In this economy, the term of outsourcing means different things for different people. While politicians typically refer to it as outsourcing jobs to other countries, there is a growing movement of companies becoming more virtual by outsourcing to contractors or contracting various functions or tasks. Some do this to avoid adding to their full time head count, with all the risks and concerns that come with employees. Others pursue this approach to assess their needs and current processes. Companies also outsource to tap resources or expertise they don't have internally and can't justify having in-house full time.

It is not uncommon to outsource HR, IT, Finance and Marketing. Many companies find that by becoming more virtual with staff functions, they are able to improve their competitiveness with their core activities -manufacturing, science, technology, distribution, etc.

Outsourcing Segmentation

Here's a quick segmentation of different types of attitudes about management, leadership and delegation. Take a minute to determine where you fit on the spectrum.

1. I like to do things my way so I prefer to do it myself.

2. It is important for me to have most tasks completed internally.

3. It is difficult to spend any money to have someone do something I can do, even if it is outside my core activities.

4. I don’t believe in high price tags for my time; if I can do it, it doesn’t cost me anything.

5. Trying new things and applying new ideas has paid off significantly for my business.

6. I prefer to outsource most all business activities that are not part of my core business.

7. I consider all work outside of what I do best to be a waste of my time/resources and is best outsourced.

If you have profiled yourself as a 5, 6 or 7, you are a prospect for outsourced solutions. If you need to get an outside perspective on your marketing or would like to ramp up your program, I would be happy to discuss how I can help. If you are interested in outsourcing any of your other functions, I would be happy to make a referral.

Many clients report that outsourcing saves them money in addition to getting them superior results.  The flexibility of working with experienced fractional staff is a win-win relationship for all parties.