Looking to out source some link building...

[Vizergy]

But I want to be VERY careful.  I just want to out source some local listing etc... type of stuff.  I am not looking to get thousands of links per client, I am looking for someone to check the local listings create, claim and edit as needed as well as reaching out to relevant local companies for links i.e. - we work with hotels and resorts, some have large meeting facilities so links from wedding photographers, event planners etc... just citing our clients as venues... etc...

Again, I am not looking for, nor do I want, and link schemes etc... just some legitimate building.

We are just getting too busy (not complaining)

Any suggestions?

[vmialik]

How much links per month per location are you looking to create? (This might help some wanting to help)

Here at moz community we recommend: http://moz.com/community/recommended#local-search-services

[EGOL]

But I want to be VERY careful.

I would hire someone to work at the office part time.  Then you can keep 'em on a short chain, peek over their shoulders, get status reports, and put on the brakes if things are jumping the track.

One of the best ways to get into an argument is to talk about "legitimate building"....Lots of companies would swear on stacks of Bibles (or other relevant literature) that they do only "legitimate building".... and things collapse as they outsource your work to somebody who outsources your work and the "legitimate building" message and interpretation really gets skewed.

[Vizergy]

That is great advice.  I walking to the VP's office now.

Thanks!

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Whoever you choose, it is important to ask how much of the work they do will be outreach. Ask how they do it and hopefully they will say they sometimes pick up the phone to talk to the person responsible.

They should also be advising on why someone will want to link to you. Do you have genuine benefits you can offer to someone? If not yet, get them written / added.

As Egol said, steer well clear of anyone who you even think outsources their work. This will spell the end before you even start, and insist on updates weekly if they are not in the office.

There are some good link builders out there - finding them can be a little more awkward.

-Andy

[EGOL]

Great...  And... if they are in your office they are not going to find the honey pot and then call all of your competitors to sell them the same service that you just paid big bucks to research... then... in three months all competitors will outrank you again and you will be back in the market.

When you outsource you do not have proprietary data.

[Vizergy]

Thanks, brother.  All of your opinions are much appreciated!

[Vizergy]

VP went for it.  We are on the hunt for a part timer whom I will personally train.  I am more of an on page guy but I did train with Eric Ward for 10 months (boss flipped the bill for that one!) and I do feel I have a very safe and organic approach.  So if I can instill these methods in to a part timer there is a great chance they will quickly become full time.

Any one know anyone in Jacksonville, Florida looking for a part time job, LOL?!?!

[EGOL]

I would look at recent English major college grads.  They have trouble getting jobs and the jobs that they compete for are not paying well.  They communicate well and are good at following rules and researching information sources.

And, they are better at content development than most other people simply because they are great writers.  You can find English majors who graduated with honors to high honors easily because they are abundant and not finding work.

[Vizergy]

Thank you yet again for the great advice.  We have two major universities here in town...  This is a wonderful idea!