One of the great things about working from home and online is that you can be your own boss. One of the downsides… you no longer have a team of co-workers doing their share of the tasks. The solution: Outsourcing.
If you look behind the curtain of any solo-entrepreneur, you’ll most likely find an entire team of assistants and service professionals keeping that business running smoothly.
One of the primary disadvantages of outsourcing is that you lose quality control over the tasks. This can be particularly risky if you are not familiar with the task, or how it should be done, and you’re working on blind faith. Especially with important aspects of your online business, like SEO or link building.
One of the major advantages of outsourcing: getting more done in less time…
I outsource quite a bit myself, but I thought I would bring in an expert to discuss the advantage & disadvantage of outsourcing in more detail. My friend Traci Knoppe runs an outsourcing company for web tech services, so I sent her an email with a few questions:
Hi Traci, I was just reading your article on the pros & cons of outsourcing and it reminded me of some outsourcing nightmares I’ve had in the past…
Fortunately most of my experiences have been positive… but, any advice on avoiding a bad experience with outsourcing?
In a word: References. Just like hiring anyone, you need to check their references. So many people are too quick to hire the first person or company they believe they can afford, regardless of the integrity and work ethic of the person or company.
Without checking references, you are acting on blind faith that this person or company can do what they say they will do.
Ahh – very good advice! I usually start by doing a search on Google for reviews or conversations about the company or person I’m considering. References I hadn’t considered…
I tend to outsource tasks I am not good at, such as graphic design or copywriting, and then I also outsource tasks that are repetitive or time consuming. With those, such as link building or article submissions, I prefer to do the task myself at first to get a feel for how I want it done.
That way I can share detailed instructions with the assistant or company. As someone who runs an outsourcing company, would you agree with this process?
It can be helpful when a client understands some of the processes involved in accomplishing the work they require.
When we would need information from them, knowing even a little of the how and why behind the request can make it easier for the client to provide us with the exact information we need.
However, it certainly is not necessary for a client to feel they need to learn about what we do in order to work with us. After all, that’s why most companies outsource, because they don’t know how to do something, and they don’t have time to learn, or don’t want to take the time to learn.
True – I do love the people on my team that seem to just be intuitive to what I need and “get it done” 
– they rock! Especially with graphics and site design.
A lot of people fear the cost of outsourcing. I’ve found it to be a very rewarding investment, increasing my productivity and revenue exponentially.
You’ve been self-employed for over a decade yourself – what’s your personal experience with this?
Everyone outsources something: we don’t do our own dental work, and we don’t cut our own hair. For many who do cut their own hair, perhaps they shouldn’t. 
We buy goods and services every day: and that’s all forms of outsourcing.
Coming to realize that we are already outsourcing, can help one see outsourcing as a help, not just an expense. Outsourcing can actually increase your profits, and it will most definitely afford you the time to manage your business more effectively, leaving you to do the parts of your business that only you can.
Once I personally saw outsourcing as a time saver for me, then I quickly became the ‘Queen of Delegation’. Yes, I’m an outsourcing service provider and I too outsource, that’s why I have staff to help me.
Good point – and great way to look at outsourcing. You wouldn’t want to see me if I cut my own hair! For that matter, that’s what some of my sites look like when I don’t outsouce: a bad do-it-yourself job. LOL
For someone that wants to try outsourcing, just get their feet wet a bit maybe, what would you recommend as the best first step?
My recommendation is to start with one task or small project as a test; and delegate that to an outsourcer.
If you’ve checked references before you choose someone, then the true test of your compatibility to work together and communicate effectively will be revealed through your test project.
If the test did not go well, determine if another test with that same outsourcer might help smooth out some of the new working relationship wrinkles. If continuing with that outsource provider isn’t an option, then find someone else. It’s definitely worth the effort to continue your search until you find the right person or company.
If the initial test went well, then look at your work load and decide what you can effectively delegate and outsource it!
Great advice. Not everyone, or every company, is a good fit. It has taken me time to create a team I can depend on and really enjoy working with. I use the word “team” loosely – it’s made up of a lot of stand alone disconnected individuals who are awesome at what they do.
But I’m working on that.
Thank you, Traci! Very insightful to hear your take on these issues.
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I would love to hear your thoughts on outsourcing tasks for your online business, and specifically your personal experiences with the advantage & disadvantage of outsourcing. Leave us a comment below!
Best,
p.s. Traci Knoppe runs Your Web Tech Team, a virtual outsourcing team with very affordable rates.
