Good to see you on here. I totally agree with you, it is like a flea market, totally, I’d rather see a site where you can actually talk with people face to face (Via skype) and actually build a relationship. Kanhai, mentioned in my post, worked for himself. I would be interested in talking further with you if you get a minute, drop me a mail info [at] fuelmyblog.com

Kevin

I own a Chicago-based offshore development firm and we started finding clients on Elance. The problem we ran into was the ‘Elance mentality’ where buyers act like they’re at the flea market. We realized very quickly that we’re not for everyone and that we only work with clients that demand high quality and are willing to pay for it. It’s been phenomenal for us because we deal with clients that expect top notch work.

Finding good offshore developers isn’t hard, but finding people who are committed and reliable is next to impossible.

Outsourcing can not be transactional… the offshore team has to be a part of your team. That way they actually understand you and are committed to you. Big companies set up captive development centers that serve the same purpose. Startups can’t do that, so the trick is to find a mature an d reliable team that will become a part of you. The real benefit is nurturing a team that’s an extension of you.

Outsourcing is about high value, not low cost.

Raza Imam
http://BoycottSoftwareSweatshops.com

http://shinade.blogspot.com/2008/02/blog-roll-amnesty-day.html

But Fuel My blog is a wonderful spot Kevin and also my favorite place. And I love the addition of the new widgets. Fabulous move there.