Outsourcing Success Secrets

I admit, I'm super lazy when it comes to time consuming tasks. After doing IM for 8 years, I have more cash than time. Therefore I try to outsource as much as possible. Like right now I have 6 outsourced projects going on at the same time (2 graphics jobs, 2 coding jobs, 1 ghostwriting job, and an ongoing traffic generation job).

Over time I've learned a few tips that can help you get your outsourcing jobs done to your expectations.

I'll post a few tips and if others join in, I'll add some more...

1) How responsive is the vendor? The most annoying thing for me is to select a vendor who takes days to get back to you with each communication. This can delay your project for weeks longer than it should take.

One of my criteria is, if the vendor can't get back to me within 12 hours, I move on to the next vendor. I always send out a message to the vendor prior to accepting their bid just to test their responsiveness. If they don't get back to you quickly when they're trying to win your business, it's going to be much worse when they get the job.

2) I require that the vendor has a Skype account or some type of Instant Message. I want to be able to contact the vendor on the spot if I need to. Being able to chat with them live is also more personal than email or private message and helps to build a relationship with them. You'd be surprised at how effective this is for getting results.

3) Be careful how you criticize people who are doing work for you and try to show sincere appreciation when possible. Just read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Carnegie and you'll understand why this is so important.

I had to learn this the hard way. I used to think that being a demanding hard ass was the way to motivate people to get the job done right. In fact, it has the opposite effect. If you don't show some appreciation for their hard work, don't expect them to continue with your interest in mind. They will shut down and do the bear minimum to get paid and move on to the next job.

Criticism doesn't work well at all. If you want them to change something, it's best to phrase your reply like this for example:

"I can see that you're working hard on this and have much more expertise than I do which is why I'm glad I chose you. What I had in mind for this part of the project is a bit different. I'd like for it to be done this way..."

What tips can you share on outsourcing?

When others join in, I'll add some more...