James Schramko (web marketing expert) covers outsourcing. If you really want to scale up your Online Marketing business you’ll have to use outsourcing sooner or later. Most business owners know this yet not all of us are able to do it as well as other people. This is where you look to others and observe the way they do it and get some ideas..
I have built a fantastic team over the last year or two
Now I have helpers in Australia, India and the Philippines, USA and London.
Categorize
Break down the online outsourcing to your main categories. (Content, Design, Programming,Traffic). Each one of these elements should be managed as a separate business unit. By setting up team leaders the team can be handled properly with leading edge software.
Where to begin?
Once you decide to outsource you can either make use of an outsourcing management company or learn the more advanced outsourcing methods and do-it-yourself through a talent aggregation site.
How much should you pay?
You need to avoid dealing with the lowest bidder. Also you should be avoiding automated bidding companies (those who respond to every job without reading the brief). Try to find people with expertise in the exact field you are requiring. Check feedback and evaluations to ensure they were rated for the very same type of work you’re requiring. Make certain they are responsive prior to getting the job.
Advanced tip
Put up small work first to select a few people to do it and then scale up with the winning supplier. If you get a few individuals to complete the same small job you will be minimizing the risk in the long run.
How do you pay outsources?
Keep money in the system you’re using. So if the network you use (like RentaCoder) uses escrow then continue using that. If you branch out to close friends and referrals from your initial designer you may need to use Paypal or a direct debit / International Bank transfer.