Turn to supplier directories

If you know that one aspect of your business takes most of your time, focus there first to find candidates to pitch in or take it over.

I recommend: Search the Thomas Register to find industrial suppliers and manufacturers, or the trade association for a particular function, such as advertising, bookkeeping or human resources.

Find a freelance subcontractor online

You can easily connect with top professionals online for extra help to complete projects.

I recommend: Guru.com can help you find help in the creative, information technology, business consulting and office/administration areas. You can either post a project or search for specific pros.

Evaluate the subcontractors' skills

To be sure any subcontractor you retain is able to perform at the level of quality you and your clients are used to, you'll want to carefully check them out.

I recommend: Ask for work samples, references and/or require a skills test. It's also smart to run a business credit check, which you can do with Dun & Bradstreet, as well as getting a Better Business Bureau report to make sure your helpers are legitimate.

Put it in writing

Once you've selected your subcontractors, spell out in writing exactly what they'll be doing, to whom they'll report and what the terms of your agreement are.

I recommend: Use a form template like this one at the 'lectric Law Library or All Law to draft your agreement, or leave the legal work to an attorney; find one at Martindale.com.