing your business. I have been doing this with my outsource employee, but thinking of duplicating and making a program around it. Would there be interest in training videos for your outsource employee. As well training people on outsourcing properly?

[mrxxg]

Originally Posted by Web Junkie

This website is really cool man...thanks for the link! I've used rentacoder for individual tasks, but I see that it is quite inexpensive to hire a full time employee. I just have a quick question-

Would you suggest paying the outsourced employee via paypal or is there another method that you guys are using?

Thanks so much,

Rich

Xoom.com is another good option.

[Monika Mundell]

Hi Warriors,

1. I believe one of the most important aspects of outsourcing is to look after your key staff. I have sacked a couple of writers in the past because they promised to keep to deadlines and then didn't. Problem is, when they do this your business suffers - your reputation is on the line and that's simply not good enough.

On the other hand, I have writers who have been with me for months and I tend to look after them. I give them bonus pay for urgent project deadlines, when they do a particular great job and at the end of the year.

Your staff are people like you and me, regardless where they live and work. Treat them with respect as you would like to be treated, and chances are they will stay with you for the long-term.

2. Use templates and project management tools. I use a very simple system. I use Google Docs spreadsheets for keeping track of the individual writers, Gmail, GTalk and Skype to communicate and a cloud based website for my backups.

When I outsource link building and other marketing aspects of my business I always use PDF guides and or videos to show the staff what I want done exactly.

This eliminates unnecessary to and fro by email and saves time and money.

All the best
Monika

[David B.]

Originally Posted by Mukul Verma

How do you find training outsource employee around marketing your business. I have been doing this with my outsource employee, but thinking of duplicating and making a program around it. Would there be interest in training videos for your outsource employee. As well training people on outsourcing properly?

I would be be.

Great thread by the way.

[Marx Vergel Melencio]

This could possibly help:

Outsourcing Tips

[Curleyjohn]

How about making these ALL in One threads sticky? Or give them a section of their own?

[vivekg]

Monica, I completely agree with you, If the person is not performing or meeting guidelines its better to let him go that's what even I do.

[stephan231]

I really like the outsourcing idea but I really hate same time when I know that I will waste much time finding a serious bidder there when posting any project which always makes me give up when trying outsourcing!

[hollypowell]

I have been outsourcing since January 2009 and thru trial and error in trying to find the best solution for staying organized...

I use pelowork for all the projects
I use skype for communication

With 9 folks on my outsource team--it's the easiest way for me to keep track of everything.

[grayambition]

I wrote the following "Warrior Writers Outsourcing Manifesto" due to issues I experienced with a writer I hired from this forum. Here's the thread where I originally submitted it: Not sure how to handle an outsourcing issue

Kezz suggested that I post it in here. I wasn't previously aware of the All in One threads, and was blown away by the volume of valuable tips and info.

This was written about article writers, but a lot of it should apply to other types of outsourcing projects.

Hope my little list adds something to the great value that's already in here!

------------

1. Never hire a writer based solely on their reputation, feedback, or reviews. Even if the entire Warrior membership sings the writer's praises, that doesn't mean he or she is the right writer for you.

2. Never get sucked in by a writer's sales pitch. It's just that. A pitch.

3. Always ask to look at writing samples. Ideally, the samples should be in a format similar to what you want. If you want articles, get article sample. If you want reviews, get samples of those. If you want an ebook... well, you get the idea.

4. Always ask if the writer is a native English speaker (if that's any kind of an issue for you).

5. Always ask if the writer will be personally doing the work.

6. If the writing will be outsourced, get the following information:
- Are all writers native English speakers (maybe it doesn't matter to you, but you should know)
- What kind of quality control takes place?
- Does the "head" writer proof all articles?
- Who makes edits, if required

7. Always place an initial order for ONE article and use that article to determine whether the writer meets your needs. Don't start with a package of 10 or 20 articles, no matter how attractive the discount may be.

8. If possible, provide the writer with samples of articles on the topic and in the style you want. Or at least write a few paragraphs to give the writer an idea of your style.

10. Don't make assumptions.

11. Under the heading "don't assume," specifically instruct the writer NOT to use a spinner (unless of course that's part of your project).

12. Be clear about your expectations regarding SEO and keyword density. There's debate on this topic; again, the important thing is to make your expectations clear. Yes, you should be this specific (if it's important to you): "Try to use the keyword once within the first 20 words, then once in the second paragraph and once in the final paragraph. Don't use the keyword more than 4 times in a 500 word article unless you don't see a way to make the writing flow naturally without using it." Of course, you don't have to use my example; replace it with whatever kw density formula you choose.

13. Confirm the timeline for project completion and agree about intervals at which communication and updates should take place. The writer might think it's fine to accept your work and disappear into a cave for 10 days, while you're expecting regular updates and draft in two days.

14. Speaking of drafts, make sure you get them, at least until you've worked with the writer enough to know that you instructions will be followed. Find out upfront if the writer will be willing to make edits, and if so, how many.

15. Confirm research expectations. Even if the writer says that he or she can write about a particular topic, find out if it's an area they're already familiar with. If it's not, ask how they plan to research it and how much research do they expect to do. Yes, this is often related to price - you won't get as much research for a cheaper article, but the point is to make sure you're both on the same page. And whether the writer is doing research or not, instruct him or her to ask you questions or simply not write about anything that's unclear. Tell them that leaving information out is preferable to misstating facts or writing muddled or confusing conclusions.

16. Encourage the writer to communicate any questions, problems or issues.

17. Be very clear about what constitutes an acceptable end product for you.

The key to most of the above is communication. Ask questions and make yourself clear at the beginning, and you'll be more likely to end up with a product that pleases you. Keep in mind that the writer would much prefer to give you a product you're happy with. If you're not happy, you're not going to be a repeat customer.

Well, I was gonna do a top 10, but hey, top 17 has kind of a ring to it, doesn't it?

[Andy Fletcher]

I posted this advice in another thread but that's likely to get buried so here's my top outsourcing tips -

When you use oDesk you have to setup a fail fast filtering process to get through the applicants as quickly as possible and save your sanity.

Here's some tips from my experience doing this. I hired link builders but everything applies equally well to article writers etc.

- Specify a project price or hourly price and instantly reject anyone that bids over. No questions, instant reject.
- Specify a code word in your job ad as follows. "The first word of your application must be ABCDEFGH or your application will be rejected". Then if the first word isn't ABCDEFGH instant reject, no questions.
- Issue a short trial assignment that is easy to evaluate. Should take applicants no more than 10-15 minutes to complete. (Don't use this to get free work) I asked for a couple of links to be placed and my standard report to be filled in. Article writers could ask for a paragraph on a topic etc. Make the assignment mind numbingly simple to understand and, you guessed it, instant reject anyone who doesn't.
- Hire more than you need to do the work for a paid trial, eg 1 week of 20 hours link building. Provide standard briefs and report formats and fire anyone that needs their hand held for more than a couple of questions. Remember, smart people seek clarification (that's good), dumb people just suck up your time (that's bad).
- Any that make it this far should be hired for the rest of the first month with regular work and if they are still showing themselves to be great workers bump their pay significantly to stop them spending time looking for greener grass.

And as a final thought. Absolutely do not try to hire people off oDesk for odds and ends assignments. If you just need a couple of hours link building done or five articles written you are going to spend way more time recruiting and managing than just doing the work yourself or paying a bit more and going to a specialist agency.

---

If you want to read the original thread (there's some great stuff in there by ramone_johnny as well) it's here -

Saving Time Outsourcing at ODesk - NOT!


Hope that helps someone,

Andy

[andybeveridge]

I mirror those who have the views about respect. Remember that those who work for you are real people. You should have the same attitude with your list as well.
Understanding and respect go a long way, whatever your nationality. I would rather pay someone an unannounced bonus for good work and keep that person happy.
This worked very well for me in an offline business a few years ago. Just letting people know that they were valuable to me, kept them happy and prepared to do that little bit extra when it was needed.
Great thread by the way.

[imintern]

My single sentence advice to warriors especially those who are new to IM and are not sure how outsourcing works or those who are wondering if it is for them -

Join an Outsourcing Platform like GAF/ODesk/Elance, go through the jobs already posted, post a job for yourself and get started.

I guarantee you once you get a couple of jobs done the precious tips and ideas given by various warriors in this thread will begin to make more sense.

By the way, I waited for a long time before I actually was able to convince myself that being an one-man-army is not a good idea and I should outsource - I couldn't explain how it helped my business to grow. Take action now. Outsource.

[DamianLeon]

It's much more cost effective to have a full time person in the Philippines who can do most things reasonably well - once you get to 3K or more say a month in steady income- they can be had for between 400-600 dollars per month and are very happy for this as that's the normal salary for such a position in their currency (outside Manila) - You can get someone on elance.com (in the Philippines) to create you a bestjobs.ph account, and I would put people on a week trial say before committing. Remember- slow to hire fast to fire- as you need to follow the Henry Ford motto and hire people that can do the job BETTER than you
Damian

[Mukul Verma]

I just completed my outsource ins and outs guide. I am looking for 3 more people who can review and give me testamonials in the next couple days. It is 41 pages based on my expereince in outsourcing aiming to make it easier for people who looking to outsource. PM me fast if you are interested.

Cheers,
Mukul

[mbphoenix]

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

Before you outsource a project, you need to put together a clear and detailed project description. The better your description, the more accurate an estimate providers will be able to give you. A detailed and clear description also helps to avoid misunderstandings. Providers are not mind readers; they don't know what you want unless you spell it out for them. Keep in mind that aspects that may seem obvious to you may not seem that way to someone else.

For your first, and perhaps first few, projects, you might want to have a friend or family member review your project description and make sure it is clear to them. A second set of eyes can be a good benefit to making sure you don't overlook anything important!

Some Outsourcing Sites:

Elance
iFreelance
GetaFreelancer
Guru.com
Odesk
Rentacoder
Rent a Ghostwriter
ScriptLance
WarMarks
Your Man in India

I am so glad I found this thread. Just starting my first outsourcing project and was kinda nervous about it. But this will help a lot.

[tbone3]

Remember, the whole concept of outsourcing is about leveraging OTHER PEOPLE'S TIME.

If you are just starting out in internet marketing and don't have the money to outsource, you can still leverage other peoples time...for FREE!

You can do this by getting INTERNS. Interns will work for you for free in exchange for a reference and new skills.

I'm a professional accountant, and I currently have two accounting interns do all of my clients' accounting work (I charge my accounting clients for this of course), while I work full-time in internet marketing.

I am also looking to get a local marketing intern to do some my internet marketing for me too

To get your own intern, just put an ad in craigslist.

[tyroneshum]

I think linking my Mass Outsourcing secrets would be enough to explain things:

Mass Outsource

Thus, I believe that starting with your right search will make all things easy with outsourcing. Find a suitable firm to train and shortlist great virtual staff for you and then proceed to your own training and testing process straightaway - getting it free within my website could be a good opportunity for you too so feel free to check it out.

Good luck with outsourcing!

[147Ideas]

Outsourcing is, without doubt, the most powerful tool in the armoury of a small/growing business. It allows rapid growth. However there are some small caveats.

1) Be prepared to work closely with people in the early stages. The more time you can give at the start - rather than expecting someone to come and solve all your time management problems in an instant - the better the relationship will grow.

2) Always be looking to 'promote' outsourced people. Have them train new people and reward them. If you teach them well, they will replicate your teaching method with the new people you bring on board.

3) Don't become over reliant on having outsourcers do absolutely every small job. Sometimes a small job can still be done more cheaply by you when factoring in a job that takes 10 minutes to explain which could be done by you in the space of 3 mins (things like booking tickets etc).

One thing's for sure, hiring outsourcers will really test whether your business 'system' is working well. If you don't have good processes in place before you hire, having more people work on a shoddy business model will simply magnify the problems rather than solve them.

It's no magic bullet.

[website design]

Invest time in the beginning sorting through and testing the applicants.

1. Require a trial example in your project description to see who's motivated... 2. then hire a few people for a small test run... 3. pick the best and offer them a larger amount of work.

Track and record all progress. Fire quick and have backups of potential workers to step in to fill the gaps. Reward excellent work with bonuses.

If you have a large project that covers a wide variety of work then farm it out to different specialized groups. This way you have fewer problems with people stealing your business ideas.

[Marx Vergel Melencio]

Below are some tips for testing out full time or part time assistants.
　
A. Create a list of tasks you need your assistant to do on a daily basis.

B. Ask your assistant to extensively research then develop a write-up containing:

i. a description of each task,
ii. a summarry of benefits which can be gained after properly completing each task,
iii. a step-by-step guide in properly doing the task, and
iv. a set of pointers and tips which can (1) speed up task completion and (2) improve the overall quality of results from the completed task.

You can determine their content research, analysis, writing and communication skills off the bat. You can even pinpoint areas where you can train them further or ask them to extensively research and learn based on what they've written for each task you need done.

Plus, your assistant learns (1) what each task is all about, (2) why you're asking them to do those tasks, (3) how to complete those tasks properly step-by-step and (4) how to speed up task completion and improve the overall quality of results from each completed task, even before they start working as your assistant! They can even use what they wrote, or the version of their write-ups once you corrected it or added useful content to it, as reference material.

It'll be best to require them to send daily email, IM and mobile SMS notifications at the start of their work shift to you and their manager/supervisor.

Also, a detailed daily work progress/status report template should be filled out and emailed along with their completed tasks to you and their manager/supervisors.

The template could contain the following headers: Date, Task, Output, Time Started, Time Completed, Problems/Issues (if any), and Suggestions/Recommendations (to improve results and expedite task completion).

Email, IM or mobile SMS notifications should be sent 8 hours before the start of their work shift in case they can't go to work on any particular day due to valid reasons like health emergencies among others. If you assigned someone to supervise them on a daily basis as well as delegate tasks to your other assistants, this person could also be required to delegate tasks supposedly for the assistant who called in sick on that particular day to other available assistants in your team, of course for added pay. This will be great to determine which assistant in your team is the most hardworking and dependable.

Tell them failure to do any of the stuff above will result to poor performance grades and warnings which could eventually lead to their suspension, demotion or termination.

Also have a performance charting system which can easily show the performance grades of an assistant per day, week and month. You can ask your manager to do this if you have one. The performance charts can also be viewable to everyone in your team to promote healthy competitiveness. Rewards and incentives for good to exceptional performance will also be very motivational and inspiring. Don't take for granted the positive effects of inspiring words coupled with material rewards and incentives.

Hope this helps.


Best Regards,

Marx

[jamespitt]

I have secrets to tell. Just pm me. Thanks

[mikeallen50]

Outsourcing is the best way to get things done these days. If you are intended to outsource your work or any thing. There are infinite number of firms and companies ready to do the job for you.

I want to mention a firm called sales-marketing-outsourcing which provides outsourcing in different verticals. They are open to new verticals as well.

Whenever you think of outsourcing sales or marketing departments to concentrate more on production, you must need a reliable expert to handle outsourcing.

[Marketing Cheetah]

Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio

Below are some tips for testing out full time or part time assistants.
　
A. Create a list of tasks you need your assistant to do on a daily basis.

B. Ask your assistant to extensively research then develop a write-up containing:

i. a description of each task,
ii. a summarry of benefits which can be gained after properly completing each task,
iii. a step-by-step guide in properly doing the task, and
iv. a set of pointers and tips which can (1) speed up task completion and (2) improve the overall quality of results from the completed task.

You can determine their content research, analysis, writing and communication skills off the bat. You can even pinpoint areas where you can train them further or ask them to extensively research and learn based on what they've written for each task you need done.

Plus, your assistant learns (1) what each task is all about, (2) why you're asking them to do those tasks, (3) how to complete those tasks properly step-by-step and (4) how to speed up task completion and improve the overall quality of results from each completed task, even before they start working as your assistant! They can even use what they wrote, or the version of their write-ups once you corrected it or added useful content to it, as reference material.

It'll be best to require them to send daily email, IM and mobile SMS notifications at the start of their work shift to you and their manager/supervisor.

Also, a detailed daily work progress/status report template should be filled out and emailed along with their completed tasks to you and their manager/supervisors.

The template could contain the following headers: Date, Task, Output, Time Started, Time Completed, Problems/Issues (if any), and Suggestions/Recommendations (to improve results and expedite task completion).

Email, IM or mobile SMS notifications should be sent 8 hours before the start of their work shift in case they can't go to work on any particular day due to valid reasons like health emergencies among others. If you assigned someone to supervise them on a daily basis as well as delegate tasks to your other assistants, this person could also be required to delegate tasks supposedly for the assistant who called in sick on that particular day to other available assistants in your team, of course for added pay. This will be great to determine which assistant in your team is the most hardworking and dependable.

Tell them failure to do any of the stuff above will result to poor performance grades and warnings which could eventually lead to their suspension, demotion or termination.

Also have a performance charting system which can easily show the performance grades of an assistant per day, week and month. You can ask your manager to do this if you have one. The performance charts can also be viewable to everyone in your team to promote healthy competitiveness. Rewards and incentives for good to exceptional performance will also be very motivational and inspiring. Don't take for granted the positive effects of inspiring words coupled with material rewards and incentives.

Hope this helps.


Best Regards,

Marx

Markx, isn't that a bit harsh. Won't this demotivate them. Few people in this thread suggested to nice and humble with outsourcers and tell them everything (even your angerness) in a polite way.

[Lyanna]

Be wary of super-cheap writing services, that's all I can say. A good article can take up to two hours to write, you know.

The lower end writing services are around $1 per 100 words. if the price is much lower than that then you either got a real good bargain or a terrible writing service.

[bolcitybol]

hello,

this is alok.it is my site which is gives you more space at no cost for ads.I hope you like it.

please drop suggestion.

thanks.

[mcmillad]

Always use the recommended means of communication. Usually that means using the sites platform to communicate with your programmer. I have had times when the programmer tries to use personal email to communicate and then you have no acceptable record in a dispute.

[LastWarrior]

In communicating to my outsourcer, I came up with the idea of using
a similar Camtasia-like program. Because I didn't know how to use
Powerpoint, I opened several windows that each had relevant
information I wanted to share with the OS. I then recorded what I
wanted and then just switched to each relevant page as I was talking
and moving the mouse around to point things out.

It worked great and will do similar again when the need arises.

LastWarrior

[equity01]

There are three main types of equity release schemes and within each of these there are numerous products available. Below is a brief description of the equity release schemes available.

[FreeLinkJuice]

I tend to keep it simple when it comes to online stuff. (Perhaps the secret to my success (smile).

Anyway -- when it comes to outsourcing I think everyone should look at Fiverr.com (that's 2 "R"s).

You can find some amazing people there that will deliver great services (and products) for a mere 5 bucks.

If you haven't been there go soon.

That's my 2 cents.

Thanks

George

[jdjenkins]

There's lots of good info here which will help many people out. I would just add that some people may be a bit nervous about just starting any kind of outsourcing; but I would suggest just go and do it - find 1 or 2 freelancers to write a couple of short articles for you.

Getting started in outsourcing in a very small way like this will give you confidence to lead into bigger projects. Also this kind of low-cost and low-risk beginning is a good way to practise finding and negotiating with freelancers; and you don't have huge deadlines while you start to look at ways to organise projects and communication.

[toytruck]

Just want to share a few tips based on my experience:

~ Look for someone with the following basic criteria:

• English skills of 5 (self-rated and passed English Test). You may also test his/her communication skills through Skype call.

• Feedback score of 4.5-5

~ Choose someone who has a high speed internet and can work on your preferred office hours.

~ Set your required weekly hour limit and specify that you prefer a candidate who is willing to work online (instead of billing you for offline work).

~ Review portfolio and samples of previous work. This will give you an idea of their skills & capabilities.

~ Interview qualified applicants. In my case, I ask them situational questions to measure their knowledge on specific subjects.

~ Select the best candidates, give them a test project then hire the one who delivers the best work.

~ Once hired, be sure your assistant fully understands the project before you begin. Clearly define the project descriptions, set your expectations, deadlines, etc)

~ Create a To-Do List for your assistant and ask him/her to send you a daily progress report.

~ Set weekly meetings with your assistant to discuss project status and to evaluate his/her job performance.


Hope these helps

[liveurlyf]

Originally Posted by Mohsin Rasool

Hi Guys,

As I run my own small outsourcing firm and have direct contact with many
freelancers and outsourcing firms in this industry...

I see three mistakes which create huge trouble for the client , yeah the customer!

1. #1 Mistake: 500pages html pages post to Blog $35 only
Yes, it is too good to be true... When you are getting someone to do a BIG job for
a very little Price... you are asking for a big trouble, waste of time and waste of energy..

They will take your project, try to do it, will get fed up with it...2 days time stretch to
2 weeks and then 2 months without project completion!!!

So it is not always better to go for the lowest (unimaginable, unreasonable) bid/price...
Sometime poeple just need money and they are wiling to do anything for $10...but
just after they have got your project, they gonna rethink, and they gonna be tired...

Oh also sometime (and most of the time) they are new to the market, they just have
no idea what job they are taking, so they take the job for e.g.$15, start the work and
then they realize oh ..that is so much work...and now they are not going to tell you the
truth but waste your time and energy, and you are going to get very frustrated really!!!

So lowest price is not always the best solution to your outsourcing needs!!!

2. #2 Mistake Regarding Design :
When you want something to be Designed, do not simply explain in words via email,
or worse talk over skype(he/she is not going to understand)... as both you and your
designer cannot speak on the same communication level, he/she does not know your
terms and vice versa...

I have seen the best solution to this ... Open Word doc... and start drawing the
layout boxes with simple descriptions... Logo Here, Sign Up button here... and so on..
and send that to your designer..or simply draw by hand on a paper (just the draft idea)
and scan it and email your designer... this is going to save a week of back and forth emails of understanding your idea....

3. #3 Mistake Regarding Projects Descriptions and Specifications :

As already mentioned and advised by many Warriors above , that you must be
specific and detailed in your description...no short-cut and no exception...
If you really want the work completed as per your expectations and within
the time frame...give the all details to the outsourcing guy at the start of the
project so he/she tells you correct idea of the date of completion...

You can write, you can draw, you can record video, you can give reference links,
and the examples sites or blogs you like...so turn around time of your project becomes
fast and short...


BONUS TIP: Oh i was about to skip this very important advice i can give to
my fellow Warrior Friends regarding the Coding/Software stuff....{Dark secret of
the industry in the words of a senior employee}

On another day, i was talking to this senior coder in a big outsourcing firm here...
as i have checked his recent script, and i saw many security checks were simply
ignored...I mentioned that...and his answer was very surprising...he said...
we deliver what client asks for!...if he do not ask we do not do...in fact he was saying..
if client is clueless about the aspects of security of the script/site they are coding,
they are not going to take those measures...they will only do if client is smart, have
knowledge about that, and ask for that.... and it is not what he wanted to do..he said
this is company practice to get things done, and just do what is asked...

Solution, to this issue i recommend to my fellow warriors is that if you have no idea about
programming/coding..and you are going to get something built/coded...please have some
friend or buddy onboard...who have knowledge about that..and let him help you fine-tune
your project descriptions and specs...and also let him inspect the delivered work to you,
before you approve the same...just to be on the safe side...

best wishes,
Mohsin
PS. Allen thank you very much such great threads...i really love to see all great
stuff at one place...thank you!

I got a lot of of dis and am really grateful for the insight...

[sitemarketer]

If you are considering outsourcing programming overseas, this is my story, having hired six different programming *teams* for large PHP projects. They were all large companies.

Five of them were from India with disastrous results. One entire company, when the project was nine months in, 95% complete, and paid up-to-date, just vanished off the face of the planet, totally unreachable for a year. Then they contacted me to ask if I had any new work for them.

The inside information that I had at the time on Indian firms is that the turnover is huge, with programmers continually looking for new jobs and then using the new offers to renegotiate contracts, over and over again. I will never work with an Indian firm again and I'm half Indian.

For the past five years, I've been working with a Ukrainian company and they are all kinds of awesome and have incredible programmer loyalty and retention. They train their staff, send them to English lessons, have project managers and testers, etc. My initial programmer there from five years ago is now my project manager and when I needed to scale to 15 programmers in three shifts around the clock, they were able to accommodate.

They also work on a schedule that overlaps mine, so we have the mornings to discuss things and work together. Now, they're PHP programmers mostly and not up-to-speed on all the latest and greatest like node.js, mongodb, knockout.js etc., but if you hire your own guys through them, you give them time to learn whatever you want, and they love working on things where they learn.

So, my two cents is to consider Ukrainian programmers. They seem to be treated well and are able to do some pretty complicated stuff.

John.

[friendlytf]

good advice

[maywebdesigns]

The best advice I can give is to be specific, clarify and re-clarify because the truth is in most cases you will be outsourcing to someone in a foreign country and it is easy to underestimate how cultural differences can hamper communication

[sal64]

The following strategy is based on how I used oDesk to build my team... on my terms... for the hours I reqire... and for very little money. I hope you can also use it accordingly.

Enjoy!

Ok...

I posted my first project for a casual VA and listed the many tasks I wanted done. To my surprise, I had 56 candidates in as little as 72 hours.

With so many well credentialled candidadtes, and not much work, I coniously decided that I would test a few out with smaller tasks. Then I would slect full timers accordingly.

This is where I had my AHA moment and my Outsourcing epiphany! As I began to look through my shortlisted candidates and their resumes, I soon discovered that most of them posessed different core skills. Some were better at SEO... whilst others were better at web design etc. So here's what I did next...

I broke my business down into specific areas such as customer service, seo, design, graphics and so on. I then hired multiple candidates for this position and assigned each one a very small task to complete.

So rather than commiting to one person, or to a monthly contract, I was able to get most things done for less that $100. I deliberaetly assigned tasks which I knew would be required again int he future, and that were based on the individual's core skill.

The upshot was that I found 3 providers at between $3 to $6 per hour which I still work with today.

But here's the real kicker for all you noobs and start-ups...

All providers are employed on a part-time casual basis. Which means you only pay for the work you need... rather then running around like a headless chicken trying to find enough work to justify your minimum monthly commitment.

If you only need 3 hours work on any given week, that's all you pay for, and as you get busier and your business grows, you can ramp up the hours and/or hire more personell.

The other great advantage of this approcah is that you get things done quicker, as you have multiple workers working on tasks simultaneously.

So here's what this approach can do for you...

Start outsourcing on a shoestring budget and without commiting hundreds or thousands of dollars up front.

Build a personal team of workers that are reliable and professional.

Quickly dismiss someone who does not perform,and replace them quickly.

Add to your team as required.

Employ real specialists based on the work you have available so that you are assured of quality results every time, without having to commit to minimum hours for each employee.


Bottom line: It's flexible, affordable and scalable to YOUR business needs.

wishing you best of success!

Sal