So far in this series on getting help with your product launch, we’ve covered…
…knowing when and what to outsource, how to write a compelling ad to attract the most qualified people, and how to recruit the best person for your needs.
In this message, we’re going to look at Step Four: Managing Your Product Launch Outsourcing Projects
Once you hire one or more people to complete a job, it’s up to you to manage the project.
Here’s what you need to know to make everything go more smoothly:
• Make your expectations clear. Same as when you’re writing a project ad, you need to be clear about your expectations.
For example, if you prefer files to be delivered in a Zip file, let your freelancer know.
If you want them uploaded to DropBox, be clear about it.
Your freelancer isn’t a mind reader, and you’ll get better results when you are very clear about what you want.
• Explain what you like and want more of. When your freelancer does something the right way, let them know you’re really happy with the work and that you want more work in that style.
For example, if you hire a video producer who adds a “doodle style” demo to a video that you really like, let them know what you liked about it and that you want more videos like that.
• Let them know how often you want updates/communication. Some people prefer daily updates, some prefer every other day, some are fine with weekly or twice-monthly updates.
You need to be clear upfront about what you want.
TIP: You may ask for more frequent updates in the beginning, and then request less frequent communication once you and your freelancer have established a good relationship.
Be sure your freelancer knows you’re always available for questions, and let them know to alert you immediately whenever there is a problem or potential problem.
• Provide the required resources and information. In other words, give your freelancer the tools he or she needs to complete the job.
For example, if you’re asking your freelancer to write an article, provide resources with the facts and other information needed to complete that article.
• Consider giving a bonus for exceptional work. This bonus might come in the form of a direct financial reward on top of the regular payment, which is the preferred bonus for most freelancers.
However, in some cases you might give your freelancer a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or another surprise reward for exceptional work.
• Praise good work along the way. Obviously, your freelancer is doing the work in exchange for money.
However, frequent praise for good work can make the project feel much more rewarding for your freelancer.
TIP: Praise for good work helps build a good relationship between you and your freelancer.
In turn, a freelancer may make special accommodations for you in the future, such as scheduling your projects first or giving you an unexpected discount.
• Be cordial and specific when tweaks are needed. From time to time your freelancer may not complete the work exactly as you envisioned.
Your first step is to go back to your brief and written communications to check if you were clear about what was needed.
Then politely let the freelancer know what specific tweaks you need to complete the project.
TIP: If the fault rests with your communication, then take responsibility for not being more clear, pay for the necessary corrections, and vow to do better in the future.
• Be aware of time zone differences. In addition, ask your freelancer their preferred hours for conference calls and other communications.
For example, someone may have a six-hour time difference from you, but they may be night owls or early risers who work much the same hours as you do.
TIP: If you’re hiring someone from another country, be aware of holidays, power outages and other circumstances that may affect your freelancer’s regular work days.
Also, if you’re in the United States and you hire someone from a country like Australia, take note that while you’re right in the middle of your Friday, they’re already into Saturday (and thus they may not be working).
• Complete the project with appropriate feedback. Here you should mention both the good things, and the things you want changed for the future.
Then be sure to follow up with a prompt payment to close out the project. (In other words, once your freelancer has delivered the final project, review it quickly so that you can make the final payment promptly.)
One last tip: if you’re using an outsourcing site, then communicate through the channels provided on the site.
This offers you some degree of protection in case there is a problem, plus it helps ensure that you’re not sending emails back and forth that may end up in a bulk email folder or otherwise get lost.
Now let’s wrap things up…
Closing Thoughts
Now that you know the four-step process for finding, hiring and managing people to help you with your product launch or with ongoing business activities, you too can start enjoying the results soon!
While the entire process can take some time upfront to comb through candidates to find the ones most suited for your needs, it’s time well spent.
So get started on the process today, and start reaping the rewards of hands-free outsourcing!
Warm regards,
Rocky
PLUS: When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you to grow your business using product launches:
1. How To Build A Profitable Launch List.
Building an email list is critical if you plan on doing a launch for your product, service or business. My 1-2-3 List Building Cheat Sheet will show you how to build a responsive list of prospects who are ready to buy from you during your launch. Click Here.
2. How To Create A Signature Product Out Of Thin Air In 72 Hours Or Less
Creating your product does not need to take weeks or months. My 72 Hour Product Creation Guide shows you how to build high value products or bonuses one after the other in 72 hours or less. Click Here.
3. How To Outsource Your Product Creation And Make It Hands Free.
Outsourcing the creation of some or all of your products and bonuses is a great way to save your time for the more important (and more fun) things you’d rather be doing. Grab my Hands Free Outsourcing Cheat Sheet to learn more. Click Here.
And don’t forget to check this out 🙂