We live in a fast-paced and stressful world. This is even more evident when you’re running your own business. There are so many tasks to do and never enough time to do them, so you may feel like you’re continually chasing your tail.
While there are numerous ways to boost productivity, there is still only so much you can fit into any one day. To get better results, then, you may need to delegate. It’s more affordable than you probably think to outsource certain tasks, and once you start bringing in more income because more gets done, you’ll see how the outlay is worth it. If you’re not sure where to start, be aware that there are some key jobs particular suited to outsourcing.
Payroll and other HR
Unless you have experience in HR and enjoy the topic, it’s wise to invest in human resource outsource services so you can concentrate on other matters. An HR specialist firm can handle a variety of jobs, such as payroll, training, and recruitment.
Payroll, for instance, is an important job but often a rather repetitive and boring one. As such, it’s the perfect kind of task to outsource. HR service providers can also more quickly and effectively handle things like writing and posting job ads, going through applicants, and completing interviews.
They can then also set up new employees on your books and handle all the related paperwork, including that required by the tax office. Plus, you’ll find many good outsourcing opportunities for the design, implementation and follow-up of training programs.
Accounting and Finance
Entrepreneurs usually dread having to do accounting and finance tasks each month, and take a long time to get things done because they don’t have enough knowledge or experience in the area. If this sounds like you, too, go ahead and outsource tasks in this area.
For instance, utilize a bookkeeper to get you set up on a top accounting program such as Xero, MYOB, or Freshbooks. Once you have things organized properly, the software will be able to automate many tasks for you, making it a guaranteed time-saving investment.
Today’s programs can do things like create, generate and send out invoices to customers, send reminders when bills are overdue, and streamline a variety of payroll functions, once employee details are entered in. Software can also link to bank and credit card accounts in order to generate reports and expense claims, and correctly code expenses and deposits.
You might decide instead to outsource accounting and finance tasks to an accountant or other specialist. This is suggested when you want someone to handle tasks like getting your business tax affairs in order, and compiling cashflow statements, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and a variety of other reports and documents.
Marketing
Marketing is a time-consuming business element that can be effectively outsourced. Save yourself from having to learn about all the best practices in the many different marketing areas by getting a qualified freelancer or specialist firm to complete tasks for you and alert you to new opportunities. Test them out with one or two task and then delegate more to them over time as you see results.
Content creation is a good place to start. Hire a writer to develop blogs for your website and help you improve your search engine optimization rankings. Alternatively, have them come up with social media posts, write monthly newsletters, create advertisements, look after Google Adwords content, or develop website material about your brand, products, services and team.
Administration
One of the big pain points for you each month is likely administration. Thankfully, you don’t have to look far to find affordable virtual assistants (Vas) these days who can complete many dreaded admin tasks for you. VAs can be hired by the hour, day, or per project, not to mention full time, so you’ll be able to decide on a plan that works for you budget.
Virtual assistants can look after tasks such as calendar management, travel arrangements, meeting planning, database management, typing, correspondence, presentations, research, and other admin jobs that can be completed remotely.
This is just a taste of some of the many tasks and processes you can outsource to others during the year. Sit down and think about the types of jobs you get frustrated by and you’re sure to come up with a list of things to delegate. Once you do, you’ll free up much-needed time for yourself, time you can spend on things you excel at and enjoy.
