What is the purpose of GM Outsource? GMO is an online resource for senior managers of small to medium sized companies to find information and expertise to maintain a competitive advantage. GMO is also a Provider Network to supply resource expertise to the global business marketplace. This accomplished by driving traffic to the network of project providers identified on this site.
How do I know I am qualified for network membership? You can pre-qualify yourself by asking the following questions. 1. Am I ready to take responsibility for my own work life destiny? In addition to joining this network, you are ready to learn how to apply your talent and expertise to do project work as a ‘free agent’. 2. You have skills and knowledge that can add value to one or more of these target markets: small to medium size business owners and senior management; start up companies; and not for profit social organizations. 3. Are you honest and ethical and believe in creating value for your clients? If the answer to these three questions is yes, then you are qualified to become a member of the GMO network.
How does GMO differ from other freelance or consultant web sites? GMO as a company does not encourage potential employers to contact GMO – if they do; we refer them to the network providers. We do not post projects for providers to bid on. We encourage senior managers to contact the provider directly. GMO is an online publishing and marketing company focused on sharing business solutions to the marketplace and creating a Provider Network to do project work. The provider and the client determine the project scope of work and how much to pay for the work.
Does GMO allow businesses to be provider members? Yes and no. Many members have their own company structures (most are sole proprietors) and do project work. We allow memberhip to all general practitioners. We do not allow business organizations to become members.
Can I be a member without posting my information on the site? Yes. You can be a member as long as you pay the monthly fee. Some individuals do not want to post their project interests or the career history for several reasons: They are not ready to do project work yet and want to learn the ‘business’ first. Some want to enjoy the benefits of being part of the member forum to stay abreast of market trends so when they are ready to do project work, their skill set is up to date.
Why should someone become a project provider member? There are three reasons to become a member. 1. GMO drives traffic to you. 2. GMO is designed to give each provider website space so you do not have to create or maintain your own site. 3. You become a member of an intranet (a network within a network) of like-minded people around the globe to help and support each other.
What does it cost to become a member? The cost is minimal: $7.50 a month with no contract. When you do get a project and when you get paid, you pay GM Outsource a market development fee of 5%. This fee schedule remains the same as long as you are a member. Future members may pay more but your fee schedule is locked in as long as you stay a member.
If projects do not come through the GMO website, how does GMO know if the provider does a project, gets paid, and does not pay GMO? We don’t know. We rely on honest and professional behavior from project members. Like a lot of companies, we originally thought about running projects through the site (like other organizations) and requiring detailed signed agreements for both the provider and the client. But after thinking this through, we decided we are not a temporary employment agency. We are an online publishing company focusing on how to succeed in a fractured business environment. We strive to create value for senior managers needing help and creating value for professional project providers who want to take charge of their work life. We also believe in cosmic Karma and if a provider decides they need the food that feeds the golden goose more than we do us, life will catch up with that person sooner than later. If by chance we do find a provider member behaving unprofessionally or unethically, we will remove them from network.
How much should we providers charge? The project financial details are between you and the client. Some providers charge by the hour and some charge by the project. Some would prefer to do project work for a monthly retainer. We have found the marketplace determines fair reward for value given. The majority of the providers on this site have extensive experience and expertise, which is a valuable resource for senior managers wanting high quality project delivery at competitive pricing. As far as we know, GM Outsource is the first online resource that focuses on creating a business model to support independent contractors by marketing to businesses that need expertise.
Can I have a job and still be part of the network? Yes. In fact many members of the network want to stay members even after they go to work full time. Membership is an insurance policy in case you lose your job. Staying a member locks in their monthly fee. If they leave and come back, they will pay more if the fee schedules change. Since a lot of projects are completed on a virtual basis, one can work full time and do project work part time. If you are contacted to do a project and do not have time, you could refer this project to another provider on the network and collect a referral fee. Taking advantage of the tool chest and keeping up to date via the member forum is also a good way to enhance your project management expertise. You may want to transition to full time project work and leave your full time employment or have project work when you retire.