Outsourcing: For the Weak or the Wise?

When my husband and I finally started our dream of opening a clinic together, I remember telling him this: "one of the biggest weaknesses I've watched the small business owners I've worked with struggle through, is neglecting to realize the need for outsourcing".

I remember telling him "If we both arrive to a task that neither of us know how to accomplish or learn about- we will outsource it. I do not want to half-ass anything in our business"

My husband turned to me, and reminded me why I married the guy- he quoted my favorite show and said "never half-ass two things. Whole ass one thing". - Ron Swanson (Parks & Rec.)

All jokes aside, in my opinion, Ron Swanson really knew what he was talking about in certain areas. The amount of time, money and resources that I would have spent trying to do a task in our business that I knew nothing about- when I could just hire someone who would probably pay for themselves at the end of the day, when I actually break down the numbers. Because the thing is, time and quality = money.

Who cares if you think you can fake your way through your logo design? Is it really worth it if you can lay a solid foundation for your business by hiring a professional to do the job right? What about your taxes; do you want to chance getting audited if you are not confident you've completed them correctly?

Don't get me wrong, I am well aware of the low-budgets surrounding small business and entrepreneurship. I also understand that generally we wear ALL the hats in our businesses. But in 6 years of working with/for other entrepreneurs, the BIGGEST downfall I saw was when they didn't know where to draw the line.

So the question I have for you is this: Think of a project or task you've been struggling in within your business.

Now ask yourself, how much time is it taking for you to accomplish said task?

Is it imperative that you complete the task?

Do you feel confident that you are completing it correctly, without potential backlash?

How much is it costing you to fumble through finishing it?

How much would it cost to hire someone else?

How much would your potential profit be if you spent that time elsewhere?

Often small business owners feel that when they outsource they have "failed". But actually the opposite is true. Outsourcing is a sign of true maturity and wisdom. Your business can only grow when you learn that your own talents are limited.

Take the words of the great Ron Swanson to heart, and always whole-ass one thing.