Outsourcing is sometimes misunderstood in the business world, with some thinking it’s the best thing since sliced bread and others sceptical about the benefits and logistics.
This rupture certainly isn’t helped by the many misconceptions surrounding the concept of outsourcing.
In this article, we want to clear a few things up by presenting some of the most common myths about outsourcing, then busting them with the facts.
The myth: Outsourcing means you lose control of project management
For some, the idea of working with external parties who aren’t part of the in-house team is overwhelming. You can see your colleagues sitting right in front of you, so why would you outsource to someone who might not even be working the same timezone? For some this suggests nothing but a loss of control.
The truth:
Often, one of the most productive things you can do for your business as an owner or manager is open the door to others more proficiently skilled. Even if they are working six hours ahead or behind, from the comfort of their own home.
With technology working its magic, remote project management and collaboration between geographically distant teams in and external to the business has never been easier.
With the right systems in place, great communication, and the odd tool to help you out here and there, those you’re outsourcing to will simply become an extension of the team.
The myth: Outsourcing is something only big companies can afford
Plenty of business owners see outsourcing as a luxury that only big companies with lots of resources can afford. They see the cost of outsourced work as an added expense on top of the regular salaries and overheads – but what about ditching tradition?
The truth:
Outsourcing skills or services can actually be a great way to spend more sensibly and help budgets stretch further.
For example: rather than employing a full-time marketing social media exec to write a couple of social media posts per week, dissolve the role in favour of a freelancer or agency who can do the same, for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you don’t need to pay any employer’s contributions for them.
The myth: Outsourcing causes risks with data and cyber security
Far too often we see businesses shying away from outsourcing due to fears around cyber-attacks and data breaching. We hear you, and you’re right to be concerned about the online security of your business, especially when working with external parties. Just don’t let that be what puts you off outsourcing.
The truth:
Sure, if you’re not careful, working with external parties can compromise your data, but this is why contracts are useful. A freelancer or contractor is no more likely to result in a data protection breach than an employee.
The myth: Outsourced work isn’t as high quality as in-house work
Some believe that the best work can only be done by those operating from inside the business. Employers can find it difficult to process the idea that external professionals can do just as good a job as an employee.
The truth:
Recruitment is important! This is how you hire, or use the services of, good people who are dedicated to doing the job well. People are motivated in different ways, so one employee might be just as switched on as the next freelancer.
When you outsource to somebody, you’re buying into a specific, fine-tuned skillet that’s been honed. Their expertise can take you to the next level.
Sometimes, full-time employees can become generalists spread thinly, with fingers in a number of pies. The experts you outsource to, however, are masters of their craft. Plus, they’re well-versed in getting to know a business’s brand, tone of voice, culture and identity at super-speed.
Wondering how outsourcing skills might impact your business finances? Use our handy tool to ask a tax-related question for free and let our experts give you a (generous) nudge in the right direction.
