As a small business begins to grow and expand, demands on time and the need for help with the expanded responsibilities that come with that growth can interfere with running the business. To handle the new demands, owners have begun to outsource some of their operations to businesses that specialize in needed professional services. This is not outsourcing in the sense of shipping work overseas to a faceless, impersonal entity. Rather, it is working with local or area experts who understand the specific function in question, as well as being familiar with the demands of the business community.

When accounting, human resources, marketing and other business functions become increasingly complex and time consuming, outsourcing to companies that have the skills and expertise to successfully take over and manage them allows owners to devote their time and energies to their business strengths. When owners partner with specialists, they are hiring, in effect, an entire department, but without the HR headaches.

According to Greg Jones, CEO of Bookkeeping Express, outsourcing companies will “…assist with covering possible weaknesses that the owner has. In essence, the business will have a check and balance with outside eyes to aid in running the business.”

The professional expertise and guidance offered by the hired company has an added benefit. Companies who work as outsourcing agents employ the best business practices in their particular industry, bringing with them the most up-to-date methodologies, materials, and strategies.

Working with outsourcing companies is no different than hiring any employee, and the process is the same:  Research the company’s background, meet with and interview key personnel, and check references. Once the list of potential companies is created and narrowed, discussing specific needs and expected outcomes with the candidates will determine the best match.

“This is value you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll be able to do things you once couldn’t do at a speed you never thought possible.” says Bobby Harris of BlueGrace Logistics.

References:

Mielach, David. “Outsourcing Frees Small Business Owners to Focus” BusinessNewsDaily April 4, 2013.