Scalability: Why Small Businesses Outsource


Scalability: Why Small Businesses Outsource

Mature industries like banking, pharmaceuticals and insurance have been outsourcing for decades – even before the term became popular. These verticals have standardized processes in their industries which enable them to easily scale – based on the economy and market conditions.

Because outsourcing has become available to small business owners and online professionals, you can now expect the same level of scalability, efficiency and cost savings that exists in other well-managed businesses that leverage outsourcing.

According to a report titled “Global Sourcing Trends in 2009” by U.S.-based law firm Morrison and Foerster:  Most outsourcing transactions intend to produce immediate improvements to the bottom line for businesses. While this is a common reason to outsource, with fluctuating economic times like we have been experiencing lately, the flexibility to scale up or scale down (based on the business’s needs) has been the determining factor to outsource.

Smart executives are using outsourcing to build flexibility and scalability into their businesses—and to gain access to a global pool of skills at competitive cost.

The recent economic downturn led many companies, especially those who don’t have existing outsourcing contracts, to consider outsourcing. But companies who already have outsourcing agreements are re-evaluating their outsourcing decisions to find providers that offer more business continuity and integration.

In an environment where Fortune 500 companies have disappeared overnight, a successfully executed outsourcing partnership could make the difference in a company’s ability to ride out these challenging times. The flexibility to bring on needed help and expertise in times of growth – without committing to a project contract or adding people to the payroll, has been an invaluable solution to the small business owner and online professional. In addition to providing scalability, this also allows the owner to focus on core competencies of the business.

Outsourcing provides businesses with instant scalability and service flexibility, as well as reducing overhead costs.  One of the major advantages of outsourcing is that companies can now get the best from new developments without the expense.

In terms of new technologies, new processes and new ways of doing things, you don’t have to invest to do that in-house.  Outsourcing is also particularly beneficial for new businesses, or those looking to expand their operation. This includes those who do not necessarily know what hardware or software they will need.

Outsourcing providers with more experience should be able to advise companies about where to spend their money, so that they do not waste time and resources.

Any hesitation to outsource may be affecting your company’s chances to effectively scale for growth in this highly competitive business environment. As a small business owner or online professional, carefully consider your outsourcing partner when looking to expand your business and make it globally competitive.  When considering a company for outsourcing, make certain that they are equipped to handle the ebb and flow needs of your business when scaling up, and when scaling down!

Watch the video related

Flight of the Conchords performing their song “Business Time.”

Help answer the question


Opening a business and wondering what types of expenses I can write off?
I am opening an online business for website design. (set up as a LLC, I'm the sole owner) Should I start keeping receipts of all business related expenses? Or would my business qualify as a hobby if I don't make a certain amount of money in the year that I'm filing.

What types of things can I write off onto my business? (dinners, gasoline, etc.) Do I need a seperate business credit card/bank account for the expenses?

Do I have to accept payments towards the business's services through a corporate account, or can they make the check/payment directly to me?

business

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  1. #1 by Ken on February 7th, 2010

    You need to keep accurate records when running a business. This will be your best defense if you ever get audited.

    For IRS purposes, you need to make a profit every 3 out of 5 years to have the IRS prove that you are not running a business. Otherwise, it is up to you to prove that you are running a business and not doing a hobby. You can prove that you are running a business by keeping your business accounts and personal accounts separate.

    You can write off any legitimate business expense including dinners with clients, car expenses, equipment, etc.

    Having a separate checking account and credit card is a good idea. However, it isn't necessary. You can comingle your business and personal expenses using your personal accounts. But, if you do this, then it will be harder for you to prove that you are running a business.

    For your revenues, you don't need a corporate account to make you deposits. You just need to make the deposits in your separate account that you use for business.

    You can read Publication 334 for more information.

  2. #2 by Wordpress on February 7th, 2010

    and wednesday is the night we usually make love… hahaha

  3. #3 by Free Blog on February 7th, 2010

    they said they arent doing a 3rd season.

  4. #4 by WPMixer on February 7th, 2010

    I hope they move to Showtime. Sho is much better than HBO.

  5. #5 by Anonymous on February 7th, 2010

    Check out my ringtone of this video 2:43 – 2:44 at Tube 2 Tone

  6. #6 by Chev on February 7th, 2010

    Hi,

    i have found a site to be usefull, just check this out

  7. #7 by Anonymous on February 7th, 2010

    its like kenny and spenny except rly high all of the time

  8. #8 by Desmond O on February 8th, 2010

    These new rankings just came out this week for schools specializing in entrepreneurship:

    Top 25 Undergraduate Programs:

    1. Babson College
    2. University of Houston
    3. Drexel University
    4. The University of Arizona
    5. University of Dayton
    6. Chapman University
    7. DePaul University
    8. Temple University
    9. University of North Dakota
    10. Loyola Marymount University
    11. Wichita State University
    12. Syracuse University
    13. University of Notre Dame
    14. University of Maryland
    15. University of Oklahoma
    16. University of Illinois,
    Urbana-Champaign
    17. Xavier University
    18. The University of Alabama
    19. University of Southern
    California
    20. Ball State University
    21. The University of Iowa
    22. Brigham Young University
    23. Baylor University
    24. Northeastern University
    25. The Ohio State University

    So, assuming you are looking for an undergraduate degree, the ones here which would be relatively inexpensive would be the University of Arizona, Temple University, the University of North Dakota, Wichita State, and then all of those The University of (name the state).

  9. #9 by Mikelo on February 9th, 2010

    How about a book store, if you are looking retail?

    I cant say if it would work in your town, you need to do marketing research to see what would succeed in your town.
    Also in business .. Location, Location, Location is VERY important to success .. not only do you need the right business, you need the right location ..

    Passion, YES .. you do have to work long hours but passion because you believe in what you are doing.
    I work from home and have the utmost compassion and belief for what I do, I believe that is what brings me success ..

    If you don't like books, don't like to read .. then a book store probably wont make sense. Did deep .. Only you know what you really want to do.

    GL!

  10. #10 by Anonymous on February 9th, 2010

    made a personal ring tone from 2:14 to 2:45 of this video on Tube 2 Tones(.)com.

  11. #11 by WPBlog Shop on February 9th, 2010

    trimmed this video and made a ringtone 2:25 – 2:59 on Tube 2 Tone

  12. #12 by Blogger on February 10th, 2010

    @Ontsh they’ve been cancelled officially :(

  13. #13 by Gina G on February 10th, 2010

    Are you asking the same question or was my answer deleted? YOU CANT COLLECT ONCE BANKRUPTCY IS FILED.

  14. #14 by Anonymous on February 10th, 2010

    This was HBO’s “One Night Stand”

    but their show is “Flight of the Conchords”

  15. #15 by cooolioooo on February 10th, 2010

    business school is the right field to study, if you choose your college carefully, some have an entrepreneurship track/program

  16. #16 by SarahR on February 10th, 2010

    Hiiiiiii..
    I think you have to choose the Marketing section in Human Resource Management(HRM) because in marketing you get the nice job in the good reputed company on a high post..

  17. #17 by The Invisible Woman on February 10th, 2010

    The requirements vary according to your state. Call the business license office for your county and just ask them if you need a business license to operate an internet store. I live in Georgia, and in my county, you do.

  18. #18 by cccxh1 on February 11th, 2010

    Business plans are VERY important. You definitely have to put a lot of thought and time in constructing one. Put yourself in the lender's situation – if some random guy came up to you with no clear plan, why on earth would you give him $20k?

    If you are sure that you'll make a or are already making a profit, spell it out for them. Show them how you've flourished and how you expect to grow in the future with this money. Obviously you don't have to know every specific detail going into the distant future, since no one can predict what will happen with your business, but at least develop likely scenarios so you'll be prepared for anything.

    Good luck!

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