Outsourcer Rolodex

• Time: Buy yourself an extra hour each day — time is irreplaceable.
• Fill your gaps: Outsource what you're weak at (e.g. graphic design) and get better results faster.
• Productivity: Increase the volume and value of products you can offer.

Best used when you already have an existing need. Browsing the list may spark ideas for selling products or providing services to clients.

Don't approach outsourcers until you have an immediate need — nobody likes having their time wasted. Get the client (or define the need) first, then find the right source.

Know what you need before you reach out. A source can make a flyer, but won't know what to say on it — you must provide ideas, instructions, and a starting point.

Imagine the finished job: What does it look like? What colors? Any pictures? What's the headline? What is it selling? Define the work so you can give proper instruction.

• Vetting: Read reviews, profiles, feedback, and portfolios. Confirm turnaround times are met.
• Access controls: Only give enough access to do the job. Build trust and add responsibility over time.
• Milestones: For complex projects, set milestones with payments at each. Discuss delivery and format before money changes hands.