The dream business is always the one that earns while you live without much hands-on work. If you’ve been a business owner for any length of time, you’ve discovered that there is no perfect business like this. Master the art of outsourcing client work and learn how to earn more while working less in your business journey. I can, however, show you how to outsource your client work so you can earn more while working less.
How to Outsource
In this article, I will show you how to outsource your client work and earn more while working less.
There are several steps to outsourcing, especially if this is your first time. If it is your first time, it is suggested that you find a professional coach or consultant who can walk you through each step more deeply.
For our purposes will provide an overview picture of the outsourcing steps. Showing that you really can earn more while working less. It also provides you with great flexibility for children’s schedules, doctor appointments, lunch meetings, and more.
Step #1: Prepare Your Processes
The absolute first step is to prepare your processes for every step of every task you provide for your client(s). If you are starting with outsourcing for one client, then start with that client’s tasks.
Take a step back and review your documented processes. Ask yourself if you would be able to follow the steps in your processes so you could provide services for that specific client. If not, make the appropriate changes.
Many Solopreneurs and online service providers do not have their processes documented. They are often so used to doing it themselves that they never consider that someone else may need to do these tasks.
The problem with that is two-fold. The first is, if you get so busy that you need the help and do not have them documented, then you must stop all else to put them in place for someone else to use.
Would Your Business Survive Without You?
The other problem this can cause is if you ever became ill and were not able to work for a period of time, could your business survive?
I know firsthand how important this. When I was went into respiratory arrest while hospitalized one day. I can tell you, as they rush you down the hallway, you are not thinking about your business (if conscious – I was not). If I had not had a team in place, I would have certainly lost my business, because I was not able to work again for a full month. My team saved my business and took over completely for me. When you have an emergency, there is such peace in knowing your business is still working because of those you outsourced to earlier.
Step #2: Find a Professional to Outsource Client Work
The next step to consider is how to find a professional to outsource your client work. If you’ve never hired anyone, it may seem overwhelming.
It is more important to focus on character over skill.
tammy durden
I know this from many years of bringing on subcontractors. When I focused on finding out their character versus skill, I was always happy with the outsourced team member. You can teach skills, but it would be very difficult to help mold character in adults.
This is not to say that they shouldn’t be skilled. They should have the basic skills you need for someone to help with your clients. If, however, they are not experts in a particular software, you may be willing to help them get there through working with you if their character seems like a fit.
Step #3: Onboarding
So, that brings us to onboarding. Onboarding will be similar to onboarding clients; however, it is the contract that will differ greatly.
When you onboard your subcontractor, you should have a “Welcome Packet” ready. This should include:
- Welcome Email
- Contract with Clauses for Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, and a Non-Compete Clause
- Tax Documents (1099 for U.S.)
- Checklist of Return Items – these are items you expect them to go through and then return to you (signed contract, completed tax documents, etc.)
- Notifications that you will be sending invitations to them for a new email (company email), to your project management system, and any other programs they need to be added to)
Include anything else that is important to your business. Also, make it clear how you plan to communicate with them on a regular basis. Communication is key to success when outsourcing.
Step #4: Introduction to Your Client
After you’ve onboarded your subcontractor, if you are giving them direct access to your client (I highly recommend it) then it is time to make introductions. This can be done in a couple of ways.
- You can do an email introduction letting your client know that this person has joined your team and will be helping with their account. Let them know what they can expect on a regular basis from this subcontractor. Include that they will still receive great services and that this means they (the client) have another person helping them. Be sure to respond to any concerns that arise.
- A video introduction (I recommend) by setting up a time all three of you can meet (subcontractor/outsourced person, you, and client). In the meeting, introduce the new team member and let your client know that they can also assist them with their tasks. Let the client know that the team member can help with their tasks and assist them. Notify them of the date this person will begin helping them and how to reach them if needed. Allow the client to speak and bring up any concerns. Also, allow the subcontractor to introduce themselves by name. In this type of introduction, you will be notifying them by email first and then requesting a video meeting. Meeting via video often subsides any objections.
No matter how you notify or introduce your team member, you should tell your client(s) that you are still there if needed, but that the team member will begin to handle their tasks. It may take them some time to get used to emailing and communicating with this new person, but they should be able to transition without too much trouble.
Step #5: Managing Your Outsourced Team While Working Less
Now, you are managing your outsourced team. In the beginning, you may hover and read all emails still. Eventually, you should come to a place where you need not read them all, but only those that may seem like you need to intervene or at least be informed of events.
Once you can let go and allow the subcontractor to do their job, you should be able to work less. This is when you should be able to shift more into working on your business instead of in it (just like we tell our clients).
Step #6: Earning More
The final step is earning more. How will you earn more now that you have more expenses by having to pay a subcontractor?
The key here is that as you work on the business and marketing it you should begin to attract more clients. As you do this, you delegate more and more to subcontractors. As you earn a percentage of every client’s work, it will begin to multiply.
Even if it seems like a hit in the beginning, it will most often turn around quickly and begin earning you more revenue. You will need to work on the business and market it (you may eventually be able to bring on someone to do this, also).
Final Thoughts
Take it slowly in the beginning and see how you manage letting go and allowing others to work. Remember to delegate the client tasks first before any tasks in your business. This is how you will multiply your revenue. Don’t push the process.
Before you know it, you will be working less and earning more when you outsource your client work.
I love helping women service providers to scale. They scale through my unique combination of coaching and consulting. This allows you to get the best of both, so you can grow your business.
Tammy S. Durden is an award-winning business coach and consultant who specializes in helping women online service providers grow a business to fit their lifestyle rather than squeeze a life around their business.
Tammy has established herself as an authority figure over the last 18 years while creating and growing several online service businesses. She is also a sought-after thought leader, course creator, and speaker in the online service industry.