Interest in "Matchmaking" for Those Who Outsource?

At least don't call it "matchmaking," that puts completely different thoughts into my mind...it's not a dating service, ha ha.

Basically you're just talking about an outsourcing site, of which many are already in existence, but you could try to do a niche one with outsourcing only for writers.

Hi Redicelander,

Haha, yeah -- I wouldn't call it matchmaking

You're right, it's like an outsourcing site. Really I want it to be much more personal though. Like, I'd have a database of writers and talents, etc. and find someone very specific for someone. Not just pass the work to any old writer.

I might try to do this for free on a trial basis.

So many points to ponder

Here is another thought I had...I was reading another thread about writers, and one of the biggest issues is non-delivery, or late delivery.

I'm pretty good at getting writers to get their butts in gear

I think people might be interested in someone who could be a go-between to ensure the work gets done.

I was a teacher before this, and something that was talked about was the fact that even though you want to do the best possible job for all of your students, you inadvertently pay more attention to the students who have the most vocal parents. If the parents are on your tail all the time, or call you, or are "room parents" ... the chances are that you think about that student more often.

The same is probably true with clients. Those who are in contact more often likely stand out more in the writer's mind. If they know the client is easy going, or is quiet when the work is late, it will just get later -- and happen more often.

BUT, if there were someone encouraging that writer and staying on top of things, the project would likely get done a lot faster, and the job that is done would probably be the writer's best work.

Thoughts?

Jenn Dize: Guess you could have an article bank like a directory of articles relating to several niches then, run it like an art gallery you showcase the product and pay the authors when one of thier articles sell..you take your cut in the middle.

It's probably been done already, most things have but, you may well get a good name for instant delivery of quality articles..who knows..

Jenn -

Sounds like a great idea to me, especially if you work to match writers based on topics they enjoy, writing style, etc.

Sandi

Thanks for your thoughts, guys!

It seems like there would be interest in this on the side of the writer, and on the side of the client. I think it would be fun to match people up, and then help manage the project.

I have a lot to think about, including what people would be willing to pay for such a service.

Hi Jenn

You would like to provide a service which connects buyers and providers?

What would you do which would be different from elance, guru.com etc? Thats what they do, and buyers can find providers in niche areas based on profiles. You want a writer who writes on baseball...search providers profiles ( for specialisation), check their feedback (for trustworthiness), invite them to bid (for price agreement).

I'm definitely sure theres room for one more service like this, since theres a lot of stuff people dislike about these sites...like their 8.9% fees.

To answer your question, there is a lot of interest in this area...these types of sites are originating $10m a week in bookable work and probably 10 times this in non bookable work....so it's a huge and lucrative market. If you can stand out, you could make a packet.

All the best

Barry

Lots of interesting concepts on this thread...I'm writing this down.

There is this book that i came across once, and its called the 'Little Lady Agency'- what she does in her agency, is to help out men that are totally lost on what to give as gifts on weddings- she buys and wrap them, helps them out on what to wear, etc.. basically she helps them out on stuff, that they are too embarass to ask help from others.And she assess every clients personality, and try to come up with ideas, as if it were the client who picked it . Yours would be like, providing the appropriate writer to needs of the client. You could start doing it for free, then charge a small amount in the beginning.
goodluck

I have to add something here. I was extremely fortunate to get hold of an excellent writer, almost by mistake. She was working offline as an editor for a brick and mortar magazine when I tried to get her writing for me. My site's have improved in every way since she came on board.

Since then I've been trying to get her more involved in online writing as an income stream, but I just haven't had time to properly focus on building her a site and connecting her within the business (aside from the odd referral here and there)

So in her case, a "matchmaking" service would be brilliant to get her involved more and provide her wonderful stuff to those in need. I would think there are many situations like this where your service idea would do wonders for people.

I agree, your one of the top writers on WF and your reputation is excellent. So it'd be in essence paying YOU to manage a project and the writer, so that I could just relax and know it's getting done.

The problem with that, is then you become 'A Manager', and all the responsibility that entails. Probably good for awhile, but you should think for sure about long term, and the time it could eat away from your day.

However if your just doing the 'connecting' and then letting that work relationship develop as it may, it would be less of a drain on your time, and you could make some really great matches between client and worker. Kind of like a writing broker maybe?



Regards,
Cori

Very big "yes" over here.

You mean instead of wading through all the unknown applicants on freelance sites for hours, hiring one on a "best guess" basis, and then crossing my fingers ...

I can simply email you and you'll find a writer who can write compelling copy in my own voice and deliver it on time ... and if there are any problems, you'll take care of it?

I could get used to that I think

-Jeff

As a potential client I'm interested in you removing these pains from me:

- the process of finding a writer on elance or getafreelancer ie. the time it takes to post; wait for bids; exclude unsuitable bids; test-hire writers and so on - I just want to find good people "instantly"

- editing; I want good grammar and structure delivered

- project managing people; I want to work with writers that can always meet deadlines

- finding someone who can make a point and persuade; sub-continent writers can almost never write articles to engage and conclusively proove something, bless them. Often, US writers can't either, bless them too. Would be awesome to find people who can make a strong point in the opening par and support it in 2 or 3 structured pars. And then make a solid repeat of the info in the last par.

These are the things I would pay a higher-than-normal price for.

Don't care how it's delivered: a list of suitable writers available right now; a request-and broker service etc...

Hope that helps.

Luke

I would just do it if I were you. There are dozens of sites for writers and clients to meet but if you find talent you will always be in demand. Angie's list comes to mind.

Put up a quick page with copy on why you're doing it with your terms.

Start with a way for both interested parties (writers and buyers) to submit their info for consideration. Have an incubation period and then advertise.

Make the page look snazy as you go. Come up with a good name and spread the word.

Charge half of the elance finder's fee and take a cut of that multi-billion dollar market.

Hi

i also like the idea around swapping skills which i do quite a lot where if i need an article writer but they need something else doing in return. Just like there are lots of graphic designers on here where their 1st language isnt english and their sales pages are terrible due to bad grammar. so offer to do their sales page in exchange for a free template that way everyone is happy and you have saved yourself some time and energy.

kind regards


sam
X

Hey guys,

Cool, the thread is alive again Since writing it a few weeks ago, I've gotten many awesome writers on board, and I'll be ready to launch the service very soon. Thanks for all of the input.

Sounds like a great idea! most of the time hiring a writer is a hit and miss affair. I think it would be great to have a service that could connect writers with specific areas of expertise or a specific style of writing with clients seeking to outsource.