Why Outsourcing Should Be Included In Your Strategic Plan

In the world of competitive and fast-paced business, an effective strategy is the key to success. One critical component that many businesses are now embracing in their strategic planning is outsourcing. Outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring a third-party expert to perform tasks, handle operations, or provide services that are either difficult to manage or are outside the company’s expertise.

Business owners are often ‘time poor’. This lack of time is usually because they are tied up with admin; trying to understand the profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow, equipment leasing, trialling new marketing initiatives, trying to build a brand – the list goes on. Here’s a look at the benefits of including outsourced expertise within your business’ strategic plan:

1. Cost Savings

Lower Operational Costs

Outsourcing can significantly reduce labour costs. You can have an expert in their field working within your business for a fraction of the cost of a full-time resource. Furthermore, businesses don’t have to invest in infrastructure, equipment, or additional employee benefits.

Economies of Scale

By leveraging the facilities and capabilities of specialised providers, businesses can achieve economies of scale, allowing for more cost-effective production and delivery of services.

2. Access to Global Talent and Expertise

Specialized Skills

Outsourcing enables businesses to tap into a global pool of highly skilled professionals without having to hire them full time. This means you can have access to the best talent in fields that may not be your core competency.

Diversity and Creativity

Diverse perspectives and approaches foster innovation. Outsourcing opens doors to global viewpoints that can enrich the products and services of a business.

3. Focus on Core Business Functions

Streamlining Operations

By outsourcing non-core tasks, businesses can focus on areas where they have unique strengths and expertise. This allows for better alignment with strategic goals and more efficient use of resources.

Agility and Responsiveness

The flexibility that comes with outsourcing allows companies to respond quickly to market changes and customer demands, thereby enhancing competitiveness.

4. Risk Management

Sharing Responsibility

Outsourcing helps distribute certain risks to the vendor, such as compliance with varying regulations across different jurisdictions or unforeseen changes in market conditions.
For example, an outsourced finance professional can act as a sounding board and source of comfort to the business owner. They are there to bounce ideas off of and give peace of mind on the big decisions.

Disaster Recovery

In case of unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters, having an outsourced team can ensure continuity in operations, thereby mitigating potential losses.

5. Technology and Innovation

Access to Cutting-Edge Technology

Outsourced professionals in specialised fields often have access to the latest technology. They can provide advanced solutions that might be costly or challenging to implement in-house.

Continuous Improvement

Many providers emphasise innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring that businesses can stay ahead of technological advancements.

6. Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Environmental Impact and Community Engagement

Outsourcing to vendors with green practices can be an integral part of a company’s commitment to sustainability. Outsourcing can also support community development, particularly when engaging professionals in emerging markets, thereby fostering economic growth in those regions.

Final Thoughts

Inclusion of outsourcing in a business’s strategic plan opens up a myriad of opportunities and advantages. From cost reduction and access to global talent to risk mitigation and innovation, outsourcing can be a crucial strategy for growth and competitiveness. It’s imperative for businesses to assess their unique needs, identify suitable partners, and establish clear guidelines to maximize the benefits of outsourcing. By doing so, a company not only optimizes its resources but aligns itself with a dynamic and globalized business environment.

The CFO Centre helps businesses to achieve their strategic objectives, quicker and with less stress. Our part-time CFO solution means that businesses who don’t need or can’t afford a full-time CFO have access to some of the leading CFOs in the country for a fraction of the cost of a permanent resource. We help ambitious entrepreneurs of $2m – $50m businesses scale faster, increase cash, profit and valuation and get out of the day-to-day. As the global number 1 provider, we have over 850 CFOs worldwide to solve any complex challenges you face.