The concept of outsourcing overseas certainly is not a new idea, but it normally refers to the business world where jobs are sent overseas. Businesses now outsource more than $20 billion. As we struggle to find that elusive work life balance amid all of the daily tasks we face, outsourcing is becoming an increasingly popular time management option for even small personal activities.

Some examples of tasks that have been delegated include:

1. Tutoring a child
2. Handwriting wedding invitations
3. Designing a dress
4. Illustrating a book
5. Preparing tax returns
6. Developing a landscaping plan
7. Back-end legal research

The primary means in finding a match for your needs is through auction sites like Guru.com or Elance.com. It is not always a simple task to find the perfect match when translation problems may surface. Time restrictions may also be a factor in a situation such as tutoring. Be sure to evaluate the bids and research ratings from other customers prior to entering into a contract..

It would be great if we could always support our local businesses, but the difference in price now offers options for improving productivity by becoming affordable for those who would otherwise have to struggle to do it all themselves because of cost factors.