You get an email that says:
Do you believe it? What do you do?
1. Do you believe it?
YES! Power outages in the Philippines are a SERIOUS problem. In some areas they have them EVERY SINGLE DAY. Most areas aren’t so bad, but one of my GUYS has a 5-hour power outage every day.
Look at what google has to say about it. It’s VERY common.
2. What do you do about it?
You’ll find that most Filipinos will apologize for not being able to work and they’ll make it up another time.
If they don’t, you need to figure out how to deal with it.
You have 2 choices:
- Don’t worry about it, let your brain focus on more important things like how to make more money.
- Worry about it and have it pull you down.
Yes, I realize that’s a simplification.
The reality is, there’s not much you can do about it. You could let the person go and find someone else. For me, that’s not a reasonable solution. I train my people too well to let them go just because they’re working less than I would like.
For you, if this is a serious concern, try hiring people in Manila or Cebu. They tend to have less of a problem with it.
Thanks Jonas. I was wondering about this as I've heard it quite a few times from my workers already. Good to hear that they aren't trying to pull the wool over my eyes.
Thanks John!
Thanks…that was very helpful
That's funny. My outsourcer hasn't contacted me in two days. That's not like him. I was just debating on what I should do. Thanks for posting this.
I've been hearing another excuse as of late that becomes very common.
"No Internet all morning"
It's hard with a new employee since there is no trust yet…
Solar powered back up system may be a bit expensive, but probably worth it for a trusted employee.
One solution is to buy a power generator for them.
Thanks for this info John. Yes my worker has had power problems, but is very keen to make up the time. It is hard for people who are not in the cities, regarding power and slow connections.
Ah, I have been in the interview and selection process with a couple of new VAs and wondered why the one, in particular, who has been very responsive, was not responding. Thank you for the notice, much appreciated.
You should do you due diligence and investigate it rather than take their word for it. Even though filipino's are, for the most part, honest. You shouldn't take their word for it. I'm assuming the excess of air conditioning during the hot part of the day is what is causing the outages. It's probably only happening on certain islands.
The person I have working for me is PERFECT. Absolutely honest and reliable. When there is a power outage, she tries to let me know as soon as she can. And when she can get to an Internet Cafe, she does. I could not be happier with her. Turns projects around quickly, totally honest. Power outages are simply a part of living in many parts of the world.
John,
I totally understand. This is very common and those of us who are newbies to outsourcing need to know this info. I did not know this at first.
They need to take the advice that you have suggested. If your worker is great then remember; Life is too short to waste worrying over things we do not control. Enjoy how much easier it is with a trained employee helping you.
I have built lots of trust with my worker. My guy works so well that I choose not worry about it. He never brings it up because he would see it as an excuse. He never gives excuses and is sooooo wonderful about just doing his work around the power outages.
I have used lots of the suggestions on the site to find a great worker and make them loyal! It is such a win-win situation.
John, you're right about Cebu. I have someone working for me in Cebu for more than one year and I never heard of power outages…
Thank you Jonas for clearing this up. One I would like to add is, even if we (in Manila) cannot work at certain hours, we always put in those hours somehow within the week/month.
Power outages differs in Manila (city). I suggest areas like Ortigas Center, Pasig; Eastwood, Quezon City; Fort, Taguig. These areas in Manila have their own backup generators.
I've asked my people to send me a sms if power is out. Works great.
David, I have one like that, she is a writer. I simply say that if she doesn't deliver a set amount per month she gets paid an appropriate amount according to work done. Still flakey but work does get done….
thx for the tip!
John, thanks for an amazing business model and opportunity for us all.
I thought I remember you mentioned in an audio somewhere that there is a simple app you can send a worker to install that allows you to see just how many hours they worked and on what.
I have one VA that is being phased out as I see him doing next to nothing, never communicating until a few days before payday and not doing the things I ask. My new VA is a girl, so far she is amazing, doing things I don't ask her to and telling me things I don't know that will do good for my business. Very detailed, follows instructions.
Oh yeah, the other guy, keeps posting for new positions with various but similar variations of his email accounts… and as I just found out registered a few social media sites that I cannot change, so I am going to lose the momentum with this. Word of warning for others out there using VA's.
Thanks again John.
Patrick
The term "Brown Out" is incredibly offensive, and I hope you realize this.
Nope. It doesnt seem offensive from those pinoy who introduced me to that term. Why would you think it is offensive. (No offense)
You idiot! It's a term that has existed in the power & electronics industry for MANY years, and has NOTHING to do with skin colour, etc. Try not to demonstrate your stupidity in public – it's not real good for your online reputation… 🙂
My worker pretty much went AWOL on me about 2 weeks ago. Haven't heard a word from him. During the 3 months he worked for me he had LOTS of excuses from internet being down to power outages to family illnesses. Was very hard to pin down how much he was actually working each day, but I always got the sense that it was only a few hours and in the beginning he insisted on $600 a month… 🙁 Too bad for him.. He had a really good gig going at $600 a month… Back to the drawing board.
They may be good for some tasks but we have found as writers they aren't very good at all. This has been our experience across multiple outsourcing platforms.
Hello Gary, how much was the generator?
I think it will help us help our staffs too.
Very true John,
The only problem is some power outages last for about a week and then the VA disappear for good !. Perhaps power outage- surge related irrecoverable computer crashes ?
Great advice !
Keep up the good work.
Hi John, why not try to have your work done in Kenya. There is power and there are many young people looking for jobs. if interested, drop me a line on nyakiop@gmail.com and I can get you connected.
Pauline writing from Nairobi Kenya
Thanks John, Great advice. I think it's tough to remember that sometimes you need strength, and other times compassion, no matter where they live. The tough thing is focusing on the long term productivity for your investment and develop a trusting, honest relationship rather than be stressed about what a small delay due to a power outage may cause.
Thanks Jeff, but the link goes to a 404 not found page…
Can you post the correct link I'm just now thinking about outsourcing and its a little scary so I'm trying to get as much help and info. as possible.
Thanks in advance,
Robin
P.S. Would love any info that you could suggest so if you can help my email is: psnqs8@aol.com.
Put requested info on outsourcing for the subject line so I don't think its spam. All help is greatly appreciated.
AKAIK you’ve got the asnwer in one!
Thanks for the tip Ernie.
How long have you been using people from Baguio and which website do you use to hire them?