Following on from my previous two posts on outsourcing:
Outsourcing using Elance
Outsourcing using Odesk
I have put together 5 quick and easy tips to use when posting work on these sites. The tips are designed to be used on pretty much any of the outsourcing sites that are available online.
Tip #1 – Define Your Requirements
Spend sometime defining exactly what you want from the providers. Detail is important here, getting the initial specification wrong can end up costing you more in the long run. The golden rule with any outsourcing task is to be specific, put yourself in the mind of the provider. If you are detailed in your approach then the providers will be in a far better position to offer you a quality proposal if they have all the detail to hand. The age old adage – “Rubbish in Rubbish out” applies here. If you are struggling to define the requirements then perhaps this is the time to sit back and re-assess the project. Only when you are completely clear on what you want should you even consider posting a job. I always throw in a little code in the job description and request that all providers quote the code when responding, bury this in the body of the description so at least you know that the provider has actually thoroughly read your requirements. No code No Job!
Tip #2 – Set your Budget
Set a realistic budget. Now, this is probably one of the most difficult tasks when it comes to outsourcing as there are many variables to consider. What I would suggest to do is have a good search through all the current listings that are a close match to your requirements and see what the budgets are for those. True, this is not particularly scientific but at least you will have a rough idea of what to expect to pay. Cheap is not always the best and you must be realistic on the budget you set.
Tip #3 – Review your submission
Review, Review, Review. Before hitting the submit button and posting your job, review exactly what you have asked for. Is it easy to understand and have you outlined all the key elements of the job. Have you included the relevant attachments, artwork and any other associated assets. Its far better to get all the information down in the first go than to spend time later doing it. A professional description will attract professional providers.
Tip #4 – Interview
Interview hard! When you receive proposals spend the time to interview them in detail. Do not just rely on the feedback scores as they are not always good metrics. Interview them like you would any employee, do not be scared of asking pointed questions. From my experience the quality providers will have no problems answering these types of questions and will appreciate the openness. Have a good look through the portfolio and if possible approach their clients for references, do this independently if you can. I have found most people are happy for you to approach them and provide the necessary references.
Tip #5 – Define the Milestones
Set distinct milestones and ensure that you communicate them to the provider. Be clear how often you want updates and your preferred means of receiving the updates. Do not let the provider drive the milestones. You need to maintain control of this and ensure that you are comfortable with the milestones and the communications methods.
So there we are 5 quick and easy tips that will help you out when using online outsourcing sites. Its all pretty much common sense stuff, but its easy to forget some of them in the heat of the moment, especially if you are new to the world of outsourcing work.
If you have any additional tips that you would like to share then please do post then in the comments section below.