"I'm not a graphic artist or a web designer," says the owner and CEO of Ballywho? Consulting, Phyllis Sylvester. The southern California-based marketing, public relations, and media buying company develops comprehensive advertising campaigns. "My job is to determine the overall strategy and creative direction for a client's marketing efforts, to make sure the project is completed on time and under budget – and to make sure it works."

Phillis learned the advertising ropes working for a large firm; she later founded her own company when she realized she had the skills and desire to oversee and direct projects from start to finish. She initially relied on full-time employees and local freelancers. "I worked with some talented people, but the price they charged me was more than I wanted to charge my clients. I knew I needed a different business model to succeed."

She outsourced work for three contract clients to professionals found on Elance. "I quickly realized the Elance providers gave me great service, great quality, and a great price – and let me fulfill my business model. I also like working with people from different time zones:  I meet with clients during the day and when I return to the office people on the other side of the world are just getting started."

In addition to VirtualSoft (Elance username: virtualciti), a database and flash programmer, she has built a long-term partnership with Melanie Votaw (Elance username: melanievotaw), a writer she uses extensively, especially for healthcare-related marketing copy.

"Melanie is awesome," says Phillis. "I almost never need to edit or ask for revisions. That's the beauty of outsourcing to skilled professionals. Not only do my clients receive outstanding work, but I'm free to focus on building great relationships with my clients."

And her clients appreciate the difference. "My customers know they get better quality work at a great price," she says. "They like knowing I can choose the providers who are best suited for their project – it's a competitive advantage my customers and I both enjoy."