Warning: Use of undefined constant user_level - assumed 'user_level' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/zzgspc5zic0z/domains/findthecapital.com/html/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-google-analytics/ultimate_ga.php on line 524

Tools and Resources to Grow Your Empire!

How to Find the Most Qualified People When Outsourcing

How to Find the Most Qualified People When Outsourcing

By on Aug 23, 2013 in Running Your Business | 0 comments


Warning: Use of undefined constant user_level - assumed 'user_level' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/zzgspc5zic0z/domains/findthecapital.com/html/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-google-analytics/ultimate_ga.php on line 524

Article by, Dave Lavinsky of Growthink

There are many websites, such as ODesk, Guru, and Elance, on which you can find people and firms to which you can outsource projects. Regardless of the site you choose, the key is to get the largest pool of qualified providers to apply for your project. This way, you have more people from which to choose.

Even if you only hire one, you can go back and contact the same pool of talent for future projects later. Consider applicants as being in your “rolodex” of people to contact in the future.

Below are tips to keep in mind when posting your project. In a nutshell, you want to include all of the information that an applicant needs to know, but do so succinctly.

If anything is left out, you’ll have to go back and answer their questions about it later. It’s always easier to clarify everything up front.

Create a Clear Project Title

Here, include the work to be performed, on what, and in what industry. For example, “Help Developing Ebook” could mean anything from research to writing to editing to cover design. Compare that to “Writing 10,000 Word Real Estate Ebook.”  The latter will be more likely to catch the eye of writers with real estate knowledge.

Create a Clear Project Description

This sounds simple enough, but you should try to answer as many possible questions as you can, which means addressing certain areas, like:

  • The scope of the project. In the above example, wanting a 10,000-word Ebook written vs. 20,000 words would be helpful information for applicants to know. This helps them estimate the time it will take them and therefore their bid for the project. If you are paying hourly, it will help prevent misunderstandings later.
  • Software needed. Make sure they at least have Microsoft Word and Excel, if that’s what you use. Other software is industry-specific, like Adobe Photoshop among graphic designers.  You may or may not know what software is needed for things you don’t specialize in, but you will soon enough. All other things equal, choose the person who already has the best software for the job, as you’ll get better results.
  • Programming languages. Some website projects require that the provider knows certain programming languages besides standard html, such as PHP, AJAX, etc. In these cases, it’s better to post “PHP Programmer Needed to…” than just “Programmer.” You’ll get fewer, but more qualified responses. If you don’t know what languages are needed, either ask a friend or do a Google search beforehand, or you could post in the project that you don’t know what language is needed, and ask them to make suggestions.

    Ideally, you will want to hire people who can educate you, so this sets the tone right from the beginning. I know some people who post $10 projects for 30 minutes of a programmer’s time just to have their questions answered.

  • Payment amount. First, decide if you want to pay them by the hour, or for the whole project. There are pros and cons to both. If you estimate that something will take 5-8 hours, going hourly is fine. For work that will take longer than that or that has a higher likelihood of uncertainty, I would try a project-basis.

    Sometimes you can’t estimate how long something will take, in this case, hire them on an hourly basis for a little while to get started and figure things out. Sometimes applicants will claim that they can’t estimate how long it will take, while others can. I would go with people who are able to give you specific information as it shows they’re more organized and have done something enough times to know how long it should take.

  • Payment terms. I would never pay more than 50% up front. In this case, I would pay the remaining 50% when the work is done, or have a milestone payment of 25% and 25% upon completion.  Also, never pay someone the final payment if there is still work left to be done; you may never see your project finished.
  • Payment methods. When you outsource through third party websites, they will typically handle the payment method.  If or once you start outsourcing directly, you will have to figure out the best method for paying your contractor. In the latter, there are multiple options such as PayPal and Dwolla.

Upload samples of what you need

You can write 5 paragraphs trying to explain the final product, or you can show them something similar you have had done before (or someone else’s to model yours after). The latter is typically more effective.

Most sites will allow you to upload files to show the contractor what they’ll be working with or making. You can also insert links in the project description to websites, files, audios, or videos showing or explaining things more vividly.

Particularly if you are asking the person to develop a website, you must show them examples of other websites you like. If you don’t, I can nearly guarantee you’ll be disappointed with the results.

Choose the time period for bidding

On outsourcing websites, you are typically given options like 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days to accept bids. I lean towards giving a longer time period, unless the urgency of your project means that you don’t have as much time to wait.

In general, the more time that providers have to find and respond to your project, the more qualified applicants from which you’ll have to choose.

Also, some of the best providers are also the busiest, so by giving a longer time frame to respond you are more likely to catch them when they’re available.

Follow these tips and my other key outsourcing strategies to get a qualified pool of outsourced applicants to complete your projects. These outsourcers will give you the manpower and expertise you need to grow your business at a very economical price.

Post a Reply


Warning: Use of undefined constant user_level - assumed 'user_level' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/zzgspc5zic0z/domains/findthecapital.com/html/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-google-analytics/ultimate_ga.php on line 524
Skip to toolbar

Warning: Use of undefined constant user_level - assumed 'user_level' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/zzgspc5zic0z/domains/findthecapital.com/html/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-google-analytics/ultimate_ga.php on line 524