April 25, 2007
Dealing with hired help
Sometimes, I sit there and think to myself… if you want to do it right, you should do it yourself.
Then reality hits me and I realize what my strengths are and more importantly, aren't.
With that realization, I'm able to move on through my day with little stress… because I KNOW I've giving the jobs to people that can execute them.
Or have I?
Case in point:
I hired a freelancer to take an affiliate promotional blueprint I created and create a report for my affiliates. To my surprise, the report isn't done and as of this morning, this freelancer isn't returning my calls or email.
Oh'joy.
So what do I do? I give her until today to produce. If it's not ready by tomorrow, she's fired and my backup choice is used.
Always have a backup plan… always. Also, stick to your guns… meaning that if you hire someone, give them a strict deadline and only allow a little slack. Setting expectations for those that work for you is important.
Enjoy,
Woody
Filed under Marketing Strategy
Comments on Dealing with hired help »
On small projects like this, I like to incentivize the deadline. For the sake of example, let's say the job started 4/20 and needed to be done 4/27. After an acceptable bid comes in I'll PM the bidder with something like this:
Completion of acceptable work by 4/25 bid+bonus of $20
Completion of acceptable work by 4/27 bid
Completion of acceptable work by 4/28 bid-late penalty of $10
I only ever lost one bidder to this type of setup. I figured he wasn't going to get the job done on time or at all anyway. I try not to give them much wiggle room. If the job is delivered by the 28th, most times I'll just pay the bid. After the 28th… Next.
Randy
Expanding on that thought, one should watch for those who do meet the expectation and cultivate an ongoing relationship, a retainer if you will, so that the next project doesn't require your time in finding the resources to do the job.
As a free lance programmer, unexpected bonuses for early delivery are greatly appreciated and tend to bump that customers priority in my queue.
Making it clear to the sub contractor that if there is a problem, the sooner they let you know about the problem, the easier it is to deal with, works well too. That is it's easier to resolve a week before deadline than an hour after deadline.
Rich D. your right on target.
This works for new contractors. If they get the bonus and return expected or better work, their in my Rolodex.
Communication between client and programmer… well that is a whole new post.
How do you find yours strengths?
================================
There is a pretty good book called Strengths Finder 2.0. You get an access code to access the test when you buy the book.
The website is http://www.strengthsfinder.com/ or you can buy the book from Amazon. There is another site which is good - test costs about $50 - but the link is on my other computer
Paul