When trying to figure out when it is the right time to outsource tasks, hire help, etc., you've got a few things going on at once. You have your business's finances and needs and the time constraints of your project. This article will explain when is the right time to outsource tasks, hire, help, etc.

To have a successful outsourcing strategy, you need to pinpoint when adding a new employee is more expensive or beneficial than it used to be or when hiring an intern or freelance worker is right for a specific project.

How do you decide when to hire help?

If you are struggling with a project requiring a large amount of time or know-how, it can be tempting to fire up your job postings immediately or recruit employees from among your friends and family. Sometimes they can jump right in, but they don't have the experience or skill set to do the job properly. 

Even when you get someone who's skilled and has the proper working knowledge, it's not always an ideal situation for everyone involved. Depending on the person and situation, working with a friend or family member can be awkward, especially if they live in the same town.

Working with an outsourced company or freelancer is an excellent solution. In addition to the apparent benefit of having someone else do the work for you, working with a company allows your employee to continue to provide services at home or out of state. This saves time and hassle and can have many other benefits as well.

When is the right time to start outsourcing?

You want to take the time you need to get your feet wet and make sure you've got your business plan in place, but once you're ready to start outsourcing tasks, there are a few things you should consider:

• You should have a strong understanding of the subject matter. In the context of this article, let's say the task is "programming" or "building a website." These are two things that can take a lot of practice, observation, and education.
• You should have a clear idea of what you want the result to look like and what you are hoping for the employee or company can bring to the table. This can often be achieved with a well-written job posting or by asking for input upfront.
• You should be able to define clearly the specific, measurable goals you want the person or company to achieve. If they don't accomplish these goals promptly and to your satisfaction, you or they can call it quits while you're ahead.
• You should be able to define clearly the responsibilities you want the employee or company to perform and the expectations you have for their performance. When defining responsibilities, it's best to be as specific as possible.
• You should be able to define the timeline for progress and plan accordingly clearly. This can include determining what will happen at each stage of the process and when exactly you want these stages completed.
• You should be able to define clearly the expectations for performance and output and assess if they are being met with reasonable accuracy. The last thing you want is to start an outsourcing relationship without knowing what's expected of you or your employee or company.
• And lastly, you should be able to define clearly the milestones you want to achieve and the actions you plan on taking to reach them. If your employee or company is performing well and delivering what you expect them to, it's a good idea to keep doing so.

Final Words: When is the right time to outsource tasks, hire help?

There are many things to consider, but if you make sure you're prepared and know what you want and need before you start hiring anyone, it's much easier to figure out where to go next. Many people plan to get started with outsourcing but can't find the right time, or they get too caught up in their work. 

If you can take some time to understand what you need and when you need it, it'll make figuring out how to get more work done much more efficient. Once you're ready, you can decide which company, freelancer, or agency is right for your needs.

By: Jason Miller, Founder/CEO of the Strategic Advisor Board (SAB)