Outsourcing...?... Who, What, When, Where and How...

[Michael Lofton]

Outsourcing...?...
A person can only do a few things on his/her own in order to best 'leverage' their time. In my recent past business life (flying rock stars on tour in private aircraft) I could only enhance my expertise for my clients by hiring the best professional outsources -in order to achieve these ultimate tasks. Now, I personally wish to expand upon and 're'-apply my past life approach to the Internet marketplace, for my affiliate product sales and 'off/on'-line clientele -with such similar outsourcing assistance.

So... I'm sure some of you have "direct experiences" and others are somewhat curious as to further insights and comments on the following...

For the categories of, let's say... seo, social media marketing (all branches), Article/Video/Pod development and submissions, copywriting, research, autoresponder scripts, landing/squeeze page placements (with a/b testing), web/blog development... (other?)...

Who... best to handle each category...?... US, India, Phillipeans, Ukraine, next door high school kid?
What... tasks do you assign to each, etc.?
When... is it best to assign such tasks, etc.?
Where... are they best found?... eLance, rent-a-coder, hire my mom, get friday, craiglists, best jobs, agents of value (many others... Do you have a favorite from "personal experience"?)
How... do you pay, monitor, and assign tasks for such, etc.?

Your "Real Life Experience" with 'Outsourcing' is greatly appreciated...!... -as well as further comments of interest from any others re: such topic.

Thanks and Best Always,
-Michael

[Coach Mark]

Michael

In my other world businesses I am the outsource. People come to me for services they cannot do, will not do or just do not have the time or manpower to do it. I have a couple businesses off line and one as a coach I am someone who sees the blind spots that a person cannot see not matter how hard they try.

As far as my main outsourcing right now for my online businesses I outsource my education. I am a member of Blogsucces.com. For me it is flattening the learning curve and to be honest most of what i am learning I prolly would have never figured out on my own, my blind spots in learning how to blog.


Mark

[Michael Lofton]

Great Mark,
... could you expand for the group, regarding what insights and techniques you use in your outsourcing services...?... e.g., maybe one or two quick examples from a client's project.
Thanks for some cool input.
best,
-michael

[Anissa]

I actually outsource quite a bit of writing for BlogSuccess members, press releases, and a host of other services. I run this business and several others. As a Publicist, I have to have options for myself and my clients. I have done a great deal of research on this subject, and have hired some really great people. I have also outsourced work for myself such as graphics, social media help, and virtual assistant services.

I find that unless you are willing to really stick it out and make it work, you should use someone who is recommended or use a service to do the outsourcing work for you. There is quite a lot of work involved depending on the project, and having someone else manage it for you is the best and most time effective option for many people.

Anissa

[Michael Lofton]

Wonderful Anissa,
... how about if you could further share a couple of 'specific' examples of who(m) you have turned to for successful outsourcing. Give us an insight (or two) as to where someone would turn for such outsourcing (besides and with yourself). You mentioned graphics, social media and VA assistance... You don't need to mention specific recommendations, maybe if you wish, some concrete directions for folks interested in such.
best,
-michael

[Dotty Scott]

Hi Michael
I outsource whatever I do not have the time/desire to learn. I am a web designer and use a graphic designer to design graphics, and a writer for professional copy. I use a Virtual Assistant for office type things that need to be done. I also use an expert in AdWords. All of the people/businesses that I use i either know personally or have built a good relationship with them through social groups like this one. One thing I can say for sure...I will never outsource any of my business to India. I get offers daily for outsourcing programming and other technical things to a company whos first language is not English. I have spoke with other local Web Designers that tried that route because of the savings in money - and they are all very happy to say they will never do it again. The loss of information in hte "translation" is just not worth the hassels.
Dotty

[Michael Lofton]

Thanks Dotty!
-m.

[Anissa]

I have used several online services like oDesk, eLance etc. Very few of these ever work out, especially for more than one assignment. What I have found is that you use those around you, such as Dotty mentions. I like to give graphic opportunities to a few of my friends, of whom I would be happy to give emails to anyone here who wants it. Also, I use people in forums or groups that I belong to, that way, I have someone I trust a bit more, or that we have some connection in common.

As far as where I go, its all about building relationships, and helping out others. Swap sources/resources with friends, or ask for recommendations from fellow members. Always be careful with online services, some are quite good, and others are not. One thing I can say for oDesk, is that they have procedures in place to help both the person requesting help, and the actual person who accepts the job. Be very specific in any and all jobs posted, and allow for more time than you think it should take. You get what you pay for!

[Michael Lofton]

Anissa... thanks I'll add oDesk to my list.
-m.

[JackSt]

I do not outsource. Just like Mark, I do outsourced projects to help clients beat and meet the deadline. Weekly reporting is a form of monitoring, payments is also agreed upon after weekly report is submitted. I guess this is ideal for both parties since they do not know each other, however in most cases of outsourcing projects they are using the escrow service to ensure proper delivery and payment. But If there are some conditions, both parties should specify it before the project start.

If the client wants Page Rank higher in a short time, say one month, it is not achievable but in three months time it can be possible but again it should not be expected. Most clients do not understand that SE submission takes time to get a higher Page Rank. So they choose the one that can get them Page Rank in the shortest possible time. And later on found out that they are back to get another freelancer to do the job again complaining that the first one is unsuccessful. I guess he choose the cheapest bid... :)

I believe it is the quality that count. The experience of the freelancer in particular field should be looked at by detailing in his bid how he can well do the project. That's what the outsourcing clients should look.

[Michael Lofton]

Gotcha... cool,
thanks
-m.

[Valeriu Popescu]

Hi Michael,

I personally outsource couple of things that slow my business and I do not have the best skills.

For example, for my new JV product I outsource things like banner creation, sales letter design, proofreading of the letter, some article writing.

I use people that I know and trust over the years, or people my friends recommend me because they work previously with them.

I DO NOT hire people from other sites as I do not know them. This keeps me out of trouble...

I remember that a few months ago a friend of mine hire a copywriting guru for $5,000 to write his sales letter. Despite of his name (well known on the internet marketing fields!!) the experience was a disaster and my friend was just losing 2 months because of this guy.

So when it's about outsourcing, I think it's better first to know exactly to whom you are choosing to work!!

Valeriu
http://www.Web2JointVentureSecrets.com
"Evolution Is Inevitable. Do It... or DIE!"

[Michael Lofton]

This is what I'm talking about... Real experiences with some recommendations.
Can also count on Ms. Diane for some info!
-m.