Today, we stumbled onto this Wall Street Journal article about solo entrepreneurs and their usual hesitation to take on help.  We know what you’re going to say: You don’t have the cash flow to warrant a hire. News flash: You don’t have to make a traditional hire! You can hire someone for a temporary contract, or you can hire someone for a specific project.  If there is a silver lining of the tough economy, it’s that the market is flush with professionals, who, by necessity, have had to become entrepreneurial themselves.  The good news for you is that there is a lot of talent that is flexible with billing and work arrangements. 

You might be wondering how you find these contractors and freelancers.  You could advertise in traditional avenues, like in the classifieds or on job boards, but we recommend using freelance marketplaces such as www.elance.com, guru.com or Odesk.com  These websites have all manner of professionals, including, but not limited to, programmers, designers, writers, administrators, marketers and consultants.

Here is a step by step breakdown:

• Sign up and upload your project. Be sure to be as thorough as possible in your description of the project; otherwise, you’ll be paying extra for add-ons after the fact.
• Review the bids. Almost instantly, professionals will begin bidding on your project.  It’s up to you to weigh pricing against experience, ratings and online portfolios.
• Browse through providers and invite those who you would like to bid. Don’t just wait for bids to start pouring in.  You increase your chances of finding the best professional for the best price by being thorough.
• Accept a bid. When you accept your bid, you’ll have to put up escrow (usually 50% of the proposed cost).  Tip: Before accepting a bid, make sure to read a provider’s policy regarding revisions.  Most offer several, and some even offer unlimited.  Just be sure to check.
• Finalize. Once you’re happy with the final product, release the rest of the funds to the provider.  Since the professionals live and die by ratings, make sure to comment and provide a favorable rating if you’re happy with their work.