Many entrepreneurs reject outsourcing because of the extra cost. However, they fail to calculate the value of opportunities lost because they sank too much time into energy-sapping tasks best left to others.
As an example, you could create your own poster for an event, but it will likely take you twice as long and look half as good, as hiring a proficient designer to do it for you, with access to great images and fonts – while helping you keep the look and feel of your image brand.
Don’t let your inner control freak get in the way — outsource these crucial elements!
So in the spirit of creating more time in your day to grow your business, here are some key outsourcing opportunities for small businesspeople…
Artwork
All of the artwork you need for your small business – From the Branding of your company, to the ongoing marketing or artwork required to run and promote your business. This may include: website design, graphic art, logos, letterhead, signage design, marketing, photography, etc. Everyone thinks they can do their own design work, and sometimes they can, but very few can do it well. You can find incredibly talented designers – like Raquel 🙂 – who can handle all of your artwork needs for a very modest cost. On average, you can get professional art with Rockwell Art & Design starting at just $35 an hour.
Social media
I am all for reaching out on Facebook and Twitter and Google, but doing so takes time. Staying connected and reaching your local community through social media is a must these day. Raquel works strategically for her clients to put the same message out there on ALL of their accounts: From helping you select which social platforms are right for you, to setting up your pages, photographing your businesses and products, and maintaining accurate information (hours, contact info, etc) — to posting each week on behalf of your business, responding to posts and articles, finding connected people to link to, etc.
Other area’s recommended for small business owners to outsource:
- Banking | Separate from the accounting function is your relationship with an actual human being at your local bank. Most banks today have small-business specialists who can help you with cash flow, loans, grants, lines of credit and more.
- Editing | Spend your time coming up with great content. Leave it to someone else to pour over your documents and ensure accuracy.
- Accounting | Rule number one: Find a good bookkeeper for day-to-day accounting, a great payroll company to handle paychecks and withholdings and an even better CPA for tax accounting.
This Blog post copied and revised from: “5 Time-Consuming Tasks Small-Business Owners Should Outsource” Entrepreneur.com, read on Jan 19th 2015, http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/238185
~Georgia Gietzen,