Reclaim time with delegation: How to choose what you can outsource

Whether your business consists of one person or a team, the decision to outsource different parts to someone who has expertise in that area is simple math. When you or your team free up the time you spend doing work that someone else could do for you, it gives you more time to service clients or bring in new business.

So, while you and your current team (or maybe just yourself) have a firm grasp of what needs to be done and has been working successfully at it for a while, there will come a time when you will need more help. Outsourcing solves capacity issues, can enhance service quality and can drive beneficial change and growth in your business.

The first thing a business needs to do when considering outsourcing is to note what tasks they want to outsource. Outsourcing everyday business tasks, such as administrative support, is a common starting point. Get started by making a list, either of the tasks you don’t have time to do, that you don’t like doing, or tasks that aren’t your genius work!

In addition to administrative assistance, businesses can also outsource:

Bookkeeping and accounting

Many small business owners find themselves in a scramble come tax time, but outsourcing your bookkeeping can keep day-to-day financial data organized and ready to hand over to your accountant come tax time. An outsourced accountant or accounting firm can handle any day-to-day transaction coding, accounts payable, accounts receivable and manage any necessary financial reporting.

Handing off your bookkeeping and accounting is especially beneficial for those who aren’t so good with numbers. 

Social media management

If you don’t currently have an online presence or if you don’t have a handle on your current presence, outsourcing your social media to a social media expert can help you create a consistent online presence and help your business achieve their online marketing goals.

A social media manager can often assess your current online status and provide tips to improve your presence. If you have an in-house marketing team, you may want to consider outsourcing your social media channels' implementation and management, freeing up time for strategy and other marketing initiatives.

Content creation

Have you been meaning to write and publish blog posts regularly but never find the time? What about your email marketing? Wouldn't it be nice to finally write and send regular emails?

A content manager can ensure your email marketing is drafted and sent on a regular schedule so your message can consistently land in the inboxes of current clients and potential clients.

Website maintenance

When was the last time you updated the plugins on your WordPress Site? Outsourcing website maintenance to a web agency can ensure your website's security is up to date and safe against possible security breaches that could put your information as well as the information of your clients in peril – and potentially damage your business’ reputation.

Ad hoc outsourcing

In addition to regular tasks, you can also look into outsourcing services that involve specific expertise, such as hiring a marketing strategist. A marketing strategist can work with your in-house marketing and communications team to evaluate what’s working with your marketing and where there is room for improvement.

Experts who can provide advice on business, management, marketing, and other critical areas tend to be occasional supports for your business rather than ongoing expenses.

Grow your business with help from others

Taking the leap and outsourcing is a big step, but when your business can't grow beyond its current capacity, or you're working all hours of the day and night to get things done, and the to-do list keeps growing, then it's time to outsource.

What tasks would you like to outsource?