Outsourcing Advice.

10 years ago

I would look for good ( Real ) reviews/ testimonials, and also try to speak to them on skype to answer my questions.

I would also be careful with cheap offers that seem to good to be true.

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JamesW3

10 years ago

Treat it like you were about to hire an employee. Ask for their resume, read reviews/case studies/testimonials, hold an interview etc.

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Mrnace

10 years ago

yeah, I'll go through reviews and check their previous work, thats standard.

Is there anything else?

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1 reply

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CynthiaC 10 years ago

Don't pile on the work right away. Do "test" projects with more than one candidate.

I like to hire at least 10 for the same job at a time. The 80-20 rule dictates 2 will be ok, 1 will be great!

Getting a bunch to work on small tasks at once will save you many headaches in the long run.

Also when you put up your "help wanted" post, include an instruction somewhere in the middle of an activity they need to do in their response to you. This makes sure they read the post.

Something like "when you reply to this ad, put Mike Rules in the subject line."

That way you only open the ones that put "Mike Rules"

Be patient with your training, there are some brilliant people out there that only need to be trained properly.

Respect their religious holidays and be sure to bonus good work.
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hostdare

10 years ago

I am looking the rating of that person in particular site,its reviews

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magiclouie

10 years ago

Giving them trial tasks and hiring them on probation is ideal. It can be irksome, but when you do find a gem it's all worth it.

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

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Brent Stangel

10 years ago

Do "test" projects with more than one candidate.

This is great advice. Even if you find a good one, don't stop looking. In my experience, the talented people who start out on Fiverr and the like don't stay there long.

Good VAs are like the wind - they come and go quickly.

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unclederek

10 years ago

Here are two proven methods that have worked for me....

1. Tell a candidate that you want to screen share with them and see projects they are working on, and have them give you a quick tour of their drawing board...

i.e. software developers - look to see their IDE and debugger in action
i.e. graphic designers - look to see their PSD file open with the layers
etc...

This way you immediately eliminate the 'middle men' & 'project managers' that are getting in the way of you working with the source.

2. Explain to your candidate that you are interviewing many prospects for the position... And you are currently seeing who can put together_____(what ever you are looking to get done) in under 24 hours... The best candidates will be chosen for a long-term contract with your firm...

This will eliminate all the pikers and hacks that will waste your time. Someone who is an A player probably already has 10 examples of what you need and they'll fire it over within minutes- and thats the person you want!!!

PS... Tons of positive reviews are not necessarily as ironclad as you might think... I would not just base your decision off this... You have tons of these 'middle men' who are working the system finding the herds of gullible business professionals buying into the hype-machine...

Actions have and always will speak louder than words.

Good Luck,

Derek

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1 reply

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LearningChinese

10 years ago

Originally Posted by unclederek

Here are two proven methods that have worked for me....

1. Tell a candidate that you want to screen share with them and see projects they are working on, and have them give you a quick tour of their drawing board...

i.e. software developers - look to see their IDE and debugger in action
i.e. graphic designers - look to see their PSD file open with the layers
etc...

This way you immediately eliminate the 'middle men' & 'project managers' that are getting in the way of you working with the source.
k

This is a brilliant piece of advice something that I should've thought of but I didn't. Thank you for it! Nothing can mess something up quite like re-outsourcing can.

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tristatemedia

10 years ago

the only way you will control you employees is through feedback. no one wants a bad feedback.. never hire anyone driectly with a freelance site acting as a middle man.

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dvduval

10 years ago

some of the more talented people are also sizing you up. They may not mind working for a reasonable rate but they may be looking for someone that will provide them very clear and organized instructions. That way they are assured they can complete the project and get paid.if it looks like you put only a few minutes of thought into your project this might be a red flag to some of the better developers so make sure you take the time to write I clear plan with the little details that are needed or else she may find you don't get bids from some of the more talented developers.

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Mrnace

10 years ago

Awesome, some great advice.

the test projects thing seems interesting, and so does having detailed instructions.

When it comes to having the details, even the smallest, if you have very little knowledge of the work you are outsourcing, the extra bit of detail can be difficult.

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OpenAccessBPO

10 years ago

Picking 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 helpful to put them in 1-2 weeks of trial so you can be sure that can they provide you quality works.

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tristatemedia

10 years ago

go with 100% or close to it feedback....they might be more expensive but you can control them because they do not want to lose the feedback.
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also remember that cost is negiotable, if they ask for 10 per hour, send them message and tell them you will hire them if they lowered their rates. they always do.