As a small business owner, chances are you;ve had this thought more than once: “Should I just do this myself or hire someone to help?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some helpful signs that can guide your decision.
Before we dive into outsourcing strategies and benefits, let’s get real for a second. Considering outsourcing isn’t being lazy or avoiding the work, but it’s actually a smart and cost-effective way of running your business in a way that’s sustainable and allows room for growth. Because if you’re stuck doing everything, all you’ve really created is… another job, not a business.
Have an Honest Conversation With Yourself
Start with a quick gut check. Ask yourself:
- Do I actually want to do this task?
- Do I have time to do it well?
- Am I holding onto it because I feel like I should do it myself?
Sometimes, it’s not about capability but the capacity. You might be totally capable of editing your videos or managing your inbox, but is that really the best use of your time?
The Two Big Factors: Time and Money
Your decision often boils down to the two main resources:
- Time – Are you spending hours on something that pulls you away from higher-level strategy or revenue-generating activities?
- Money – Do you have the budget to invest in help that will free up your time or improve results?
When both time and money are tight, prioritize where your efforts are most valuable. Sometimes DIY makes sense (for now). But knowing when to outsource tasks for your small business can really make a difference.
Outsourcing Small Business Tasks: What Makes Sense to Hand Off?
Not everything needs a personal touch. Here are some questions to keep in mind:
- Is this task recurring or predictable?
- Is there a clear process or SOP you can hand off?
- Is this something you dread, and it shows in the results?
Tasks like bookkeeping, inbox management, social media, and customer service are ideal for outsourcing. If doing it yourself no longer makes sense, you don’t need to stay entangled just to keep your business running smoothly.
Benefits of Outsourcing
Outsourcing definitely has its perks, especially when it comes to improving how your business runs. When done intentionally, it frees you up to focus on the tasks that truly need your energy and attention.
Here are some key benefits:
- Focus on growth: You can spend more time on strategy and long-term planning.
- Access to expertise: Outsourced professionals can often do the job faster and better.
- More energy: Removing mentally draining tasks gives you clarity and creativity back.
- Scalability: Delegation sets the foundation for hiring future help or building a team.
What About the Downsides?
Of course, outsourcing has its challenges:
- Upfront investment: You’ll need a budget, even if small.
- Finding the right fit: Hiring takes time, and not everyone is a good match.
- Letting go of control: This is big for many business owners, especially in creative or client-facing work.
But these are challenges that can be navigated with thoughtful onboarding, clear communication, and setting expectations early.
Outsourcing Small Business Work Strategically
The most successful small business owners don’t do everything; they do the right things. Strategic outsourcing means being intentional:
- Start with one task you dislike or constantly procrastinate on.
- Document your process before handing it off.
- Set clear expectations and feedback loops.
You don’t have to hire a full-time employee. Freelancers, virtual assistants, and part-time contractors can be a flexible and cost-effective way to start.
What If You’re Still Unsure?
If you feel stuck between “I should do this myself” and “I can’t keep doing this alone,” that’s normal. The goal isn’t to outsource everything. It’s to build a business that works in your favor, not one that constantly drains you.
And if you’re rethinking how you spend your time and where your energy goes, it’s also worth checking out our blog on building time for deep work. Identifying and eliminating shallow work can help you focus on what really drives progress in your business.
For now, start by asking: What’s one task that’s taking up way too much of your time or energy? That’s the first place to look.
