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Is it itme to Outsource? - Aug 16, 2010

Posted by: Wendy Nelson in Articles

When I meet with potential clients, among the first things I try to understand is whether or not they are ready for a little help. As a start up business, the owner typically takes on a lot of responsibility, managing multiple disciplines simultaneously. They put long hours, energy and resources into the launch and early growth of their new business.

The business will (hopefully) grow beyond the owner’s capacity to manage everything by themselves, though, eventually. As business owners start to feel worn out, burned out, and stretched to capacity, they begin to seek solutions.

Often, it’s more economical to bring on outsourced support at this stage. It may also extend the business owner’s reach from an experience and efficiency standpoint. The business may not be large enough to support full time experts, but delegation of some of the day to day tasks could free up the owner to focus more clearly on the customers, pipeline, and long term strategy for their business. By the same token, a part time resource will generally cost less and offer more experience, knowledge, and clarity to your business than their full time counterpart.

Consider the tasks that take you the longest, or that you enjoy the least. If you feel social media is a key component of your overall growth plan, but dread setting aside the time to manage your on-line presence, this may be a good area in which to seek help. Perhaps it’s the financial statement management or internal control environment that gives you a headache. Or maybe you know that you need to improve your data security and back up, but you simply don’t have time to think about it (until your network crashes).

The recession and resulting downsizing measures have combined to create an incredible pool of consultants and entrepreneurs. These individuals have years of experience, on the job knowledge, and talent that you could engage and apply to your business.

Take the time to consider where you need help, and if it makes sense to outsource a portion of your to do list. Maybe you’ll find the time for that late summer vacation after all.