Subcontracting

Jerry
July 31, 2009

Subcontracting is like a dirty word to a lot of people. They have had experiences that have left a bad taste in their mouths. I can't say as I blame them. I have had a hit or miss relationship with other writers when I have tried to ship work out. So, what are the secrets to subcontracting? Your guess is as good as mine, but here are a few things that I do know.

Know your subcontractors limits. Ship light, easy work at first then slowly step up the workload until they fail. You will then know their limitations. For writing I increase the complexities of the pieces that I ship out until I am satisfied with a contractors competency level. Be sure of what profit margin you can live with. These guys want paid. If you know that you are going to sub out a job, you can pad the bid a little to overcome the income loss. Be able to let it go. By that I mean relax. If you are going to subcontract you can not be a complete control freak. You have to be confident about your people and let them get the work done for you. Not rework it when it comes in and spend the time on the project and pay someone else, too. Maybe you have had a good experience with a subcontractor or a nightmare. Would you mind sharing your story?

Jerry's picture

About Jerry Brisinger

I am the Marketing Director of a small media development company. We deal with hardware,software, and hard goods. As part owner of that company, I am able to see many of the true inner workings of the decision making process. Over my years in the marketing field I have striven to show simplify people's way of thinking on the subject. Many executives and small business owners try to over complicate the entire idea. They are wrong. In my posts I hope to show you what it is that I mean.

View all post by Jerry Brisinger

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply

More information about text formats

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

What is the PsPrint Blog??

The PsPrint Blog is a resource for graphic designers, freelancers, small business owners and fans of print marketing. You'll find helpful techniques on printing everything there is to print, including business cards, postcards, brochures, stickers, invitations, greeting cards, door hangers, magnets and more. The PsPrint Blog shares creative ways to improve your design and layout skills, and useful tips for marketing your business in any medium. We also like to have a little fun, sharing design inspiration and spotlighting some our favorite customers' printed pieces in our "Hot Off the Press" series.