It took me a while to figure it out. It took me a little longer to accept it.
(My wife, by the way, was way ahead of me on this one. She'd been telling me this for years...)
I'm not...
...Superman.
I don't have a cloak. I look terrible in Spandex, and the only time I fly is when I'm on my way to a conference. And then it's with four engines, a movie and a few tons of steel.
I can't do everything. I like to think I can. I like to tell people I can... but I can't.
That was why I started outsourcing some of my tasks. I started doing that a long time ago and I still do it. I have a great team here in Loveland but I also use a number outside experts to handle some of the specialized tasks we need done.
It's a fantastic way to work and I think it's essential if your want your business to grow.
But bringing in help from outside can be a difficult step. No one knows your business and your work as well as you do. And unlike full-time staff, you can't look over their shoulder and give them guidance. That's why you need to do three things if you're going to make outsourcing successful, profitable and completely headache-free.
The first is to explain exactly what you need.
At the beginning, you can expect to be doing a lot of explaining. Every job is different so however experienced your freelancer, your work will be new to him. You'll have to give him as much help as you can. That could be a long list of sites to look at, samples of products you've enjoyed or just information he needs to know. The freelancer should have the basic skills to do the job. But try to supply the knowledge to do the job you want.
The second thing you'll need is to provide feedback.
Again, after a while, you won't need to do this any more. You'll be able to set a project and expect to get it back exactly the way you want. But at the beginning tell your freelancer what you need changed and why -- and don't forget to say where he went right too.
And finally, you'll need patience.
Don't expect to get the work done exactly the way you were hoping first time out. That might happen. But you might also find that it takes a few goes before everything's running smoothly.
At that point, you should have someone trained up and producing the things that you can't do alone... unless of course, it turns that you really are Superman.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
October 30, 2008 10:05 AM
You are absolutley correct. I've just started my online venture and can't beleuve the amount of work and research required. Even if I could dedicate all my time to the business I would need help. I'm not in the position right now to outsource but I know I'll have to at some point. A lot of ideas and little time results in little getting done.
Thanks for the post
October 30, 2008 10:27 AM
Hey Joel,
Great advice, again, as usual. Oh, and THANKS MUCH!!
Nick "Nix" Hetcher
host of NixTheNews.com
October 30, 2008 03:25 PM
Hi readers posters outsources one n'all ... using an Outsourcing service I don't know if I could? But but what I do know this is the best advice Joel's sharing here but I still have a problem having my tasks done by some stranger? blimey I even have an affiliate link to a outsourcing directory ..errr some were? ... so folks what would be the best outsourcing task to start this process off that would be large or small ... and that's the trouble with deciding I do like all the things and tasks I have to do to stay online..
All my best to you and your Success
Phillip Skinner
October 30, 2008 08:36 PM
Joel,
Do you know a place where there is a list or could you provide a list of websites where we can begin to turn for outsource... sorted by categories:
1) Article Writing/Rewrites
2) Article Spinning
3) Link Specialists
4) Web 2.0 linking specialists
5) Blog posting
6) Etc.
I realize this could be a very wide open question, but it is not so much that I don't believe outsourcing to be a necessity to reach higher levels in my business, but it is like I am at a complete loss for where to go for these things.
It's an honest question for advice on where to begin to find "overseas" workers for these kinds of tasks.
So, this is a great topic to bring up... now I'd like to put some legs on this topic and begin finding a place to go to begin.
October 30, 2008 09:42 PM
A nearby resource could be teens either in your own house or from the local high school or community college. I've got teens doing PowerPoints, articles, building backlinks, and doing VA type stuff.
Using Camtasia videos you can really bring them up to speed quickly. Give them small stuff to do first to establish who's worth investing your time and training in.
Your high schools & comm colleges have profs who can steer you to talented kids. And they work pretty cheap!
Becki
www.WordsIntoProfits.com
October 30, 2008 09:42 PM
Joel
Great explanation of the reality of outsourcing. The key to success is to communicate details at length. If not effectively communicated, you will not receive the results desired. When a project is not completed to your satisfaction, explain the downfalls as well as the good points. Continuing this type of communication builds a relationship - a partnership. Eventually you won't have to explain and often times, it will be done without even asking.
As for where to find outsourcing resources, first depends on what services and skill sets are needed. Virtual Assistants cover a broad spectrum of services, not just administrative support. Most professional Virtual Assistant direct their services to specific niches. A couple of sources http://www.virtualassistantforums.com/directory and http://ivaa.org.
Not sure where to start - track what you do throughout the day and identify five things that you could outsource. A few ideas: monitoring your blog or web stats; setting-up social profiles; identifying potential affiliates; research for a blog post; identify your top competitors with stats. With that time freed, what you could do with that available time to generate income in your business?
Still unsure, most that outsource provide free consults. Discuss your business and goals and see what services they can provide to help you reach your goals.
October 30, 2008 09:45 PM
Thanks Joel,
Hope all is well in Loveland, been there a few times know some others up there.
I as You have been outsourcing for a while now, weather or not I can do something there always seems to be something more important that needs attention. Patience is actually the one thing that you need as a rule of thumb if I am told that a project will take two weeks, I will expect that completion will be 4 weeks. No Joke!
Now I have taken a mlm project on I said along time ago no more mlm. But Mike Adams is involved with this and the country needs health education. So we took it on.
This now puts me into the position to have more stuff outsourced. You are right though you can't do it all. Thanks for the tweet.
Brad West ~ onomoney
October 30, 2008 09:47 PM
Hi Joel,
As always, good tips! If only you posted them like a month or so ago I would have been better prepared.
Not too long ago I decided (after much frustration) to outsource some tasks. Even though I started small and simple, article writing and rewriting, the lessons I'm learning about outsourcing are tremendous.
Yes you have to be specific in what you want - explain, explain, explain - point out what you're not happy with and why, be patient and don't expect perfection. I never realized how much work outsourcing can be in the beginning phases of getting a great team together.
Thanks!
Always Grateful,
Andrea
October 30, 2008 11:06 PM
Hi Joel,
Cool stuff, we're not Superman but many of us try to be
because it's "cheaper" but it actually turns out more
expensive in the end.
I do think that it's better to do-it-yourself in the
beginning stages to learn how does it work and at least
have an understanding before outsourcing that work to
someone else so you can focus on what your strenth is.
But even Superman has his moments of weakness and that's
green-glowing-rocks from outer space ;D
Asher
October 31, 2008 08:22 AM
Hi,
You can also search for SEO tools like checking PR,backlinks, links count and anchor.. etc. It will give reports of the following then you can choose sites that have higher PR to links your site with..
Best Regards,
Aurelius Tjin
November 1, 2008 06:27 AM
I am not a good speller, or know too much about html. I get other people to do the writing and coding for me, I however have the curage to go out and make my dreams come true with the help from other people far more smarter than I will ever become!
November 1, 2008 01:09 PM
Agree with you. Outsource for sources to gain success, sometime it really take times and patient.
Thanks
David Cheong
November 6, 2008 10:05 PM
We entrepreneurs think we're invincible don't we? ;-) There will always be pain when we begin to outsource, but especially during those first few weeks with someone you've not worked with before...just like in any business/working relationship. Expect it to hurt a little in the beginning but, like a flu shot, it's a little pain for a lot of gain. There are just 24 hours in a day - you'll hit a ceiling eventually if you don't preserve your work time for what you do best and save the rest for someone else who can do it faster, better and more profitably.
Cheers,
Karri
November 20, 2008 10:16 AM
Great blog. As a virtual assistant myself, I help busy professionals like you everyday. The delegation process takes time to get used to especially if you are used to working alone.
Before working with a virtual assistant it is great to compile a list of all your to-do's to create them to ta-da's! Determine which tasks are of high importance and which tasks can be handled by a VA. Once you determine what tasks to outsource, you can begin the delegation process.
Make sure the initial tasks require a minimal level of difficulty to determine their level of performance. Also be sure to include details that will contribute towards the success of the project as mentioned above by Joel. Never assume that your assistant knows what you require.
As the time progresses, so will the level of difficulty for each assignment. It is important that your virtual assistant assesses your needs and work style to learn what you do best. In little time, the working collaboration will evolve to a fine-tuned working machine.
Feedback is extremely important. Your VA should never be offended, we work with you towards the success of every project. All input is appreciated.
Also, make sure you are in sync with time as your VA may be located in a different time zone. Be specific with your deadlines and try not to throw last minute assignments at your VA. Allow at least a 24 hour turn around for each project.
Once again, great article Joel. If you ever need an extra hand, look me up.
December 2, 2008 04:59 AM
Hi Joel,
I've got some info your readers may be interested in. My personal blueprint on the tasks that I outsource is online www.OutsourcersBlueprint.com there is other info available that lists some elance tips and tricks.
Gavin
September 23, 2009 02:15 AM
so folks what would be the best outsourcing task to start this process off that would be large or small ... and that's the trouble with deciding I do like all the things and tasks I have to do to stay online..