Get More Accomplished Through Virtual Outsourcing
by Mike Bevans


Typical day: You are swamped with work and can't possibly 
complete everything you need to get done. You have a number 
of projects on your plate such as updating your website, 
creating new graphics, developing a Flash presentation and 
getting a database designed and developed. You don't have 
the time or expertise to get them all done yourself. The 
first thing you should ask yourself is - "why am I trying 
to do everything myself?" Let go. Outsource it. Or better 
yet, virtually outsource it.  

The Internet makes it easy to virtually outsource your 
project-based work to a vast pool of highly skilled virtual 
consultants that can help you get more accomplished in less 
time. You can find a virtual consultant to help you with almost 
any type of technical, creative or business strategy project 
that you may need. 

What is a Virtual Consultant?  

A "virtual consultant" is someone who provides their services 
to clients across the country or around the world through the 
Internet. Virtual consultants work with you by communicating via 
email, instant messaging, telephone or fax to complete your 
projects. Virtual consultants range from individual freelancers 
who specialize in a particular area -- such as web development, 
graphic design or creative writing -- to small- and medium-sized 
businesses that offer a full spectrum of services including 
software application development, database design and web 
programming.  

Benefits of Using Virtual Consultants

There are many benefits to using virtual consultants to help you 
with your project based work. These include:

· Convenience - You only use them when you have a need for their
particular services providing you with great flexibility and 
reduced costs.

· Expertise - The breadth of services they offer ensure that you 
can always find someone with the right expertise for your project.
 
· Focus - Taking advantage of virtual consultants, allows you 
to focus on projects related to your core competency while 
outsourcing the rest.
 
· Quick Turnaround - They work while you sleep. Because you can 
tap into consultants across the country or across the world, 
there are consultants available to work on your projects anytime. 

How to Find a Great Virtual Consultant 

Sites like Elance (www.elance.com) make it easy for you to 
find and work with virtual consultants. Sites such as this 
help connect you with the right consultant for your project 
and enable you to complete and pay for the services that you 
receive. Typically, you will post your project and qualified 
virtual consultants will submit proposals and bids for your 
work. You then choose the right consultant for your needs and 
begin working on the project. This system allows you to get 
all of your extra project work completed through a single source.

Services available on these sites include, but are not limited 
to, application development, advertising and marketing copy, 
database design and development, graphic design services and 
business plans. The benefits of using these services include 
getting access to a large pool of global resources, saving you 
time by having providers come to you with proposals, saving 
money through competitive bidding and improving the likelihood 
of success by utilizing the project management tools provided 
on these sites.  

Getting the Most from Virtual Consultants

Virtually outsourcing your project-based work will save you time 
and money while allowing you to focus on what you do best. But 
before you get started, there are a few tips you should know 
regarding how best to work with virtual consultants through an 
online services marketplace. For best results:

· Determine the objective of your project up front.

· Write down any technical or functional specifications. This 
will help you to communicate your needs and expectations.

· Know your budget.

· Set specific milestones and delivery dates to help you track 
the progress of your project.

When you do narrow down the consultants you are interested in 
working with, be sure to ask them questions to ensure they 
understand your needs and have the expertise to complete your 
project.  Set in writing your expectations with a contract and 
scope of work document containing milestones to track progress. 
This will help you avoid any confusion during the project and 
upon delivery of the final product.  

Virtual outsourcing of your technical and creative projects is 
an easy way to get more done in less time allowing you to focus 
on what you like to do best. Virtual consultants provide the 
added expertise you need to work smarter, not harder. So "let go" 
and virtually outsource that project you have been putting off 
to a skilled virtual consultant.

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Mike Bevans, MBA, is Sr. Manager, Product Strategy at Elance, Inc. 
Mike is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in 
virtual outsourcing, online marketing and website analytics. 
Elance Online is a Web-based services marketplace providing 
businesses a better way to buy and manage services. For more, 
info visit www.elance.com 
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