555: The Benefits Of Outsourcing For Construction Company Owners

This Podcast Is Episode 555, And It's About The Benefits Of Outsourcing For Construction Company Owners Outsourcing can offer a range of advantages for small construction businesses in today's competitive market. Not only does it reduce costs and free up valuable time for owners to focus on growing their business, but it also provides access to skills and expertise that may be unavailable in-house. Small construction businesses can streamline operations, increase productivity, and scale faster than ever by working with external professionals or firms who work in certain areas.    Because a small business focuses on survival, you pay much attention to the bottom line. This makes much sense, but it also leads to being seriously overworked.   Contractors are under increased pressure to cut their prices to get enough work. And that means they need to reduce costs. New technologies and approaches in cloud computing for construction accounting give forward-thinking contractors a fantastic ability to get more for less -but in most cases, contractors' heads are still stuck in 1990, thinking they have to do everything themselves.  

Here are some benefits of outsourcing for small businesses and how they can help your business succeed.

The advantages of outsourcing for small construction businesses

As a small business owner, you want to ensure that every aspect of your company is running smoothly. Outsourcing can benefit your business, including cost savings, access to special skills, and increased efficiency. By outsourcing specific tasks, you can free up time and resources to focus on core business functions. Outsourcing can also help you keep up with the latest industry trends and technologies, giving you a competitive edge in your market.

So, if you want to grow your small business, consider whether this is a viable option to help you succeed.

1. Identify which services and tasks are suitable for outsourcing.

When outsourcing, you must carefully consider which services and tasks are suitable for delegating to third-party providers. Factors such as the nature of the work, the level of expertise required, and the cost-benefit analysis must all be considered. For example, routine administrative tasks like data entry or customer service may be easy to outsource. Still, more complex tasks like software development or legal assistance may require a more strategic approach. Ultimately, outsourcing can offer numerous benefits to construction companies, including cost savings, improved efficiency, and greater flexibility. Still, it's essential to identify the right areas to outsource to magnify these benefits.

2. Review the cost-benefit of using a freelancer or third-party service provider.

When outsourcing specific tasks, businesses have two options: hiring a freelancer or contracting a third-party service provider. Each option has pros and cons that business owners should consider before deciding. On the one hand, hiring a freelancer can potentially save money since they typically charge less per hour than a full-service agency. However, freelancers may not have the same experience or resources as a third-party provider, which could lead to lower-quality work or additional costs down the line. On the other hand, contracting a third-party provider may be more expensive upfront, but they often have a team of experts with years of experience and access to top-of-the-line technology. Ultimately, the cost-benefit analysis will depend on each business's needs and the outsourced tasks.

3. Discuss different payment options when hiring a freelancer.

When hiring a freelancer, one of the critical things you must consider is how you will pay them and what payment options are available. Fortunately, several payment options can help you pay your freelancer easily and securely. These options include paying through platforms like PayPal or Stripe, using wire transfers, paying with credit or debit cards, or even choosing to pay by cryptocurrency. Each payment option has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the one that suits your needs and budget is essential. Whether hiring a freelancer for a one-time project (like your company website) or on a long-term basis, choose a payment option that provides a safe and hassle-free experience for you and your freelancer.

4. Evaluate potential contractors' quality by researching their past work.

When finding the right contractor for your projects, researching their past work is crucial in evaluating their quality. You can review their portfolio of completed projects and read reviews from previous clients to gauge their satisfaction with the contractor's work. It's also important to check if the contractor is appropriately licensed and insured and to ask for references from previous projects. By taking the time to research potential contractors thoroughly, you can ensure that you're working with a reliable and qualified professional who will deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.

5. Learn how to manage an outsourced team effectively for maximum results.

As companies expand and seek cost-effective solutions, outsourcing has become a widely accepted practice in the business world. However, managing a team that is not located in the same office or even in the same country presents some unique challenges. Developing effective communication, delegation, and collaboration strategies is crucial to get the best results from an outsourced team. By establishing clear goals, providing regular feedback, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, you can ensure that your outsourced team is fully engaged and aligned with your business objectives. With the right approach, managing an outsourced team can increase your company's productivity, innovation, and growth.

Outsource Your Construction Bookkeeping

Anything not related to your core construction business is an outsourcing candidate.

When I say, "outsource your contractor's bookkeeping," I do not mean turn it all over to us or any other contractor's bookkeeping service because this never seems to work well. No, I'm talking about outsourcing specific bookkeeping services related to data entry, bills, payroll processing, and preparing Quarterly Tax Returns.

It is crucial that you keep control of your money. Outsourcing a contractor's bookkeeping is one of the ways to avoid bookkeeper embezzlement. Never let an outsider pay the bills, print checks, and authorize payment for payroll or any tax payments.

I suggest looking at every part of your internal contractor bookkeeping service and asking yourself a simple question: is this a unique and critical part of our construction company, and is it something only we do? If so, it stays in-house and needs the brightest minds you have working on it. If not, it is a candidate for outsourcing, and you need to look at it more closely.

Outsourcing a competent construction bookkeeper is a sound business decision as it gives you access to expertise and guidance you might not otherwise have, and it frees up your time and money to take advantage of other business opportunities. 

In conclusion

Outsourcing can be a cost-effective and efficient way for construction business owners to manage their administrative tasks and focus on growing their business.

It is essential to carefully consider each potential service provider's advantages and disadvantages to ensure they meet your needs. Additionally, use references and research contractors' past experiences to guarantee that you get the best possible fit.

Finally, take the time to manage your outsourced team correctly so that everyone reaches maximum effectiveness in their jobs. Now might be the perfect time to evaluate whether outsourcing suits your business needs.

Everyone celebrates the Holiday Season in his or her way. Enjoy, Embrace, Be Glad, Be Joyful, and maybe a Little Sad. No one is up and happy 100% of the time. Do something nice for others. A smile is easy; it’s always with you and FREE. It can be a simple thing. Treating everyone a little nicer will make the day's challenges more manageable. I invite you all to join me in the Celebration of the Holiday Season of Living Well and being Happy.  

Merry Christmas to one and all!

About The Author:

Sharie DeHart, QPA, co-founded Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com