Tips to Help Small Business Owners Hire the Best Outsourced Resources
Time and time again I hear the same struggles small business owners are facing today about not being able to rely on the people they have delegated work to, whether they be internal members of their team or an outsourced provider.
I hear the frustration that comes along with wanting to create time for yourself. Delegating to minimize your tasks but then somehow being faced with an increased workload.
Whether that be constantly overseeing employees to make sure the work is done efficiently and up to your standards or bringing in an outside source that might not be the best match for your company’s needs, it can be difficult to find an effective delegation solution.
Choosing a trusted resource for delegation is an important, analytical process that requires time and introspection. As business owners, you are already stretched for time.
At PRODUCTIVITY we give you back as much time as possible. We have created some field-tested steps to help you put a reliable process in place so you can delegate with confidence.
Define Your Needs:
List specific tasks you and your company need help with, and the skills and experience required to complete them. Try to imagine what projects you would work on if you had a couple hours each day, then ask yourself which tasks are blocking you from focusing on those projects. Think about the different hats you wear throughout the day. Would you receive the most help from an outside resource that specializes in one hat or several of those hats?
Research and Gather Referrals:
Once you have your needs defined you can begin researching potential resources. Ask for referrals from fellow business owners or look at professional networks and platforms like LinkedIn or industry-specific forums. Using these resources can provide you with real insights into a potential resource’s reliability and quality of work. It will also provide you with an understanding of which external resources would best match your needs.
Conduct Interviews:
If possible, interview candidates to evaluate how well they align with your business values, if they understand your expectations, and if they have the requisite skills and experience.
Check Testimonials:
Check to see if they provide client testimonials to verify their reliability, work ethic, and ability to deliver on time. Look to see if those testimonials provide their problem-solving skills and how well they handle communication and deadlines.
Start with a Trial Project:
Before fully committing, start with a small, manageable project to test their skills and reliability. This gives you a practical insight into their working style and the quality of their output.
Discuss Communication and Updates:
Ensure that the resource is comfortable with your preferred communication channels and update frequencies. Regular updates and transparent communication are vital for successful delegation and will help you feel more secure in your decision.
Clarify Expectations and Outcomes:
Make sure they understand what you expect in terms of outcomes, deadlines, and quality. Clear expectations will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are aligned.
Agree on Terms and Conditions:
Establish clear terms regarding:
- Timeframes
- Milestones
- Communication methods
- Security parameters
- Payment
- Confidentiality and any other legalities
This protects both your business interests and the relationship with the resource.
Monitor and Adjust:
After delegation, monitor the progress and outcomes closely, especially during the early stages. Be open to adjusting as necessary to ensure the partnership remains beneficial.
By following these steps, you can select a resource that meets your needs and delivers quality work, allowing you to delegate with confidence.
Book a free, no-obligation call with us to discuss how we can help.
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