Over the years outsourcing has become an everyday source of earning money and getting assignments done on the net. People from all nations contribute to this widely accessed industry by posting assignments they require as buyers, or by posting their profiles as freelancers. As this trend is becoming widely known about by many, a frequent question being asked is, "How to outsource projects in order to get efficient and economical solutions?" Time after time project planning experts say, "The successful outcome of a project depends solely on the effort and forethought you lend oneself in its initial planning". So you need to take certain measures while planning projects before you finally post them on outsourcing job auction websites, this is recommended if you want to get real value for money.
Once you get a grasp on these facts, you will be in a much better position when designing your project description and posting your job, this may require a lot of practice to master. Practicing these techniques again and again will develop your project planning techniques and over time you will truly learn the secrets of outsourcing.

Supplying The Best Specification:

When you encounter some task in your office or at home that you feel you would benefit by outsourcing it over the web , you should instantly note it down. Later when you decide it is something you want to pursue, you should produce a well defined and detailed description of what you desire from the service provider. Write it down on a piece of paper or just use Notepad on your computer. Once you have got a brief outline, you should get started making a detailed specification for your provider so that your job can be done efficiently and effectively. Think, an effective specification is the most rudimentary step towards efficient project planning before outsourcing a project. Make sure you keep in mind the following while penning your specifications:
• The heading should clearly show who the job is for e.g. Expert Writer for GUI Documentation Project and .Net coder for GPS based iPhone Ring Tones.
• The specification must be short and explained in uncomplicated and easy language, you should make it reader friendly so that providers do not hesitate reading it. Usually a brief but vivid specification based on one or two paragraphs is encouraged.
• It should have a specific due date. Clearly state the capabilities required, and demand some sample work.
• You should give a budget so providers that see your project can decide whether it is worth itfor them to persue or not.

Here are a few of the most adept tips you should hold in the forefront of your mind while finding out 'how to outsource'.

Pricing and issues about payment:
You can get anything for a high fee! But getting true value for your money is and can be, difficult and requires a lot of careful planning. If your job will last a for a long period of time and you want to continuously supervise your providers progress, it could be better that you consider hourly payments for your project. If you have a short term project and monitoring your provider is not critical then a fixed fee is recommended. Be sure to keep in mind, skillful providers favor hourly jobs. Always sort price issues before you assign the job, endeavor to assess your providers capabilities before you decide to pay the amount requested. If the prospective freelancer is absent any necessary skills, try to convince them to a lower price.

Some Secrets!

These are some outsourcing secrets which you should know while planning your projects and studying outsourcing:
• Always ask to see past work.
• Reassure your provider that you have got more work if the job is completed effectively. This will make sure that the project gets completed to the highest possible standard.
• Constantly put a due date two or three days before you want the job to be completed, this will give you the best opportunity to ask for any changes. This will also cover you in case the freelancer is late!
• Make sure you set your budget a few dollars lower than you can afford.
• If service providers have bid a large amount, ask them if they would drop their price; you never know when they may agree!

It is hoped that if you got anything from this article, that it is the fact that project planning is an integral any outsourcing project, no matter what the size or budget.

Author's Bio: 

Steven Brough is a Technical Designer and a Project Manager from New Zealand. You can read more about learning how to outsource and other outsourcing tips at Steven's website http://www.freelancerselite.com