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Content Writer:

A content writer is an individual who specializes in providing relevant text and picture content for websites. They are a time saving asset for helping develop specific and regular content for your site. They can also be utilized to turn interviews, recordings, short stories into more relevant blog posts. Another possibility is the reverse. Your Content Writer, if skilled, could even turn your existing blogs into material for books or short stories. Of course this depends on their skills which may also affect their cost.

 content writer

Typical Tasks of Content Writer:

  • Research, write and edit web and intranet content from scratch.
  • Write web content based on material supplied by client or found elsewhere.
  • Edit print documents for publication online.
  • Edit web pages for on-screen readability.
  • Proofread to final copies depending on skill level.
  • Test and edit forms for usability.
  • Evaluate web sites for strategy, readability, legibility, find-ability, usability, interactivity and credibility.

 

 

 

 

JOB ADVERTISEMENT SAMPLE:

 

Content Writer:

We are looking for a self-motivated individual with experience and skills in web content writing. In addition to writing, editing, and proofreading site content, this person will also work closely with the technical team to maintain site standards with regard to new development.

Applicant must have an understanding on the significance of keyword research and being familiar with the various online tools, knows to optimize each page for one or two keyword phrases and must be able to empathize with the needs that led your potential customer to the page your writing. This goes hand in hand with keyword research. Applicant must have the ability to meet project deadlines, exceptional English communication (both written and verbal) and organizational skill and has the ability to work quickly without sacrificing quality.

 

Requirements:

– Applicant must be willing to work for a Long term (6months +).

– Expected to work on a regular basis of (10-15 hours per week).

– Complete tasks within 48hours (preferably 24hours).

– Willing and ready to start ASAP.

– Able to communicate with us over Skype during standard business hours (AEST or London time). This is a must. We may give instructions verbally as it is quicker and more efficient. You can work at your own time provided you can complete tasks within our deadlines.

– Must provide sample of previous work.

– Prepared to undergo a 10-20minute Test.

– Successful applicants will then are required for a Skype interview.

 

Please ensure you include your Skype name, examples of your previous work, and any questions in your reply to this position. Thank you and have a great day.

 

PS. Who are we?

We are …… (2-4 sentences about your organization and its goals)

 

 

 

PROCESSING JOB APPLICANTS:

 

1. Eliminate Time wasters, focus on possible applicants:

a)      Ignore any applications that clearly do not fit our listed criteria.

b)      Any quotes outside our Minimum – Maximum Pay.

c)      If requested English level required is high-exceptional, no major errors acceptable.

d)      If requested English level required is medium, no more than 3 errors acceptable.

e)      Choose before hand, if using experienced staff or willing to try new members.

f)       Applications must show some evidence of being unique, showing that they actually read our advertisement, not simply copy pasting to every job position.

 

2. Asses remainder of applications based on our job description:

a)      Look for those fulfilling all requirements.

b)      Look for evidence of Pro-Active or other important behavioral qualities.

c)      Asses their personality. Staff needs to be focused on achieving tasks, making things happen and going the extra mile, rather than staff that will do the minimum. Staff that do only the minimum may still be capable, however not ideal.

 

3. Send 2-3 short questions to any suitable applicants:

a)      Availability, desired work hours (time and duration).

b)      Future Goals, aspirations.

c)      Experience, evidence of their experience or questions about their previous work.

d)      What makes this job attractive?

e)      Send more information on the position and your organizational.

f)       Request they complete basic test if everything is suitable.

 

4. Send test for all continuing prospects:

a)      Hi, thank you for your application and time. In order for us both to save time would you mind completing a 10 minute test? It is for testing our ability to work together.

b)      Please also add the time it took, all the answers to our previous questions, along with your Skype and email address to the bottom of your test.

c)      We want to include this. Perhaps a 3 minute Audio file or picture saying, thank you for applying, please write out for us your top 3 goals for the next year, your first and last name, your email address and Skype name, and then we will be happy to talk on Skype. Simple, thank you and have a good day.

 

5. All completed and returned Tests are now the job application:

a)      Looking at who has fulfilled task 100% with all details. Including their details.

b)      Who has made sense of the document?

c)      Who has presented it in a reasonable format with heading, bold, italics, etc?

d)      Thanks and apologies to those that is under skilled. Let them know why nicely.

e)      Thanks and move on to the Skype Interview for your final candidates.

 

6. Skype Interview:

a)      Before starting ask them to install, Ifreeskype recorder (to record the conversations which can be replayed at later date or for training).

b)      Start with general chat as they are often nervous.

c)      Develop and understanding of their situation.

d)      If suitable, provide information on our goals.

e)      Thank them, any questions. If unsure, let them know we will get back to them in the next 10 days. (This way if we hire someone else, and it falls through we have this candidate still possibly available.)

f)       If applicant suitable, proceed straight away so that we can have them start their first task which also tests them further before we say no to possible applicants.

g)      Set out your first clear tasks for them straight. Have them reply with an email outlining what the task is, any questions they may have and how they are going to achieve them. Highlighting deadlines and priorities. Short deadlines.

 

7. On receipt of this email:

At the receipt of this email, it should be really clear if the staff understand the tasks given from the Skype interview. If this email is very off track or wrong there may be big problems ahead. Having staff confirm tasks in detail is vital in Outsourcing. Provided they understand your tasks set out in Skype or Email, you can now start the contract.

 

8. In the first week:

Start tasks clearly, and build up from there. It is possible that your Staff will understand everything and your intent clearly. However, start small and build up. Also look at awarding a quick bonus to make up for excess time spent in the interview. Emphasize fair pay for fair work or your best work for the best bonus.

 

9. Longer term:

Look at other ways to keep staff motivated and happy. We have a few suggestions you can email us for them. Once you have spent a lot of time with your staff they become more valuable and harder to replace. Take care of them. They are real people with families, lives and dreams of their own too.

 

 

 

 

Odesk

In case you haven’t heard of it, Odesk is probably the no. 1 website for Outsourcing. For those unfamiliar with the term, what we are talking about is sourcing Virtual International Staff.

It lets small businesses hire, manage, and pay remote contractors as if they were in their own office. More than 200,000 businesses seeking skilled workers, and 800,000 service providers are registered from over 150 countries. It is changing how the world works. With Outsourcing, you can easily allocate specific tasks to people who have a lot of knowledge and skills in that area at the most competitive rates.

 

I’m a busy guy, I have lots of opportunities and not enough hours in a day. So I have my own Virtual Assistant (VA). My VA does a variety of tasks for me such as:

Before booking international flights, my VA will spend around 2 hours looking at possible flights for me. My VA then presents results in an easy-to-read spreadsheet listing routes and costs (including taxes and my VA knows if I’m carrying luggage or carry-on).

Before booking accommodation, my VA can research, select, and email suitable places in advance asking for availability and a discount price.

When writing for my webpage, my VA does the editing, looks for pictures, checks for grammar, makes suitable links, and uploads it all for me.

Sometimes people ask me about the most random things. If I want, I can just ask my VA to research or find solutions for them.

 

As a Consultant, I can provide solid valuable advice and connections to clients. With my VA, I can turn that advice into an easy-to-read, fact-filled, verified .pdf, .doc, or .xls for clients while I talk face-to-face or over the phone to ensure that the deals can be completed smoothly. As my VA handles the paper work, I can focus on bringing results.

 

If you’re a Consultant, Self-Employed, Writer, Blogger, Ebay Seller, or anything of the kind, on or offline, it can easily help increase your bottom line.

 

Other things Outsourcing can do . . .

 

Here are some of the tasks you can Outsource on your blog for faster results and save your time:

  • outsourceWriting Blog Posts – The most time-consuming part of running a blog is blog post writing. If yours is a personal blog, you probably shouldn’t outsource the writing however, you can outsource the editing. You can also record your voice or interviews and have a VA or Content Writer transcribe and edit it into a blog.
  •  If you have an Information Style Blog, you can get a capable Content Writer to produce new content for you, preferably a Content Writer whose passion is in your field.
  •  Social Media Management – Find someone who understands how social media marketing works and what techniques are most helpful.
  •  Link Building – Help develop your page rank fast and get the traffic you need to make your blog successful by quality links such as press releases, guest posts , and organic links to content.
  •  Blog and Forum Commenting – Make sure you hire someone with the understanding and reputation to give you the results you need.
  • SEO, Data Mining, Data Entry, Calendar Management, Scheduling, Answering Incoming Calls, 24/7 chat or voice support, and much much more!

 

Read all our articles on Outsourcing here. Go on, GIVE IT A TRY! Sign up to Odesk and give it a go today.
Please leave feedback if you have experience in this field. Thanks, guys!

The different roles of commonly employed virtual staff: Virtual Assistant, Website Manager, Content Writer, Ghostwriter  and Search Engine Optimizer

Seriously, I have made lots of mistakes with Outsourcing. Wasted countless hours trying to automate sometimes the most simplest tasks such as starting a contact list or sorting emails.

I have learned from the mistakes though. It is my pleasure to share my knowledge with you to help you gain more free time and a higher quality of life— the ultimate goal of Outsourcing.

 

Most recently I have used my Outsourced Team to present a collection of functional and usable information for you. This exact article is to explain the different roles of commonly employed virtual staff.

 

The Different Roles of Commonly Employed Virtual Staff: 

1.      VIRTUAL ASSISTANT (VA) – Provides administrative, secretarial, technical, or creative services to businesses externally. A good VA can save you a lot of time and energy. VA’s can also save you from hiring real staff. Imagine working at home with a VA taking care of the repetitiveVirtual Assistant | Outsourcing tasks. From orders, phone calls, sourcing, mailing lists, you name it. If your VA doesn’t have the skills, there is also the possibility of training them just like a real assistant, at a fraction of the cost.

 

TYPICAL TASK OF A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT:

  • Calendar Management / Schedule Online Marketing
  • Data Entry
  • Transcribing
  • Link Building
  • On and offline Research
  • E-mail Response / E-mail Sorting
  • Blog Postings / Article Writing
  • Initiating and maintaining Customer rapport
  • Updating / Record Management
  • Booking Transportation
  • Reserving tables and tickets to events

 

 

2.      WEBSITE MANAGER – The Website Manager will be responsible in developing the  organization’s online presence. A website manager can be used to develop and maintain various sites together. The Website Manager can work closely with other Virtual staff and can even manage other staff such as SEO, Content Writers, or required Technical Specialist.

I feel that one of the main benefits of a Website Manager  is that they can keep all of your site content up to date. Often we all see outdated information website contents, it doesn’t look good. For a small regular amount of money you can have a someone take care of this for you.

 

TYPICAL TASK OF A WEBSITE MANAGER:Website Manager

  • Sustain a constant awareness of all web properties
  • Build up and maintain all websites in a method that is pleasing to targeted viewers
  • Develop, sustain, and make certain reliability of discussion posts, such as blogs or forums
  • Responsible for crafting site promotions, email newsletters, and online outreach campaigns
  • Guarantee web-based information is archived for potential requests and indication
  • Create, widen and supervise content for organization’s web presence.
  • WordPress design and layout
  • Theme customization
  • Installing and managing plug-ins
  • Other WordPress site management tasks

 

 

3.      CONTENT WRITER – A Content Writer is an individual who specializes in providing relevant text based content for websites. A content writer can also help quickly expand your content or process excess sting material into fresh content. A good content writer can also quickly turn audio recordings and interviews into articles for you.

A Content Writer may help automate your business by having articles regularly written, sent to the Webpage Manager and submitted on your site.

 

TYPICAL TASK OF A CONTENT WRITER:Article Writing

 

  • Research, write and edit web and intranet content from scratch
  • Write web content based on material supplied by client or employer
  • Edit print documents for publication online
  • Edit web pages for on-screen readability
  • Proofread final draft of web pages
  • Test and edit forms for usability
  • Evaluate web sites for strategy, readability, legibility, find-ability, usability, interactivity and credibility

 

 

4.      GHOST WRITER – A writer who writes books, articles, stories, reports, or other texts that are officially credited to anotGhost Writerher person. Now, more than every everyday people writing extra ordinary books.

Writing and publishing has been made much easier with the rapid acceptance and use of Ebooks. If your writing, look at a how a ghost writer can help speed up your results.

 

TYPICAL TASK OF A GHOST WRITER:

  • Research topics
  • Write article or blog for the topic given in behalf of the client
  • Transcribe
  • Followed the writing style of the client

 

 

5.       SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZER (SEO) – SEO exist to draw more traffic to your site. If you have an online presence or at least a webpage. Why not consider using a SEO to boost your traffic.  As most internet users simply use Google or similar search engines, the SEO will take actions to make your site appear higher and higher in the search results. This will help by drawing more traffic to your site. However there is more to it than just that. For example, we don’t actually want traffic, we want customers. For this reason you will need your goals defined and to make a SEO plan with the Website Manager and SEO candidate.

 

TYPICAL TASK OF AN SEO:SEO

  • Perform keyword research in coordination with client business objectives to optimize existing content and uncover new opportunities
  • Provide SEO analysis and recommendations in coordination with elements and structure of websites and web pages
  • Provide recommendations and execute strategies for content development in coordination with SEO goals – general and keyword specific
  • Administer search engine programs (XML site-maps, shopping feeds, webmaster tools) for purposes of diagnostic reporting on client projects
  • Help to create and support marketing content to socialize and use for social media purposes (such as; customer videos briefs, customer case studies, blog posts, posts from analysts and customers)
  • Implement link building campaigns in coordination with client SEO goals
  • Research and administer social media tools in support of clients’ social media strategy

 

Note: I strongly advise, do not just hire and start a SEO guy. It can really cause damage to your site. It’s important to understand the basics of SEO first and make a plan with your Webpage Manager or VA to outline what the SEO can do.

 

 

As a westerner or someone focused on achieving goals, Virtual Staff can be a golden opportunity. I would most strongly recommend reading our following articles on Outsourcing and look at hiring your first VA soon.

 

 

Virtual Assistant (VA):

A VA refers to an independent service provider, who provides administrative, secretarial, technical, or creative services to businesses externally. Since ‘The 4 Hour Work Week’ use of VA’s has dramatically risen. Basically for the business or webpage owner, you source online assistants at a fraction of the rate those similar staff would cost you in your own city. In places such as America, Australia, England, Western Europe, and other highly developed countries the minimum Pay for a Receptionist for example could be $8-18USD. An Outsourced VA on the other hand range from $2-8USD depending on the level of skill and experience. Not only price, VA’s can actually do a massive variety of tasks and of course, can learn new tasks for you.a

VA’s are most commonly found in India and Philippines, however many more nationalities are available. Philippines being the most popular as they have high English skills and ethics. Philippines are already having well established outsourced IT and Call centre head quarters for many global companies. For many of them, being a VA makes an ideal home based business or work in a nearby shared office environment. Many VA’s are quiet entrepreneurial and able to help with much more than the simple expected tasks.

Indian VA’s are also highly regarded. From my personal experience many Indians are easier to understand language wise however many ‘Westeners’ do not like the ‘typical’ Indian accent. I have used a variety of Staff from India and Philippines and speak highly of both countries.

A VA should be the first person you hire if you’re new to Outsourcing. If you’re just thinking about it, why not give it a try. Allocate a few hours per week and see what can be achieved. We can also assist you if you’re really too busy but want to give it a shot.

 

Typical Task of a Virtual Assistant:

a)      Calendar Management / Schedule appointments.

b)      Online Marketing.

c)      Data Entry.

d)      Transcribing.

e)      Link Building.

f)       Online Research.

g)      E-mail Response / E-mail Sorting.

h)      Blog Postings / Article Writing.

i)        Initiating and maintaining Customer rapport.

j)        Updating / Record Management.

 

 

 

JOB ADVERTISEMENT SAMPLE

 

Virtual Assistant:

We are looking for a self-motivated individual with experience and skills in Virtual Assistant.

Applicant must have 2 years or more experience in VA or other related marketing strategy, able to write articles and blog posting, has knowledge in Online Marketing, Data Entry, Web Research and E-mail Response. Applicant must have the ability to meet project deadlines, exceptional English communication (both written and verbal) and organizational skill and has the ability to work quickly without sacrificing quality.

 

Requirements:

– Applicant must be willing to work for a Long term (6months +).

– Expected to work on a regular basis of (10-15 hours per week).

– Complete tasks within 48hours (preferably 24hours).

– Willing and ready to start ASAP.

– Able to communicate with us over Skype during standard business hours (AEST or London time). This is a must. We may give instructions verbally as it is quicker and more efficient. You can work at your own time provided you can complete tasks within our deadlines.

– Must provide sample of previous work.

– Prepared to undergo a 10-20minute Test.

– Successful applicants will then are required for a Skype interview.

 

Please ensure you include your Skype name, examples of your previous work, and any questions in your reply to this position. Thank you and have a great day.

PS. Who are we?

images3We are …… (2-4 sentences about your organization and its goals)

 

 

PROCESSING JOB APPLICANTS:

 

1. Eliminate Time wasters, focus on possible applicants:

a)      Ignore any applications that clearly do not fit our listed criteria.

b)      Any quotes outside our Minimum – Maximum Pay.

c)      If requested English level required is high-exceptional, no major errors acceptable.

d)      If requested English level required is medium, no more than 3 errors acceptable.

e)      Choose before hand, if using experienced staff or willing to try new members.

f)       Applications must show some evidence of being unique, showing that they actually read our advertisement, not simply copy pasting to every job position.

 

2. Asses remainder of applications based on our job description:

a)      Look for those fulfilling all requirements.

b)      Look for evidence of Pro-Active or other important behavioral qualities.

c)      Asses their personality. Staff needs to be focused on achieving tasks, making things happen and going the extra mile, rather than staff that will do the minimum. Staff that do only the minimum may still be capable, however not ideal.

 

3. Send 2-3 short questions to any suitable applicants:

a)      Availability, desired work hours (time and duration).

b)      Future Goals, aspirations.

c)      Experience, evidence of their experience.

d)      What makes this job attractive?

e)      Send more information on the position.

f)       Request they complete basic test if everything is suitable.

 

4. Send test for all continuing prospects:

a)      Hi, thank you for your application and time. In order for us both to save time would you mind completing a 10 minute test? It is for testing our ability to work together.

b)      Please also add the time it took, all the answers to our previous questions, along with your Skype and email address to the bottom of your test.

c)      We want to include this. Perhaps a 3 minute Audio file or picture saying, thank you for applying, please write out for us your top 3 goals for the next year, your first and last name, your email address and Skype name, and then we will be happy to talk on Skype. Simple, thank you and have a good day.

 

images45. All completed and returned Tests are now the job application:

a)      Looking at who has fulfilled task 100% with all details. Including their details.

b)      Who has made sense of the document?

c)      Who has presented it in a reasonable format with heading, bold, italics, etc?

d)      Thanks and apologies to those that is under skilled. Let them know why nicely.

 

6. Skype Interview:

a)      Before starting ask them to install, Ifreeskype recorder.

b)      General chat, understand their situation.

 

Here are 5 questions you NEED to ask during an interview with VA applicants:

1.      Why do you think you are perfect for this job? This helps you identify, the applicant’s skills that would benefit you or your company.

2.      What are your proudest achievements? This helps you identify the applicant’s priorities, or the things he/she considers important in life.

3.      What are your goals for the next 6 months? This helps you identify whether this VA has goals that is in line with yours.

4.      How would you describe yourself? This helps you understand the applicant’s attitude and how he views himself in general, and whether it fits the job and your personality altogether.

5.      Where did you work previously and what was your reason for leaving? Knowing the applicant’s work history tells a lot about themselves. It tells you if the applicant is most likely going to stay on longer, or move on to another new opportunity quickly.

 

c)      Thank them, any questions. If unsure, let them know we will get back to them in the next 10 days. (This way if we hire someone else, and it falls through we have this candidate still possibly available.)

d)      If applicant suitable, proceed straight away so that we can have them start their first task which also tests them further before we say no to possible applicants.

e)      Set out your first clear tasks for them straight. Have them reply with an email outlining what the task is, any questions they may have and how they are going to achieve them. Highlighting deadlines and priorities. Short deadlines.

 

7. On receipt of this email:

At the receipt of this email, it should be really clear if the staff understand the tasks given from the Skype interview. If this email is very off track or wrong there may be big problems ahead. Having staff confirm tasks in detail is vital in Outsourcing. Provided they understand your tasks set out in Skype or Email, you can now start the contract.

 

8. In the first week:

Start tasks clearly, and build up from there. It is possible that your Staff will understand everything and your intent clearly. However start small and build up. Also look at awarding a quick bonus to make up for excess time spent in the interview. Emphasize fair pay for fair work or your best work for the best bonus.

 

9. Longer term:

Look at other ways to keep staff motivated and happy. We have a few suggestions you can email us for them. Once you have spent a lot of time with your staff they become more valuable and harder to replace. Take care of them. They are real people with families, lives and dreams of their own too.

 

 

 

 

 

Roles of an SEO

Hiring an SEO Specialist

SEO Specialist:

     

a)      Perform keyword research in coordination with client business objectives to optimize existing content and uncover new opportunities.Web Traffic

b)      Provide SEO analysis and recommendations in coordination with elements and structure of websites and web pages.

c)      Provide recommendations and execute strategies for content development in coordination with SEO goals – general and keyword specific.

d)      Administer search engine programs (XML sitemaps, shopping feeds, webmaster tools) for purposes of diagnostic reporting on client projects.

e)      Help to create and support marketing content to socialize and use them for social media purposes (e.g. customer videos briefs, customer case studies, blog posts, posts from analysts and customers).

f)       Implement link building campaigns in coordination with clients’ SEO goals.

g)      Research and administer social media tools in support of clients’ social media strategy.

 

 

Typical Tasks of an SEO:

On-site SEO:

a)       Review your keyword density; title tag, image alt attributes, and meta tags.

b)       Make the page attractive with images that complement the content.

c)       Add appropriate and informative links to other great on-site content as well as links to highly-authoritative websites. This will achieve SEO co-citation, but in a very natural and user-friendly fashion.

d)       Apply authorship code and schema.org attributes for any special features on the page such as videos.

Off-site SEO:

  • Micro Blogging
  • Blog Commenting
  • Forum Posting
  • Article Submission
  • Press Release
  • Social Bookmarking
  • Guest Posting
  • Participate in Social Networking Sites

 

 

 

JOB ADVERTISEMENT SAMPLE:

 

SEO:

We are looking for a self-motivated individual with experience and skills in SEO.

Applicant must have 2 years or more experience in SEO or other related marketing strategy, able to write articles and understand the Google algorithm updates (2013 Penguin and Panda). Applicant must have the ability to meet project deadlines, exceptional English communication (both written and verbal) and organizational skill and has the ability to work quickly without sacrificing quality.

Requirements:

Applicant must be willing to work for at least a medium to long term (6months +).

-Expected to work on a regular basis completing tasks within 48hours (preferably 24hours).

-Complete tasks within 48hours (preferably 24hours).

– Willing and ready to start ASAP.

– Able to communicate with us over Skype during standard business hours (AEST or London time). This is a must. We may give instructions verbally as it is quicker and more efficient. You can work at your own time provided you can complete tasks within our deadlines.

– Must provide sample of previous work.

– Prepared to undergo a Link Building Test.

– Successful applicants will then are required for a Skype interview.

Please ensure you include your Skype name, examples of your previous work, and any questions in your reply to this position. Thank you and have a great day.

 

PS. Who are we?

We are …… (2-4 sentences about your organization and its goals)

 

 

All about SEOPROCESSING JOB APPLICANTS:

 

1. Eliminate time wasters, focus on possible hires:

a)      Ignore any applications that do not clearly fit our listed criteria.

b)     Those who has salary expectation outside our minimum – maximum pay.

c)      If requested English level required is highly-exceptional, no major errors is acceptable.

d)      If requested English level required is medium, no more than 3 errors is acceptable.

e)      Choose before hand if you want experienced staff or willing to try new members.

f)       Applications must show some evidence of being unique, showing that they actually read our advertisement, not simply copy pasting to every job position.

 

2. Asses the remainder of applications based on our job description:

a)      Look for those who meet all of the requirements.

b)      Look for evidence of being proactive or other important behavioral qualities.

c)      Asses their personality. Staff needs to be focused on achieving tasks, making things happen and going the extra mile, rather than staff that will do what is easy and comfortable. Staff that do only the minimum may still be capable, however not ideal.

 

3. Send 2-3 short questions to any suitable applicants:

a)      Availability, desired work hours (time and duration)?

b)      Future goals, aspirations?

c)      Experience, evidence of their experience?

d)      What makes this job attractive?

e)      Send more information on the position.

f)       Request that they complete basic test if they meet the initial requirements.

 

4. Send test for all continuing prospects:

a)      Hi, thank you for your application and time. In order for us both to save time would you mind completing a 10 minute test? It is for testing our ability to work together.

b)      Please also add the time it took, all the answers to our previous questions, along with your Skype and email address to the bottom of your test.

c)      Test is at the end of this article.

 

5. All completed and returned tests are now the filtered job applications:

a)      Look  who has fulfilled task 100% with all details. Including their details.

b)      Who has made sense of the document?

c)      Who has presented it in a reasonable format with heading, bold, italics, etc.?

d)     Give thanks and apologize to those who didn’t qualify. Let them know why nicely.

 

6. Skype Interview:

a)      Before you start the interview, ask them to install”Ifreeskype recorder,” a simple free program to record the conversations which can be replayed later and can be used for training.

b)      Start with general greeting because they are often nervous.

c)      Develop an understanding of their situation.

d)      If suitable, provide information on our goals.

e)      Thank them. Ask if they have any questions. If unsure, let them know we will get back to them in the next 10 days. (This way if we hire someone else, and it falls through, we have this candidate still possibly available.)

f)       If an applicant is qualified, proceed right away so that we can have them start their first task which also tests them further before we say no to other suitable applicants.

g)      Set out your first  tasks for them clearly. Have them reply with an email outlining what the task is together with any questions they may have and how they are going to answer them. Highlight deadlines and priorities. Short deadlines.

 

7. On receipt of this email:

At the receipt of this email, it should be really clear if the staff understands the tasks given from the Skype interview. If this email is very off track or wrong, there may have big problems ahead. Having staff confirm tasks in detail is vital in Outsourcing. Provided they understand your tasks set out in Skype or Email, you can now start the contract.

 

8. In the first week:

Start tasks clearly, and build up from there. It is possible that your new staff will clearly understand everything including your intent . However, start with small tasks then build up. Also look at awarding a quick bonus to make up for excess time spent in the interview. Emphasize fair pay for fair work. Match the best work for the best bonus.

 

9. Longer term:

Look at other ways to keep staff motivated and happy. We have a few suggestions that you can give them. Once you have spent a lot of time with your staff, they become more valuable and harder to replace. Take care of them. They are real people with families, lives and dreams of their own too.

 

Search Engine Optimization ProcessIn addition, for SEO we suggest:

  1. The applicant should produce a previous proven track record as an effective SEO specialist.
  2. Give a new 2 sets of exam. (Exams are in the last page of this document) the first set of exams – we will test them if they truly understand the Google algorithm updates (Panda and Penguin) and if they know how to build quality links. The second set of exam – we will test their SEO strategies.)
  3. You will give the applicants 2 sets of exam before hiring them. A VA who has a knowledge and skills on SEO or an SEO expert can be the one who will check their exams if they really have SEO skills. If you have no experience in SEO, we strongly suggest that you research what it all means first, or have a VA/Web Manager advise and test the candidates. A bad SEO can damage your business, you must be careful.

1st set of exam:

3.1.     What’s with the little wingdings? What’s the difference between  “no-follow” and “do-follow” links?

3.2.    Discuss briefly the Google Algorithm updates. (In your own words)

 

2nd set of exam:

  • Backlink 1
    • Link Promoted: https://adriancahill.com/2012/06/22/being-rich/
    • Keywords: How To Get Rich
    • Backlink URL (site):
    • Type of Site Where Link is Found:
    • Reason for using the keywords, site, Methods Used
    • Time taken to promote this link:
    • Username Used:
    • Password Used:
  • Backlink 2
    • Link Promoted:  https://adriancahill.com/2012/06/22/being-rich/
    • Keywords: How To Get Rich
    • Backlink URL (site):
    • Type of Site Where Link is Found
    • Reason for using the keywords, site, Methods Used
    • Time taken to promote this link:
    • Username Used:
    • Password Used:
  • Backlink 3
    • Link Promoted:  https://adriancahill.com/2012/06/22/being-rich/
    • Keywords: How To Get Rich
    • Backlink URL (site):
    • Type of Site Where Link is Found:
    • Reason for using the keywords, site, Methods Used.
    • Time taken to promote this link:
    • Username Used:
    • Password Used:

 

NOTE:  TIME FRAME FOR THIS TEST WILL DEPEND ON THE TYPE OF SEO STRATEGY THAT THE APPLICANT USED. WE WILL NOT COMPENSATE THEM BECAUSE IT IS PART OF THE TEST (TO TEST THEIR SEO SKILLS).

 

Communication

Key to Successful Outsourcing : Effective Communication!

One of the key to successful outsourcing is effective communication. Effective virtual staff / client communications can totally change the way that you and your business work. Leveraging through staff is a key which ultimately can save and make you a lot of money, time, and resources. However, it can also be disastrous. I learned this lesson myself the hard way. I asked a new guy about developing an SEO plan, the next thing I knew, instead of a plan, he started spamming my full real name across the web. This really made me realise that poor communication can actually cost you so much more than simply the hourly rate that you pay that staff member.

 

For several people, hiring, delegating, and managing are totally new skill sets to discover and to master.  There are certain tasks that look so easy but maybe confusing if you don’t understand. Hiring an SEO worker without understanding the basics can be disastrous as I found out.

 

Effective CommunicationAlthough it often seems like it is the staff making the mistakes, ultimately the problems are with the employer. There is no point blaming the staff for doing the wrong thing if sufficient guidance wasn’t given. A good boss in outsourcing knows or quickly learns to double check that the staff not only has a map, but the right map and the skills to read it.

 

Complete information and instruction are required. Do not worry if this sounds daunting, once you have the complete instructions written out, you and your staff keep the instructions for following staff or events. You save all your maps right. Then have or ask the staff to put more detail into them like my VA did with this article on finding pictures, or his article on The Different Roles of  commonly employed Virtual Staff.

 

Building maps or templates is a key and we have some here for you.

 

1.      Asking the VA to book an airplane ticket from Shanghai to Sydney, Australia.

           

Task. I would like you to book a flight from Shanghai to Sydney, Australia. Please give me the best 3 options to choose from. I will then choose, and you can then complete the booking.

Deadline.  Present 3 options by close of business today. I will choose, then please book straight away. Note: If I do not reply tonight, please call me and we will choose over the phone.

Details:

Date of Departure: 10 June 2013

Preferred Time of Arrival: Arrive at Sydney Airport before 10:00 AM on the 11th of June. (I will be conducting a seminar on George Street, Sydney City at 01:00 PM. Please double check all timings to ensure I have enough time to catch the airport train and whatever connection to get to George Street by 11.30 AM.)

Preferences:

1. I would prefer Airline A and Airline C. Please focus on these Airlines.

2. I have carry-on baggage only. Note: Whenever I have carry-on baggage only (no checked-in bags), I’m prepared to pay up to 5% extra to sit at the front of the plane so I can get off first.

3. I always like window seats.

4. I don’t want insurance.

5. I want the healthiest full meal possible. If we cannot choose meals in advance, please tell them I am a vegetarian.

6. The date is fixed. There is no need for flexible ticket. Cancellation policy is irrelevant.

7. Best website to use is <www.skyscanner.net>, also look at Airline A and Airline C  websites directly.

8. Produce all results in an Excel spreadsheet, with the total costs in USD. Ensure Tax, Meals, any Extras are included in the price.

 

 

2.      Asking the VA to find and hire a Content Writer.   

 

Task: I would like you to look for a Content Writer that would help in providing relevant text content for a new travel website. I would like you to do the recruitment procedure yourself and present to me the 3 best candidates. We will then discuss the 3 candidates over the phone and choose which one to hire.

Deadline: We need the content writer ASAP. Do not cut corners on hiring though. In 5-6 days time (Date), I would like your report on the best 3 candidates via email. We should be able to put the new Content Writer on by the . . . (Date).

Details:

This person must have embodied the following / job qualifications (full list article for Content Writer is coming soon):

  • A self-motivated individual with experience and skills in web content writing.
  • Will also work closely with the technical team to maintain site standards with regard to new development.
  • Salary: $2-4 USD per hour. Please look for a Filipino or Westerner living in South East Asia.

. . . . . . . . . . . . etc.

Applicant must undergo the following before hiring them:

  • Complete a 10-minute test.
  • Send 2-3 short questions to any suitable applicants relevant to the work.
  • Skype Interview.

For more detailed instructions. look in our Outsourcing Blogs for the Content Writer article. Take instructions from there. Note: It’s for Travel website; we want them to start ASAP.

Additional Notes:

You will do the entire selection and interview process yourself. Email me if you have any problems; however, I prefer you to figure it out. Email me after you have selected and interviewed the best 3 candidates over Skype. We will then discuss them over the phone and choose the best one.

 

3.      Asking the Content Writer to write an article on dating websites.

 

I found that when I gave my Content Writer a topic, often it would come back completely useless. I realized though that I didn’t give him much guidance, so how could I expect him to make something that I wanted. Now my Content Writer works in strict guidelines. Most of what you read on my site is by me. In fact, almost everything is. My Content Writer helps though and occasionally he will do an article completely and independently.

Task: Please make an article about “Dating Websites” and the advantages and disadvantages of using them.

Deadline: Post to draft format on my blog  by Friday (date).

Details:

  1. You may start your article with: Through the internet, you can meet a lot of possible partners . . .
  2. On the second paragraph, you can write its advantages.
  3. Third paragraph disadvantages.
  4. Fourth paragraph, how to overcome the disadvantages.
  5. Refocus on positive, how fun it is.
  6. Ask the reader to share their stories on online dating with us: Feel free to share with us your story . . .

Additional Notes:

You can get ideas on these links: <www.LinkA.com>   <www.LinkB.com>

 

 

 

Whenever required or if there is doubt, you can also add the following line which I frequently use for larger tasks.

 

Communication ProcessBefore starting this task, please email me in your own words:

a) The steps you’re going to take to complete the task, in order.

b) What are the most important aspects of the task?

c) What’s the purpose of the task?

d) What’s your time frame? When do you expect to complete the task?

 

As we have said at the start, and time and time again, leverage from Outsourcing is a must. Start with good communication, clear time frames, tasks, and boundaries. Also let them know the intent behind the task. Letting them know the intent or purpose helps keep them align with the purpose rather than the details. After all, it’s the purpose that’s most important. The details are the map to get there. Your staff wants to do a good job. They want to make you happy and proud. Give them the knowledge they need to do it, be patient, and enjoy the rewards.

 

Revised: Aug 1 2013

Now what I do is really cool. From my Smart Phone I simply record detailed Audio Instructions for each of my staff and have it upload immediately to their Drop Box folder. I have set up a Drop Box folder for each of my staff. My Project Manager (my first VA) and I share a Drop Box Folder with each separate staff member. Its really simple and super fast process now. Record voice, upload to specific folder, that member, and my Project Manager both get notifications of it and act on the message. Sometimes I may work with somebody on a new website concept or advertisement using pen and paper. At the end, simply take a photograph and upload that to the specific Drop Box folder too. Extra options include: a message for them to call me, once they receive or complete the task,