Crowdsourcing is a little bit like speed dating for clients and service providers. The client gets to sample their wares and if interested can commit further.

The practice of turning to a mass of people for opinions or input – has evolved from being a tool of the digital savvy to emerging as the secret source for growing businesses, whatever the size.  Individuals, businesses and governments are all using crowdsourcing as a way of engaging more effectively with the public.

Prue Burrell of Burrell Family Law outlines Crowdsourcing was also a NEW concept, but a friend who worked in Marketing suggested she looked at 99 designs.com as a cost effective way of branding her business.  She says “it was important to me that my business had a logo that reflected my business values.  I have used the logo in signage, business stationery, the website and business cards.  As a new business, the money back guarantee gave me the peace of mind, that if none of the designs were what I was after, I had not lost any money”.

Better Outcomes
Two minds are better than one. Having multiple people working on your project can often result in a better outcome. In the case of 99designs.com you get to see many designers, and you get to choose the designer you like best.

Good Prices and Low Risks
Outsourcing is usually charged by the hour, with crowdsourcing you only pay for what you get. At 99designs.com customers are offered a 100% money back guarantee – A design you love, or your money back.

Greater Efficiency
Crowdsourcing providers can often use multiple people from around the world. You can get dozens of custom designs made just for you in as little as 24 hours.

For small businesses who use external providers for a range of business needs, the concept of crowdsourcing can ACCELERATE development with very little cost and A LOT of creativity.

99 Designs’ founder Mark Harbottle offers these five tips for success:

1.       Be clear about the task you want completed

2.       Offer a fair and reasonable reward for the task

3.       Be heavily involved in the project and make yourself  available to give feedback

4.       Remember to always treat the people working on your task with respect

5.       Stay in touch with anyone who does a great job – you might want to work with them again

 If you would like to know more click here to talk to our Business Development team who can explain this fresh approach to business.