Debra Eckerling (author of Your Goal Guide) takes a look at teaming up with other people to make your business work for you.
To do or not to do? That is the question.
No matter what your business – or role in the company – there comes a time when you need to decide what priorities you need to handle yourself and what you can #outsource.
Whether you off-load work to a live or virtual assistant, a different “team,” or an outside specialist, more often than not, the time and energy you save will be well worth the expense.
The Outsourcing Litmus Test
When deciding whether to take on – or pass along – certain projects or tasks, here are some of the questions you need to ask yourself:
- Is this related to my specialty?
- Can someone else do it?
- Should someone else do it?
Characteristics of items that are good to outsource, include:
- Repetitive tasks, such as data entry
- Time-consuming tasks, such as transcription
- Out-of-your-comfort-zone tasks. If something will take you more time to learn than it will take someone else to do properly, unless it’s something that will benefit your own professional development, it should go on someone else’s plate.
Professional Services. Unless it’s your actual business, look to others for:
- Web Design and Support
- Legal Advice
- Accounting
- Graphics
- Finance
Project Support. There may also be certain cases where you need to get assistance, even when the action item can be done by you.
For example, if you are looking to self-publish a book, release a white paper, or send out a marketing proposal, you may need to hire the following contractors:
- An editor and/or copy editor
- Photographer or Illustrator
- Designer
- Marketer or Publicist
Finding the Right People
When you decide to outsource, start by looking within your company. There may be an employee – or even a contractor – who is skilled in the specialty you need.
You can also ask your network. Ask friends for recommendations, post a request in a LinkedIn update, or attend virtual networking events where you can potentially find the right people.
Alternatively, you can look at job boards and ask for suggestions on relevant Facebook or LinkedIn groups.
The Bottom Line
When the question is whether to outsource, it typically comes down to money. If you can afford the expense, it will save you time and energy. Plus, when you focus on the things you do well and are passionate about, it will positively impact your revenue… and your attitude.
Outsourcing in the perfect world pays for itself.
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How do you decide what to do and what to outsource? What are your tips for finding great resources? Please share in the comments.
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Are you an executive trying to discover the best way to retain your key employees and teams? Does your #corporatewellness program help you – and your employees – set #goals AND set yourselves up for personal and professional, success? Let’s talk. I am available for consultations and workshops. Message me to set something up.
your goal guide
A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals
Start with a plan. One of the biggest reasons goals fail is that we often don’t put enough thought into what we really want before diving in. Your Goal Guide by Debra Eckerling starts with that first, crucial step: figuring out your goals and putting a plan in place. As a professional writer, communications specialist, and project catalyst with more than 20 years of experience, Eckerling is prepared to help you achieve success.