When there is too much to do and not enough time, or you have to complete a task that is not your specialty, like designing and printing color copies of business materials, you often have to bring in a vendor.  Hiring a vendor can be an intimidating process.  What if they don't understand your requirements?  What if they cannot do the job correctly, on time, or the way you want it?  Suffice it to say, the anxiety that comes with hiring work out to be completed can be daunting.  Although we cannot take away all of the stress, we can give you a few quick pointers to make the process a bit smoother.

1.Define Your Requirements up Front. Know specifically what you want done and how you want it completed.  Define up front how often you want to see work progress, and how you want to manage your own review process.  Remember you are the one in control; you get to set the guidelines.  Without you setting parameters for the project, the vendor is left to create their own and that often means they may not match up with your expectations. To misquote The Spice Girls: “Tell ‘em what you want, what you really, really want…” and then make sure you get it!

Define your project requirements clearly from the beginning.

2.Look in the Right Places. Finding a qualified vendor can be overwhelming.  Check with peers for recommendations, or look at some key websites like www.elance.com for vendors who are pre qualified and have references.

The best place to find a great vendor is from a recommendation.  Ask your colleagues for a list of vendors they recommend.

3.Get Samples and references. Before you start a project or sign a contract, ask your chosen vendor to provide references and work samples.  Try, before you buy!  In fact, if they do not offer that up on their own you should have a big red flag emerge.  Quality freelance vendors have a stock of work samples and references they provide readily.  Once you have the reference, actually call them and get a feel for the vendor you are beginning a relationship with.

Require works samples and references from prospective vendors.

4.Create Tester Projects. Don’t wait until the biggest project of your career to build relationships with a key set of vendors.  Start gathering vendors now, with small tester projects that you can afford to have simple mistakes occur on.  This will allow you to build a working relationship in a stress free atmosphere.

Create small tester projects for your vendors, before you engage in the big deal work.

5.Trust Your Gut!!!!!!!!!!!!!You have to learn to trust your gut when working with vendors, you wouldn’t date someone who gave you the willies, why would you trust your business to them?  Make sure you talk to vendors on the phone or in person if you can.  Get a feel for them as people.  You have good instincts and you have to rely on them to give a feel for the people you will be choosing to work with.

Ask questions and trust how your gut feels about the answers, not just what the right answer should be.