Outsourcing is not just a trend that emerged during uncertain times; it's a smart strategy that helps businesses of all kinds stay relevant in today's digital world. It offers many advantages and is a way to access talent and resources without the need for a large in-house team. Experts predict that global spending on outsourcing will reach a whopping $731 billion in 2023.
There are different ways to outsource, and they benefit startups, small businesses, and even larger companies. Many companies see outsourcing as a way to grow and expand. When businesses are short on staff and money, outsourcing allows them to tap into a global pool of talented individuals without the extra costs of hiring and managing an internal team.
However, outsourcing isn't a decision to be made lightly. It requires careful planning and consideration to ensure success.
What can your business outsource?
When deciding whether to outsource, the first step is to take a close look at your company and what it does best. Your unique strengths and advantages over competitors are your core competencies, and those should be your focus.
Outsourcing non-core functions can help you save money and free up valuable time and resources. But how do you know what counts as a non-core function? Here are some examples to consider.
Bookkeeping – It's important to stay on top of your finances and maintain accurate records. However, if you're not an expert in bookkeeping, it can be incredibly time-consuming. Outsourcing this task can ensure accuracy and save you valuable time and effort.
Digital marketing – Promoting your business online and reaching your target audience effectively requires specialized knowledge and skills. Unless you have a dedicated digital marketing team, outsourcing this function to experts can help you create effective strategies and maximize your online presence.
Customer service –If customer service isn't your main focus, it's likely that another company specializes in it and can do a better job. There's no shame in admitting that, and outsourcing customer service can save you money and headaches.
Once you've identified the non-core functions, these are some important questions to ask yourself:
Does it require a lot of resources and time?
Is it critical to your business, yet you're not skilled at it?
Do you lack the expertise to do it properly in-house?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, outsourcing could be a great option for you!
How can outsourcing reduce costs?
Outsourcing offers numerous advantages, with cost savings being the most important. It helps businesses save money and simplifies job management. It also frees up valuable time and resources, allowing companies to focus on generating new and innovative ideas.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over one-third of small businesses outsource at least some of their operations. The global outsourcing market has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades, with its value exceeding $92.5 billion. This growth continues as more companies realize the benefits of partnering with reliable offshore providers.
No hiring, onboarding, and retention costs
Hiring the right candidate can be expensive and time-consuming. Recruiters say that, on average, it costs around $3,000 or less to hire someone. If you're not searching in the right places, it could take up to six months to find the right fit.
In a competitive job market, attracting top talent means competing with bigger companies offering higher salaries and better perks. On top of that, the recruitment process itself takes time, with an average of over three weeks to fill a position.
Outsourcing can save you time and money. Your chosen outsourcing company will take care of all the recruitment tasks for you, from finding potential candidates to getting them ready to work. You only need to give them details of your ideal staff, and they'll match you with suitable applicants. It's a convenient way to find the right talent without the stress and hassle.
Lower payroll costs
One major advantage of outsourcing to an offshore location is the lower payroll costs. Payroll costs include employee salaries, benefits, taxes, and paid leaves.
In the past, it was challenging to save on labor costs without potentially affecting revenue or productivity. However, outsourcing has opened up an exciting opportunity for many businesses to significantly reduce such expenses without compromising skills or quality. You can often find lower labor costs when you outsource to countries outside of the West.
For example, countries like the Philippines offer lower wages compared to Western countries. This means you could save up to 70% on employment costs while still getting the same level of talent and quality output.
Smaller office space
When considering outsourcing, one important aspect often overlooked is the potential to downsize office space or use it for other beneficial purposes. This is because outsourced departments do not need to be based in-house. For example, a company that outsources its customer service department does not need to have a call center in its office. This can lead to cost savings on operational expenses like rent, utilities, furniture, and equipment.
Outsourcing allows companies to access high-quality support staff without the burden of providing dedicated office space. The right outsourcing providers have their own workspaces, which means you can focus on utilizing your office for other beneficial purposes. This not only saves costs but also allows companies to optimize their office resources for maximum efficiency and productivity.
Outsourcing can help your business grow faster
Outsourcing can have a big impact on your company's financial success. Regardless of what you choose to outsource, it's likely to save you money compared to having that department within your own business. With outsourcing, you don't have to worry about paying full-time salaries, benefits, or investing in expensive software and equipment. Instead, you only pay for the specific services you need.
Outsourcing also boosts productivity, which means you'll have more time and money to focus on other important areas of your business. You can pass on the savings to your customers by offering better prices. You can also use the extra time and resources to improve your customer experience or even create new products and explore new markets. The best part is that you can make these improvements without losing revenue.
If you haven't started outsourcing yet, consider trying it out with just one task. You'll be amazed at how much you can save and how much more efficient and profitable your company can become. It's a smart move that can take your business to the next level!
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