Are there tasks you would like to outsource, but you don’t know how to find freelancers, or believe you can’t afford them? Freelance help can free up your time for revenue-producing activities and be an effective use of your resources.
First of all, when evaluating the use of freelancers, it is sometimes true that you get what you pay for. Professionals who charge high fees are usually able to do so because they have a proven track record of success. However, it is possible to get good quality services, often at discount pricing, from vendors who are trying to create portfolios and build their businesses.
One resource for finding available freelancers can be found at http://www.elance.com/. You might think of this as a reverse auction. Companies post information about the project they want completed, and freelancers bid. The poster chooses from among the bidders and gets the project completed.
Not all of the freelancers on sites such as Elance work at bargain rates. Some simply use the site to get in front of additional clients. However, some will bid low to get your project because they are just starting out. Others may be in foreign countries where the exchange rate and/or cost of living allow them to quote lower prices. You choose the freelancer you want to work with based on their qualifications and pricing.
Elance and other sites can also be a marketing tool for you if you are in the business of selling your services.