Outsourcing is a prominent business practice of today, although not everyone would agree on its pros and cons. Some startup owners steer away from outsourcing because they are afraid of losing control and oversight. Others know better, and outsource everything from accounting to web design. Temporary hiring of professionals helps them get the operations off the ground and turn brilliant ideas into reality. They enjoy the benefits of a qualified workforce without breaking the bank, successfully competing with bigger businesses out there.
Getting the work done
The main challenge is to find and delegate to those with the right expertise and qualifications. However, this should not pose such a problem, taking into account that the freelance market is well-developed and teeming with professionals willing to work on an ad hoc basis. It has never been easier and more affordable to outsource. Hence, startups are given a chance to maneuver around the predicament of not being able to attract top talent in the early stages.
As the result, outsourcing is gaining traction across the globe. It is estimated that 53% of manufacturing companies take advantage of offshore outsourcing. They manage to free up internal resources and prioritize tasks better in one stroke. Countries like India, China, Malaysia, Brazil, and the Philippines are considered to be the best for outsourcing business. Moreover, business process outsourcing in Jordan and other surprising places is also on the roll, so the possibilities are endless.
Freelancers tend not to shy away from emerging startups due to the temporary nature of the work. As a rule of thumb, they are also highly-trained professionals, who have clearly defined work strategies and know how to stay on top of complex projects. Thus, startup owners can expect their fast and smooth delivery. They are also presented with an opportunity to abandon extensive micro-managing and turn their attention to key competencies.
Financial perks
Furthermore, it makes financial sense to outsource. When you possess a limited budget, having a bunch of people on a regular payroll strains the organization. On the other hand, freelancers are technically self-employed and do not require you to worry about various benefits like a holiday, maternity or sick leave. You pay them only for the work done. That way, one can overcome the lack of funding, which is the bane of many startups’ existence.
Note that outsourcing also saves money on office space. Many small businesses struggle to afford a shared space, yet alone a corporate office. That is when you need to rely on people who are used to working remotely and communicating via platforms such as Skype. It is not uncommon for them to work unsociable hours and be there for you when nobody else is available. So, your startup will appear bigger than it actually is and even performs more like a mature organization.
Time on your side
Startup owners are often bombarded with a wide array of tasks and obligations. They go to great lengths in order to secure the funding, oversee day-to-day operations, and engage in strategic planning. Time is money and both come in short supply. So, doing everything on your own is not advisable. Outsourcing is something that helps you free up time in your schedule and dedicate it to the core aspects of running a business. Being overwhelmed and drained of energy is the thing of the past.
Therefore, if you ask me, it pays off to hire professionals to do the heavy lifting, especially when it comes to time-consuming, tedious, and technical tasks. One of the areas where startups lean heavily towards outsourcing is IT and software development. After all, keeping full-time, skilled developers can burn a big hole in your pocket. It is estimated that owners who outsource are able to cut costs in the range between 20% and 50%, all without compromising the quality of work.
Just do your homework when figuring out who to cooperate with. Factor in your industry sector, startup goals, and strategic plans. Hire people who are passionate, motivated, and know the ropes. Establish good relationships with them, meet tight deadlines, and get more things done each and every day. Set your organization on the fast track to success and flourish in the competitive business arena. Do what you are good at and let the professionals take on those tasks you do not excel at.
Walk the cutting-edge
Outsourcing holds great promise to aspiring entrepreneurs. Namely, handing work to freelancers is a practical and cost-effective way to handle tasks while also conserving resources. It has proven advantageous to numerous small businesses, a way to gain a powerful competitive edge. Accelerate project completion and enhance the quality of work done. Focus on more pressing business concerns, overcome growing pains, and grow at scale. Take your operations to the whole new level and get ahead of the curve instead of falling behind.
Dan Radak
Dan Radak is a marketing professional with eleven years of experience. He is a coauthor on several websites and a regular contributor to BizzMark Blog. Currently, he is working with a number of companies in the field of digital marketing, closely collaborating with a couple of e-commerce companies.