EP 12: building a sustainable business with outsourcing
Welcome to my first solo podcast episode where I am sharing about a topic that I am passionate about- outsourcing!
I started out the episode talking about marketing and how I have managed to grow my own Instagram platform. I emphasize the significance of becoming a master in a few key marketing strategies rather than spreading myself too thin and trying to be at master at all the platforms. I recommend focusing on two main marketing platforms for increased success and advice against following generic advice that encourages tackling everything. My idea is to achieve success in targeted platforms that I love, such as Instagram.
I spoke a lot on outsourcing and making smart outsourcing decisions. I've witnessed first hand the benefits that come from outsourcing and at the same time, I have learned a few important lessons. I've hired a marketing team, realizing it wasn't a good fit, and subsequently found a more efficient and cost-effective solution. The key takeaway for me is not being afraid to say no if outsourcing or the person that I am outsourcing to isn't providing the desired return on investment.
Preparing your business to outsource is crucial for a good workflow from the start. Hiring someone and getting them started can take time so it’s important to onboard them effectively. This includes providing clear instructions, creating templates, and ensuring they have the necessary tools to do their job. I recommend having systems and processes in place, such as mapping out exactly how you like to do things in your company, this streamlines the onboarding process and avoids unnecessary hours being spent on teaching every single task. It also empowers the person you are outsourcing tasks to, to be able to get started and dig in right away without having to wait on you forever.
When it comes to legal and financial outsourcing, I have a business consultant who handles legal matters and an accountant for financial tasks. I emphasize the importance of having professionals on my team that I can trust to navigate certain aspects of my business that I am not good at. I am by no means an accountant or financial advisor so it’s important to me to leave the professionals do that job so that my finances are accurate but also so that I don’t have to attempt to learn how to be an accountant and I can focus on what I do best, photography!
it was really important to me from the start to build a business that could thrive without me. I advocate for outsourcing as a means to create a sustainable business that can endure challenges. I encourage entrepreneurs to build teams that allow for time off and provide support during unforeseen circumstances, ensuring long-term success and happiness. This last half of the year, I was sick a few times and there was comfort in knowing that I could relax and get healthy while my business still operated as usual.
I finished the episode by sharing my personal goal of living to work rather than working to live. I envision a future where my work is fulfilling and brings me joy, rather than being a mere obligation. This advice extends to aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to think about passive income streams and building a business that doesn't solely rely on their physical presence.
