Comments on: Marketing When You’re Busy

By: Eileen Coale

Eileen Coale — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:32:00 +0000

Ah, thanks for ‘splainin’, Lori. That makes sense.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:29:00 +0000

Eileen, I’ve never had a problem with clients going to another writer I’ve introduced them to because I serve as the writer’s source of contact and I communicate with the client – the other writer doesn’t. It’s not to block the other writer from getting close to the client. It’s because I want to present a steady presence to the client. In most cases, the client doesn’t know I’ve outsourced. In one case, I had five other writers working with me on one huge project. Everyone knew. The client didn’t care as long as the project met the deadline.

Susan, checking references can be as simple as sending an email or making a call to the client asking for feedback on the writer’s work ethic and quality of what was delivered. Remember – do all this well BEFORE you need the help, when it’s not such a time sink for you.

To be honest, I did this once. The other writers I rely on are ones I’ve watched working over the years and I know they’re good and they’re reliable. A few of them I trust to tell me their limits, and they do.

By: Susan Johnston

Susan Johnston — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:05:00 +0000

Lori, I have the same problem. It's like getting ready to go on vacation sets off some kind of Bat signal and suddenly clients are banging down your door step.

I haven't tried outsourcing yet (thought I've been the outsourcee before). I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so it seems like checking references and potentially overseeing the project could take up almost as much time as doing it yourself. Any thoughts on that?

By: Eileen Coale

Eileen Coale — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:15:00 +0000

When you outsource to another writer, do you worry that the client will then stay with the other writer, and not come back to you? Is there some kind of unwritten etiquette to a situation like this?

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 +0000

Wasn’t Kathy’s post great? I always forget about outsourcing, even though you and I have both done it — together! Thanks for a great reminder. 🙂

By: Avid Writer

Avid Writer — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:34:00 +0000

lori, I once asked another writer for outsourcing advice and she also mentioned that I should check references in the future. I have another big project coming up, so maybe I will try it again. I would LOVE to find another writer to send work to when I’m overwhelmed and vice versa. Thanks for the helpful advice:)

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Keep trying! The key is to really pay attention to how the writer is received, how the writer conducts him/herself, and what others have said about the writer’s work. If you can, ask around. Get references from both clients and other writers who have worked with this person.

By: Avid Writer

Avid Writer — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:05:00 +0000

Lori, I like this post. I have been dealing with this very issue. I have not had the best experiences with outsourcing. I’ve been burned. I requested samples and everything. Maybe it was just the luck of the draw, but ouch did that hurt!