Set Yourself Up for Outsourcing Success
Finding success as a small business owner or solo professional often hinges on balancing your core responsibilities while effectively managing tasks that take up too much of your time or are beyond your area of expertise. Tackling every aspect of your business single-handedly can lead to burnout, stifled growth, and, ultimately, hinder your business’s success.
The temptation to handle every facet of our business can be a struggle. After all, it’s our passion and our vision. But the reality is that something or someone will suffer when we spread ourselves too thin. Burnout becomes a looming threat, and our business’s growth potential is limited by the finite hours in our day.
Here’s what I recommend to set yourself up for outsourcing success:
1. Define Your Needs. Define the tasks or projects you want to delegate. Understand what you want to achieve, the specific functions to be outsourced, and the desired outcomes. If you have trouble defining your needs, I suggest you write down your pain points by asking yourself: Which business-related tasks, whether performed on a weekly, daily, monthly, or yearly basis, deplete my energy?
2. Identify Skills for the Work to Be Done. You’ll need to understand what skills you need from the person you will outsource to. You’ll want to find someone with expertise, like hiring an accountant to do your taxes or a floor installer to install hardwood floors.
This may sound obvious; however, too often, small business owners or solo professionals hire their friends, who, unfortunately, don’t have relevant experience. You wouldn’t hire a friend who knows nothing about Dentistry to act as your Dentist — outsourcing your business needs works the same way; specific skills are required.
3. Identify Outsourcing Partners. Research and identify potential outsourcing partners with the skills and expertise required to complete your projects or tasks. I am a firm believer in referrals. Check-in with friends, colleagues, and networking groups. All but one of my clients found me because they knew me in the corporate world or were referred to me. And 100% of the contractors hired for our home renovation were referred to us.
4. Schedule Discovery Calls. Schedule discovery calls with professionals you believe are a match for you and your business. Talk about your business, your pain points, and the projects or tasks you are looking to outsource. Provide as much information as you can. Remember, this is not an interview. You are talking to a professional with expertise. The purpose of this call is to determine if you want to work together.
5. Onboarding Setup. When you welcome your new outsourcing partner, you want to provide them with the resources, information, and support needed to complete projects or tasks. This might include providing your logo, brand colors, passwords to programs, guidelines, or training. As you onboard, schedule check-ins and be available as needed. Once you both get up and running, take note of all questions asked to add to your onboarding process for future outsourcing partners.
Along the way, you’ll want to regularly check in and monitor the progress and quality of the work. Do they need your input? Provide frequent feedback and guidance to ensure the work meets your expectations and standards.
Outsourcing can significantly benefit your business but requires careful planning, communication, and management to ensure success. Be diligent in selecting the right partners and managing the relationship(s) for best results. Happy outsourcing!
Things That Bring Me Joy: A New Chapter
We welcomed Cooper, an absolutely precious Chocolate Labrador Retriever, into our family.
After the unexpected loss of our beloved Brody this Fall, we were graced with the equally unexpected addition when we welcomed Cooper. His joy is infectious, as he shares happiness and love with everyone he meets.
Please share a photo of your pet(s). I’d love to see them!