Outsourcing Life – The RIGHT Way for YOU!
by Chris C. Ducker
26. Jan, 2010 
10 Comments
Another Awesome Snorkeling Session - Taken on a Tuesday Afternoon, 3pm
Location: Home, Reading Time: 6mins
A hell of a lot has been written on the subject of outsourcing life. Even though its been around for quite some time, the subject itself has really grown in popularity (particularly for the ‘normal’ business owner, or every day ‘Joe’) over the last 3-4 years or so. A lot of this has to do with the amount of news coverage, the number of lifestyle design blogs (including this one, I guess!) that have popped up and certain books that have been published, such as the Four Hour Work Week, by Tim Ferriss. Bottom line, however, is that regardless of how much you read or pick up on the subject of outsourcing life, you wont actually know what its like (and the benefits that come along with it) unless you actually GO FOR IT!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t literally mean dive right in and hire a bunch of outsourced employees! What I do mean however, is plan it, try it out and then tweak it to death until you have the perfect set-up for you. Nowadays, quite frankly, outsourcing life couldn’t be easier. You have many good companies offering outsourcing solutions to reach out to and many freelancing virtual assistants working all over the world. Although the Philippines and India are the two hot-beds, you’ll find them everywhere! Recently, the Philippines has grown in popularity because of the versatility of the people that the country offers, not to mention the fantastic English speaking and writing skills.
Generally speaking there are only two major ways to start outsourcing life. Firstly, you can work with a freelancer, finding them through sites such as Freelancer.com, or other equivalents. This is a slightly more long winded way to start things off, because of the obvious searching, interviewing and training that you personally have to go through to find the right person (and its not always possible to do that with the first choice). However, it is the most cost effective way.
The second way to jump on the outsourcing life band-wagon is to hire an outsourcing solutions provider, such as my company (Don’t worry, this is not going to turn into a full-blown elevator pitch, I promise!). Although a little more pricey than the freelancer route, this is a little easier on the person wanting to outsource their life, as the searching, interviewing, hiring, training, supervising, motivating, etc., is all done for you. Plus, you do have the added benefits that come along with working with partners that are set-up properly with professional contingency plans in place (I’ll perhaps go into this subject a little more on a separate post – if there’s enough interest – let me know).
Whatever way you look into beginning your new lifestyle, the most important thing is that you do it now. But, do it your way – the way you believe will be the most successful for you. Procrastinating will get you nowhere, and believe me, you’ll love the freedom that comes along with outsourcing, as well as the obvious business benefits, too (spending more time planning trips and vacations, time with family, etc.).
Through the upcoming pages of this blog, and with the videos that I will be uploading here and on my YouTube channel, I hope that the ideas you’ll pick up will create enough excitement to start your very own outsourcing life adventure. You can start immediately by downloading my free eBook on working with virtual assistants (below) and always remember, I am wide open for questions, should you feel the need to fire any at me!
If you liked this post, please do leave a comment below – I love hearing from my readers, and reply to pretty much every one! You can also “Be Sweet and Retweet!” if you like, too. Thanks, everyone!
By the end of 2010, I want to be a Full-Time Virtual CEO. Take the journey with me, month-by-month to find out how I'm going to do it! I’m a 19-year sales, marketing and PR professional originally from the UK and an entrepreneur at heart. I’m also the CEO of the Live2Sell Group of Companies, a thriving total business outsourcing provider based in Cebu City, Philippines.
Chris
Really interesting post. Although I feel you are just scratching the surface here. You’re right on the two options (to my knowledge), but I would like to know more about the freelancer route, if possible.
Can you do something a little more indepth on that in the future?
I have a feeling that this new blog of yours is going to become very popular. Best of luck with it.
@Steve – Thanks for commenting. Yes, just a ’scratch the surface’ kinda post, I’d agree. If you wanted more immediate info on BOTH these routes, you can download my free eBook (you’ll find 20+ pages of info!).
Otherwise, hang tight as I am putting together a few different post ideas as I type this, and a resource page which will give you a few more links, etc., too. And thanks for the kind words on the blog – yes, with a bit of luck, we’ll grow things nicely and it will become a good resource, in itself for people searching for a better work/life balance.
I worked on this as a project last year and found the freelancer way of outsourcing extremely frustrating. I wasted time and a certain amount of money and eventually ended up going with a company instead (sorry Chris, not yours).
It was good and the process was a lot easier. However after a few months they started cutting corners and my VA was absent quite a bit.
Its a shame, I really need a VA, but feel as if it might be a lost cause at the moment. Maybe the market is becoming too saturated?
@Lyle – First up congratulations on looking into, and trying out Outsourcing as a way to make your life easier and more productive. I am, however, sorry to hear that you had a couple of ‘off’ experiences (never ‘bad’, just learning experiences, I find!).
But, don’t give up, if you genuinely believe that outsourcing is the way to go for you, then by all means, give me a call at Live2Sell – I’m very confident (obviously!) that we’ll take good care of you. Omitting that, give the Freelancer idea another shot – it is very rare that you’ll find the ‘right fit’ straightaway. Good luck and stay tuned here for more outsourcing and VA tips, etc.
@Mark – Thanks for the comment, bud. You’re right the Philippines is certainly the way to go. It’s easy for us to say this, being here – but, honestly speaking, even if I was on the outside looking in, I would still go towards the land of the Pinoy! ALl you have to do is research things properly online to know that its the best market for all around outsourcing requirements.
Chris, good stuff!
Being in the industry for seven years now, the Philippines has indeed evolved significantly over the past 3-4 years. To the point of having schools offering elective outsourcing courses such as being a call center agent, medical transcriptions and more.
Outsourcing is all about finding the “right people” but there’s no better way than finding it here in the Philippines where it’s more westernized to the point that English has become almost the national language of the country. Flexible and hardworking people as well.
Another good one Chris. Looking forward to those videos down the road. Possibly even interviewing some VA’s and service providers on what makes their lives easier from us. The focus is always on “us” and sending over the right instructions, etc. Something from the other side of the court may be beneficial as well.
Looking forward to more down the road!
@Greg – Thanks, buddy! Yes, I agree, everything should be pointed to the ‘us’ factor, and it will be, I assure you. That was the main reason why I set this blog up, was to genuinely help and inspire people out there. And the VA interviews are coming your way, actually… Already planned, as well as a lot more. The site will be predominantly video based, I think – but, you cant beat a good old fashioned ‘article’ every now and then! Stay tuned…
Chris,
This looks like a lovely beginning. I am appreciating the vibrant energy of your writing. I am sure it is your enthusiasm coming through. I do wish you well and will be standing by to see more soon.
@Xerlan – Thank you for your comment and kind words. Enthusiasm, one thing I have always had in abundance, I can assure you of that! Lots coming in the next few weeks. You’ll love some of the videos planned, too! Thanks again and all the best.