Don't outsource your core functions

Know what to outsource for your small business

Outsourcing is a real buzz word in the small business world these days. People are outsourcing a whole range of functions to companies both onshore and offshore. Unfortunately, some small businesses get caught up in the hype of the whole outsourcing idea and outsource some tasks that probably should be kept in-house.

General Rule

As a general rule with outsourcing I would suggest that you only outsource non-core tasks to other companies. When you sit down and think about it, you set up your small business because you are either really good at what you do or you are really good at business. Why would an outsourcing company be better than you at building the strategy for your business. Also, why would an external company be better than you at budgeting or selling your products to your potential customers.

What Can You Outsource

Tasks that are great to outsource to external companies are bookkeeping, virtual assistant duties (like the service provided by Virtual Reception), telephone answering services, cleaning, delivery, SEO services, design work etc.

What Should You Keep In-house

I would advise keeping in-house any tasks where there is direct contact with your customers. These customers are the lifeblood of your company and you want to be sure of the relationship that you have with them.

I would also suggest keeping any tasks that involve strategy or forecasting in-house. How could any other company or contractor have a better idea of where you are going?

It's About Getting A Balance

In our view, setting up a structure to outsource various aspects of your business is all about getting the right balance. If you get the wrong balance then you could either give away control of your business or not get enough benefit from the outsourcing.

Date posted: 2017-09-29 | posted by: 1232blog

Comments

It's a recipe for disaster if you give away all of the strategic control of your business.
Date: 2017-09-29 | comment by: Liz

I outsourced the bookkeeping and telephone answering for my business French Knot. It has made a huge improvement to the business as it gives me back time to focus on strategy and not messing around with admin.
Date: 2017-09-29 | comment by: Hannah

The key is to keep your core tasks central with your own team. Don't outsource things that can make a dramatic impact.
Date: 2018-06-13 | comment by: Bert

I have a tendency to try to do everything myself. It is a good idea to split items between core and non core and then try to outsource the time consuming but simple tasks.
Date: 2018-06-13 | comment by: Virtual Office Adelaide

Getting the right balance in terms of what you do internally and what you outsource is extremely important. I totally agree that you need to keep your core items close to you.
Date: 2020-02-21 | comment by: Ivan

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