Today is the day I do it.

I understand the "want" to do everything yourself. "Me too".

But, I think it is well worth a test, if nothing else. Virtually all the big names in the internet marketing business do it, at least to some extent.

"Example", my grandfather taught me how to shoe horses. but let me tell you what, as soon as I could afford to pay a farrier, that's what I did.

That may be an extreme example, but when you run out of time in your work, and it becomes a "quality of life issue", then make the change.

Outsourcing has helped me keep my sanity. And allowed me to focus on what I am better at.
I don't know what you want to outsource, you can outsource anything online these dayds, except your decision making, literally.

Start with a small project at first, it will help build your confidence and keep the likelihood of a big mistake from popping up. For example if I want a ebook done, I'll have two writers do a outline and sample chapter to see which is best. Then I choose one for the writing. But I own the outline as well so I can use either online or change it around. My writers often come up with ideas I overlooked or did not think of.

Ask for samples of what they've done.
Use escrow if you're using places like Elance or Guru.
Check any feedback section that exists.
Be prepared to give the writer/project person enough details so they know what slant, tone, approach, purpose, customer base, etc. so they can give you what you want.
Set deadlines, and ask for a look at part of the early draft to be sure you and they are on the same page. For example, if I have 10 articles they are to write, we agree on topics and I look at the first one or two to be sure the writer is understanding my targeted customer's needs.

As with anything there is a learning curve, but it is a great productivity boost for me.

Good luck.

Yep, outsourcing is one of the easiest ways to scale things for you. Like article or content writing. Once you get the hang of it, its a no brainer and you could pay someone to do it very cheaply, and they would be happy to get the $$.

Keep us posted on how the outsourcing goes!

Outsourcing has really helped me learn how to manage my business more effectively and the results are great.

I'm using elance to outsource the following:
1) Affiliate recruitment (sending emails to website owners)
2) Backlink building
3) Opt-in form design

I also have a graphics guy that I met externally to this, and he does all my photoshop work.

I spend money on it ... but the results are worth every penny and there is no way I could do it all myself.

It is a MUST.

I too am just venturing into this world of outsourcing. One of my big questions is this:

You outsource an addition/modification (or even entire site) to an existing website you have - How do you handle the security issues if you cannot integrate the change in code by yourself? Is it sufficient to just reset passwords after they complete the changes? I guess my question is how do you keep peace of mind that your property will stay secure and does not have any backdoors or security holes left in it? Are references sufficient to establish someone as trustworthy?