Outsource Hiring

Over the last few blog posts,  I have been sharing some thoughts and ideas about outsourcing. I have talked about the What (What can you outsource) to the Who (who are your outsourcing resources) Hopefully, now you are ready to start investigating more. Perhaps you are even ready to hire.

This here is the most vital step of all. You have to hire right in order to make this a winning situation. The key to this is to interview. You wouldn't hire an employee sight unseen, don't outsource without an interview!

Here are some key subjects to review:The work itself - Obviously you want to ask them some questions regarding their understanding of the job at hand. Make sure they understand, and have expertise in the various technical pieces you need. This can lead to a whole hosts of questions, and can be challenging if you don't know what to ask. Frequently, a contractor who is strong in their field, will actually start to lead this conversation for you. They know what needs to be asked in order for them to be effective.

Availability- this brings up a host of questions that, especially when working with someone virtually, are key.

• When are they available to work?

• Do they work traditional hours or non-traditional hours. If they work non-traditional hours, are they available during times that you need them?

• Make sure you confirm their time zone - when they say they are available 8:00-5:00 p.m. everyday, is that EST or PDT?

• If hiring on a website, and you are truly "virtual" what is their turn around time.. how quickly do they work?

Work Style - how do they like to work? Are they looking lots of interaction from you, or are they going to take the project and run?

Communication - How will they communicate with you? Will there be a regular monthly meeting, or only when needed? Will they come to you for meetings, or will it be by teleconference or Skype?

Who will be doing the work  - especially when hiring a firm or solopreneur who has a few employees, the person you speak to for the hiring process may not be the person actually doing the work. Ask about this. Don't be shy about asking to meet the person who will be doing the work before you hire.

Fees & Administration If they don't share it with you upfront, ask! There are countless ways to charge for services and nothing halts the working arrangement faster than not knowing and/or understanding the fee structure.

• Is it hourly, daily, or by the project? If it is hourly, how many hours do they think it will be?

• How are fees billed - monthly? Weekly? At certain points during the project?

• When you pay, are you paying for upcoming services? Or for services already rendered

• Will you be reimbursing them for certain cost, mileage, etc?

References - Ask for them and more importantly call them.

The final nugget I will share is that most contractors, who are experts in their field, are going to welcome and be active participants in this interview process. A contractor that seems reluctant or unsure is probably one you want to pass on.

Just like an employee, this person, or group of people, is going to have impact on your business. So take you time. Interview, and make sure they fit your culture, your business and your needs