On outsourcing

Time is my precious resource - I have a limited number of hours in my life, and once I’ve used them, I never get them back. However, I can preserve my time by outsourcing activities that don’t have high enough return on investment. This post reminds me to outsource by enumerating my position on outsourcing, and the things I have outsourced.

When to outsource

Tasks I’m bad at, and that I don’t want to get good at.
Tasks which I don’t enjoy doing
Tasks which do not have sufficient ROI.
From 7 habits: Tasks that are urgent, yet not important tasks.

When not to outsource

When I enjoy the activity
When the activity builds a skill I want in my wheel house.
When the cost of outsourcing isn’t worth it.

Crowd sourcing Tools

Thanks to the many outsourcing crowd sourcing tools, getting contractors is easier then ever. Below are the tools I use and the tasks I’ve outsourced.

ODesk - Get a professional for a more elaborte project, often someone to build relationships with
- Editor for my featured posts
- Musician, to help me produce a song.
- Audio transcriber for my upcoming interview series.
Task Rabbit - Get help for an in person task.
- Gutter Cleaning
Fiverr - Get a person for a simple, cheap, often weird task.
- Simple proof reading for less important blog posts.
- Cute video/jingle creation:
Uber - Get a person to give you a ride
- Driving around
- Food Delivery

Professional Outsourcing

Accountant - to do taxes
Trades - Plumbing/Heating/Major Home Repair/Car Mechanic/Medical Professionals.

Things I want to start outsourcing.

Personal Trainer - Done- incredible idea!