As a small business owner and maybe you’re a solopreneur, one of the keys to your long-term success is recognizing when you need help and getting it sooner, rather than later. Creative entrepreneurs seen to be more likely to fail at this more than non-creatives because we actually really like doing the creative work of our business and we tend to neglect the more important tasks like finding customers and digging up new business.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
I can talk on this because I am such a creative. As a creative designer, I LOVE creating logos, branding, websites, online stores – the list goes on and on. But spending all my time on those aspects will mean I have a hobby, not a business because I won’t have any customers. The challenge is prioritization. Identify the tasks that are essential to running a profitable business and focus there first. If there’s time left you can take on some of the non-essential things like rebranding for the umpteenth time. #LeSigh
What to Get Help For
Small business owners often hire outside help for various tasks to streamline operations and leverage expert skills. Here are some of the most common tasks that are frequently outsourced:
- Accounting and Bookkeeping: Managing finances, tax preparation, and payroll processing are typically outsourced to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- IT Services: This includes software and app development, hardware repair, system setup, and ongoing technical support. Outsourcing IT helps small businesses handle complex tech needs without maintaining an in-house team.
- Marketing: Many small businesses outsource marketing activities such as content creation, social media management, SEO, and advertising campaigns. Marketing agencies can provide a broad range of services and creative strategies to grow the business.
- Customer Service: Outsourcing customer service, such as call centers or online chat support, allows businesses to provide consistent and professional customer interactions without overburdening their staff.
- Administrative Tasks: Virtual assistants can handle scheduling, email management, data entry, and other administrative duties, freeing up business owners to focus on core activities.
- HR and Recruitment: Functions like employee benefits management, compliance, recruitment, and training can be efficiently managed by external HR firms.
- Graphic Design: Designing logos, marketing materials, and other visual content is often outsourced to freelance graphic designers or design agencies.
- Web Design and Development: Professional agencies can create and maintain websites, ensuring they are functional, attractive, and up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
- Fulfillment Services: For businesses dealing with physical products, outsourcing warehousing and order fulfillment can streamline logistics and ensure timely delivery to customers.
- Legal Services: Contracting legal experts for tasks like contract creation, intellectual property issues, and compliance can save businesses from costly legal mistakes.
By outsourcing these tasks, small business owners can focus on strategic growth and core business functions, leveraging specialized skills and reducing operational burdens.
Where to look for help
The best way to find help is by getting recommendations from your network of peer business owners. Nothing beats the firsthand experience of others in really validating that they person or business is reputable, knowledgeable, and will do a good job. If that option is not available for the particular task you need help with, below are some digital options you can use to find help:
Freelance Platforms
- Upwork: A comprehensive platform where businesses can hire freelancers for various tasks including marketing, graphic design, web development, and administrative support.
- Fiverr: Known for its wide range of services offered at different price points, from graphic design to digital marketing.
- Freelancer: Another platform to find freelancers for tasks such as IT support, customer service, and content creation.
Professional Services
- Toptal: Provides access to top freelancers in fields such as software development, design, and finance.
- Guru: Connects businesses with freelancers for projects in various categories like writing, programming, and administrative tasks.
- PeoplePerHour: Focuses on connecting small businesses with freelancers for hourly or project-based work.
Virtual Assistants
- Belay: Offers virtual assistant services along with bookkeeping and web support tailored for small businesses.
- Time Etc: Provides experienced virtual assistants to help with administrative tasks, content writing, and more.
IT and Technical Support
- Geek Squad: Provides technical support for hardware and software issues.
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Companies like Dataprise offer comprehensive IT support services for small businesses.
Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Bench: Provides online bookkeeping services tailored for small businesses.
- QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping: Connects businesses with certified bookkeepers for ongoing support.
- Xero: Offers accounting software with the option to connect with accounting professionals.
Legal Services
- LegalZoom: Provides legal documents and connects businesses with attorneys for various legal needs.
- Rocket Lawyer: Offers online legal services including document creation and access to legal advice.
Online Marketplaces for Professional Services
- LinkedIn ProFinder: Connects businesses with professionals in various fields including writing, design, and consulting.
- Thumbtack: Allows businesses to find local professionals for various services.
Industry-Specific Resources
- SCORE: Offers free mentoring and resources from retired business executives.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): Provide consulting and training for small businesses through a network of centers across the U.S.
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Offers resources and connections to service providers for small businesses.