| Outsourcing is an often overlooked business | | | | these are often submitted by freelancers with the |
| solution that can save a company thousands of | | | | least experience or who are just starting out. |
| dollars every single year. Every business has | | | | They use the lowest bid to get your attention but |
| day-to-day tasks that must be completed for the | | | | sometimes you really do get what you pay for |
| business to run successfully, but while these are | | | | so it's worth going mid-range on the bids your |
| essential, they are not always conducive to | | | | receive. |
| business growth and promotion and this is where | | | | 3. Ask To See Proof of Work |
| the business owner's time will be better spent. | | | | Ask your bidders for proof of work and, where |
| Hiring full-time and part-time staff to fulfil jobs | | | | possible, the contact details of previous people |
| that are essential to the business also comes with | | | | they have worked for so you can secure |
| the added headache of responsibilities: these will | | | | references (even if this is just an email saying |
| vary state-to-state and country-to-country but | | | | their work was to a level of satisfaction). |
| may include statutory sick pay, benefits, staff | | | | 4. Explain That You Want Regular Updates |
| cover, maternity leave, holiday periods etc. | | | | This is essential, be clear from the outset that |
| A solution to saving your company a lot of | | | | you want regular updates on the progress of |
| money and the additional headache of trying to | | | | your project. I specify that I am emailed every |
| fulfil all roles yourself (something that many | | | | few days with updates and provided to links for |
| owners of start-ups try to do in the early days) | | | | any online projects such as website design etc so |
| is to outsource certain key jobs. There are many | | | | I can request changes before it's too late. |
| dedicated outsourcing services online and you can | | | | 5. Explain That The Job is Easy For Anyone |
| hire a professional freelance worker often for a | | | | Experienced in the Profession |
| fraction of what you would have to pay a | | | | This is a great way of reducing the freelancers |
| dedicated member of staff. | | | | who say that the job was bigger than what they |
| These websites work by a bidding system, you | | | | expected. Let's say the job you have posted is |
| post a job and freelancers bid on the work, letting | | | | for your website to be optimised for the search |
| you know how much they can do the job for. | | | | engines (SEO). By saying, 'this job is easy for |
| You then select which worker you wish to use | | | | anyone who has experience of search engine |
| for your project. | | | | optimization and will take very little time to |
| Here are some tips to making outsourcing a more | | | | complete.' If the freelancer then comes back to |
| successful undertaking: | | | | you and says, 'the job will take longer than |
| 1. State Clearly What The Job Entails | | | | expected as it had many hidden difficulties' you |
| There is no point being vague. You want the | | | | can then remind them that the job should be |
| person you hire to know exactly what is | | | | easy for anyone experienced in SEO. This cuts |
| expected from the get-go. Write as descriptive | | | | down this type of problem as people who are |
| and detailed job listing as you can and include the | | | | unsure tend not to bid on the work. |
| level of experience required, expected completion | | | | Conclusion |
| time, level of input etc. | | | | Outsourcing can be a beneficial addition to your |
| 2. Do Not Go With The Lowest Bid | | | | business, saving you time and money. |
| It may be tempting to go with the lowest bid but | | | | |