Marketing, public relations, accountancy and finance, HR management, IT, web design, graphic design, copywriting, catering, transport, travel, warehousing and logistics, even manufacturing…the list of operations that can be outsourced is endless and growing, as more and more businesses appreciate the benefits outsourcing can bring.
But just because something can be outsourced doesn’t mean it should be. Equally, you should never outsource something just because you don’t want or don’t like to do it.
The first step to deciding which operations can be outsourced is to take a really good look at your business to establish what is fundamental to its success, to its brand identity and offering – what it is that the business does or produces that customers want; in short what you originally set up the business to do. This is where the business should place its focus and should remain in-house. Anything else is non-core and can be considered for outsourcing.
The second step is to find reputable, reliable and quality suppliers to provide the services on your shortlist.
How to hire a contractor – where to find them
With so many qualified professionals leaving the corporate world to work as freelancers or contractors the choice of potential suppliers is seemingly endless. A good place to start is your own network, business and personal. Ask other business owners or your small business accountant, solicitor or bank manager if they can recommend a provider for the services you are looking to outsource.
Social media can also be a good tool. Use your online networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to tell people you are looking to hire a contractor and to ask for recommendations.
Also, providers of these services want to be found. So check out websites for professional contractors looking for work, such as Upwork and Freelancer. You can also try an online search on Google, Bing or other search engines. Be as specific as possible, otherwise your search will return too many options to feasibly sort through.
For example, if you want to outsource your accountancy and finance and are based in Surrey try the search term ‘accountancy services Surrey’.
Identifying potential suppliers
However you go about identifying potential suppliers, the real key to finding the right contractor is to know exactly what you are looking for. What qualities are you looking for in a contractor? What role will they be playing in your business? What tasks and jobs do you want them to deliver? What service level expectations do you have? What performance metrics will you use?
You then need to clearly communicate all of this information to your prospective contractor so that you establish a successful partner-style relationship right from the start.
Then follow our checklist to help you hire the best contractor:
- Check references
- Interview carefully
- Put everything in writing
- Provide a full description of the contractor’s role
- Check their insurance
Once you have completed your search, conducted interviews, made all the necessary checks and agreed the contract, there is just one thing left to do – step back and let them get on with the job.
Call us now on 01730 823000 for expert business advice on hiring contractors.
