| Okay, So you've heard the arguments about the | | | | TIP-7: |
| benefits of outsourcing. You are totally convinced and | | | | Most programmers have "ZERO" marketing |
| ready to outsource stuff you can't do or don't want to | | | | knowledge. |
| do. Now comes the big question. | | | | Explain your terms and concepts to them clearly to |
| Who do you outsource it to? How do you find the right | | | | help them understand your requirements better. If you |
| person or persons to handle your tasks? The search | | | | explain to them what you want in marketing |
| can be a daunting task and pretty tricky too. Before | | | | terminology, chances are they won't understand. |
| you give up on outsourcing, remember finding the right | | | | Imagine if the programmers explained everything to |
| Freelancer or Outsourced service provider can be | | | | you only in technical terms. |
| very rewarding for your business. | | | | Get the idea? |
| Done right, it will help you focus on profit generating | | | | It's better to spell out in plain English what you need |
| activities and boost your business. To make the | | | | done. Drop the marketing jargon or industry |
| process simple and take out the guesswork, let's look | | | | buzzwords. It may be Latin and Greek to the techies. If |
| at the top 10 TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT | | | | your ideas and concepts are conveyed clearly to |
| FREELANCER for Your Web Projects. | | | | freelance candidates, chances are better that you will |
| TIP-1: | | | | be able to identify one or two from the pool who "get |
| Clearly define your project and write down exactly | | | | it" and can actually "do it" the way you want it. |
| what you want. | | | | TIP-8: |
| You need to know exactly what you want before you | | | | Make sure the Freelancer you select communicates |
| begin your search for a freelancer. This will help you | | | | well in your language. |
| narrow your search and also bring clarity to the | | | | If English is your main language (which it most likely is, |
| project both from your viewpoint and the viewpoint of | | | | since you are reading this), there is no sense in hiring a |
| the freelancer you hire. | | | | programmer who speaks fluent German and very little |
| TIP-2: | | | | English. You will find Freelancers from all over the |
| Place a detailed Ad describing exactly what work you | | | | world in freelance websites. Do not assume that |
| want done in 3 or 4 Freelance sites. | | | | everyone can communicate fluently in English. |
| While top freelance sites like Guru.com, and have a ton | | | | TIP-9: |
| of talented freelancers, you may sometimes need to | | | | Make your expectations clear on the delivery format, |
| look beyond them to find the right person for your job. | | | | time lines, etc. |
| Sites like let designers from all over the world compete | | | | A good Freelancer will communicate to you his / her |
| for your design project. You get to chose from the | | | | ability to meet your expectations before accepting the |
| best. This is a great option for design projects like | | | | project. Keep clear deadlines. And communicate ALL |
| logos, headers or other graphic elements. | | | | your expectations clearly. Tell them what format you |
| TIP-3: | | | | want your finished work in - will it be in PDF or word, |
| Questions are critical. Ask good questions. | | | | jpeg or gif, flash or mp4? |
| Freelancers who respond asking serious questions are | | | | TIP-10: |
| good candidates. Engage them in conversation through | | | | Shop around. Don't settle for the first freelancer that |
| the freelance site's internal messaging system. You will | | | | responds to you. |
| get a feel for their interest level, knowledge and | | | | Don't want to go through all these steps every time |
| communication skills. | | | | you want some work done for your online business? |
| TIP-4: | | | | Find a company or a team that specializes in |
| Ask to see their resume, portfolio or samples of past | | | | outsourcing the type of work you want done. |
| work. | | | | This approach can save you Time, Money and |
| This is obvious. But, you'll be surprised how often | | | | Headaches in the long run. You do the team selection |
| people miss this crucial step. A look at the resume and | | | | process once and hire them to handle your tasks on |
| samples will bring out the strengths and weaknesses | | | | an ongoing basis. Although this is not the right solution |
| of a potential candidate. You will be able to make a | | | | for every scenario it may be worth a look to see if it |
| more informed decision. | | | | fits your needs. |
| TIP-5: | | | | If you plan on outsourcing website and blog related |
| Evaluate the rating or feedback of the Freelancer on | | | | work on a regular basis, having a regular team with |
| the freelance site he or she is on. | | | | standardized processes in place, most likely will be a |
| All freelance sites have a rating and feedback | | | | better choice than the individual freelancer. It will bring a |
| mechanism. | | | | level of consistency to your outsourced work that will |
| TIP-6: | | | | be difficult to achieve if you have to keep running after |
| Good Programming will cost you money. The | | | | new freelancers every time you have a new project. |
| cheapest option is not always the best. | | | | And consistency is good for business. |
| You don't have to go with the most expensive either. | | | | |