Business Buzz: Outsourcing – Imagine hiring an expert from 150 baht

PHUKET: I remember when I started in this industry just how much there was to learn and how many different things I needed to do to get started: build websites, get a domain, hosting, design a logo, create an exciting intro logo, set up social media accounts, start promoting – the list goes on and on!

I understand the challenges many people face with the internet as there is so much to know, and it can be very technical. This, for many, leads to fear and feeling overwhelmed, which can then lead to procrastination and, in the end, nothing happens. Also, from a time-efficiency perspective, we are much better off having an expert doing the work for us, as the results should be better and it will save us time. However, the cost is normally prohibitive.

If you don’t do it, though, you get left behind. But now, there is a solution to this conundrum. Welcome to Fiverr.

Fiverr was the 2009 brain child of Micha Kaufman and Shai Wininger. It is a site where people can buy or sell a variety of internet services offered by freelance contractors. Today, it is estimated to be worth about US$250 million.

Simply, Fiverr is the joining of product matter experts (or freelancers) with people who need a specific skill or product. Examples of common services include logo and webpage design, graphic design, videos, voice overs – pretty much anything that relates to online marketing, sales and promotion.

People get a rating for the work that they have performed or ordered, which means that quality gets rewarded. That way, you get high-quality work done at a competitive price.

For those who need specific work done but do not have the time or the skills to do it, they can outsource to a proven performer without having to do a lot of searching, due diligence or negotiating of price. Also, the pricing is fantastic as the competition keeps it real, and people from third-world countries with good skills will do it for a cheaper price.

For those who have a skill and want to make some extra income, Fiverr is ideal. They can easily be connected with clients without having to market themselves, payment is guaranteed for work completed to a satisfactory level and the better they perform, the more they will be rewarded.

So, the next time you need a task done that has been holding you up, think about outsourcing and think Fiverr. This is great news for the freelancers, as they truly can make a full-time living from the comfort of their lounge.

Simon Wetherell is a social media expert, best-selling author and speaker. He resides in Phuket, where he trains businesses and individuals on how to profit from the use of social media. For more information, visit PhuketOnlineMarketing.com or call 095-085 3355.