When you own your own business, it’s really easy to get in the mindset of doing everything yourself. After all, what you can control you can do correctly, right? Not necessarily. Although you are an expert in your field, there are some things that you should outsource to others or, at minimum, get a helping hand if you’re not familiar with a certain type of task. Wolex Technologies offers some examples.
Marketing
When you first started your business, you may have relied on word-of-mouth. This is one of the best ways to gain a following, but, if you really want to grow, you have to market. In today’s digital age, online reviews and video testimonials are the way to go. A dedicated marketing specialist can help you present your business in front of your customers in a way that showcases you at your very best.
Web Design
Web design is a tricky business. If you aren’t familiar with how people view your website on their mobile or desktop devices, you may be tempted to try and fit everything on one page. This is a mistake. Usability Geek also notes that a poor call-to-action and hidden navigation are issues as well.
Graphic Design
Along the same vein as web design is graphic design. Unless you are already familiar with how to use fonts, colors, clipart, and other visual elements, it’s usually best to outsource this to a professional.
Business Formation
Business formation is something else you might want to get a helping hand with, at least the first time you establish an LLC or corporation. Keep in mind that your business structure largely directs many important aspects of your business, such as how you pay taxes and how much, if any, personal liability must be assumed for your business. You can do much of it on your own, albeit with the learning curve, and a business formation service can help you streamline the process. They’ll even file the paperwork after you fill out all the provided documents.
Software Setup
For the most part, setting up software is a simple procedure. Most come with an installation wizard that makes it virtually foolproof. But, certain software programs, like accounting, customer relationship management, and inventory control, may have special nuances that an expert can help you take control of. For example, if you set the wrong accounting method in QuickBooks, you might not be compliant with certain business requirements, depending on your industry.
Accounting
Speaking of accounting, unless you’re extremely good with numbers and have plenty of time to focus on the books, it’s a smart idea to outsource accounting. Having an accountant or a CPA on your side will help you stay compliant and accurate.
Cybersecurity
According to UpGuard, “Cybersecurity is the state or process of protecting and recovering computer systems, networks, and programs from any type of attack.” If you aren’t sure of the types of attacks or systems might be vulnerable to, that’s a good sign that you should bring in a cybersecurity expert to keep your systems safe. A vulnerable computer, network, or server is an open buffet for criminals who can steal and control your data. Not only does a data breach decrease your company’s trustworthiness, it could cost you upwards of $4.24 million.
The Hiring Side
Once you determine which specialists you need, you can start looking for candidates. If you want to hire employees, consider working with a recruiting agency, which will handle the legwork of finding worthy candidates and vetting them for interviews. If you’re content with hiring freelancers, look to sites like Upwork and Fiverr, and don’t limit yourself to contractors in the United States. There are plenty of freelancers around the world looking for contract work, from India to the Philippines to Uganda to Brazil. There are people everywhere with the skills you need. Plus, you can avoid complicated payment setups by using a wire transfer service to make payments. Platforms like Remitly offer secure and speedy service, and your recipient can often benefit from great exchange rates. For example, if you’re sending funds to a freelancer in Mumbai, they can get a great dollar- to-rupees conversion rate, and they can have it sent to their bank, or a preferred UPI or cash pickup location.
You know what’s right for your business. But, you also want to save money and do it all. While this is certainly a great attitude to have, there are some areas where it doesn’t make sense to DIY. And, in some cases, such as accounting and digital security, trying to handle things solo may cost you more than it would just to outsource from the beginning.
Contact Q6 today for more insight on how to use reviews to your advantage.