Anyone Know A Thing Or 2 About Outsourcing

26 replies
There comes a time in business where time just washes away. And I'm so done with working all the time.

Anyone got anything good on outsourcing? By good I prefer something recent and *ahem* working. I need to cram in as much as this outsourcing stuff in my brain as possible - in a very small time frame.

So all-in-one resources are good.

If not, then be kind enough to drop a nugget of priceless outsourcing info instead.

It'll be much appreciated.
#outsourcing #thing
  • Thecostofexperience,

    What exactly do you want to know about outsourcing? Do you want to know how to effectively source out, test, hire, train and manage local or overseas telecommuting / remote contractors for fixed monthly subcontracts or project-based arrangements? There are different elements in that alone (sourcing out, testing, hiring, training and managing either local telecommuting / remote contractors, or overseas contractors)...

    I own and run a 9-year old CERTIFIED MICROSOFT PARTNER global ICT consulting company with brick and mortar operations for our many departments, some of which deal with labor contracting (outsourcing) services, such as our multi-lingual call center, multi-lingual content development department and our Web & software development department, so:

    Yes, I know a lot about outsourcing, especially since I started with a team of four work at home moms and dads (including my wife and I) in 2005, which in barely a year grew to a company with more than 140 inhouse employees, partner company contractors and independent subcontractors combined after signing up prominent corporate clients; and

    I did (still do) all that with my eyes closed, literally, because I've been totally blind since 2003...
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian B
      Hello,

      what do you want exactly ? Sites ? Good freelancers ? Legal stuff ?

      And what do you need to outsource ?

      If you want a book about outsourcing, look at 4 hours work week, Ferris. And on his site, you can find good informations:
      The 4-Hour Workweek Tools | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss

      (and search for comments too).
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      • Originally Posted by Christian B View Post

        Hello,

        what do you want exactly ? Sites ? Good freelancers ? Legal stuff ?

        And what do you need to outsource ?

        If you want a book about outsourcing, look at 4 hours work week, Ferris. And on his site, you can find good informations:
        The 4-Hour Workweek Tools | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss

        (and search for comments too).
        Picked that up too. Obviously I'm trying to get as much as I can by leveraging currency. So of course the four hour workweek was the first thing I picked up.

        Now when you say "legal stuff" that sparks my attention. If theres any source that covers the legal aspects of outsourcing in detail - I'd like to have at it.
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    • Profile picture of the author seekdefo
      Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

      I did (still do) all that with my eyes closed, literally, because I've been totally blind since 2003...
      So how do you answer these posts? Someone reads out to you. I appreciate your willingness to help.
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      Brevity is the soul of wit

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      • Seekdefo,

        Perhaps someone with eyesight-related problems or someone with totally blind and visually impaired relatives, friends and colleagues could benefit from this post...

        I use a screen reader program called JAWS For Windows in my ordinary desktop / laptop computers =>> www.freedomscientific.com/Products/Blindness/Jaws

        I also use other desktop / laptop screen reader programs from time to time (for certain applications and websites that do not have accessibility support for JAWS), such as an open source one called Non-Visual Desktop Access; and

        I also use a mobile screen reader application called Nuance Talks in my phone so as to access all its functions, including the ability to send and read SMS / emails / MMS and so on. There are others for touch devices, such as Mobile Accessibility, but I don't want to use any device that doesn't offer any tactical user-input interface...

        Also, I don't know how to read in Braille, but I do know how to write in Braille =>> Years of continuous guitar and bass playing has deadened the ability of my fingertips to accurately decipher Braille dots...
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        • Founder: Grayscale (Manila, PH) & SEO Campaign Manager: Kiteworks, Inc. (SF, US)
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        • Profile picture of the author seekdefo
          Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

          Seekdefo,

          Perhaps someone with eyesight-related problems or someone with totally blind and visually impaired relatives, friends and colleagues could benefit from this post...

          I use a screen reader program called JAWS For Windows in my ordinary desktop / laptop computers =>> www.freedomscientific.com/Products/Blindness/Jaws

          I also use other desktop / laptop screen reader programs from time to time (for certain applications and websites that do not have accessibility support for JAWS), such as an open source one called Non-Visual Desktop Access; and

          I also use a mobile screen reader application called Nuance Talks in my phone so as to access all its functions, including the ability to send and read SMS / emails / MMS and so on. There are others for touch devices, such as Mobile Accessibility, but I don't want to use any device that doesn't offer any tactical user-input interface...

          Also, I don't know how to read in Braille, but I do know how to write in Braille =>> Years of continuous guitar and bass playing has deadened the ability of my fingertips to accurately decipher Braille dots...
          Thanks for sharing. What you are doing is really commendable.
          Signature

          Brevity is the soul of wit

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    • Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

      Thecostofexperience,

      What exactly do you want to know about outsourcing? Do you want to know how to effectively source out, test, hire, train and manage local or overseas telecommuting / remote contractors for fixed monthly subcontracts or project-based arrangements? There are different elements in that alone (sourcing out, testing, hiring, training and managing either local telecommuting / remote contractors, or overseas contractors)...

      I own and run a 9-year old CERTIFIED MICROSOFT PARTNER global ICT consulting company with brick and mortar operations for our many departments, some of which deal with labor contracting (outsourcing) services, such as our multi-lingual call center, multi-lingual content development department and our Web & software development department, so:

      Yes, I know a lot about outsourcing, especially since I started with a team of four work at home moms and dads (including my wife and I) in 2005, which in barely a year grew to a company with more than 140 inhouse employees, partner company contractors and independent subcontractors combined after signing up prominent corporate clients; and

      I did (still do) all that with my eyes closed, literally, because I've been totally blind since 2003...
      Alright. I'll shoot on that. Will P.M you with some questions in a bit. Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author jemacb
      Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

      Thecostofexperience,

      Yes, I know a lot about outsourcing, especially since I started with a team of four work at home moms and dads (including my wife and I) in 2005, which in barely a year grew to a company with more than 140 inhouse employees, partner company contractors and independent subcontractors combined after signing up prominent corporate clients; and

      I did (still do) all that with my eyes closed, literally, because I've been totally blind since 2003...
      This is a very inspirational post Marx Melencio. My Hat off to you Sir. Well done indeed!

      Thecostofexperience, clearly Marx is experienced enough to assist you. And it is obvious that he is an Action Taker. I would certainly follow his advice.

      There is also a guy by the name of Chris Ducker (originally from the UK but lives with his family in the Philippines) who wrote a book based on his past and existing experiences. I would check it out. I found it very easy to read and extremely informative. I purchased the Kindle version off Amazon. But you could go direct to his site. The link is: Virtual Freedom: How to Buy More Time, Become More Productive and Build Your Dream Business!.

      Another option is John Jonas. He has been doing this for years and is pretty knowledgeable to say the least. This is the service that he provides. His website Replace Yourself In Your Business By Outsourcing To The Philippines can guide you.

      Hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author trevord92
    Not an all in one course, just places I've outsourced stuff - a lot of it is start small, learn as you go

    Fiverr

    I've had print quality graphics (300dpi), translations, HTML/website fixes all done fast and cheap.

    Sometimes you need to learn to read between the lines about what's being offered but if you work on the assumption that if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is you won't go far wrong.

    iWriter

    Good quality articles fast so long as you keep away from the low word count (which is where the lower quality writers seem to congregate) and put in a good specification. Basic quality articles sometimes need an extra editorial stage, higher quality ones rarely do

    Warriors for Hire

    The threads allow feedback so you can check what's on offer, see their post count and much more

    Freelancer

    Owner of this site and prolific purchaser of other freelance sites.

    Rating system allows you to check people - read the feedback rather than just skim it.

    Take the time to "interview" coders via the chat system to get as much as possible agreed before hiring.

    If it's an important project, hire & pay for 2 freelancers at the same time (perfectly within the rules). That means if one doesn't come through you're still covered. And it's almost certainly still cheaper than hiring someone local.
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    • Profile picture of the author internetmarketer1
      Originally Posted by trevord92 View Post

      Not an all in one course, just places I've outsourced stuff - a lot of it is start small, learn as you go

      Fiverr

      I've had print quality graphics (300dpi), translations, HTML/website fixes all done fast and cheap.

      Sometimes you need to learn to read between the lines about what's being offered but if you work on the assumption that if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is you won't go far wrong.

      iWriter

      Good quality articles fast so long as you keep away from the low word count (which is where the lower quality writers seem to congregate) and put in a good specification. Basic quality articles sometimes need an extra editorial stage, higher quality ones rarely do

      Warriors for Hire

      The threads allow feedback so you can check what's on offer, see their post count and much more

      Freelancer

      Owner of this site and prolific purchaser of other freelance sites.

      Rating system allows you to check people - read the feedback rather than just skim it.

      Take the time to "interview" coders via the chat system to get as much as possible agreed before hiring.

      If it's an important project, hire & pay for 2 freelancers at the same time (perfectly within the rules). That means if one doesn't come through you're still covered. And it's almost certainly still cheaper than hiring someone local.

      Good post. If you ever want anything done, these are great resources. No need to focus on any other sites but these. Highly recommended.
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    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Great post!

      Don't forget elance!

      Leverage is a great way to upscale your biz!

      We have found great workers on divert and elance over the years.





      Originally Posted by trevord92 View Post

      Not an all in one course, just places I've outsourced stuff - a lot of it is start small, learn as you go

      Fiverr

      I've had print quality graphics (300dpi), translations, HTML/website fixes all done fast and cheap.

      Sometimes you need to learn to read between the lines about what's being offered but if you work on the assumption that if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is you won't go far wrong.

      iWriter

      Good quality articles fast so long as you keep away from the low word count (which is where the lower quality writers seem to congregate) and put in a good specification. Basic quality articles sometimes need an extra editorial stage, higher quality ones rarely do

      Warriors for Hire

      The threads allow feedback so you can check what's on offer, see their post count and much more

      Freelancer

      Owner of this site and prolific purchaser of other freelance sites.

      Rating system allows you to check people - read the feedback rather than just skim it.

      Take the time to "interview" coders via the chat system to get as much as possible agreed before hiring.

      If it's an important project, hire & pay for 2 freelancers at the same time (perfectly within the rules). That means if one doesn't come through you're still covered. And it's almost certainly still cheaper than hiring someone local.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9549665].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RobLowe
    I've had great work done by Elance and oDesk for longer term projects, both technical and service. Their tracking software is really useful to see ongoing progress.
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  • Profile picture of the author jgant
    I use LongerDays to run day-to-day activities such as content generation and social media. I also hire individual writers for specific projects.
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    How I hit $10,000+ per month very fast w/ 1 niche blog - Click Here to learn more (no opt-in).
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  • Profile picture of the author AffEngineer
    I've been outsourcing over a year! Somethings to consider

    - Get someone that speaks fluent english, (saves you loads of time and often, the quality of work is better)
    - Note the country time difference
    - Always do fixed price so no ones surprised by the final cost
    - Do a test with 3 outsource workers, then select the best
    - Don't be afraid to be blunt but still be rewarding and generally nice. Try make it an enjoyable experience for both parties.

    All the best!
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    • Profile picture of the author planetgourmet
      Banned
      Originally Posted by AffEngineer View Post

      I've been outsourcing over a year! Somethings to consider

      - Get someone that speaks fluent english, (saves you loads of time and often, the quality of work is better)
      - Note the country time difference
      - Always do fixed price so no ones surprised by the final cost
      - Do a test with 3 outsource workers, then select the best
      - Don't be afraid to be blunt but still be rewarding and generally nice. Try make it an enjoyable experience for both parties.

      All the best!
      *
      how can u do a test ? can u test before committing to giving the job ?
      ( I am going to try elance ).

      I know what OP means when he says he waited and then freelancer cxl.
      I have had this happen to me before
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Ray
    I had a student tell me one time that they used Odesk for almost all of their outsourcing tasks (at the time I think it was mainly content generation). They said that the Odesk system allowed them to see random screenshots of what the person was looking at on their screen when they were logged in to do the work. And from what I was told, it came in handy more often then it should have for detecting fraud.

    Finding someone who can do the work as well as you can or better is one of the hardest parts of the process... that and someone you can trust to actually do the work.

    It takes time, patience and in some cases going through allot of bad eggs. Just make sure you treat the people you finally find good and keep them around.
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  • Profile picture of the author rickdangelo
    I've been with the same outsourcing firm for the past year and so far they've been really helpful. Not sure if there are anyone in this thread who has tried endlessrise but they're pretty good. I started with just one campaign to test the waters and things did work out. Now I have all my campaigns with them. I guess you should check out outsourcing firms for yourself, test out their capabilities and weigh out your options.
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  • Profile picture of the author roxelgestiada
    What exactly would you want to know about outsourcing? I can definitely help you. I am Junior Business Development Specialist for Infinit-O which is based in the Philippines. Is it going to be a big or small business that needs to be outsourced? I can surely provide you some tips about outsourcing if you want.
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  • Profile picture of the author magiclouie
    Actually, it depends on your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Is this part time or full time?

    There are only 24 hours in a day. So, doing everything else limits what you can do by that 24 hours limitation.

    Having VA's allows you to get 48 or more hours of work done in one day. It's truly worth it if you want to scale up your business.

    First off, I would recommend doing everything yourself to get started. Once you are making decent recurring income then use that money to invest in a VA to do the tasks that you hate doing or are very weak at doing.

    Moreover, you want someone who can think for himself/herself. Someone who will Google an issue and find the answer before mailing you.

    You should check onlinejobs.ph and bestjobs.ph

    This is what I recommend before hiring VA

    » Short list interested people.
    » Give them small related tasks.
    » See the difference between the quality of all the work provided.
    » Select the best VA.

    You may consider hiring a VA from Odesk as well.

    You should be careful with cheap offers that seem to good to be true.

    Talking to them personally on skype or any VOIP tool is the way to go as well.

    Choosing the right candidate from outsourcing might be crucial. Make sure you interview the candidate personally and ask for their portfolio. After you checked their portfolio, it is ideal to put them in 1-2 weeks of trial so you can be sure that they can deliver quality works.

    More power to you!

    Cheers,
    Louie Tugas
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  • Profile picture of the author magiclouie
    Let me share you this list as well.

    www.odesk.com

    www.freelancer.com

    www.elance.com

    Guru - Hire Quality Freelancers And Find Freelance Jobs

    www.vworker.com

    www.scriptlance.com

    GetACoder - Quick & Easy Job Outsourcing. Outsource Your Job Today.

    Logo Design, Web Design and More. | 99designs

    Find Jobs and Hire skilled Freelancers, at a click - PeoplePerHour.com

    jobs.freelancerswitch.com

    It also depends on what kind of skill set you're looking for. If you want just the basics, any of the above will probably work out.

    You may consider hiring Filipino online workers as well. Please check this site, Hire the best Filipino employees and virtual assistants the Philippines has to offer!

    Happy outsourcing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Car0251
    I personally use Freelancer. I love finding and hiring people from the Philippines on there as they're so friendly (most of the time) and don't have high demands in terms of pay. I would only use Fiverr for outsourcing when I'm doing simple jobs where the client isn't expecting the world.
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  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    Originally Posted by Thecostofexperience View Post

    There comes a time in business where time just washes away. And I'm so done with working all the time.

    Anyone got anything good on outsourcing? By good I prefer something recent and *ahem* working. I need to cram in as much as this outsourcing stuff in my brain as possible - in a very small time frame.

    So all-in-one resources are good.

    If not, then be kind enough to drop a nugget of priceless outsourcing info instead.

    It'll be much appreciated.
    All in one is good, but a specialized team is better. This gives you the best of all the different things you need instead of an average person taking care of all of it.

    Benjamin Ehinger
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  • Profile picture of the author dmarc
    It largely depends on what kind of work you want outsourced.

    Anything beyond a very simple task, you want to make sure you develop detailed, easy to follow instructions. Things that are second nature to you, may not be to your outsourcer, even if they are a good worker. You want to make sure that jobs are done the way you want them, otherwise you're outsourcing can create more headaches that it will prevent.

    With Fiver you have wade through a ton of garbage, but with diligence and some trial and error, you can find some great deals.
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  • Profile picture of the author carlapkeeagn
    Originally Posted by Thecostofexperience View Post

    There comes a time in business where time just washes away. And I'm so done with working all the time.

    Anyone got anything good on outsourcing? By good I prefer something recent and *ahem* working. I need to cram in as much as this outsourcing stuff in my brain as possible - in a very small time frame.

    So all-in-one resources are good.

    If not, then be kind enough to drop a nugget of priceless outsourcing info instead.

    It'll be much appreciated.
    Although it depends on what you want to be outsourced, there are places you can find more information about this. I use an outsourcing business and before I opted to outsource, I didn't know too much about outsourcing my business. However, they have a good blog which breaks down what individual thing means and how it will be good for my business. It has helped me hold a better understanding. Here is the link to help you- hope it comes in useful Blog - Inventas Ltd
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