Admin tasks can be the bane of a small business owner’s life. You likely started your business to do something that you love, and it’s unlikely that includes replying to emails, chasing invoices and working out your tax return. Unfortunately, these tasks are all an essential part of any business, big or small.
So why not consider outsourcing your dreaded tasks to someone else? Whilst this might not be possible right away from a cost perspective, once you’re up and running, you’ll hopefully be earning enough to be able to cut some of this hassle from your life. However, it can feel daunting to give away some of your hard-earned cash and delegate responsibility – so let’s explore why doing so can actually be beneficial for your bottom line.
Focus on what you’re best at
The core focus of your business should be an area where you think you excel. You have to believe in your product or service in order to sell it to others, and you’ll have done plenty of research before launching to the market.
Outsourcing your admin tasks allows you to put all your energy into the core focus of the business, rather than spending time on paperwork. You will need an overall understanding of the administrative processes as a business owner, but playing to your strengths means that you give yourself the best chance of increasing sales.
Free up time and reduce stress
If you’re always chasing invoices, answering the phone or trying to do accounts, you may run out of time to provide the actual service or create the product you’re selling – there are only a certain number of hours in the day. Outsourcing tasks where you can may allow you to have a better work-life balance, keeping more sustainable working hours and reducing stress.
With research suggesting that 75% of small businesses owners have concerns about their mental health, with a further 56% diagnosed with anxiety, depression or stress, it’s clear that we need to carefully manage this area of being a business owner. Outsourcing your admin tasks is a way to ensure that running your business doesn’t become overwhelming.
Provide a more consistent service to your customers
When you’re starting out, your customer service model might simply involve you replying to emails, phone calls and social media messages as and when you can. However, this can be difficult for your customers, who might require a quicker response time. Especially if they’ve emailed several companies for information, they may well feel tempted to go with the one who replies quickest or with the most professional response.
Outsourcing your administrative tasks to a virtual assistant, for example, can allow you to give a more consistent service to your customers. You may even be able to expand your customer service offering, maintaining an active social media presence or a round-the-clock phone line rather than simply relying on email responses during working hours. All of this increases the chances of a positive customer experience, and happy customers equal more sales and referrals.
Build your business better
Sustainable growth is a key part of any business. By outsourcing your administrative tasks, you can focus on putting your energy into the tasks that you’re best at, partnering with other key professionals to help you get all your paperwork done.
