Benefits of outsourcing for small businesses
As entrepreneurs, we’re so often doing it all – sound familiar? But do you feel like you’re always playing catch up or find yourself always saying “I don’t have time?” There is a solution without doing it all by outsourcing tasks to grow your business.
Be the CEO of your business
Many entrepreneurs use the excuse that they can’t afford to hire someone. Often we rush to judgement about that because there are many ways to outsource tasks even at a part-time or project by project basis.
But let me ask you this…is your business growing or staying the same? We can’t grow if we are doing all the tasks including those that should be done by an hourly admin person or other support person.
Ask yourself what can I delegate?
Most importantly ask yourself, what’s the work I shouldn’t do, I can’t do, or somebody else could do better?”
Perhaps it’s time to think differently and bigger about your business. Start by thinking about the people you delegate to as your strategic partners that are part of your team and ultimately will help you grow your business by freeing up your time to lead and build the strategy and processes. Some of your partners would oversee these tasks:
• Web designers and developers
• Website maintenance
• SEO – (Search Engine Optimization)
• Graphic design
• Video production
• Email marketing – design and administration of newsletters
• Bookkeeping, accounting & financials
• Payroll
• Market Research
• Social Media strategy/Management
When should you delegate?
Now you know what to delegate, when should you start? I believe the right time is when you want to grow your business. However, don’t outsource something just because you don’t want to do it. I suggest starting out with a bookkeeper and a virtual assistant to help with marketing tasks and grow the team from there.There are many marketing tasks within your marketing plan that are perfect for outsourcing.
Starting with one or two tasks will get you used to outsourcing and delegating to others.
Delegating Tasks
Do you know how to delegate? I ask because many of us will do the work our self before we will take the time to delegate it, which often means we need to learn the skill of delegating.
Here are some tips on delegating:
• Have a clear vision and be able to articulate it
Not only is it important to know where you want your business to go, you must be able to clearly describe it to others. Your team or even one person must have a clear image in mind of what you see for the future of the company so that they can help you get there. The more thorough you are, the smoother the delegation process will go, which will allow you to grow faster. If you are hiring for project-based work, you may want to explain the bigger picture so they know how their portion fits in. The more you explain to your outsourcers the better results you can expect.
• Develop a process for projects you can delegate
Managing your outsourcing tasks is easier when utilizing project management tools. In addition to documenting your process in a tool that is easy to reference, consider creating a routine for your outsourced team as well. This will make your workers more likely to meet your deadlines and provide what you’re looking for, without you having to dedicate a ton of time to checking in and follow-ups.
Project management tools: Asana, Monday, Zoho
Be able to let go – Trust is key to outsourcing and learning to let go of control is a must. For some of you, I know this can be difficult, but honestly, it’s a must if you want to grow your business.
As I mentioned, small business owners should be thinking and acting like a CEO. You’re the visionary that drives the business, leads the team of employees and outsourcers to execute on your vision.
Small Business Outsourcing Services
www.upwork.com – find skilled people for just about any task on a project basis, short-term or long-term
www.crowdspring.com/ – site for hiring creatives
www.freelancer.com – post your project and skilled people will submit bids to you!
www.fiverr.com – find someone to complete a small project for $5.00 or more. Typically not as skilled, but maybe your project doesn’t require it top of the line
Out Source to the Philippines – project based or full-time virtual assistants
Out Source to India – project base or full-time
Conclusion
The benefits to outsourcing for small business can be enormous when you’re committed to growing and serving more clients. Start slow and build your team today.
