As a business owner, you’ve probably come to realize that you can’t do it all yourself. Even if your business started out as a one-man show, customer demand may require you to expand your team. There are several routes you can take when you decide to hire someone to help meet the needs of your customers. When you approach this phase of your business, there is one important question to consider. Should I hire in-house or outsource the work to an agency or freelancer? Here are the benefits of each option, so you can make the best decision for you and your company.
In-House Benefits
When you hire the right employees they will be more familiar with your brand identity and the product/service you offer. Having this understanding can provide a quicker turn around on projects they produce. You don’t have to constantly reiterate your brand’s values to an employee; being on-site builds their understanding of how the business works.
An in-house employee is committed to your company, as opposed to a freelancer who may be working for multiple clients at once. Your employees can focus on producing quality and creative work for the company. Being a part of your team not only motivates them to work hard for their success but that of the business as well.
Businesses with in-house employees can also benefit from cost-control. There is a fixed cost regardless of someone working after hours or if a project runs over the prearranged time.
Outsourcing Benefits
Outsourcing works on an as-needed basis; which provides flexibility to business owners who aren’t in the position to hire staff. If you aren’t financially able to commit to paying salaries or providing insurance, you may choose to connect with an agency or freelancer.
While the fixed cost of employees can be beneficial when it comes to completing projects, it can also be a challenging commitment for small businesses. If your business does not have steady revenue, outsourcing can be more convenient for managing your expenses and sticking to your budget.
Outsourcing your work also means that there are hardly any unscheduled interruptions in the workflow like vacation or long-term leave. Freelancers and agencies will scramble to get your work done because they’re always on the look out for more.
Decision Time
Now that the benefits of each hiring option are laid out, you can make an informed decision for your company. Some businesses decide to capitalize on the benefits of both and choose a hybrid structure of in-house and outsourcing. If you already have employees in-house and find that you need help with specific aspects of your business, this option may beneficial to you.
When looking to expand your team, consider which direction is right for your business before making a commitment. If you want a team of passionate employees but don’t have the financial stability to support an in-house staff, you can start by outsourcing. Once your business can maintain stable revenue, you should be able to start expanding within your company.
For more insight on making the right moves for your company, visit our blog.
About the Author
With more than three decades of experience in all facets of sales management, customer service, business growth, and staff coordination, Certified Business Coach Greg Emslie is a focused professional with the tools to help you grow and manage your business effectively.
Driven by his ability to implement proven business concepts and help improve teams, Greg affects all areas of the companies he works with, including sales, leadership, profitability, and decision-making. He focuses on improving efficiency and processes for his clients while helping them grow their revenue base.
Ready to begin finding other ways to make your company more productive? Let’s get the conversation started. Contact Greg Emslie for a business strategy discussion today!