| If you would've asked me to walk away from my | | | | One complaint I hear a lot from friends is that they |
| computer for longer than 24 hours as little as 12 | | | | believe the people they're hiring aren't doing anything, or |
| months ago, I would've freaked out. There's NO WAY | | | | are wasting a lot of time. |
| I'd have done it - who else would answer customer | | | | When you do the 5 minute summary, you're keeping |
| questions, write articles, and do general website | | | | people honest. |
| promotion? | | | | I know a lot of people say they want passive income, |
| Six months later, and I'm singing a completely different | | | | don't want to do extra work with checking the |
| tune. | | | | summaries, etc... and I completely agree about the |
| In fact, I went to Cancun 3.5 months ago for 3 weeks. I | | | | passive income. |
| stayed at 3 different resorts and the first two of them | | | | It's not rare at all for me not to touch my computer for |
| didn't have Internet access. (One just didn't have it - | | | | a few days. |
| the other one didn't have it due to a storm that blew | | | | When I get back, though, I'll check out the summaries. |
| everything out). | | | | (You could also have a trusted assistant check the |
| For about 1.5 weeks, I couldn't use the Internet. While at | | | | summaries out for you and keep everyone on focus.) |
| first I was a little taken aback, it ended up being | | | | #6: Crucial Things To Look For... |
| AWESOME. It gave me time to unplug (no pun | | | | Another lesson I got from Eben's Altitude Program is |
| intended;)), pull out the iPod, and lay out on the beach. | | | | that you never want to hire people on an emotional |
| When I ended up getting to my third resort, I didn't even | | | | basis. |
| care to check the Internet. | | | | In fact, Eben says that if you really like someone when |
| I can't tell you how monumental this was to me. I | | | | you're interviewing them, it's a red flag. |
| actually took out my journal and wrote about what it | | | | For us entrepreneurs, this is huge. See - most people |
| felt like to relax because I'd never done it before. Even | | | | like people who are like them. If you're an entrepreneur |
| when I worked retail pre- Internet Marketing, I'd work | | | | hiring an entrepreneur-type, you're just asking for one |
| crazy 36-hour shifts (I was salaried) to make sure I | | | | of two things: |
| always had everything perfect. | | | | 1) Someone to go and create a competing business |
| The reason I was able to finally relax - and do it | | | | down the line. |
| confidently - was because I knew I had a phenomenal | | | | Or... |
| team behind me that was taking care of everything. It | | | | 2) Someone to not be around for long. |
| was all under control. | | | | In that same theme, make sure that you're hiring |
| It's like those cheesy sales letters: I really was still | | | | people for the right reasons. |
| bringing in thousands of dollars from a lounge chair | | | | Don't hire people just because you want to help them |
| while sipping drinks with umbrellas in them and hanging | | | | (family, friends, people in a bad situation, etc.). |
| out with my best friends. | | | | Eben mentioned in Altitude that it's hard - even for him |
| In this report, I'm going to give you some of my best | | | | -- but it's crucial. There are few good stories that |
| tips for hiring high-quality workers so you can enjoy the | | | | comes out of situations like that. |
| same happiness. | | | | Another thing to look out for is to make sure you avoid |
| And one thing to clarify from the start - a lot of people | | | | seeing only the good in people. |
| think you need to start off with a huge budget when | | | | I was on a mastermind call this morning, and one of the |
| you're outsourcing. This couldn't be further from the | | | | people I was talking to had hired a smooth-talker for |
| truth. | | | | $500/month. He wasn't producing, but ended up |
| You can certainly start out by hiring people for small | | | | somehow convincing her to bump his pay up to $700 |
| things - things you're not good at - and then work your | | | | month. She also bought him a computer and other |
| way up. When you make more money, you can then | | | | assorted tools. |
| go on to outsource the things you're good at as well. | | | | 8 months later, she still had no website and was out |
| No matter what position you're in, these tips should | | | | thousands of dollars. |
| provide a lot of value for you. | | | | Remember - being nice is important (and actually the |
| #1: Be Ridiculously Clear | | | | next tip) - but don't make the mistake of being too nice. |
| This might seem like common sense, but I assure you | | | | #7: Attitude Is Everything |
| that many people don't do it. | | | | I hate to admit it, but I used to be an assistant manager |
| Whenever you're giving instructions to people - make | | | | at both Wal-Mart and Target. I directly managed my |
| them as crystal clear as possible. Not only will this | | | | own team of 50+ people, and there were times when |
| save you valuable time from going back and forth on | | | | I was in charge of 300+. |
| emails, but it'll save you aggravation. | | | | Throughout my time there, the way the managers |
| If people are getting paid by the hour, it'll save you | | | | would discipline people would be to "coach" them. By |
| money, too. | | | | coaching, we'd write up a paper, deliver it to the |
| And if you're specific from the start, it'll make your bids | | | | person, and it would go in their file. |
| MUCH lower on bidding sites like eLance.. | | | | There were three levels of coaching and then an |
| I've tested this a few times. Whenever I make a post | | | | ultimate termination. |
| that has directions in "Step By Step" format, it just | | | | I remember most managers would get screamed at |
| seems easier to people so the bids are much lower. | | | | when they coached people. |
| You don't need to be outrageously detailed - but just | | | | One even got punched in the face (I worked in some |
| break out the basic steps. | | | | inner-city stores). |
| For example: If I were posting a project to get JV | | | | I coached more people than any other manager, and |
| partners for yayFOOD on eLance, I'd write out: | | | | never once had any kind of issue. Even when I had to |
| Step 1: Go to Google, type in "calorie cycling" | | | | fire people, they were nice about it. |
| Step 2: Find 50 sites that provide contact information | | | | This wasn't a lucky coincidence. It was because I was |
| and put them in a spreadsheet. Also note one-line | | | | completely nice about everything the entire time, yet |
| about something specific to these websites (i.e. "Your | | | | firm and consistent as well. |
| article on low calorie but incredibly filling foods was | | | | I made my expectations well known. People knew |
| fantastic!") | | | | what I expected and I gave tons of feedback on a |
| Step 3: Contact these 50 sites via gmail (I'll provide | | | | consistent basis. Nobody was ever surprised when I |
| email address) with a generic script I'll provide. There'll | | | | coached them because they'd been communicated |
| be a spot for your one-liner that you'd copy and paste. | | | | with the entire time. And remaining positive was key - |
| (I'd go on to explain how long this needs to take, etc... | | | | I'd coach people with a smile. I'd have people laughing |
| but that's an example of the step-by- step.) | | | | with me as they were getting disciplined. |
| Another benefit of being incredibly clear is that you can | | | | I tell you this because the same thing goes with people |
| identify bottlenecks and make sure your system is | | | | I outsource to, and what I recommend you doing as |
| tweaked as well as possible. | | | | well. |
| An extra thing I do a lot is make videos when | | | | In fact - my virtual assistant hadn't billed me for 4 or 5 |
| explaining things to people so they can see exactly | | | | months in a row. When I asked her about it, she told |
| what I mean. It's quicker and very clear. | | | | me she felt like she was letting me down so she didn't |
| In addition to being clear about the scope of the | | | | want to invoice me. |
| project, you'll also want to be clear about what | | | | Obviously I don't want to not pay her - she does a |
| important items like deadlines, payment terms and | | | | phenomenal job - but I use that example to show how |
| other expectations. And to protect both you and your | | | | clear I try to make my expectations, and how positive I |
| freelancer, you should draw up these terms into a legal | | | | am about it. If she would have felt like I was rude, she |
| agreement and both of you should sign the agreement. | | | | wouldn't be able to invoice me fast enough - even if |
| I'm not a lawyer, so I can't give you a template to use. | | | | she knew she wasn't meeting deliverables. |
| However, I can tell you what sorts of items you might | | | | Not to get off on too much of a tangent, but I consider |
| find inside these agreements, such as: | | | | it an injustice to let people deliver subpar work and |
| Payment terms. Here you should list how much the | | | | then to not say anything. It's not just an injustice to you |
| freelancer will get paid, when and how. For example, | | | | - it's an injustice to them. I think most people are good |
| for a writing project you might pay 1/3 up front, 1/3 | | | | at heart and would like to know if they could use |
| when the project is half done and 1/3 upon delivery of | | | | improvement (in a constructive manner). |
| the completed project. | | | | In addition to letting people know what they need to fix, |
| Secondly, you should make it clear how the freelancer | | | | let them know exactly what they're doing right. |
| will get paid, such as by bank transfer, check, PayPal | | | | Don't forget to drive home the positive. Some people I |
| or some other method. Be sure to ask your freelancer | | | | outsource to tell me that there are certain clients they |
| for his or her preferred payment method. | | | | absolutely hate because they always complain, |
| Deadlines. If you have a relatively short project (such | | | | change expectations, etc. |
| as a short report or a logo), you might just mutually | | | | (Another tip: If you think you might change your mind |
| agree on the completion deadline. If it's a larger project, | | | | throughout the project - which I totally do sometimes - |
| then you may set deadlines for milestone (e.g., "Get | | | | warn people ahead of time so they don't get |
| 25% complete by [date]"). | | | | frustrated with you.) |
| Copyright and authorship. Make it clear that you'll own | | | | You might think it might not matter how your workers |
| sole copyright and the sole claim to authorship for any | | | | feel since you're paying them on deliverables, but I can't |
| writing or design project a freelancer completes for | | | | tell you how many times people have thrown in extras |
| you. Also, be sure that your project is unique. | | | | for me because they liked me, or how often they put |
| NDAs, trade secrets, etc. If you're bringing on someone | | | | me ahead of the line. |
| who'll see the inside of your operation (such as a | | | | I really don't say all of this to boast - the point is that |
| virtual assistant), you may include a non-disclosure | | | | how you communicate with people will mean a LOT. |
| agreement. | | | | #8: Think Outside Of The Box To Find Workers |
| Scope of the project. Lastly, your agreement should | | | | John Reese gave an invaluable tip out on how to find |
| be clear about the scope of the project. What, exactly, | | | | workers to hire at a seminar I once went to. It's so |
| are you paying the freelancer for? | | | | ridiculously common sense but I never thought of it and |
| Your freelancer might have you sign an agreement, | | | | find it absolutely brilliant. |
| which is fine. Just be sure to read it over first, and | | | | See... you're probably a member at forums of hobbies |
| have a lawyer look it over if there is anything you don't | | | | things that you're passionate about, right? |
| understand. If you write your own agreement, then | | | | I know when I used to love fashion, I was on quite a |
| likewise you should have a legal professional review it. | | | | few message boards. When I got into belly dancing, I |
| Otherwise, have a lawyer draw up a template that | | | | perused those websites a lot. |
| you can reuse. | | | | People that are passionate about their craft usually |
| #2: Do Your Due Diligence | | | | can't get enough of it. |
| Before you rush off and hire anyone, make sure | | | | (Copywriters- immediately springs to mind.) |
| you're dealing with a professional who provides quality | | | | And when people are passionate... they're usually good |
| work. Where applicable, check the following: | | | | at what they do. |
| Check the freelancer's portfolio. If you're hiring | | | | If you look on graphic design message boards, writer |
| someone for a talent like writing or design, check the | | | | message boards, etc... you can often find people to |
| freelancer's samples. If he or she doesn't have one | | | | hire that aren't familiar with the common bidding sites. |
| online, ask. And if you don't see a sample that's | | | | You can train them exactly how you'd like them to be |
| relevant to your project, ask the freelancer if he or | | | | trained and won't have to worry about having them be |
| she has ever worked on something similar. | | | | flooded with work when you need them. |
| Contact references. If you're hiring someone like a | | | | You can often find them cheaper than you normally |
| virtual assistant or customer service representative, it's | | | | would, too. |
| important for you to contact his or her previous | | | | (I recommend paying them more than they ask for if |
| employers. You may also check on the references of | | | | they do a good job, by the way - they'll love you for it |
| other freelancers such as writers, designer, | | | | and always put you at the top.) |
| programmers and similar. | | | | I've been able to find some incredible people this way. |
| Review feedback. If you're hiring someone from or | | | | And in case you don't find your dream freelancer that |
| similar, check the onsite ratings and reviews. | | | | way, then here are six other places you can go |
| See what Google turns up. Finally, run a search in | | | | looking: |
| Google for the person's name, website name and | | | | Freelancing boards. These include elance.com, |
| known email addresses. Generally, you're looking for | | | | getafreelancer.com, scriptlance.com, and Basically, |
| someone who has a long, established history... without | | | | instead of you seeking out a freelancer, you post a |
| customer or partner complaints. | | | | project and invite freelancers to bid on it. As mentioned |
| #3: Never Hire Someone Full Time Right Away! | | | | before, be sure to be ridiculously clear for best results. |
| When I hired my assistant, I initially hired her for a small | | | | Forums where freelancers congregate. You'll find |
| project on eLance. | | | | freelancers on business and marketing boards, |
| She did a phenomenal job, so I asked her to do | | | | especially on (check the "Warriors for Hire" section) |
| something else. Then something else. | | | | and |
| After she did a great job 3 times, communicated well, | | | | Personal recommendations. Ask your social |
| and I felt comfortable with her, I asked if she'd be | | | | networking connections, your business partners, your |
| interested in working for me on a recurring basis. | | | | colleagues or even the members of popular business |
| I never mentioned there'd potentially be more work for | | | | forums for their recommendations. |
| her - just wanted to see how she'd work on the | | | | Google. Here's the obvious one. Just go to Google and |
| smaller projects. | | | | run a search for your preferred type of freelancer. |
| I do this with most of the people I hire and there a few | | | | Then check both the regular search results as well as |
| reasons why this is so awesome:a) It's good for both | | | | the paid (sponsored) AdWords ads that run alongside |
| parties - you and the worker. Both of you feel | | | | the regular results. |
| comfortable with each other (the people you | | | | One note, however. For best results, you'll want to run |
| outsource to see you pay on time, are friendly to work | | | | multiple searches. For example: |
| with, and you see that they provide great value, | | | | You might find a graphics designer by searching for |
| communicate well, don't give excuses, etc.).b) It gives | | | | graphics designers, graphics design, logo designer, web |
| you time to wade through the "BS" factor. Of course | | | | graphics and similar terms. |
| people are going to say they're the greatest thing | | | | You might find a writer by using any number of |
| since sliced bread... but you'll get to verify it for | | | | searches such as writer, freelancer writer, ghostwriter, |
| yourself.c) You only have to risk a few dollars to | | | | copywriter, article writer and similar terms |
| make sure instead of a few hundred (or thousand). I've | | | | CraigsList.org. This is a good place to look if you're |
| heard of multiple horror stories of being shelling out | | | | interested in working with someone locally, such as the |
| tons of money for full-time workers only to find | | | | case might be if you want to do face-to-face |
| excuses and lost money. | | | | meetings or if you want an in-office assistant. You can |
| Here's another tip: Train your workers right away. If | | | | search your local city for freelancers. Or you can post |
| you want things done a certain way, then let your new | | | | your own "want ad" seeking out a freelancer for a |
| hires know immediately what you want and expect. | | | | specific job. As usual, be ridiculously clear. |
| That way they don't get in the habit of doing the job | | | | Offline. Here's another good place to look if you're |
| wrong, which is harder to "untrain." | | | | interested in working with someone who lives near |
| #4: Milestones Are Your Friend | | | | you. You can look offline in these places: |
| If someone's working on a big project for you, a good | | | | The phonebook. You can look for an agency that |
| idea is to pay in milestones. | | | | offers the services you need. However, keep in mind |
| You can do the typical half upfront, half upon deposit, | | | | that most agencies charge higher fees or require a |
| or you can go more in-depth. | | | | longer commitment. So if, for now, you're just looking |
| You might want to pay in quarters, or upon specific | | | | for an assistant to help you for a few hours a week |
| deliverables (for example, a batch of research is | | | | or you're looking for a freelancer to do a few projects, |
| completed). | | | | skip the agencies and try these other methods... |
| This protects both you and the worker. | | | | Place an ad in the local newspaper. Simple but |
| It'll protect you because you can stop at any time if the | | | | effective. Again, be clear about what you need in |
| work isn't being provided to satisfaction, AND you can | | | | order to get the best results. You may point people in |
| stop before you've gotten in too far. | | | | the ad to a web page for more information. |
| It'll also allow you to make sure the project's going the | | | | Go on campus. Your local college or university campus |
| way you want it to. You have more control. | | | | is very likely brimming with talent. And best of all, it may |
| Sure, it might be more time consuming, but if this is one | | | | be relatively cheap talent. You can place an ad in the |
| of your first interactions with this person, I'd | | | | school newspaper as well as place flyers on the |
| recommend doing a little more micromanaging than | | | | bulletin boards of the appropriate departments. |
| you normally would. | | | | NOTE: Do be aware that your student freelancer is |
| This setup will also of course protect the worker | | | | just looking for a temporary job, and that he'll likely quit |
| because they'll know they're getting paid. | | | | when he's done with school and/or if he transfers to a |
| #5: 5 Minute Summaries Give You Hours Of Relief | | | | different school. So if you're looking for someone to |
| A huge takeaway that I got from Eben Pagan's | | | | work with you for years, this may not be good option. |
| Altitude program was the idea of having the people | | | | But if you're looking for someone to work on a project |
| you hire email you with a 5 minute summary every | | | | for a few months, this could be a good source of |
| day. | | | | talent. |
| All they have to do is quickly tell you:a)) What they did | | | | To Wrap It Up... |
| and the results they got.b) Any problems or challenges | | | | All of these tips have worked wonders for me when |
| they faced.c) Any questions they have. | | | | hiring people. |
| By getting these summaries daily, you get to put your | | | | Like I said at the beginning - I never thought I could take |
| finger on the pulse. | | | | time off from the Internet. Not only do I do it now, but I |
| Some people might not even remember to do the | | | | do it with confidence because I know I'm working with |
| summary, which'll tell you a lot about them from the | | | | some of the best people on the Internet. |
| beginning. | | | | I can all but guarantee that if you follow these tips, you'll |
| For the people who DO remember, you can see how | | | | find the same freedom. |
| they're doing and fix any issues before they escalate. | | | | |