The Secret Sauce of Outsourcing
389 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 20 hours ago -Dedicated to making you better at outsourcing. Tips, tricks, advice, and stories on how to get work off your plate and be more efficient.
I do things differently. I don't hire "freelancers". I don't pay hourly.
Those are for the masses who are struggling to figure out how outsourcing works well.
Hundreds of thousands of employers have used what I do to find great outsourced workers and over 1.5 million Filipino resumes are in my database.
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Episodes
Ep: 386: An online job made my dreams come true
April 23, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 8.09 MBJay is an OFS. Growing up, he didn’t have enough food to eat. That’s not uncommon in the Philippines. What’s uncommon is how he broke the cycle of poverty.
Ep: 385: Why you stopped using Upwork
April 22, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 8.09 MBI was surprised to see that I'm not the only one with strong feelings about Upwork. I actually got this email from Luca about this. I will share his comments about my previous newsletter about Upwork in this episode.
Ep: 384: Making change now and New Year's resolutions
April 19, 2024 14:00 - 3 minutes - 6.11 MBWe know that most New Year's resolutions don't work. There's nothing magical about January 1. Making a resolution doesn't change things, but doing something today does. You can do something today to change your life and your business. Hire an OFS at Onlinejobs.ph.
Ep. 383: Changing your life with an OFS
April 17, 2024 14:00 - 3 minutes - 7.13 MBWhen I built Onlinejobs.ph I knew it was something I wanted and other people wanted and it was making me money. I never considered it would make a difference in my and your lives. I got this message from Shiela, which reminded me that we don't need to be billionaires to make a difference in the world. I'll share her story with you today.
Ep. 382: Tips for working with OFS
April 15, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 15.5 MBSome things you need to know when working with OFS. - the 13th month - the Philippines has a bunch of holidays (onlinejobs.ph/holidays) - family trumps job - December is not a great time to hire I'll explain these points and share more in this episode.
Ep. 381: Evaluating the effectiveness of your OFS tasks
April 12, 2024 14:00 - 10 minutes - 9.31 MBEvery year, I audit the tasks my OFS team is doing. I look at what's effective and what works. We get rid of the things that don't work. Doing this audit isn't just about making my OFS more effective. Going through these things actually helps me also to evaluate the things that I do. Are there tasks that I should focus more of my time on? Are there things not worth my time that I can outsource to an OFS? Let me talk you through my process in this episode. If you want to know more about OFS a...
Ep. 380: Earthquakes all over the Philippines
April 10, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 12.7 MBThe Philippines experiences a lot of natural disasters. Typhoons, volcanoes, and earthquakes happen to them every year. But the great thing about Filipinos is that they recover quickly. They're so used to natural disasters they adapt and find ways. This is what makes them resourceful and reliable workers. Let's talk about that in this episode.
Ep. 379: My OFS doesn’t like going on vacation.
April 08, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MBI've noticed over the years that my OFS "don't like" going on vacations. They do go on vacations. They have unlimited vacation time. But they rarely ask for it. They even work on days they should be on vacation. I think the best way to explain this would be to tell Julia's story and how she spent her non-vacation in this episode.
Ep. 378: The 13th month
April 05, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 11.4 MBDepending on when you hear this, this episode might be too late, too early, or just in time. Regardless, the 13th month is a big deal in the Philippines. We don't have it here, so I understand why people have so many questions about it. Like when you should pay it, how much or should you even pay it? I'll try to answer all of those questions in this episode.
Ep. 377: Comprehensive Guide To Pay Raises
April 03, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 16.4 MBI get a bunch of questions about giving raises, like: - how much of a raise should you give? - how often should you give? - does it affect benefits? I'll try to answer all of them and more in this episode.
Ep. 376: How hiring an OFS compares to hiring a VA agency
April 01, 2024 14:00 - 10 minutes - 19.8 MBI created Onlinejobs.ph to solve the problems I have encountered when hiring a VA from an agency. The difference is just astounding. When you hire directly, you have access to more talent, you have more freedom, you save money and your Online Filipino Specialist makes more money. There are a bunch more pros to hiring directly through Onlinejobs.ph. Let's talk about that in this episode. If you need help hiring a great OFS, I can help you with that at OneVAAway.com
Ep. 375: Pros and cons of virtual assistant agencies
March 29, 2024 14:00 - 9 minutes - 17.9 MBWhen I was starting out, I hired from a VA agency because I didn't know what to do. I didn't know there were other options. I know I'm biased because I own Onlinejobs.ph but I've hired enough people from agencies before to know they're not always the best option. Let's talk about that in this episode.
Ep. 374: My new OFS is perfect!
March 27, 2024 14:00 - 1 minute - 3.71 MBThere's no such thing as perfection. But if you have a good hiring process (like the one I teach at OneVAAway.com) and find a great Online Filipino Specialist, it can feel like you found the perfect person for your business. In this episode, let's listen to Laurie about her experience hiring at OFS from Onlinejobs.ph and how it has transformed her business.
Ep. 373: My personal feelings about Upwork
March 25, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 10.3 MBI'm gonna make some people uncomfortable here and will likely offend more with this episode. Yes, UpWork is good, but I don't think it's good for business or the workers involved. If it's great for workers and business, Onlinejobs.ph shouldn't exist. Let's talk about it.
Ep. 372: Why your OFS calls you “Sir” (or “Sir-Ma’am”)
March 22, 2024 14:00 - 2 minutes - 4.46 MBI remember being called "Sir" by my OFS for the first time. It was uncomfortable. But over the years, I have realized it's cultural. It's a sign of respect for them. Now, some of my OFS team call me by my name, but most still call me "Sir." Do you want to understand why Filipinos do it and what you should do about it? Let's talk about that in this episode. Also, if you're looking to hire your Online Filipino Specialist, you can find them at Onlinejobs.ph.
Ep. 371: Our life is better because of you
March 20, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 9.41 MBWhen you hire an Online Filipino Specialist, you're changing their lives. You're giving them the opportunity to provide for their families without leaving the country. When you hire an OFS, you're giving them hope for a better future. If you have stories like the one Mark sent me, I'd love to hear them. Email me at [email protected].
Ep. 370: A glimpse into an OFS vacation
March 18, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 10.6 MBEver wonder how an OFS can keep working even when they're on vacation? Find out how OFS balances work and fun while making sure they get things done wherever they are. Need someone who can help you with your business? Check out OnlineJobs.ph now.
Ep. 369: 2024 Philippine Holiday Calendar now available
March 15, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 7.66 MBDon't let holiday changes disrupt your workflow with your OFS. Check out the 2024 Philippine Holiday Calendar! Awareness of Philippine holidays is really important when you have OFS working for you. To stay informed, check out our holiday calendar at onlinejobs.ph/holidays. We keep this current and updated, including sudden changes done by the Philippine government.
Ep. 368: Integrity is important to your OFS
March 13, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 12.9 MBMeet Iryn, a Spanish-speaking OFS. Her story is like many others from the Philippines, but it's pretty amazing. Irene stands out because she's all about doing the right thing, even when no one's watching. That's what makes OFS great! So, if you're looking for a reliable Filipino worker like Irene, check out Onlinejobs.ph. There are plenty of great candidates waiting to help you succeed.
Ep. 367: Laying off an OFS
March 11, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 8.91 MBLetting go of an OFS. It's tough, but I'll give you simple advice. First, tell them early, so they have time to find another job. Second, if they did well, give them a positive review on OnlineJobs.ph. Lastly, if possible, offer them some money when they leave. It doesn't have to be hard. Just be honest and nice. By doing that, you're not just handling a situation; you're making things better.
Ep. 366: The disappearing Filipino jeepney
March 08, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 13 MBYou've heard me talk about the disappearing Filipino. But this time, let's talk about another thing that might disappear in the Philippines in the future: the jeepney. It's a cultural icon, but it's inefficient, it's not safe, and it's kinda crazy. Let's talk about the jeepney in this episode.
Ep. 365: When you’re overwhelmed, rely on your team.
March 06, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 15 MBHiring an Online Filipino Specialist you can rely on is the first step to keeping yourself from being overwhelmed with work. Find someone you can trust and take a step back. Stop doing everything yourself. Hire a great OFS from OnlineJobs.ph and make a change.
Ep. 364: Using VPNs and Remote Desktops for your OFS
March 04, 2024 14:00 - 7 minutes - 13.2 MBNeed to give your OFS access to country-restricted sites? Want to make sure sensitive information that your OFS is working on stays secure? I had my team do the research on this. I'll share what they found in this episode.
Ep. 363: Maybe you didn’t give good instructions?
March 01, 2024 14:00 - 7 minutes - 13.5 MBEver feel like your team's not quite nailing it? Maybe, just maybe, it's the instructions. Giving instructions is a significant part of hiring Online Filipino Specialists. When your instructions aren't clear or complete (even if you think they already are), that's when you don't get the results you expect. Want to know how I give clear instructions that my OFS team can understand? Listen to this episode to find out!
Ep. 362: Several volcanoes active now in the Philippines
February 28, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 9.83 MBThe Philippines has many volcanoes. They have volcanic eruptions yearly, so Filipinos are used to them and find ways to work through them. This has made them resilient in the face of natural disasters. Even our own Filipino team. They thrive amidst the challenges and just keep working. Want to find workers as dedicated as our team? Visit OnlineJobs.ph and change lives today!
Ep. 361: Barangay and SK Elections
February 26, 2024 14:00 - 3 minutes - 7.46 MBThis is a late episode about the Philippine elections, but I wanted to talk about it because there's something new to it. Like, did you know that Filipino teenagers can register to vote and run for local positions? It's not something we have here in the US, but it's really interesting and gives you more insight into the culture of your OFS.
Ep. 360: Pictures of my OFS workspace
February 23, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 10 MBI'm sharing with you one of my OFS' workspace—expect cracks, surprises, and a lot of inspiration. Be inspired, and ask your team for their workspace pics. Let's transform the way we work together! Visit OnlineJobs.ph to find your perfect match.
Ep. 359: How to go out of town and not tell anyone
February 21, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 8.11 MBHow do I go out of town and not tell anyone? While I'm away, my OFS team keeps my business running smoothly. It took many years to get to this point. I started with outsourcing one task. Now, practically everything in my business is outsourced. Want the same freedom? Hire an Online Filipino Specialist from Onlinejobs.ph.
Ep. 358: Sharing Happy Life Moments With Your OFS
February 19, 2024 14:00 - 3 minutes - 5.97 MBOne thing that makes my day is when I get emails or texts from my OFS team telling me about their day. From birthdays to business wins, your OFS is more than just a helper—they're a key part of your success story. Let me guide you through my hiring steps at OneVAAway.com to find your OFS for your business at OnlineJobs.ph.
Ep. 357: Why would an OFS hide their pregnancy?
February 16, 2024 14:00 - 7 minutes - 14 MBEver wondered why an OFS might hide their pregnancy? Louise shares a surprising story, and Julia breaks down cultural insights. Find your perfect OFS at OnlineJobs.ph . If you need help with hiring, I can walk you through my hiring steps at OneVAAway.com.
Ep. 356: How much does it cost to hire from Onlinejobs.ph?
February 14, 2024 14:01 - 7 minutes - 14.2 MB"How much does it cost to hire from OnlineJobs.ph?" It's just a one-time $69 for access to a dedicated talent pool. No hidden costs, no markups. Whether you're looking for a newbie or an experienced worker, we got you covered. Visit OnlineJobs.ph for the best person for your business. Need help hiring? I'll guide you through my hiring steps at OneVAAway.com.
Ep. 355: How do you judge when to help an OFS financially
February 12, 2024 14:00 - 9 minutes - 17.6 MBWhen do you help your Online Filipino Specialist (OFS) financially? It depends. Let me tell you what I use to judge when and if you should help. Ready to find the best OFS for your business? Head to OnlineJobs.ph. Want to learn how to find and hire the best OFS for you? I give you the system I used hiring my 35 OFS at OneVAAway.com.
Ep. 354: Are OFS so different from you? Ellaine isn’t…
February 09, 2024 14:00 - 7 minutes - 13.8 MBI'm sharing this inspiring story about Elaine. She is an OFS dealing with diabetes, yet thriving in the online world. Her resilience and success resonate with many of us. Curious about finding your own rockstar team member? Head to Onlinejobs.ph and let my hiring steps at OneVAAway.com guide you.
Ep. 353: Creating company culture with the right people
February 07, 2024 14:00 - 2 minutes - 4.43 MBCompany culture isn't just about ping pong tables or free lunches. It's about values and how your team is treated. Treat them right, and they'll treat your clients right. Discover the power of hiring the right fit for your team through OnlineJobs.ph. For insights on finding the perfect match, check out OneVAAway.com. Because, let's face it, a great company culture starts with the right people. You can watch Atiba's video about company culture here: https://johnjonas.com/creating-company-cult...
Ep. 352: Can you find the top 1% of workers?
February 05, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 9.45 MBHiring the top 1% – it's not as difficult or expensive as you might think. If you're serious about hiring the best, check out OnlineJobs.ph. I've been doing it for years. Don't just take my word for it. Atiba shares how he found the top 1% talent for his business here: https://johnjonas.com/can-you-find-the-top-1-of-workers/ Subscribe for more tips, and when you're ready to level up your team, head to OnlineJobs.ph.
Ep. 351: When your business makes a difference
February 02, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 16.2 MBDo you want your business to make a difference? Make a meaningful impact? Hiring an OFS is not just about getting tasks off your plate. It's about creating opportunities for incredible individuals in the Philippines. We see this all over the place. One great example is Atiba and his team. He helped give his employees a better life: https://johnjonas.com/when-your-business-makes-a-difference/ Ready to make a change? Check out OnlineJobs.ph, hire the best, and change their lives today!
Ep. 350: Hospital watchers are a thing in the Philippines
January 31, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 11.7 MBEver heard of "Hospital Watchers" in the Philippines? It's a unique practice where family members, often your OFS, stay with patients in the hospital. They're not required, but it's a cultural thing. It's fascinating how this cultural difference impacts healthcare. And if you're ready to level up your team, find your perfect Filipino worker on OnlineJobs.ph. Let's make it happen! If you'd like to see hospital watchers and read what I've talked about in this episode: https://johnjonas.com/hos...
Ep. 349: Are you paying your OFS enough or too much?
January 29, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MBAre you paying your OFS enough or too much? Let's explore the fine line between fair pay and getting the most out of something. Remember, when you hire an OFS, it's not just about tasks; it's about changing lives. Want to find an amazing Online Filipino Specialist for your business? Go to OnlineJobs.ph !
Ep. 348: Effect of Typhoon Hanna
January 26, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 9.02 MBTyphoons in the Philippines. It happens all year round. Here are insights on how these storms impact our Filipino team members and what it means to you as an employer. Ready to find the best Online Filipino Specialist for your business? Head to OnlineJobs.ph. Want to learn how to hire so you can get it right on the first try? Check out OneVAAway.com. Let's make your business thrive together!
Ep: 347: How unlimited PTO works for our OFS
January 24, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 11.4 MBAt Onlinejobs.ph, we offer unlimited PTO. No tracking and no stress. So how can we afford to do it that way? How do we maximize productivity with a flexible schedule? While it may not fit every type of business, let me tell you how we do it. What's your PTO strategy? Let me know at [email protected].
Ep. 346: Family emergencies and disappearing OFS
January 22, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 8.55 MBKiel, a member of my rockstar team, faced a family emergency. When that happens, showing compassion and understanding is the best thing to do because life happens! If you need a reminder of Karen's story: https://johnjonas.com/i-left-my-career-to-care-for-my-sister/ If you need help recruiting an OFS, visit our recruiting page (which Kiel handles): https://www.onlinejobs.ph/recruiting
Ep. 345: Creating a great online work culture
January 19, 2024 14:00 - 3 minutes - 6.76 MBEver wondered how hiring a remote team can transform your business? EJ created a fun work environment with his Filipino team. They had spontaneous karaoke sessions, which later became a weekly tradition. It's not just about business; it's about building a fantastic team and having a blast along the way. You can build an awesome time like EJ and hundreds of thousands of other business owners like him. Just go to Onlinejobs.ph and sign up for an employer account today!
Ep. 344: PTO and benefits questions answered
January 17, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 7.59 MBI got a bunch of questions from Daniel about holidays and benefits. I will answer his questions in this episode, but if you want to learn more about holidays and benefits, just go to https://onlinejobs.ph/holidayshttps://onlinejobs.ph/holidaysand onlinejobs.ph/benefits. Since we also get asked about taxes a lot, go to OnlineJobs.ph/taxes to find out how we deal with taxes with our OFS team.
Ep. 343: My OFS team finally meeting each other
January 15, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 7.93 MBMy amazing OFS team finally got a chance to meet face-to-face and let me tell you, it was pure gold. The team gathered for dinners and drinks, laughing and even doing some work. Join me as I share their story and explain why meeting your team in person is just as awesome as it sounds. Want to hire rockstars like the people from my team? You can find them at Onlinejobs.ph
Ep. 342: Blessed to be working from home
January 12, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 9.5 MBMy programmer, Vince, shares a heartwarming vacation story. But it's more than that. It's about cherishing moments and how blessed they feel because they work online. When you hire an OFS, you're not just growing your business; you're changing lives. Let's make it happen! You can find a programmer like Vince at Onlinejobs.ph In case you want to see Vince's vacation photos: https://johnjonas.com/blessed-to-be-working-from-home/
Ep. 341: Still on the fence about hiring an OFS?
January 10, 2024 14:00 - 2 minutes - 5.39 MBAre you still on the fence about hiring an Online Filipino Specialist? Listen to Di's success story and find out how taking a risk changed her business and her life. Ready to make the move? Check out OneVAAway.com – your ticket to finding the best OFS for your team. Get off the fence and start the change your business needs today!
Ep. 340: I got 100 job applications, what do I do?
January 08, 2024 08:12 - 4 minutes - 8.15 MBDid you get too many applications for your job post at Onlinejobs.ph? In this episode, I share what I do when I get too many applicants and how to screen them easily. If you want to be guided through my hiring steps, visit OneVAAway.com.
Ep. 339: What OFS are not good at
January 05, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 11.1 MBIn my experience, Filipinos aren't that good at project management. But with time and clear expectations, Filipinos can achieve great results in project management. Understanding their culture can be challenging, but it helps reach your goals. Let's talk about that in this episode.
Ep. 338: A Common Denominator With Successful Employers
January 02, 2024 14:00 - 3 minutes - 7.41 MBThe secret ingredient behind successful employers working with Online Filipino Specialists is empathy. Employers like Elishama's. He leads a great OFS team and genuinely cares for and supports them. Why? Because kindness works like magic in business. Ready for some inspiration? Let's dive in!
Ep. 337: Karen's OFS Story
December 29, 2023 14:00 - 6 minutes - 12.1 MBWe love sharing real stories from the Philippines because they're fascinating. Take Karen, for example. Like many Filipinos, she came from a small town and moved to a big city to work. But now she works from home to care for her sister. You'll see photos of them here: https://johnjonas.com/i-left-my-career-to-care-for-my-sister/ We'll share more stories like this in the coming months, so stay tuned!