For a small business, any steps that cut down costs, workforce, and spatial requirements are quite an investment, and outsourcing is one such step. Outsourcing entails entrusting business processes to external service providers such as freelancers, accounting, and marketing firms.
One lesson we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is that a virtual workforce works, and most enterprises are quickly adopting remote employment. In case you are wondering if outsourcing can work for your small business, here are top business functions you can experiment with.
1. Accounting
Balancing books is a crucial responsibility in any business. This task requires advanced experience, and it is one area that you want to be handled by an expert. Outsourcing accounting services saves you money on short-term contracts and resources in terms of office space and computers. Many reputable accounting firms offer cost-friendly yet efficient services. For instance, if you are a New Yorker, a quick search for accountant NYC on the web directly links you to a list of trusted accountants around you.
2. IT-Related Tasks
With the rise in cyber insecurity, business data and systems require robust security. That is why businesses are investing in robust anti-hack security systems. Outsourcing your IT-related tasks not only gives you access to qualified internet security personnel, but you also get someone to manage your entire IT needs. A managed service provider can take over cumbersome technical issues such as regular software updates, hardware improvements, and professional guidance as you handle the critical business aspects.
3. Digital Marketing
With a shift from traditional TV and newspaper marketing to digital marketing, getting to your customers has never been easier. However, managing an in-house marketing team can be hectic and costly as you have to get extra space, full-time contracts, and cater for other in-house resources. Luckily, you can outsource all your marketing tasks. There are thousands of marketing agencies in North America alone that you can contract on an as-needed basis.
4. Customer Communication
Does your business handle frequent customer communications? If it does, you should consider hiring a virtual customer assistant as the job does not require in-person services. You should make sure that you are on the same page with your VA on your company’s policies and expectations to avoid miscommunications. If you serve clients globally, you can hire different virtual assistants for each time zone.
5. HR Services
When it comes to human resource tasks such as hiring, onboarding, and team management, having a professional HR manager by your side streamlines management processes. A qualified HR understands the critical aspects of recruiting and onboarding new employees than you do and reduces the chances of hiring the wrong person.
6. Logistics Management
If your business is shipping different products, you may want to outsource your logistics tasks to a relevant company. As an e-commerce site, processing orders and clearing deliveries can take up most of your marketing time.
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If done right, outsourcing can significantly slash down costs of operations for any business. It is advisable to outsource only a few tasks at a time for easier management. Feel free to experiment with the tasks mentioned above and select the ones that work for your business.