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Best way to start outsourcing?

by peteJ
14 replies
Hey Guys,

I run a web services company that does everything from web/application development, to article writing, to marketing.

Over the past couples months my business has really started booming, it's getting to the point where I no longer have to look or clients; they come to me. This is wonderful, but at the same time I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm starting to get more work than I can handle.

I've come to the conclusion that the only way to grow my business is to start outsourcing the work. But, I'm kind of lost on how to do this. I know there are a ton of freelance sites I can outsource on, does anyone have any experience using these for client work? I've used them for a few of my own small projects, but when the work is for someone else and your name is on the line it's a different ballgame.

I think the biggest issue I have to overcome is my desire to control everything, the feeling that this is my business and I want to make sure everything is done right. I know I have to let loose some control for my business to grow, but it's hard to actually put my future in someone else hands. Does that make sense?

So basically, I need advice on how to overcome that feeling, as well as solid places to look for decent freelancers. I'm thinking of looking at the local university for some part time help. I can't pay them what they would be worth in a more professional setting, but I can definitely give them well what they would be making at some retail shop as well giving them experience in their field. I like the idea of them being local, and being able to meet with them on occasion, does this sound like a reasonable route to go?
#outsourcing #start
  • Profile picture of the author SteveFinch
    Hi Pete

    I've used freelancer a few times and have been more than happy. But your suggestion of using local people is definately the one I'd go with. In fact I've done that myself. Just being able to talk things over face to face makes for a much better working relationship.

    As for the control thing, I can see what you mean, but you will be in control. These people will be working for you, and you'll get to check everything before you pass it over to your client. From what you say about your how your business is growing, it seems like you may not even have a choice now.

    Good luck with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author CharlieMain
    Hi Pete

    I have done all 3 ways - freelance, local university student and internet contact

    Unfortunately its not a simple answer as you need to look at the pros and cons of each based on what you are prepared to do and let go.

    In case of students my advice is it will depend on how much you want them to do and when as you need to consider the timing of their exams and their term time. They could leave the area in holiday time.

    Growing a business means letting go of things - you have too, you physically cant do it all. But if you can't or wont, then why don't you increase your prices? Get paid more for the same! If you still are booming, then may be you can afford to hire someone locally who will do a good job for a decent price.

    Hope that helps a little?
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    • Profile picture of the author PetarMarkov
      You need the right people around you. My experience with freelancers tought me not to use freelancers services. It is better to pay higher to a local firm rather than pay a freelancer and then do again what he was supposed to do, or hire someone.

      Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author VA2011
    I completely understand what you are saying, you created your company and now all of sudden you're not gonna be able to look at every aspect of it? Sounds like a bummer, but this is what happens.

    Outsourcing seems like the reasonable thing to do, because you can save A LOT of money, but if you're not sure you can find the right person to assist you then I think your university idea is very viable.

    If I were you I would consider at least posting the job at oDesk and take a look at the applicants. You may be impressed by how many great people are offering their services in there. If you are clear about your goals, you'll surely get a great job done. I have used oDesk a lot offering my services, and most recently I've been looking for other people's services.

    P.S.: this is what happens when you pay people accordingly. If you pay $3/hr you will get a job that's worth $3/hr, get it?
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  • Profile picture of the author SandraLarkin
    Banned
    Well odesk.com. elance.com etc.

    Make sure you vet a ton before you hire anyone however.
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  • Profile picture of the author cyberzolo
    Get what you need to done on fiverr for five bucks. A great place where people are desperate to do whatever services they offer to earn some money.
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  • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
    Well if you're going to outsource your work, then it's impossible to control everything, that's indeed a very big obstacle to overcome.

    That being said, if you go over to the freelancer sites you can easily find good outsourcers who will do the work for you perfectly. Just make sure to interview them before, and make sure they have positive ratings from other employees.
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  • Profile picture of the author D3t0x
    Many have had success in using freelancers. Of course you need to train them or train one as project manager or team manager (depends on how many freelancers you plan to get). There are really good freelancers out there who can help you with what you need. You just need to learn how to look for them, what thinks to look for in hiring one, and how to train them. Getting a freelancer from Asia is cheaper. However not everyone in Asia knows good English. Try someone from the Philippines. Many from that country speak English fluently.
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  • Profile picture of the author magiclouie
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author partnersedge
      Start by doing small tasks with people from Fiverr and get comfortable with that.
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  • Profile picture of the author cheehien
    Yeah, outsourcing is the best way. But you need to look for quality works.
    i propose to use freelancer, fiverr, odesk.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fajar Sidiq
    You can give a child work for the freelancers, aims to test them also about how it works.

    and after you are sure you can make her employees to take care of the job that you can not do.

    The best place to look for freelancers in my experience is in: Fiverr, oDesk and certainly in the warrior forum
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  • Profile picture of the author jgant
    I use LongerDays.com. It's a one-stop-shop for all kinds of work and everyone works out of the same office in USA. You get a project manager who farms out work to the appropriate person.

    The best way to use the service is have recurring tasks that they do for each of your accounts. I don't think they're too expert with web development but they do pretty much everything else very well. The oversight with a project manager is excellent. They'll even talk to clients for you (and they do this well).

    As for your web development, you'll probably be best served hiring a freelancer who knows what they're doing. Alternatively if you find a white label service that builds the type of websites you build that could work well.

    You have an enviable problem on your hands.
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  • Profile picture of the author wDigital
    I have had good success using freelancer. The challenge is weeding out the time wasters. I typically offer a small version of what I need done as a "test". Get 2-3 people to do the same thing and see who comes back the fastest, with the best quality and communication.

    Then, I offer to work with the best 1 or 2 on an "ongoing" basis and just take it from there. It doesn't take much time at all. The funny thing is I have found some excellent workers for a lot less than you would expect.

    Sometimes I throw out a gamble on a guy with low experience and it can pay off well.

    All the best
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  • Profile picture of the author everest8848mt
    Originally Posted by peteJ View Post

    Hey Guys,

    I run a web services company that does everything from web/application development, to article writing, to marketing.

    Over the past couples months my business has really started booming, it's getting to the point where I no longer have to look or clients; they come to me. This is wonderful, but at the same time I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm starting to get more work than I can handle.

    I've come to the conclusion that the only way to grow my business is to start outsourcing the work. But, I'm kind of lost on how to do this. I know there are a ton of freelance sites I can outsource on, does anyone have any experience using these for client work? I've used them for a few of my own small projects, but when the work is for someone else and your name is on the line it's a different ballgame.

    I think the biggest issue I have to overcome is my desire to control everything, the feeling that this is my business and I want to make sure everything is done right. I know I have to let loose some control for my business to grow, but it's hard to actually put my future in someone else hands. Does that make sense?

    So basically, I need advice on how to overcome that feeling, as well as solid places to look for decent freelancers. I'm thinking of looking at the local university for some part time help. I can't pay them what they would be worth in a more professional setting, but I can definitely give them well what they would be making at some retail shop as well giving them experience in their field. I like the idea of them being local, and being able to meet with them on occasion, does this sound like a reasonable route to go?
    In my opinion, If you would like to go for longer period, i think its good to hire full time developer, instead of freelancers.
    You can always come up with your best price so that they will stick with you, and ofcourse, they will be aware that hiring and firing anytime if they don't satisfy you.
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