Outsourcing is when you choose certain business activities that you currently handle and then deciding to use an outside business source to handle the activity instead. This simple definition can bring peace of mind to an overloaded entrepreneur.
Case in point, as a web designer, clients may expect you to have the ability to create or install everything that revolves around the Internet. However, your skill set may not include some of your client needs such as creating an online shopping cart. So it would be good to find a business associate that you trust and outsource the online shopping cart to them.
It is however, very important that you keep a few things in mind when choosing an outsourcing business partner:
1. Choose someone that you can trust not to steal your clients away.
2. Choose someone who has the same business ethics as you.
3. Does this person have the specific skills necessary to complete the work you need done.
4. Ask for client samples and references so that you can get feedback from their clients regarding their work habits.
5. Make sure to have a contract that includes a non-compete clause in it.
The list above is just a running start on some of the things that you need to keep in mind when outsourcing. After you have determined whom you will outsource projects to, make sure to have a service level agreement (SLA) with them too.
The SLA should fully explain your expectation of the type of service they will provide to your clients along with time frames for completing the projects. The SLA should be put in place the same time as the outsourcing contract.
Finally, you should make sure that you have a process in place for handling your outsourcing project. For instance, you need to include the following in your outsourcing to do list.
1. Client name
2. Outsourcing project details
3. Time line
4. Special requirements
There are other things that you may need to add to this list but the list above are the basic items that need to be included in your outsourcing to do list.
Now that you have a template for outsourcing projects, you can start planning for adding more clients to your business. Do not be afraid of outsourcing but embrace it and learn how it will free you up to do more with your business to grow it.
------
Ken Troyer is a successful online marketer who has a passion to teach and share his knowledge online. Ken loves the internet and has been online since 2005...proving to be very successful with affiliate and direct marketing. Read more about Ken at: Online Business Coach