Grappling With Outsourcing
Scalability and Outsourcing
It’s really starting to sink in to me that if I want to grow my business, I am going to have to become comfortable with outsourcing.
A lot of internet marketing bloggers have mentioned this, but it really hit home yesterday, as I was reading Rich Schefren’s Internet Business Manifesto. (You can get a free copy here.)
I guess at first I was naive - I thought I could just constantly create new blogs, create products, market them, etc. all by myself.
I am finding out that it is just too much work for one person to do.
Learning to Delegate
Unfortunately it is very hard for me to delegate anything right now.
It’s funny, because at my job, I never had a problem delegating. I think that’s because I knew the people I was delegating the work to.
It’s hard to conceive of delegating to some stranger and not knowing the quality of their work.
I have that problem at home too. I keep putting off maintenance because I don’t trust anyone. Then, when I finally find someone good, I want them to do everything. 
I found a guy who really knows how to fix plaster walls and paint, so now I’m having him do all the rooms in my house!
Anyway, back to internet marketing; I think it’s just the fear of the unknown… Will the people I outsource to do a good job, or will I be wasting my money?
I guess the only way to find out is to try it.
Having a Plan
Another factor, which I also learned from The Internet Business Manifesto, is that you need to have a business plan. Not this jumping from one idea to another.
So I’m doing a lot of thinking now, about what kind of business I want to have. I have to figure out my strengths and what kind of business I would enjoy.
There are so many different ways of making money on the internet. I have to decide which business model I want to follow, and then decide which parts I can outsource.
There’s definitely a lot to learn in this business. That’s what keeps it exciting, though! 
What Do You Do?
I’d like to hear what other people are doing. Are you outsourcing? Do you have a business plan?
- Pat Doyle
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Hey Pat nice site you have here! I can totally relate to this post.
I agree that it’s hard to let go sometimes and put your trust i someone else. So far I’ve outsourced some writing and a bit pf PHP programming and have had results I’m happy with.
I don’t think I’d be the type to outsource everything since I really love this work but I think knowing your limitations and finding people to compliment your skills is what will make a big difference.
I’m at the same stage as you so it will be interesting to read about your experiences!
Hi Pat,
I sure can relate to this article…
I have considered outsourcing after reading The Four Hour Work Week. I share your same hesitations though, and don’t want to give up control!
I realize that someday I will need to do this, but for now, it doesn’t fit in well with my plans.
Speaking of plans, yes, having a business plan is of utmost importance! I wish I had realized this earlier. As a web developer with an entrepreneurial spirit, ideas for new websites are circling in my head constantly. I would start to develop one until the next “big” idea took precedence, then the preceding project would be left half finished. This is because I didn’t have a plan laid out in advance.
Remember that “project” of mine that I alluded in an earlier comment? Well, I have forcefully restrained myself from doing ANYTHING with it until my outline is complete (except for buying the domain names). It’s been tough, but I’m confident that doing this will allow for a more professional and robust “unveiling”.
“Patience is a virtue.”
‘Piers Plowman’ (1377)
Hi Pat!
Seems like I want to attack the top commenters and win this month, doesn’t it.
Yes, I outsource, but I also admit that I could do more. Some bullets from a variety of situations:
* I usually check out the pre-sales support of a company.
* I honor referrals by people I trust, but still do my whole “testing procedures”.
* I throw a little homework (unpaid), a quiz at individuals. They have to do it correctly AND on time in order to be considered.
* Reliability and quality results is an absolute must. I freak out, if somebody is sloppy.
* I require work samples or a proven trackrecord.
* I want experience which is pretty much related. I usually don’t train people on my euros.
* I require Service Level Agreements were applicable.
* Actually I always was lucky with recruiting from campus. (At least in Europe for part-time, freelance positions. Most of them helped me with 2 or 3 projects).
* You see a lot of “I”s. That’s right. This is not a sales letter, this is about getting MY stuff done.
* Anyway, I didn’t blog about this yet, but I will restructure almost everything I do next year. I will be phasing out of consulting like I used to do it for 10+ years and only keep 2 top clients, which I have long term relationships with.
* I enjoyed much freedom in the past, had quit my last job in spring 2003, relocated to the Canaries in summer 2005, but now I want even more.
Hi Kirsty, thanks! I just discovered your blog, and it looks very interesting. I will read more of it as soon as I have a free moment.
I love travel too and will be curious to see how you do with working online and traveling.
One Eyed, I tend to do the same thing - leaving things half finished. I am looking forward to seeing your project.
John, thanks, great tips! Wow, big changes are coming for you. What are you going to do in place of the consulting?
Hi, Pat!
What to do instead of consulting? I could do cross-country skiing right now up on the plateau, 7,000 feet above sea level, or go swimming to the beach. Only 60 miles to drive. That’s why we love it here so much.
Business wise I will release bits and pieces as they mature on my blog. Thanks for asking.
Hi Pat,
Getting started can be the most daunting part sometimes!
From a former “control freak” I would recommend the following:
Start with the tasks that you dislike to do. there is an immediate emotional gratification and psychological benefit to relieving yourself of those duties, and will inspire you to keep outsourcing more!
Then, things that you’re not good at. You’ll see an immediate benefit there as well.
Then, areas where it will impact your bottom line the most. That could be setting up more sites, with more affiliate programs, etc.
And of course, tasks that are repetitive and boring in nature that need to be done, but is not worth YOUR time to do.
Hope this helps!
Howard Tiano
“IM OutSourcerer”
John, it sounds like you live in a beautiful place! I’m jealous.
Howard, thanks, those are great tips!
I think it is easier to outsource work that you are doing for someone ELSE’s dream (your employer) than it is to outsource things that are so personal to you (your own business).
I definitely have the control freak syndrome but am learning to get better out outsourcing. What I’ve been doing is determining which tasks are really just busywork and which task require creative vision. A lot of creative tasks have a lot of busywork elements that can really suck up your time and result in you doing a lot less of what you are best at.
Keep us posted on how this works out for you!
Christine
Thanks, Christine! If I ever get to doing some outsourcing, I will let you know how it turns out!
I’ve done a variety of outsourcing, all with mixed results. My latest was hiring my brother over the summer. Worked really well… except profits didn’t go up quickly enough. If you do outsource, best to start with referrals from trusted sources before trying Elance and similar sites.
Ryan, it’s great if you can hire someone you know, like your brother. You’re right, referrals are better than hiring someone unknown.