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Outsourcing - The Key To
Getting More Done In Less Time By James Martell Over the years I've often been asked, "how do I do it?" The question being directed at my Internet publishing business, which includes dozens of websites in the "affiliate" arena as well as the many projects that teach others what I know. And I guess the real answer is that I've learned the importance of leveraging my time and talents through outsourcing. Even before the Internet I understood the power of surrounding myself with people who had a better grasp than I did of key business functions such as accounting, bookkeeping, technical issues, etc. But, unlike the old days, where finding talented people was difficult and expensive, the Internet offers Internet entrepreneurs an immediate way to find talent through outsourcing services such as Elance.com. Outsourcing has seen tremendous growth of late, and by outsourcing specific duties you put your online business on the fast track to success. Outsourcing is simply hiring out, or subcontracting some of your work. This allows you to eliminate your learning curve by hiring a professional to do the job right the first time. It also helps you stop procrastinating on a task. Just get someone else to do it and move on to the tasks you are more efficient and effective at doing. If you are not a professional writer, don’t pretend to be one. For most of my outsourcing needs I use Elance.com. Over the years I've learned a lot about how to get the most out of outsourcing. Below is a list of tips you might find useful if you, too, want to get more done in less time through outsourcing. 10 Tips to Outsourcing on Elance 1. Don’t Assume It Will Be “Too Expensive” - Many new online business owners assume outsourcing is expensive. As a result, they never get around to posting projects and their businesses suffer. Make steps to get things done and start outsourcing those projects you aren’t skilled at. You might be surprised at how little it costs, and more importantly, the time you save combined with the progress your business will make more than pays for itself. Post your projects, and if you aren’t happy with the bids you don’t have to accept any. 2. Clearly Describe Your Project - This is as simple as writing an email. Write in layman’s terms and describe your project needs as clearly and accurately as you can. The more accurate and detailed you are, the higher chance you will have finding a provider that will fulfill your needs at a reasonable price. 3. Set Milestones And Use Escrow - Elance’s escrow system is a key component for both the writer and buyer. It protects you and your money, but it also assures the provider that you are serious about paying for the job and it insures more high-quality bidders. Setting milestones also helps to keep the project on track. Break your project up into smaller milestones and pay into escrow and release payments at specific times, such as weekly payments upon completion of each milestone. This also helps with cash-flow. 4. Evaluate Feedback - Buyers and providers give feedback for many of the projects performed on Elance. Take a look at a provider’s feedback from completed projects to see what other buyers have experienced. The more positive feedback the more likely you will have a positive experience and get the quality of work you desire. If you have any questions, private message the provider to answer any questions prior to awarding the project. 5. Negotiate Price - Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better price. You may have several providers bidding on a job, and if one of them appears to be perfect for the project but their fee is too expensive, feel free to private message them and negotiate. They may not understand the project completely, and if you really want them there is a chance they will work with you on price, particularly if they feel there is a chance to build a long-term relationship with you. 6. Answer Messages - It is critical to answer provider’s messages quickly. Respond with detailed answers to help insure your project isn’t held up. Elance’s private message board system stores all communication between buyer and provider in case of any problems. 7. Pay Quickly - Providers are in the business of making money like the rest of us, and they appreciate prompt payment upon completion of their projects. This typically results in great feedback for you as well. 8. Stay Within The System - It is important to understand the power of the feedback and escrow system within Elance. Both buyers and providers gain protection when working within the system and it keeps everyone honest. There is a paper trail of all activities and communications archived on Elance and this helps in solving any disputes should they occur (they are rare - I have never had one). It is also important to leave accurate, honest feedback upon completion of projects. 9. Develop Relationships - When you come across a real gem of a provider, hire them again and again. The more they work with you and get to know you and your business, the better they will be at providing you with the quality of work you need. 10. Build Your Feedback - Make sure you ask for and provide feedback. Great feedback usually results in better prices. If providers see that you are easy to work with, communicate well and pay quickly from the feedback you earn, you will have instant trust with bidders and will have more people wanting to bid on your projects. Good outsourcing. All the best,
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