The concept of outsourcing is probably nothing new to you. After all, it’s a subject we have discussed before on this website, and chances are, you might have already considered outsourcing specific jobs to help you better manage your business.
When outsourcing correctly, you will…
- Reduce both your workload and that of your employees.
- Have more time to focus on the tasks that will grow your business.
- Benefit from the quality work that a freelancer or outsourced firm has given you.
In some respects then, outsourcing should be something every business owner should consider.
However, mistakes can be made, as we will highlight below.
Mistake #1: not making time to research the support available
You’re a busy business owner, but you shouldn’t hand over your most pressing tasks to an outsourced firm without doing the necessary research. Because what if you used a firm that had a terrible reputation for quality or keeping to deadlines? Your business would suffer as a consequence, and you will have wasted money employing them. Before outsourcing to anybody, you need to Google their names, read client reviews, and take up references that the firm or freelancer should be able to provide you.
When researching, you should also pay attention to their websites. Some companies will go the extra mile for you, so never assume that the services they offer you are the same. Take digital marketing as an example. You can expect SEO and web design services as standard, but there are those companies who offer more. As an example, NetSearch Digital Marketing will also take steps to target your demographic within the services they have available. We know this because we took the time to read through their website. So, when considering who to outsource to, compare the companies available to you, and if somebody offers more than is standard, take up the option if it is affordable for you to do so.
Mistake #2: failing to communicate adequately
Communication is key when outsourcing. You need to let the firm or freelancer know your requirements clearly, and you need to take time to listen to any questions they might have about the project you are handing over. Simply handing over your tasks and expecting them to get on with it is just not the sensible thing to do!
You should also get in touch with them on a fairly regular basis. While you shouldn’t ring them every day for updates – they might never get work done otherwise – you should still make it a habit to drop an email or give them a call every few days. Ask for status reports so you know how work is progressing, and if you need to offer suggestions or request changes to what they are doing, then do so.
By communicating clearly, you will promote a healthy working relationship. They won’t be confused as to what you expect of them, and you will have the peace of mind knowing that the work you requested is being dealt with responsibly.
Mistake #3: outsourcing everything!
Sure, it will make your day easier if you outsourced every task on your to-do list, but is it the sensible thing to do? No, not really!
For starters, you should think twice before outsourcing your customer service. Your customers expect the personal touch when using your business, and if they are forced to speak to people who have little understanding of who they are and what their needs are, then you might very well lose them to a competing business.
Secondly, don’t outsource tasks because they are an inconvenience to you. If you have the time and skills to complete them, or if you have employees who can offer the same, then keep those tasks in-house. You might only end up wasting money otherwise. Only outsource when there is a specific need to do so, such as when your to-do list is brimming over with responsibilities, or when professional assistance can ensure greater quality in the work you need completing.
Think carefully before you outsource then, as while it is a good idea in theory, you don’t want to do as at the detriment to your business.
Finally
To grow and to profit your business, be mindful of the business outsourcing mistakes that we have suggested. You will save money and ensure quality if you do, and you will also develop professional relationships that will support your business in both the short and the long-term.
Let us know what you think, and if there any other mistakes that you think deserve mention, be sure to share them in the comments section below.
