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7 Tips Of Successful Outsourcing

by Socrates Socratous

Creating your own products, like software, e-books, websites etc, can be a very tedious and frustrating process.

However, as every successful marketer knows, outsourcing certain parts of your business is a MUST since it allows you to focus on the more important things that will make you the money like marketing and JVs.

Easier said than done!

I ve hired and FIRED over 80 people before I was able to find some quality people to work with me long term (in the process I also created numerous products and other projects).

Through this journey, I ve been scammed, pushed around, wasted valuable time before I was able to understand how to do it right.

My "Trial and Error" approach was painful but taught a few important lessons.

Today I want to share with you the 7 most important things I like to do when I outsource ANY project online.

When you create your Bid offer:

1. Be proactive: Be as detailed as possible without revealing the core of your project. Give them as much information needed to give you a good estimate but don't "spill the beans".

2. Specifically ask for each deliverable: Make sure to itemize EACH deliverable in your offer. for example, if you are requesting bids for a mini-website graphics in Photoshop format:

- the actual html files
- upload the website on Your server
- integration with autoresponder form
- full source code

3. Who owns what: Make sure to mention that this was a work for hire and all work MUST be original unless otherwise discussed in writing. Also, You are the SOLE rights owner of all images, source codes, and everything else included in the package. The contractor will not be allowed to resell ANY of the material you paid him to create.

4. Timeframe: Be VERY specific on the timeframe of the project. In fact, underestimate the time you give them to complete. Almost ALWAYS they will not be done in time and this becomes a negotiation edge for you.

5. The milestone approach: On larger projects, it may be wise to break it down into smaller pieces and they are delivered and paid in sequence. So, after part one is delivered and approved, we move to part 2 etc.

6. Request the bids: This is a biggie. Almost ALL major freelance websites, will allow you to invite contractors. DO IT immediately after you post. Invite as many contractors you are allowed on the site. (usually around 200). This has a few benefits. Most Importantly:

- you get bids fast
- You get them to compete
- more choices for you

7. Overseas contractors: Romania, Russia and India are my countries of choice (in this order) for anything related to technical support, programming, graphics. They are also very dedicated and inexpensive. For writing projects, stick with English-speaking countries.

8. Bonus tip: Include the following wording at the end: "This project is a piece of cake if you know what you are doing. Bid wisely. If I like your work, I will hire you again for my other projects."

9. Bonus Tip: NEVER NEVER pay them in advance. Use the escrow payment of the freelance site you are using ESPECIALLY when you don't know the person. After you work with someone for long enough to trust them, you may make other arrangements.

The area of outsourcing is a bit more complicated than this guide, but if you do all 9 steps above, you will be way ahead than the rest.

Socrates runs several successful online businesses in multiple markets. He is an eBay expert and a “Qualified Google Advertising Professional” who loves to help other people become successful online. He regularly publishes on his blog at http://SocratesBlog.com. On the Blog you can also sign up for his insider’ secrets to help you build your own successful online empire!

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