Learn how to identify the best-fit expert to partner with for your project on the Kajabi Experts marketplace.
In this article:
Evaluating experience and fit
1. Consider if the expert’s experience is a good fit for your project
Has the expert completed this type of project in the past? Have they worked with other businesses in the same industry, or those offering similar products or services? Can they share any examples of past work? Look for a strong track record of success with similar projects.
Identify the top skills needed to complete your project and make sure the expert has mastered those particular skills. For example, if you’re looking for a Virtual Assistant, you’ll want to make sure they’re proficient in contact management, Excel spreadsheets, and email marketing.
2. Compare the expert’s project rates vs. your budget
What’s your budget for the project? Being clear on your budget can help you find an expert within that range. Ask yourself, can you afford to work with the expert, or will it be too much of a stretch? Different experts’ project rates can vary greatly due to factors such as experience level or how long they’ve been in business. If you get a quote that’s too high for comfort, see if you can negotiate a better deal or keep looking.
3. Make sure they ask the right questions to understand your goals
Does the expert make a clear effort to find out what they need to know about your business, your goals, and your vision for the project? Are they asking good questions? Are you providing enough information?
An expert won’t be able to provide personalized service that’s well aligned with your vision if they don’t know what it is. The best experts will ask a lot of questions up front to make sure they understand what you really want and need. Some may even offer to schedule a call.
Examining quality and reputation
1. Check out the ratings and reviews the expert has received
What do the expert’s past clients have to say about working with them? Does anything stand out as a red flag? Always check the expert’s reviews on the Experts Marketplace, and look for comments and reviews on social media and other platforms as well. If you notice a negative remark, ask the expert if they can explain what happened and how the situation was resolved.
2. Ask if they can provide any work samples
Does the expert have any relevant work samples they can share with you? If they’re not able to share actual client work, what about non-client work demonstrating the same skills? An expert should be able to provide some type of work sample, even if it’s just something they created for their own portfolio. Examining the quality of their prior work can help you determine if they have the right skill set for your project.
3. Look for a professional presence (website, social media, etc.)
What do you find when you input the expert’s name in a search engine? Does the expert have a business website and/or social media accounts? While it’s possible to run a business without a digital presence, an established professional shouldn’t be “off the grid”. Exploring an expert’s website and social media profiles can also be a great way to find a lot of helpful information on who they are and how they work.
Assessing project management skills
1. Notice how the expert communicates during the proposal process
Does the expert respond to all of your messages in a reasonable timeframe? Do they answer your questions in detail and demonstrate professionalism? An expert who is slow to respond in the beginning will likely be challenging to reach throughout the project. Be wary of any communication deficiencies. Nothing derails a project faster than poor communication.
2. Make sure the expert sets clear expectations up front
Do you know what to expect during the course of the project? Is it clear when and how the expert will provide you with updates, and how you’ll submit feedback? Don’t accept a proposal until you’re crystal clear on what the process will look like for your project and you understand when and how you’ll receive updates, invoices, and deliverables. Also be sure the expert includes their refund policy in the proposal.
3. Verify they have the capacity to deliver the work on time
Is the timing of your project flexible, or do you need the expert to adhere to a firm deadline? Will they be working on other projects concurrently? If it’s important that you receive the project deliverables in a specific timeframe, make sure the expert knows this and prioritizes accordingly. Be sure to discuss what will happen should the project fall behind schedule for some reason.
Still have questions? Let us know your question below to have it added to the list or reach out to experts@kajabi.com if you need additional assistance. Thanks for being the best part of Kajabi!