As I start out on this venture there has been a re-occurring conversation that I’ve been having with many small business owners – ‘I know I need some help but I don’t know where to start?’
So, let’s keep it simple by looking at what, when and how to outsource.
What is outsourcing?
Outsourcing … hiring someone outside your company for certain tasks and/or services.
There are many tasks in a business that can be outsourced. This will free up time, which can then be reinvested in the business to create growth.
These tasks may cover finance, HR, IT, admin, marketing, to name just a few.
When to Outsource?
There will come a time for most small business owners when they are no longer able to ‘do it all’. When day-to-day admin tasks are taking up time which could be better spent working on the business and its development.
Choosing to outsource these tasks enables the business to grow in a flexible manner, without the costly, time consuming and complicated process of employing someone.
How to identify what to outsource?
There are many ways to identify which tasks a business could outsource. Many involve a comprehensive review of the working day/week/month; logging how all the minutes of the day are spent and analysing their value.
But, realistically, who has time for this?
I like to take a simpler approach by asking these questions …
- Which tasks are you always putting off?
- that are always left on the to-do list at the end of the day
- What are the tasks that you least look forward to tackling?
- that when you see them in the diary make you feel a slight sense of dread
- Which tasks zap most of your energy?
- that you have to psych yourself up to doing and/or need a break after completing
Outsourcing these tasks will not only free up valuable time but will also improve well-being and energy levels.
If, like me, you like to make lists and/or you’re not yet sure of the answers to these questions you can download my free template here which will help you find some clarity.
Emily Blades 