Does My Business Need Outsourcing? 6 Signs That Point to Yes

You’ve managed all the tasks and responsibilities for your small business on your own up until this point and you’re pretty darn proud of that fact. Only, things have started to become a bit of a struggle, and now you’re wondering if you should outsource some of the work to alleviate the pressure you feel.

Here are a few signs that it’s time to expand your business by hiring help.

1. You can’t keep up with orders.

This is a good problem to have... Until it isn’t. Having high demand for your products is every entrepreneur’s dream come true, but it’s imperative that you get help so that you don’t goof up any orders. It’s all too easy when you’re overworked to ship the wrong item or deliver less-than-perfect solutions.

This may be a seasonal need or a permanent one, but either way, it’s time to call in reinforcements.

2. You need more hands, but not necessarily full-time hands.

You acknowledge that you need help, but you don’t have enough work (or budget) to hire even one full-time employee.

Outsourcing is a great alternative. Whether you need help with content marketing, web design, accounting, or programming (just to name a few), you can hire freelancers or agencies and only pay for the services you need. Not paying a full-time salary plus benefits and still getting help is a money and time-saving strategy for smart entrepreneurs.

3. You don't have space to accommodate in-person staff.

Though you know you need someone to help you with various tasks, you’re frustrated because maybe you work from home, and there’s no way you’re going to have someone sitting at the dining room table working with you.

Today’s virtual workplace allows you to hire help from any corner of the globe. Not only can that person work remotely, but also you’re not limited to hiring people in your immediate geographic area. You might have really niche needs and find that the best person for the role lives in Sri Lanka. Being able to outsource to virtual employees overseas can also save you a bundle.

4. Your work is suffering.

Maybe you’re a bit stubborn and continue to try to do it all yourself, but if you admit it, you know that you haven’t been doing your best work as you try to juggle too much.

It’s time to pass some of those balls that you’re juggling onto others. Remember, you hold your brand’s reputation in your hands, and if you deliver less-than-impressive results because you’re overwhelmed, it will reflect negatively on people’s impression of your company.

5. You’re not great at certain tasks.

Maybe you’re a rock star at designing your website and logo, writing fabulous blog posts, and balancing your books. Maybe not. Most of us excel in some areas of running our business and struggle in others.

Even if you’re capable of filing your annual taxes, if it takes you a ton of time, that’s time you could be spending on other areas of your business. It’s better to pay a professional accountant or tax preparer to handle your taxes so that you can focus on what you do best.

Hiring someone who focuses solely on one thing (marketing, accounting, design) means that your investment will pay off when your business looks even more professional.

6. Your health is suffering.

Stress is a very real part of entrepreneurship, and overworking can have a huge negative impact on your wellbeing and mental health. In fact, entrepreneurs are 30 percent more likely to suffer from depression than others.

If you’re anxious, stressed, or depressed, you have to ask yourself why you would continue as you have if it’s hurting your health. Bringing on extra help can alleviate some, if not all, of these symptoms simply by taking some of the load off your back.

Tips for Hiring an Outsourced Employee

Acknowledging that you need help is the first step. Now you’ve got to find the best candidate for the job. Even though you’re outsourcing the assistance, treat the process like you would hiring a full-time employee.

Hiring

Identify exactly the skills you require for the role and make a list of tasks you need help with. This will help you winnow down the list of applicants.

Set your monthly budget. Is this going to be an ongoing need or a one-off project?

Explore your network to find a referral for the type of help you need. You may have clients or colleagues who can recommend someone perfect for your needs. If not, turn to your social media network.

Interview your top choices. Ask if they have experience working in your industry or managing the specific tasks you need help with. Ask to see samples of their work, particularly if you’re hiring a writer or designer.

Test out the freelancer or agency you select with a test project. This gives you a chance to see their work in action, and if you don’t like it, you aren’t committed to the long term. If you decide to work with a short-term contract worker or freelancer, make sure to sign a proper employment contract. Having a written agreement helps both parties to define and protect shared rights and responsibilities.

Training is essential for setting up your outsourced employee for success. Use a learning management system to provide training to ensure she understands exactly how to perform each task that she’s responsible for. This is especially important for outsourcing since this person won’t be in the office with you, so you want to ensure that all your processes are clearly outlined to help her do her job.

Before you leave her to it and get back to your other work, make sure you’re heavily involved with her on-boarding for the first few weeks. Provide ample feedback on her work, including constructive criticism to ensure that she is empowered to do her job well.

Once you and your new outsourced assistant find your groove, you might even bring on more help for other areas of your business! When you see how much more effective your business can be when you have professionals aiding you, it helps you take your business to the next level. And while it will be an expense, you should see a positive return on investment as your business grows.