Who here is a 'Jack of all trades'?

52 replies
I mean who here is a 'warrior of all trades'

in otherwords, do any of you do all of your tasks such as:
- Webpage creation
- copy writing
- graphic creation
- banner design
- data entry
- submission
- video creation
etc.


I know many can do many tasks but chose to outsource them, but do you do have the skills and do everything yourself, saving yourself labour costs as an overhead?
#jack #trades
  • Profile picture of the author CJ.Online
    I guess I'm a jack of all trades lol. I don't pay anyone for anything. You can check out my site www.affiliategroundz.com if you want. I did it all myself
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  • Profile picture of the author jlucado
    I would say many people here are a "Jack of All Trades" and some are "Masters of All Trades".

    Most people who enter into internet marketing need to learn the basic skills and that includes everything you mentioned. Plus some.

    So beginners must learn to be a "Jack of All Trades". And then, to turn the corner, they must become masters at developing their internet marketing skills. That involves selling.....

    But....unfortunately, learning and trying to implement all this stuff forces many to just give up, because there is so much to learn.

    One cannot do it all overnight. It takes time. Lots of it. Never stop learning. Learn something and then master it before you move on.

    And outsourcing can be disastrous too for those who think they can hire out all the skill sets required, never learn any skills themselves and then be successful. It doesn't work like that.

    If it was that easy, everyone would succeed. Less than 5% really do. But then again, it depends on what their definition of success is.
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    • Profile picture of the author jamespitt
      Originally Posted by jlucado View Post

      I would say many people here are a "Jack of All Trades" and some are "Masters of All Trades".

      Most people who enter into internet marketing need to learn the basic skills and that includes everything you mentioned. Plus some.

      So beginners must learn to be a "Jack of All Trades". And then, to turn the corner, they must become masters at developing their internet marketing skills. That involves selling.....

      But....unfortunately, learning and trying to implement all this stuff forces many to just give up, because there is so much to learn.

      One cannot do it all overnight. It takes time. Lots of it. Never stop learning. Learn something and then master it before you move on.

      And outsourcing can be disastrous too for those who think they can hire out all the skill sets required, never learn any skills themselves and then be successful. It doesn't work like that.

      If it was that easy, everyone would succeed. Less than 5% really do. But then again, it depends on what their definition of success is.

      Your statements are definitely correct Sir! My outsourcing business took heed on my knowledge that is why I am in the height of it.
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    • Profile picture of the author 711gemstone
      Yes better to learn it all that way if you hire sombody you know if they are doing it right.
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  • Profile picture of the author OrganicSeoGuru
    What are you actually trying to get done ?
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  • Profile picture of the author winebuddy
    I do just about everything myself.

    I have hired out some article writing and transcription - but that's about it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Big Al
      Yep I do everything but I'm starting to realise that it's detrimental and I need to start to focus on building a couple of key skills and outsource the rest.

      It's better use of my time and the end result is also better.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeff Henshaw
        I mean who here is a 'warrior of all trades'
        Looking back to your heading, there is a saying in the UK: "Jack of all trades and master of none". That to a great extent is true. No man or woman can know everything about everything. So we as the human race have developed differentiation of labor. People specialise in specific skills (or niches - thinking in the current marketing mind set).

        We trade or buy 'things' (including sevices) that others do better and we give them in return something that we have and that they want, such as money, or what they are unable to produce themselves.

        That is why the human race has evolved to what it is today, the most dominant of the complex life forms on the planet (or so we claim).

        It's known as trade.

        Personally, I probably fall into the 'Jack of all Trades' category. I can do most things Internet business related, but nevertheless have to 'cry help' in certain circumstances, more than I would like.

        The bottom line is 'how much is your time worth'?

        Is it more economical to 'do it you self' or out source all or part of your business?

        That is the question and each to his/her own.

        Just my thoughts,

        Jeff.
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        • Profile picture of the author WritingMadwoman
          I do mostly everything myself, except I have outsourced graphics and writing from time to time. I keep intending to outsource much more than I have in the past...but I keep putting it off. It's a control issue; no one else can do it as good I can. (Not true obviously, but that's what my ego keeps saying. I need to outsource a mute button for that sucker! LOL)

          Wendy
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          • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
            I'm a Jill of all trades. :p

            Originally Posted by Lisa Gergets View Post

            Yup...I don't pay for anything that I can do myself.

            I've always been this way, and sometimes it's to my detriment...
            Yes, we are our own worst enemies.

            Sometimes I need to know what all the ruckus is about - so I'll attempt to figure out other peoples jobs. Sometimes it works well and I can do it, other times I realize the time I just spent where I'm familiar with the task but will never be a "master" as pointed out above.

            There is a lot of power in being able to do it all. There is also a lot of sacrifice if you plan to carry on that way for the long term.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mickey Wong
          Originally Posted by Jeff Henshaw View Post

          "Jack of all trades and master of none".
          One benefit I see of being a jack of all trades is that you know what's been done well and properly when you do outsource. And you can convey ideas more clearly, which helps to get the job done faster and easier. If you've ever worked with programmers then you know what I mean.

          Then again, I would prefer to be "master of one". You have more authority and you get paid more... which means you can outsource everything else and afford the best.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lisa Gergets
    Yup...I don't pay for anything that I can do myself.

    I've always been this way, and sometimes it's to my detriment...
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    • Profile picture of the author tpw
      Originally Posted by Lisa Gergets View Post

      Yup...I don't pay for anything that I can do myself.

      I've always been this way, and sometimes it's to my detriment...
      I am in the same boat Lisa... LOL And yes, often to my own detriment...
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  • Profile picture of the author jennypitts
    I think we all were "Jack of all trades" in the beginning. Especially if you knew how to do all of those things. I was a Jack but once I started making a decent income I started hiring people to do some of the simpler tasks like article submission, bookmarking, article writing among others. I think when you have a family having the flexibility and option to outsource some things is incomparable. So, I really do not miss being the Jack of all trades with my IM business, at home I have no choice...
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  • Profile picture of the author jbode
    Yup, I can do all those things... it's good to know how to do everything even if you are outsourcing it - it helps to be able to explain how to do something even if you're not the one doing it in your business

    Plus if you're teaching others internet marketing then you should be able to do all that stuff just so you can help people better... of course it's not necessary to know everything and you can certainly make good money without knowing much of anything
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    • Profile picture of the author mrmanpower
      Originally Posted by jbode View Post

      Yup, I can do all those things... it's good to know how to do everything even if you are outsourcing it - it helps to be able to explain how to do something even if you're not the one doing it in your business

      Plus if you're teaching others internet marketing then you should be able to do all that stuff just so you can help people better... of course it's not necessary to know everything and you can certainly make good money without knowing much of anything
      I don't agree on being a jack of all trades -- I have quite a few employees now. (more than 10 fluctuating depending on need) and I'm proud to say I am really bad with alot of stuff. Especially techie stuff.

      One thing i'm good at is I 'know' or i can show what I want for the end result to be.

      So far it has proven to be successful-- more than 50% of the time, other times we have to make massive tweaks. LOL

      My main thing is using systems to make sure things work. if you can be goon in only one thing. Concentrate on marketing. I know how to market inside and out. then put in the tools/things i need to make it sing.
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  • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
    I do it all. PHP, graphic design, server admin, apache, mysql, copywriting.... however, I have others proof read just to double check my writing.
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  • Profile picture of the author DPM70
    I do 5 out of 7 of those and a whole lot more. I'm really not so good with the logo/banner thing, though. I'm sure I could be if somebody could point me to a free programme.
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  • Profile picture of the author SydneyFreelance
    YES.

    Starting out on my own, I was 1) eager to learn as much as possible and 2) too poor to outsource anything.

    There will come a time for everyone where if you become successful enough (as regska says) it becomes better to outsource repetitive tasks especially and focus your valuable time on more important aspects of your business.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Antoni
    I do most things myself mainly for speed. When I get an idea, I like to work through it. In one night I can setup a squeeze page, write a video script, record it, get it up, write the copy, test the page, then focus on traffic.

    When I have outsourced it's mainly been for graphics or special custom coding projects. I don't like the time it takes to get some stuff done. However, I know overall the best strategy would be for me to focus on ideas and have others executing those ideas. Been working on that one since 2006.
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    • Profile picture of the author Adam Nolan
      Yes, I can do everything but its a huge mistake to.

      When your time is valued at $50 an hour and you're building a website that you can hire someone to do for $2 an hour... every hour you work on that site COSTS you $48....

      Think about it...
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      • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
        Originally Posted by Maverick_ View Post

        Yes, I can do everything but its a huge mistake to.

        When your time is valued at $50 an hour and you're building a website that you can hire someone to do for $2 an hour... every hour you work on that site COSTS you $48....

        Think about it...
        True, but if you enjoy building a website (or, in my case, creating graphics) then there is the value of enjoyment. Since not all of my life rotates around making money or using my time for making money, I quite enjoy doing a $2/hour job at times.
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        • Profile picture of the author Adam Nolan
          Originally Posted by Kevin Riley View Post

          True, but if you enjoy building a website (or, in my case, creating graphics) then there is the value of enjoyment. Since not all of my life rotates around making money or using my time for making money, I quite enjoy doing a $2/hour job at times.
          I do agree with you on that... I'll do video production myself on projects that I like to do instead of farming it out
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      • Profile picture of the author Matt Morgan
        Originally Posted by Maverick_ View Post

        Yes, I can do everything but its a huge mistake to.

        When your time is valued at $50 an hour and you're building a website that you can hire someone to do for $2 an hour... every hour you work on that site COSTS you $48....

        Think about it...
        Value of time is an important factor, as you can get the job you are doing for a fraction of the cost.

        and Wow, many Jacks here, and one Jill too.
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  • Profile picture of the author Caiden
    I would consider myself a "jack of all trades" as I can do pretty much everything that is involved with IM thanks to my early days when I didn't know what I was doing!

    I jumped from one area of IM to another. Didn't have a great deal of success then but it did build up my skill base nicely!

    Nowadays I outsource allot due to time issues. Still like to keep my hand in where I can though!
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    I know it can be a control/cost issue for many people, especially when it's something that they're good at and just can't see paying good money for something they can do themselves.

    Ultimately though, you have to ask yourself (honestly) whether your time is best spent doing a certain task, or performing some other high value activity that generates a greater return on your investment of time. If you can outsource a certain task for less than the value generated through doing this high value activity, then your choice should be pretty obvious.
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  • Profile picture of the author inter123
    I am a jack of all trades and master of all. There expression used in this part of the world is 'jack of all trades master of none' but I can do everything to the highest of quality but the only thing is it takes time to do everything.
    I even spoke to close assocaites about doing work for me but the impression I am under is that I'll get scammed. Thus its all me doing everything. Hopefully that will change soon.
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  • Profile picture of the author mello
    I'm a DIY'er from way back. Comes from both being poor early in life and being perpetually curious about how things work.

    Getting close to the point where will have to trade more time for money to be able to achieve my goals ... realistically I can't do it all all the time!

    Most things I have started to outsource are techie things that I don't need to be doing and someone else can do faster for the same result.
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  • Profile picture of the author Silas Hart
    I love learning new things, so that has caused me to be a sort of eRenaissance man by default. I feel that when you learn something you are making an investment in yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Taylor French
    I can do all of those things myself. I outsource to save time, but I can do almost all IM tasks.
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  • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
    I am (literally) a Jack - of all trades and master of a few. I know my sh*t too ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    About 8 years ago when I launched (well, that's not accurate --there
    were no 'launches' back then) my first ebook I did everything on your
    list.

    But even outside of internet marketing my kids are often surprised
    at what their father can do. I repair anything at home except
    refrigeration. Not a bad idea to have an all-round education.
    You never know when it can come in handy.

    Being Jack doesn't have to negate mastery of one though.

    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt MacPherson
    I would consider myself a Jack of all trades as well. It gets tricky when you have too many projects on the go and don't want to outsource. I've begun to outsource a lot of the tedious tasks. One thing I'll always do myself is copy though. It's hard to find a copywriter more qualified and motivated than yourself.

    Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonthewebmaster
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Matt Morgan View Post

    I mean who here is a 'warrior of all trades'

    in otherwords, do any of you do all of your tasks such as:
    - Webpage creation
    - copy writing
    - graphic creation
    - banner design
    - data entry
    - submission
    - video creation
    etc.


    I know many can do many tasks but chose to outsource them, but do you do have the skills and do everything yourself, saving yourself labour costs as an overhead?

    I do EVERYTHING myself, have never outsourced a single part of my operations...and wont until I can afford to pay the best...

    That being said, I have spent almost 10 years teaching myself everything about the web from beginning to end, and still learn new things every day!

    I haven't made my million dollars...yet... but it's been a hell of a ride so far and I have a ton of skills that are valuable that help me make money.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tymarkinc
      I think in the beginning everyone is a jack of all trades, but in order to scale your business you have to let some of the task go, if not your business will suffer.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Matt Morgan View Post

    I mean who here is a 'warrior of all trades'

    in otherwords, do any of you do all of your tasks such as:
    - Webpage creation
    - copy writing
    - graphic creation
    - banner design
    - data entry
    - submission
    - video creation
    etc.


    I know many can do many tasks but chose to outsource them, but do you do have the skills and do everything yourself, saving yourself labour costs as an overhead?
    Everything except the video creation. Being on dialup, I don't bother with video.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ordiftdrima
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      When I first started out, DIY was the only option. It got to be a habit. Being a somewhat egotistical control freak doesn't help, either.

      Nowadays, I can still do what needs to be done myself, but (to quote Dirty Harry Callahan) "a man's got to know his limitations." There are things I can do in a pinch, but I know darn well others can do them better and more quickly. Now if someone will only code that mute button for the ego Jill mentioned...
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  • Profile picture of the author jgant
    I've done it all - some tasks better than others. I'm glad I learned the fundamentals because I'm able to know who to hire, what to expect, and how much I should pay.

    I've tried outsourcing to low-priced providers in the past and it was 5 times more hassle than it was worth. After a few bad experiences, I waited until I could afford hiring talented people to provide top notch work for specific tasks. You get what you pay for.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    I started out doing everything myself. Unfortunately, this has been to my detriment, as well. Do I really need to know PHP? Really???

    Today I outsource some things - really just the more mundane tasks.

    (Although I'm embarrased to admit it publically, I guess I'm a little like Kevin Riley. I enjoy the creative aspect of programming.)
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    If I think back how much I used to charge clients for custom WP sites... I should never make a website for myself, LOL. However, just like Kevin and Kelly, I do like playing around with my favourite CMS to discover new things and possibilities - I really enjoy doing it.

    I can do everything technical (website building, script installation and tweaking) but outsource graphic jobs, even if I am able to do it up to a certain level: I just don't have the patience and the right tools for it.

    Lately, I outsource article writing, too; not because I can't do it but I don't enjoy it anymore. I also find submission, backlinking and social media a PITA - I should outsource it more...
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  • Profile picture of the author cardine
    I am decent enough at most things online, but that doesn't mean you should be doing everything yourself. I found my productivity went up the most when I looked at what I was best at, and what I was worst at and focused my time on what I was best at and outsourcing the rest.
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert H Cwik
    I would risk saying that all of us newbies are "jacks of all trades". Once we start earning, we'll be looking for outsourcers for sure. Look at the seasoned marketers, they all talk about outsourcing, otherwise everything takes way to long to accomplish.
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  • Profile picture of the author barbling
    I do everything meself these days, marketing/SEO/etc. wise.

    I have no problem in paying for stuff beyond me skills, such as the graphics at my flagship site Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach - 14+ Year Veteran of Making Money and Creating Personal Success Online , but everything else....

    I've been a geek now since 1988, and can't justify paying someone else for things that are second nature to me.
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    • Profile picture of the author Matt Morgan
      Wow, My thread from over a year old has been reposted on 1 year + after.

      I feel luxurious
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      • Profile picture of the author Tom B
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Matt Morgan View Post


        I feel luxurious
        You should, look at all the gold you have!
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    • Profile picture of the author GoogleDreams
      I believe its pretty essential to be a "Jack of all trades" if you are wanting to get anywhere with internet marketing. Many people out there, even seasoned experts are jack of all trades, master of only a few. Everyone has their own specialty but must understand the basics (at least) of the whole picture.

      I would also say (and alot of people would agree) that proper outsourcing is also an important "trade" that must be utilized and mastered to become (and stay) successful.

      Just because you can do it yourself, doesn't always mean you should.
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  • Profile picture of the author ProScribe
    I can do virtually everything myself, although I do outsource some activities. Before outsourcing anything I like to teach myself how to to do it first. I always like to understand something properly even if takes longer.
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  • Profile picture of the author fin
    That's one seriously impressive site, Barbling.

    Do you mind sharing the design company who did the graphics?
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    • Profile picture of the author PatriciaJ
      I can and have done most of those, but I realise that I'm not a master at any so I outsource to those who have more skills than I have. That leaves me more time to do the things that I'm best at.
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