Ok, I am really onto this outsource thing. I want to do it! Here is my situation.
I am a part timer, getting busier.
I do portraits and weddings.
I have another job that I work 2 days a week.
I have 4 kids, who are involved in a lot of stuff, therefore I am constantly on the go.

I want to outsource! I want someone to do these jobs for me...
sending out conformation emails to customers
burning dvd's and filing them
mailing anything that needs to be mailed
placing orders
sorting orders and getting proper paperwork and forms together.
upload to online proofing
misc office jobs
putting together albums

I tried to hire someone I thought would be perfect. Well, it wasn't as perfect as I thought. She had a hard time catching on, and didn't have the computer skills that I thought. She made a lot of mistakes. So, I acted like I just didn't need her anymore, because it was my slow time (which was partly true...)

I had someone else I knew help out a bit, but she was just inbetween jobs, and has found a new job.

I have a 12 year old daughter who could do everything mentioned above (she knows how) but she is busy, and doesn't always feel like doing it when I need stuff done.

I have a neice who is in high school who has expressed interest. But, if I train her for the summer, she might not be able to work a lot in the fall when school starts again.

Here are the problems that I see...
-I am not that busy, so I don't have a lot of work for someone who wants a more work.
-Some weeks I have a lot to do, and some weeks I don't have much, especially during slow time. So, it could be one or two hours on one week, and 10-15 on aonther week.
-I need someone who has skills, but I can't pay a lot, and most poeple who have skills want something more steady.
-I don't know if I should hire anyone I know, because of it not working out well with the last one I hired. And, she still thinks that she might have a job when things pick up again.
-I am having a hard time thinking of training someone again. After I trained the last girl and things didn't really work out, I thought to myself that I could have just done the work myself in less time.

So, what did you do to get started in this, and what do you think I should do?

That is a lot of questions . I think a great start would for you to pick up a copy of EMyth Revisited. This book really helps put small business into perspective. I wish I had read this when I was first starting out, but 1.5 years later, it still was a blessing.

We are working on our systems for things which include outsourcing. We are still in the beginning stages of outsourcing, so I will let you know how it goes! Good Luck!

pictage.. sounds like it might be the answer to some of the stuff you need to get done... I have 4 kids at home also and it is a life saver for me! look into it

thanks David,
I'll check into it.


I have checked into pictage... it just doesn't fit me. I love my local pro lab. I have a great relationship with them... going to pictage would be like ending a marrage! I also do minimal editing to my proofs, but when a final print is ordered, I spend a lot of time on the edit, getting it ready for print. So, It wouldn't work to upload and let pictage fill the orders. I also like to see the prints before they go out... (I am picky!) I guess I am causing some of my own stress! Ok, maybe I'll look into it again.

If you already have a spouse and he won't do, you need a lover. Ask the pool boy.

hahahhahahaha.... too funny.... sorry I can't be more help.

Hi.
I'm new here (formal introduction forthcoming). As a photography student at a technical college in Wisconsin, I see these jobs as perfect learning experience for an intern. Do you have any community colleges in your area? Either a photography student or an administrative assistant student would get great experience by assisting you in these areas. They could get credit, and you could get inexpensive help.

I'd love to be your intern, but the commute across Lake Michigan is pretty rough this time of year

-Beau