So you need a web designer or a new logo. Maybe you want to build a Facebook fan page and don’t know how. Or you don’t have time to write articles for your newsletter or posts for your blog.

Whatever you need, someone else is available for hire.

The best way to find web designers, graphic artists, copy writers, or anyone else is, of course, through referrals. Ask someone you know and trust who they used and if they were happy with the work. If they don’t know anyone, ask “Who do you know who might be able to give me a referral?” And, don’t hesitate to ask me for a referral.

For technical tasks, however, don’t assume that because your friend was happy with the company or individual they hired that they are the best choice. Your friend may have grossly overpaid. Or, they might have gotten lucky. Ask several people for referrals and compare. You’ll learn a lot about the questions to ask, pricing, and how to work with outside talent.

The second best way to find outside talent is by using online services like www.elance.com, www.Odesk.com, or www.guru.com. These, and other services like them, match up talent with need and provide information that can smooth out the process. They also provide escrow services, to ensure that you pay only when you are satisfied.

In video below, Scott Fox shows you how this process works and offers some good tips on finding and working with outsourced talent:

[mc src=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THii3WL3rGg” type=”youtube”]Outsourcing tips for web design and other tasks[/mc]

Have you used outsourced talent? Where do you find them? What advice can you offer for finding and hiring outsourced talent? Tell us about your experience in the comments.