Outsource your idea

What do Slack, Skype, Fab, Klout, and GitHub have in common? They all started by outsourcing their product development. They didn't have technical founders, they didn't recruit a team of in-house engineers, and they didn't have gigantic development budgets. Oh, and did I mention that they're now collectively worth over 20 billion dollars?

Every single company or startup outsources in one way or another. Whether it's your product development, your advertising, your testing, or your customer service - you need to be equipped to take advantage of the opportunities that outsourcing presents you. As an entrepreneur, outsourcing is an essential skill for saving money, being lean, and being successful.

Outsourcing is the go-to strategy for saving time and money in order to launch ideas that otherwise would never make it to market. You can build a world class product without hiring an in-house team or recruiting partners. When you finish this course, you'll be able to outsource like a professional. You'll cut your development costs by up to 90% and become a much more capable and skilled entrepreneur

At the end of this course, you'll be able to:

Create, conceptualize, and map out your idea in a way that anyone can easily understand
Take your idea, create visual wireframes, mockups, and prototypes that are crucial for solidifying your vision and communicating it effectively
Sketch, rapidly build, test, and collaborate on your feature ideas
Understand, in intricate detail, the forces that effect your outsourcing project and how to position your project to be successful
Write job descriptions that bring in the best bids
Put together professional documentation for your idea and identify potential pitfalls before you spend money
Select the best possible long-term team using a framework that's built over 100+ professional outsourcing projects
Employ advanced techniques for getting the best price and cutting your deployment time in half
Tailor popular tools like Asana, Trello, and Google docs to masterfully run your outsourcing project
Spot bugs before they become a significant problem

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand what is and isn't outsourcing
Validate your idea's preparedness and eligibility for outsourcing
Plan on budgeting and ways of reducing the project cost before starting
Navigate and operate outsourcing platforms upwork and freelancer
Use advanced search criteria to locate specific outsourcing partners
Build a contracting strategy that works with your level of experience and your idea's level of progress
Figure out your ideal price point and preferred region
Write job titles, descriptions, and settings that bring high quality bids
Conceptualize your idea through the sx5 framework to solidify your featureset
Decide which features to include (and drop) in your project's first iteration
Rapidly sketch your ideas like a professional

Use wireframing tools like balsamiq to quickly put together idea mockups
Break through creativity blocks and keep your project ideation going
Use prototyping tools to add interactivity to your mockup and pre-test features before slating them for development
Create mockups and demos that deploy natively on tablets and phones
Use advanced techniques for quickly bringing your project together
Employ best practices for outsourcing, such as hybrid rates, managing tone, and navigating legality
Use asana and trello to keep your project on track and increase project transparency
Bug hunt and run qa tests like a professional
Navigate the most common scenarios that arise from outsourcing
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Understand what is and isn't outsourcing
Validate your idea's preparedness and eligibility for outsourcing
Plan on budgeting and ways of reducing the project cost before starting
Navigate and operate outsourcing platforms upwork and freelancer
Use advanced search criteria to locate specific outsourcing partners
Build a contracting strategy that works with your level of experience and your idea's level of progress
Figure out your ideal price point and preferred region
Write job titles, descriptions, and settings that bring high quality bids
Conceptualize your idea through the sx5 framework to solidify your featureset
Decide which features to include (and drop) in your project's first iteration
Rapidly sketch your ideas like a professional
Use wireframing tools like balsamiq to quickly put together idea mockups
Break through creativity blocks and keep your project ideation going
Use prototyping tools to add interactivity to your mockup and pre-test features before slating them for development
Create mockups and demos that deploy natively on tablets and phones
Use advanced techniques for quickly bringing your project together
Employ best practices for outsourcing, such as hybrid rates, managing tone, and navigating legality
Use asana and trello to keep your project on track and increase project transparency
Bug hunt and run qa tests like a professional
Navigate the most common scenarios that arise from outsourcing
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction (39 minutes)

Course overview

Join our community on Slack!

What is outsourcing?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores outsourcing, which is standard in the tech industry

Provides a comprehensive overview of outsourcing strategies and techniques

Teaches learners how to find, select, and manage outsourced teams

Helps learners build strong foundations in outsourcing best practices

Suitable for learners with little to no prior experience in outsourcing

Reviews summary

Practical guide to outsourcing ideas

According to learners, this course provides a practical and actionable framework for entrepreneurs looking to outsource their ideas and launch a business efficiently. Students particularly appreciate the step-by-step guidance on navigating major outsourcing platforms like Upwork and Freelancer, writing effective job descriptions, and vetting potential contractors. Many found the sections on planning, documentation, and wireframing to be especially helpful for clarifying their vision before engaging developers. While generally seen as a highly valuable resource, some reviewers noted that staying updated with platform changes is crucial, and aspects like legal considerations or managing complex projects might require further external research.

Instructor's experience adds significant value.

"The instructor's real-world experience shines through and provides practical insights you wouldn't get elsewhere."

"His framework for selecting the best long-term team is clearly built on extensive experience."

"I trust the advice given because it comes from someone who has managed over 100+ outsourcing projects."

"The strategies shared feel very authentic and tested."

Helpful tools and methods for preparing ideas.

"The sections on documenting my idea and creating wireframes using Balsamiq were incredibly valuable for clarifying my project scope."

"The Sx5 framework helped me solidify my featureset and decide what to include in the first iteration."

"Learning how to create mockups and demos really improved how I communicate with developers."

"Putting together professional documentation is crucial, and the course gives a great template."

Detailed guidance on major outsourcing sites.

"The deep dives into Upwork and Freelancer were exactly what I needed to understand how to navigate these platforms effectively."

"Knowing how to use the advanced search filters to find specialized talent was a game changer."

"The course clearly explains the pros and cons of using different outsourcing platforms."

"It helped me understand the nuances of bidding and communication on sites like Upwork."

Provides concrete steps for outsourcing projects.

"This course lays out the practical steps I needed to take to actually start outsourcing parts of my business idea."

"I feel much more confident knowing the exact process for finding, hiring, and managing freelancers after taking this."

"The strategies for reducing cost and time were especially actionable; I could implement them right away."

"Learning how to write a proper job description saved me so much hassle and attracted better bids."

Some topics might need deeper external study.

"The section on legality and IP protection provides an overview but isn't a substitute for getting actual legal advice specific to your situation."

"Managing teams can get complex, and while the course helps, mastering it may require more than just the provided tips."

"For highly technical or niche projects, additional specific research on vetting contractors might be necessary."

Some platform details may change over time.

"While the core strategies are sound, platform interfaces and features on sites like Upwork do change periodically."

"Staying current requires checking for updates beyond the course content."

"The fundamental principles remain, but specific steps on a platform might need slight adjustment."

"It's a good foundation, but market dynamics and platform rules evolve."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Outsource your idea | Launch your business for 1/4 the price with these activities:

Explore tutorials on prototyping tools

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Gain hands-on experience with prototyping tools by following guided tutorials that teach their features and capabilities.

Browse courses on Prototyping

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Choose a prototyping tool to focus on
Complete beginner-friendly tutorials
Experiment with different features and functionalities

Sketching Activities

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Immerse yourself in the crucial skill of ideation through sketching exercises.

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Explore Various Sketching Techniques
Practice Sketching Ideas from Different Perspectives
Create a Sketchbook for Idea Generation

Prototyping with Balsamiq Mockups

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Enhance your prototyping skills and bring ideas to life using Balsamiq.

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Familiarize Yourself with the Balsamiq Interface
Create Prototypes for Various Features and Scenarios
Collaborate on Mockups to Refine Designs

Three other activities

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Join a study group for the course

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Collaborate with fellow students to enhance your understanding of course concepts, share insights, and provide mutual support.

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Find or create a study group
Set regular meeting times and stick to them
Actively participate in discussions and share your knowledge

Wireframing and Prototyping Your Idea

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Solidify your product vision by building interactive prototypes and detailed wireframes.

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Create Low-Fidelity Wireframes Using Pidoco
Design Interactive Prototypes Using Marvel
Test and Iterate on Your Prototypes

Create a low-fidelity prototype of a product idea

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Apply the concepts learned in the course by creating a low-fidelity prototype of a product idea, solidifying your understanding of the design process.

Browse courses on Prototyping

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Identify a simple product idea to develop
Sketch out the key features and functionality
Use prototyping tools to create a basic wireframe
Gather feedback and iterate on the design

Career center

Learners who complete Outsource your idea | Launch your business for 1/4 the price will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Freelance Writer

Freelance writers create written content, such as articles, blog posts, and website content, on a contract basis. Outsourcing is a key part of many freelance writing jobs. This course can help you learn how to outsource your writing tasks, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your work and grow your business. Whether you're looking to start a freelance writing career or simply want to learn how to outsource your writing tasks more effectively, this course is a valuable resource.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Writer

Project Manager

Project managers plan, organize, and execute projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful project manager, including how to plan and manage outsourced projects. Whether you're working on a small or large project, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. Outsourcing is a key part of many successful businesses. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful entrepreneur, including how to outsource your business tasks. Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. Outsourcing is a key part of many consulting businesses. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful consultant, including how to outsource your consulting tasks. Whether you're looking to start a consulting business or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts help businesses improve their operations by analyzing their current processes and identifying areas for improvement. Outsourcing is a key part of many business analyst jobs. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful business analyst, including how to outsource your business analysis tasks. Whether you're looking to start a business analyst career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Product Manager

Product managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products or services. Outsourcing is a key part of many product development processes. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful product manager, including how to outsource your product development tasks. Whether you're looking to start a product management career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. Outsourcing is a key part of many software development processes. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful software engineer, including how to outsource your software development tasks. Whether you're looking to start a software engineering career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Web Developer

Web developers design and develop websites and web applications. Outsourcing is a key part of many web development processes. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful web developer, including how to outsource your web development tasks. Whether you're looking to start a web development career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Outsourcing is a key part of many graphic design businesses. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful graphic designer, including how to outsource your graphic design tasks. Whether you're looking to start a graphic design career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. Outsourcing is a key part of many marketing campaigns. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful marketing manager, including how to outsource your marketing tasks. Whether you're looking to start a marketing career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Sales Manager

Sales managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. Outsourcing is a key part of many sales processes. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful sales manager, including how to outsource your sales tasks. Whether you're looking to start a sales career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Operations Manager

Operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. Outsourcing is a key part of many operational processes. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful operations manager, including how to outsource your operational tasks. Whether you're looking to start an operations career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the human resources functions of a business, including recruitment, training, and employee relations. Outsourcing is a key part of many human resources functions. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful human resources manager, including how to outsource your human resources tasks. Whether you're looking to start a human resources career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee the financial operations of a business. Outsourcing is a key part of many financial operations. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful financial manager, including how to outsource your financial tasks. Whether you're looking to start a financial career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants provide administrative support to executives and other professionals. Outsourcing is a key part of many administrative assistant jobs. This course can help you learn the skills you need to be a successful administrative assistant, including how to outsource your administrative tasks. Whether you're looking to start an administrative assistant career or you're looking to grow your existing business, this course can help you save time and money by teaching you how to outsource effectively.

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