Help Wanted Want to hand a project to a freelancer but don't know where to start? The Internet can help.

Entrepreneurs are always looking for creative ways to accomplish more of their business goals for less money. One way to save time, money and frustration is to outsource as much work as possible to external service providers. And what better place to find Web-based talent than on the Web?

Consider Cheri Rychlee Tracy of Wilmette, Illinois-based Beautyofasite.com Inc., a Web marketer that sells beauty products--from hair-care items to soaps. Rychlee Tracy's company has had 50 percent growth and just under $1 million in yearly sales. Last year, Rychlee Tracy wanted to make her Web site easier to use, but instead of hiring an in-house Web designer, she outsourced the project. Rychlee Tracy used the Yellow Pages and search engines to find a Web designer, but the process was expensive and time-consuming.

Searching Google one day, she learned about a company called Elance; its online marketplace allows businesses (the buyers) to post descriptions of their projects free of charge--in categories such as graphic design, Web design and business strategy--then receive proposals from a pool of professional service providers.