How do I start outsourcing business tasks?
I have no idea where to start outsourcing business tasks. What do I look for in an outsourcing professional? How do I know which tasks I should be outsourcing? When should I start outsourcing? Help!
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Mar 14, 2018
First of all, you need to define the certain tasks you're going to outsource and the companies you're tending to. Reading reviews on the web is obligatory if you don't want to be disappointed. I would also recommend reading this blog https://diceus.com/highly-anticipated-net-conferences-2018/, it highlights a lot of topics related to outsourcing. If you don't want to hire whole companies, you can get in touch with freelancers at special sites like Upworks, Fiverr, etc. Good luck!
Jan 21, 2014
Look first at the things you enjoy the most AND are the best at. If by chance there are also the things you get paid the highest rate for, then you are on the right track. If not, re-read the first sentence and look at your workflow/tasks etc. Begin by delegating the things you are not good at, do not enjoy, or do not want to take the time to learn. Then ask everyone you know who they know that is good in this area. Interview and find a perfect fit.
I recently have gone through this process in looking for a person to handle my marketing and publicity for my classes. I just want to teach and coach. That is what I am best at, enjoy the most, and am compensated accordingly. I was found someone who is fantastic at exactly what I needed. Now she is doing all the "doing-ness" of these tasks and I spend very little time on it. It is inspiring to see the results she is producing, while I do my best work in the areas I love the most! That is a great feeling!
Dec 14, 2013
I know I am a little late with this, but wonder how close are you to a college or university with a business department in it?
You could offer interships for those task you do not want to do, or do not have the expertise to do. Those interns, if set up correctly, can use what they are being taught within the business departments to help your business. After all, we need to instruct the future business leaders with real time challenges versus what is learned out of a book.
Dec 12, 2013
First off all you have to make a strategy about a business plan, which tasks should be outsourced as i did, we have a great experience with datamaticsbpo have outsourced some of the services to them and had improve a huge return of investment. The other best thing is that it is quite affordable.
Thanks anyway....
Dec 8, 2013
Lynn - now that you have all this great advice... what are you going to do about it? You have acquired a lot of great ideas from this post... Achievement comes from action. Good luck... enjoy the journey.
Dec 8, 2013
Hi Lynn, I own a business service support firm, Peavy and Associates Business Services Inc. We provide virtual administrative support, accounting, billing, business development, and project management services. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. You can personal message me for more information.
Best regards,
Teleigha Peavy
Dec 7, 2013
Hi Lynn, outsource only those processes that are NOT core to what makes you different from your competitors. But be careful...
When you outsource, make sure you have a business continuity plan for when the external service provider is having a bad day.
I've seen small business owners held to randsom by their ecommerce website developers - they have the power to shut your business down by disconnecting your primary income channel (your website)!
Always know where they live. Make sure if need be you can drive there (make sure they're in the same country as you). Always have some form of leverage such as an SLA (Service Level Agreement) contract that dissuades them from unprofessional conduct.
Dec 7, 2013
Lynn, specific to your business "online shop for my knit apparel" following can be activities related with outsourcing
1) Designing and developing on online shop - graphic design, web design, payment gateway integration etc.
2) Maintaining online shops - Uploading new entries, managing blogs etc.
3) Customer support - Handling inquiries and providing support to customers (inbound and outbound)
4) logistics - delivering goods (apparels) to customers
I have just outlined important activities as a business model requirement. However all these outsourcing activities depends on business stage. Activities like marketing, purchase, accounts are not recommended for outsourcing, however you can outsource part of those activities keeping quality and strategic control in your hand ---- & also depending on business stage.
PS: If you need design related outsourcing support, feel free to connect with me - I have already provided branding and design support for few international clients.
Mar 28, 2019
Hello sir,
I saw your answers above that you have branding and design work to outsource.
You can outsource this work to me and my team. I am also a startup and running an outsourcing firm, looking to get some clients. I can outsource your work in the best possible way at the lowest possible cost.
Contact - 844-797-2248.
Dec 7, 2013
Lynn I ask my clients to write down everything they do for a week. Take that list and add a check mark if that task can ONLY be done by you.
If it can be done by someone else, then start to record how you do it - through notes, screencasts, etc to create guidelines.
Also note how long it takes you to complete these tasks.
Choose the tasks to outsource as those that you have a good understanding but know that someone else could do it better, or with less stress.
When you are looking for individuals the information you have collected will provide them guidelines about the project to quote on.
Once you sub-contract you will also have timelines so that you can test each new person out against that to ensure that you are getting value, and to limit the times that they can work on a project so that over billing does not become an issue.
Mismatched expectations is a major problem when subcontracting so anything you can do to make things clear will help.
There are tons of agencies and opportunities to hire from and you can direct message me if you need direction for a specific area.
Dec 7, 2013
Start by being clear on your company goals and priorities. Then evaluate internal resources/skills available to accomplish our goals. This will give you a good sense of where you need help. I would then research people who can help (you can search our Experts to get started). I would schedule a few calls to ask about their experience, process, availability and pricing. I always start with discrete tasks whenever possible to evaluate their work. I generally perform the tasks first (or do a lot of research) so I can properly evaluate how well someone I hire is doing. For example, if you are hiring a sales person, try selling first so you know how long certain tasks take and what the success rate should be. This isn't always possible, but I have found it valuable for many outsourced tasks. Good luck.
Wise advice- thanks, Jerry!