Small business owners, do you feel like you're juggling too many balls at once? Between managing operations and strategizing for growth, it's easy to become overwhelmed.
While expanding your team might be the first solution that comes to mind, hiring internal help can be prohibitively expensive. Thankfully, outsourcing offers a cost-effective alternative.
Editor’s note: This article was originally written by guest blogger, Kristin Savage, and published in June of 2020. It was updated in November 2024 with newer information.
Why Outsource?
Running a small business requires you to focus on what's most important—operational growth and efficiency. However, trying to manage everything yourself can lead to burnout and potentially hinder your business's progress. Instead of being a Jack-of-all-trades, you can tap into the expertise of external professionals who can handle specific tasks more efficiently.
How Common is Outsourcing Among Small Businesses?
According to Clutch, approximately 52% of small businesses have already embraced outsourcing. Here’s why:
- Improved Efficiency: 24% of small business owners have found that outsourcing increases their operational efficiency.
- Access to Expertise: 18% outsource to gain access to specialized skills and knowledge.
Small businesses often thrive on outsourcing due to its cost-effectiveness, especially as compared to larger enterprises with over 50 employees who might be less reliant on this strategy. Let's explore some functions you can outsource to keep your business running smoothly.
Key Functions to Outsource
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Managing finances is both crucial and time-consuming. Hiring an in-house team is expensive, but outsourcing can offer significant benefits such as:
- Fraud Prevention: External experts can provide oversight, reducing the risk of fraud.
- Task Automation: Many outsourced accountants have access to cutting-edge accounting software, saving you both time and money.
Customer Support
Regardless of your business size, quality customer support is non-negotiable. Outsourcing this function can lower costs and improve service quality by offering:
- Bilingual Support & 24/7 Availability: Outsourced providers often offer multilingual services and round-the-clock support, giving your business a competitive edge.
IT Services
Having a robust IT infrastructure is essential. Outsourcing IT can help manage costs and improve services through:
- Round-the-Clock IT Support: Ensuring your systems are always up and running.
- Enhanced Cybersecurity: Protecting your business from potential threats.
Telephone Answering Services
Outsourcing your telephone answering service can improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here's how:
- Professional Representation: Calls are answered by trained professionals who can provide a consistent brand experience.
- Availability: Never miss a call with 24/7 answering, accommodating different time zones or emergencies.
Social Media Management
Social media is a powerful marketing tool, but it requires time and expertise. Outsourcing can help you:
- Maintain a Consistent Presence: Agencies can ensure your brand remains active and engaged.
- Leverage Expertise: Professional marketers can craft compelling content that resonates with your audience.
Emerging Trends in Outsourcing
Outsourcing isn't just about people—it's increasingly about technology, too. With AI and automation becoming ubiquitous, small businesses can now streamline tasks even further. Tools like chatbots for customer service and AI-driven analytics for decision-making offer new ways to boost productivity without increasing headcount.
Outsourcing for Your Small Business: Where to Start?
Outsourcing offers small businesses a way to maintain high performance without overextending resources. Whether it's accounting, IT services, or customer support, consider how outsourcing can fit into your strategy for growth.
Concerned about losing control? Assign a trusted team member to oversee external partnerships to ensure quality standards are met. Ready to take the leap? Start small by outsourcing one or two tasks and watch your business thrive!
One easy thing to outsource today: phone answering. See how Sound Telecom can help.
Kristin Savage is a professional writer, a blogger with BestEssay Education and a contributing author at Supreme Dissertations. She has a degree in Marketing and has been working as a freelance specialist in digital marketing to help different companies run campaigns and promote their products.