No matter what size your business is or what your goals, saving money will always help you get there. One of the best ways to cut costs and improve efficiency is to outsource. However, if you fail to outsource effectively, you can end up running into trouble. With this in mind, we’ve developed the following five tips to help you outsource the right way and save:
1. Understand the value of your data
Though you may not be able to afford a permanent, in-house IT guru, it’s essential that you have top-quality small business IT support. Fail to protect your data, and you could be lining yourself up for a massive financial hit.
In addition to keeping everything safe and secure, outsourcing your IT support is a cost-effective way to get access to cutting-edge technology. Since the company supporting you will have multiple clients and a need to remain competitive, they’ll typically utilize the latest and greatest in the tech world. You’ll also find them to be super responsive whenever you have tech trouble, so don’t sell yourself short by skipping this vital service.
2. Pick and choose your freelancers
Rather than trying to find a permanent staff member who’s a Jack of all trades, it’s worth your while to collect a team of freelancers who are each expert in their field and who are happy to take work assignments from you whenever they arise.
Put some effort into finding people who share your values and whose work is always impeccable and on time. Then nurture these professional relationships with a view to creating a loyal virtual team. Pay them on time (or early), communicate effectively, be reasonable with your deadlines, and they’ll be happy to support you whenever you need work done.
3. Embrace digital space
One of the biggest costs involved in running a small business is your premises. Though many savvy business owners were using virtual offices prior to 2020, the pandemic made it abundantly clear just how viable of an option this is.
The best companies also offer you bookable workspaces and meeting rooms, meaning you can unite your team any time you need to touch base. Add top-of-the-line workforce management software to the mix, and you’ve got the right recipe for running an efficient and productive remote team.
4. Outsource your accounting
Rather than investing in specialized payroll software and in-house staff to handle your accounts, it’s far more cost-effective to outsource when it comes to your accounting needs. In the same way, small business IT support providers offer their clients industry-leading software and technology, so too do accounting firms. As a bonus, outsourcing this sensitive job greatly reduces your risk of being a victim of fraud.
5. Marketing
Many small business owners make the mistake of thinking marketing is something they can easily handle in their spare time. Not only can this result in ineffective campaigns, but it can also drain away all your spare time, leaving you fiddling around on Facebook when you should be spending time with your loved ones. To combat this, it’s worth the investment to outsource your marketing to a reputable agency. Do your research to ensure you find someone who’s a match for your mission and values, and make sure they track their campaigns and offer you data to prove their efficacy.
It certainly is true that you have to spend money to make money. Nevertheless, by outsourcing the above services, you’ll be spending wisely and securing the future of your business.
