Need Help? Try Outsourcing
By Sandra K. Williams ©
Keeping your small business on the path to success is a ceaseless responsibility. Bookkeeping, customer service, marketing, training — it’s no surprise the typical small business owner works 50-plus hours each week.
Every aspect of your business demands the best you can give it, and sometimes you just don’t have the time or expertise needed for a particular task. Hiring more employees might solve your time dilemma, but finding good workers is tough. The November 1998 Small Business Economic Trends survey reported that “quality of labor” is small business owners’ most pressing problem. The second most important problem is labor cost. If you find that perfect employee who can handle the business-building tasks, will you be able to afford the additional payroll expense?
Consider contracting with another business that specializes in the help you need. Outsourcing can take a nagging worry off your mind. You’ll have the expertise you need when you need it, and you’ll free up your limited time to concentrate on other projects. In addition, the independent contractor, who wants your repeat business and referrals, will put the extra effort into making sure you’re satisfied.
Properly implemented, outsourcing can allow a small business to grow to its full potential. For example, make a list of your top 10 future projects. How many of those projects have you been putting off because you didn’t know how to get started or didn’t have the staff who could handle it? Even the most basic projects, such as writing a series of form letters welcoming new clients or telling current clients of special offers, can be outsourced. You don’t have to do it all.
A recent Dun & Bradstreet report noted the majority of small businesses still aren’t taking advantage of the benefits of outsourcing, and the most commonly outsourced tasks are bookkeeping and payroll.
Take another look at your list of projects, and consider which ones you could outsource. For instance, if you’ve been planning to update your employee handbook, a human resources consultant could take over that project. Have you been considering financing a business expansion? A consultant who specializes in putting together financial packages can help you. Do you want to get the word out about your business? Consult a public relations specialist. Planning a direct mail program? Find a professional writer who knows how to build a direct mail package.
If you think creatively about your list of projects, you will discover many opportunities to get long-delayed projects off your list. Don’t wait! These projects are necessary for your business success, or they wouldn’t be on your list. Find the consultant who can help you, and put your project on her list!
Published in the River City Small Business News