The nature of being an entrepreneur is that you want to be across every aspect of your business. From conception to completion, most entrepreneurs have built their business from the ground up. Initially the idea of relinquishing control can be a bitter pill to swallow for a budding business owner. However, in order to grow your business and allow the potential for maximum expansion, it pays dividends to delegate and outsource. The trick is to know which tasks can be outsourced to provide the kind of pay off you deserve.
Here are 5 business tasks entrepreneurs should outsource:
- Office Admin
One of the most time-consuming tasks for any entrepreneur is dealing with their office administration. It’s the kind of work that requires meticulous attention to detail without relying on your specific skill set. Which also makes it the perfect task to outsource. Whether it’s updating your contact list, making travel arrangements, contacting potential customers or simply ordering stationery, getting a helping hand is priceless. There’s no denying these tasks are crucial to the functioning of a business, but they’re tasks that could be easily delegated. The digital landscape is flush with experienced office workers looking to put their experience to use – what are you waiting for?
- Data Entry
Part of running a successful business is collating data, making it easily digestible, and then using your research to get results. The only problem for a potential entrepreneur is that data collection can be a drain on time and resources. Look to outsource online, with digital data specialists one of the most foolproof ways to become an expert entrepreneur. Hiring an online helper to diligently stay across your database is guaranteed to be good for business. Be transparent about your expectations and what is required, ensuring you get the most out of your decision to outsource data. Never struggle with a spreadsheet again!
- Quick Errands and Deliveries
One of the best ways to take advantage of outsourcing is by engaging a helping hand to carry out last minute errands and deliveries. Ducking out to grab an important package, delivering documents across the city by midday or simply running around town ticking items off the to do list. The online community is brimming with keen workers who can carry out these tasks with minimal fuss and maximum efficiency. The bonus of having access to flexible workers is that you only pay for what you need. So once the delivery is done so too are the dollars you spend!
- Testing of New Product/Website/App
Launching a new product, website, or application is one of the most thrilling, difficult, and nerve wracking entrepreneurial experiences. Chances are a lot of time has gone into the launch, which means getting an accurate idea of a customer’s reaction is priceless. Instead of hiring an agency to conduct research on your behalf, tap into the online marketplace. By engaging participants yourself, you’ll be able to gather feedback directly from the source. Learn what they love, hate, and appreciate about your new product, fresh website, or latest update.
- IT Support
Outsourcing IT support is a big call for any enthusiastic entrepreneur. While there’s risk associated with the move, it can be the kind of decision that can result in a tangible improvement in your business. Outsourcing IT can benefit you in that external companies are bigger, better staffed, and constantly on call. In addition to that, it’s a competitive option financially, training costs are nonexistent, and you’re not wasting a salary. Depending on what level of assistance you need – whether it’s the purchase and installation of IT equipment or 24-hour call support – it’s crucial you find the right provider. Be open and honest with the needs of the business, but ultimately outsourcing is a great option.
**Written by Katie Hume, Marketing Communications Manager at Airtasker.
Katie Hume is the Marketing Communications Manager at Airtasker – a trusted community marketplace for people and businesses to outsource tasks, find local services or hire flexible staff in minutes – online or via mobile.