Settle The “Hire Or Outsource” Debate

In this blog, we will help you settle the “hire or outsource” debate with some insight from our side. When it comes to delegating work in your business, you can approach it the same way you would approach a relationship. Do you keep your options open and outsource them to professionals experienced in specific areas to fulfil different tasks? Or do you put all your eggs in one basket with an employee? How we approach business is often the same as how we approach our personal life. Is it better to date several people or to commit to just one?Investing in help as needed or finding permanent talent to fill a gap is a tough decision to make, and it all comes down to a balance of time, energy, capacity, and future goals.

Should You Outsource?

The first stop to settle the “hire or outsource” debate is whether you should be outsourcing or not. That is to say, as opposed to the long-term investment that comes with a permanent team member, outsourcing is a great option for businesses of all sizes, as well as start-ups. It can be considered no-strings-attached, just like a professional fling. It can deliver a stronger return, faster, with instant gratification and no future obligations.

When is The Best Time To Outsource?

The first question many have when outsourcing for the first time is when is the best time? The best time to start outsourcing would be as below:

• When you have a one-off project
• When the task is not a part of your core business model
• If it can be carried out remotely
• When it requires a professional with a specific set of skills
• When you need to delegate small tasks that are taking up your valuable time

Why Outsourcing Is Not Always The Best Option?

While outsourcing has its pros, it also comes with its cons. When you are outsouring, you are up against a variety of factors that might hinder you progress if you haven’t outsourced the right work at the right time and to the right person. The factors are as such:

• Having less control over their process or work produced
• Needing to give more communication and oversight
• Relying on others to deliver the result on time

That is to say, dating around by hiring experts on an as-needed basis is ideal for brands in their infancy looking for small-scale support or help on a one-off project.

Are You Better Off Hiring?

The second and last stop in our goal to settle the “hire or outsource” debate is whether you are better off hiring or not. Sometimes it pays to put your trust in hiring someone with core essential skills. But it comes with its own pros and cons. Unlike short-term outsourcing, hiring is a long-term commitment, very much like a marriage. It requires extra attention, communication, working through issues, and an investment in the longer-term outcome. That is to say, the long game of bringing onboard full-time staff has its own benefits, such as:

• It improves efficiency and reliability.
• In the long run, it reduces overhead. Employees are the most cost-effective in the long run compared to one-off outsourcing.
• It instils greater consumer retention and customer satisfaction.
• They can be trained to oversee many parts of your business.
• It allows you the freedom to take some time out and focus on yourself.

But this comes with its own cons, such as:

• It takes a longer time to see the returns.
• It requires more of your attention and training in the early stages before efficiency is improved.
• There is a chance that you could become dependent on the support.
• It is harder to break ties if you are not happy with the quality of work.

That is to say, taking it all into account, making the commitment to invite someone into your business takes the same care and consideration as inviting someone into your personal life.

Questions To Ask And Things To Remember

Before we settle the “hire or outsource” debate and you make the big decision for your business, consider the following:

• Is the cost of hiring, training, onboarding, and committing to one hire worth it for your current and near-future plans for your business?
• Do you have the time and energy to wear all the hats required as an employer and be responsible for every member of your larger team?
• Is there enough ongoing work for all the members of your current and future team?
• Is there potential for your business to grow that way?

Finally, are you ready for the commitment? Or does your business need more time before it can be suited to diversifying? That is to say, it all comes down to finding the right balance of understanding where your needs and goals can be met and by whom. Whether it is your life partner, a long-term employee, a variety of love interests, or a small outsourced team, commitment comes with responsibility, and sometimes it is just not in the best interest of your business to commit.