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Outsourcing question-Is $5000 enough?

by Steve36
11 replies
I hope to begin outsourcing soon. Of course it can be done with any amount of money but, I am looking for a little inspiration I guess. To put money towards outsourcing and investing in IM rather than spending money on 'personal items.' (Clothes ect.)

The more money I put into outsourcing the better, if done correctly. But what do I need to kick start my business? $500 $1000 $5000?

Obviously $5000 is better than $500 but how much better, how much more will I be able to further my business?
#make #outsourcing #questionhow
  • Profile picture of the author Dave d
    The key to successful outsourcing does not lie with the size of your budget. First you need a solid system, then you need the right outsouring tools or people or system. Once you have these you then need to manage or execute them. Somebody could start outsourcing with a huge budget but without those crucial elements in place it could all go to pot.

    You need to think about which elements of your business you want to outsource and how much of it needs outsourcing if not all. There is no one person that can give you an amount you need to spend on outsourcing without them sitting down with you and having a detailed look at your business and your future plans.
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  • Profile picture of the author Damien Roche
    Don't forget the software either. This question presents too many variables though. $1000 will most definitely kick start any effort you make in paying for people to turn those cogs...but...more importantly, you need to turn the right cogs.

    Nothing more frustrating than riding a bike without the chain

    Now imagine paying 10 people to take it in turns to ride that same bike while you stand there and watch as *nothing* happens.

    I'm tired, so I'm probably talking nonsense hahaha. my point I guess is, no matter how much capital you have, it's where you spend it that matters.

    /waffle
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    • Profile picture of the author Jute
      Hi,

      I just started outsourcing (2 months ago...) and it is one of the best things I've done so far.

      My best advice is to start small/slow...

      Build up trust over time and ALWAYS pre-test and DEMAND example/proof of prior work of the ones that you plan on using.

      I outsource article marketing and I tried out 6 different writers and sure 4 of them were c-r-a-p but the 2 that were left are worth their weight in gold.

      Also give them feedback. Sure it will take some extra time when starting out but the work that they provide will just keep on getting better and better.

      Also remember that the lowest price is not always the best offer. You normally get what you pay for.

      If you want to outsource to a country that is not as "expensive" as the one you live in there are firms that will offer you the solution that will have your "worker" sitting in their office and they will keep an eye on her/him (I know of a good firm that offers this service and the owner is a member at the WF)

      Good luck!

      Jute

      If you have any questions feel free to PM me.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by Steve36 View Post

    I hope to begin outsourcing soon. Of course it can be done with any amount of money but, I am looking for a little inspiration I guess. To put money towards outsourcing and investing in IM rather than spending money on 'personal items.' (Clothes ect.)

    The more money I put into outsourcing the better, if done correctly. But what do I need to kick start my business? $500 $1000 $5000?

    Obviously $5000 is better than $500 but how much better, how much more will I be able to further my business?
    IMO
    You do not outsource until you are at the point where you need to, if you can still manage the workload then manage it, if your at the point where not having the additional help is making you lose money - then it is time to outsource
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  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    There are a lot of talented people living in grass huts that would work for peanuts for you. The key is to find them and lock them into a long term relationship. You budget would go a very long way with these folks.
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    Founder of JVZoo. All around good guy :)

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  • Profile picture of the author areaK
    You can start out with just about whatever budget you're able. You just need to find the right people (by talking with them, asking questions, etc.), communicate with them about your needs and your budget so that they can help you strategize the best plan of attack based on that budget and take it from there.

    Any good outsourcer in the IM niche will be happy to discuss your overall plans, and generally ask questions to encourage this, so that they can help you get the best value for your budget and ensure you're on the right track (unless you're experienced in IM and just go to them and say 'hey this is what I want you to do' because they usually have the experience and have their strategy planned out themselves and just want you to do the tasks they request.

    You do get what you pay for though, so you have to decide what you're able/willing to pay for a certain standard of quality of quality is of concern to you.
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  • Profile picture of the author erinwrites
    Yes. You could absolutely hire me to help you for $5000

    I may charge more but I'm much easier to deal with and more fun to work with than the peanut takers E. Brian Rose talked about. For one thing I have a solid roof and cable internet. No big gust of wind is going to destroy my coconut modem!
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  • Profile picture of the author George Tee
    Don't be too eager to outsource. If you are too eager to outsource, you may face very stressful situations when your earnings dip a little (due to sales fluctuations). Perhaps you want to outsource 1/3 to 1/2 of your earnings.
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  • Profile picture of the author Prawn
    Go for it. You might want to try something like odesk.com before you hire your own sales army.
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  • Profile picture of the author jedz
    Banned
    I agree with areaK.

    Outsourcing is a business that trust is the first requirement. Business won't grow if you haven't trusted the company that you're working with. This business has it pros and cons, you just need to find the right company, ask for samples and client references so you can decide. There are lots of outsourcing providers who pretend to be the best, that's why you need to be careful and look for the reputable ones.

    I suggest to hire a Staff leasing company instead of a freelancer. because leased staff are permanent workers of a company and are easy to reach in case you need them. Freelancers do not have employers so they do as they please and sometimes cannot be contacted for various reasons.

    If you have some questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Please see my sig for more information.
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  • Profile picture of the author MassiveMarketer
    It is a really big help if you outsource. Just make sure that you're getting the right people. Make sure that you get samples of their work or better yet give them a trial period so you know what they are capable of.
    I've had an experience of hiring someone and saying I can do this and really good at it but no end result. But also got a really good one.
    You just have to get the right one out of the thousands of people who'd want the job.
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