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Offline Help

by DavePalermo
7 replies
Hey everyone.
I just started to do some offline work for 3 new clients.
I am using O Desk to hire people to do some work but what I wanted to know is, what do some of you guys, that are doing this full time use for things like, SEO, website building, local search and anything else your customers need or want.

I feel like I am stuck.
I do not have problems getting customers but when a customer has an odd request, I don't want to look like an amateur and lose a potential client.
I don't have recurring income yet and that's what I am shooting for.

Thank you for any help!!!!!
#offline
  • Profile picture of the author Croque
    You don't have to know all there is to know about a particular task, that's why you outsource to the pros.

    However I wouldn't take on a project unless I have some knowledge and understanding of what's being requested.

    That's why it's important to know the strenghs and weakness of your team and also to build relationships and contacts with different vendors, you'll never know when someone else's skills will make you money.

    Also, always underpromise and overdeliver.
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    • Profile picture of the author Adrian Browning
      Banned
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author Croque
        Originally Posted by Adrian Browning View Post

        Can anyone say 'Contradiction'..
        LOL, you found me!

        And no, is not a contradiction......actually I just re-read it. I agree Adrian, you got me.

        I will edit the post.
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        • Profile picture of the author kebertt
          You want your potential clients to feel as if you're the expert. If they ask for a service you know nothing about, don't be afraid to say that you don't offer it. We can't do everything, although when you're outsourcing it is pretty tempting to offer it all. I have found that instead of broadening the amount of services I offer, specializing in one/a few services will keep increasing the referrals/recurring income coming in.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
    I see people giving this advice all the time... I think
    they couldn't be more wrong. If you don't know how
    to do something yourself tell me how you'll know if the
    outsourced sub-contractor knows what they're doing?

    Outsourcing isn't for those who don't know what they're
    doing... it's for those who know what they're doing but can
    be more productive and profitable focusing on other aspects
    of their business. You don't have to be an expert at every
    phase of a project but you better know what is required for
    it to be done correctly.

    If the project crashes and burns because a sub-contractor screws
    up you'll still be the one to face the fire. You're personal reputation
    is on the line no matter who actually does the work.

    Better know what you're doing....
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    If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
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  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
    Looks like Adrian and I had pretty mush the same thoughts at the same time... lol
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    If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
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    • Profile picture of the author DavePalermo
      Your advice is well received.

      I was looking for a catch-all to let me run blindly with it but experience and knowledge are the best things to have.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    One of the best ways I've found to not get caught in this crux is to firmly tell clients "when they sign up" exactly what areas you specialize in and that anything outside that as a request can be addressed but it doesn't promise we'll accept doing it.

    If its something better suited to a more focused skill I'll be happy help you in any way I can.

    You have to remain focused on your core services until you can learn other things. Until then you aren't everything to everybody and trying to be is a great way to get off the derailed.
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