1) Read Google’s and Yahoo’s Quality Guidelines.
2) Don’t respond to unsolicited emails from SEOs.
3) Prepare an RFP.
4) Reach out to your network.
5) Rely on established third-party resources and submit a request for services through them.
6) Ask prospective SEOs for references and live examples of work.
7) Don’t ignore your instincts.
8) Set collaborative benchmarks.
9) Be prepared to pay for quality services.
10) Be patient. They don’t call it “organic SEO” for nothing.
According to the Media Post, July 20th 2007.