US companies are major players in outsourcing, with a significant portion (66%) relying on external providers for at least one department.
This translates to roughly 300,000 jobs being outsourced annually, highlighting the scale and impact of this business strategy within the American market.
As a first-time outsourcer, figuring out what tasks to delegate can feel overwhelming.
You may wonder which parts of your business should stay in-house and which can be outsourced to a reliable service provider.
The good news? Outsourcing can save you time, cut costs, and improve efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll discuss essential tasks, job roles, and departments you should consider outsourcing.
By the end, you’ll clearly understand what to outsource as a first-time outsourcer and why these choices make sense for your business.
Now, let’s explore what you should outsource as a first-time outsourcer.
Business Functions to Outsource as a First-Time Outsourcer
IT workers dominate the outsourcing market, accounting for over 60% of the workforce.
However, outsourcing encompasses various services, including digital marketing and staff augmentation.
Here are the job roles and departments that a first-time outsourcer should outsource:
1. Administrative Tasks
Admin work is necessary but often tedious. Virtual assistants (VAs) or remote admin teams can take care of these tasks so you can focus on core business activities.
Tasks to Outsource:
- Email and calendar management
- Data entry and organization
- Travel booking and expense tracking
- Document preparation and formatting
Why? Administrative tasks eat up valuable hours. By outsourcing, you can focus on strategic decision-making while a VA handles the routine work.
2. Customer Service
Providing excellent customer support is crucial, but managing a full-time team in-house can be costly. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies specialize in handling customer service for businesses like yours.
Tasks to Outsource:
- Live chat and email support
- Inbound and outbound call handling
- Technical support
- Order processing and tracking
A professional outsourcing partner ensures round-the-clock support, keeping customers happy while you focus on scaling your business.
3. Accounting and Finance
Managing finances is critical but can be complex. An outsourced finance team can help ensure accuracy and compliance without hiring a full-time accountant.
Tasks to Outsource:
- Bookkeeping
- Payroll processing
- Tax Preparation
- Financial analysis
Outsourcing to financial experts minimizes errors, ensures compliance, and saves you the cost of hiring an in-house finance team.
4. IT Support and Security
Technology is the backbone of modern business. Outsourcing IT services ensures your business runs smoothly and securely.
Tasks to Outsource:
- Network monitoring
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Cloud storage management
- Software and website maintenance
IT outsourcing ensures your systems remain up-to-date and secure without needing a costly in-house IT department.
5. Marketing and Content Creation
Marketing is essential for growth, but hiring a full-time team can be expensive. Outsourcing allows you to access skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost.
Tasks to Outsource:
- Social media management
- SEO and blog writing
- Email marketing campaigns
- Graphic design
An outsourced marketing team brings fresh ideas, industry insights, and expert strategies to help grow your brand effectively.
6. Human Resources and Recruitment
Hiring and managing employees takes time. Outsourcing HR functions can make the process smoother and more efficient.
Tasks to Outsource:
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Employee payroll and benefits management
- Compliance and legal documentation
- Training and development
An outsourced HR team ensures smooth hiring processes and employee management without the overhead costs of an in-house department.
Why Outsourcing is a Smart Move for First-Time Outsourcers
The global traditional outsourcing industry generated a staggering 92.5 billion US dollars in revenue in 2019.
But the benefits of outsourcing go beyond just saving money.
Businesses of all sizes use outsourcing to free up their time, streamline operations, and gain access to experts without the expense of full-time hires.
Here’s why outsourcing makes sense:
- Cost Savings: Hiring in-house staff is expensive. Outsourcing eliminates costs related to salaries, benefits, and office space.
- Efficiency Boost: Let experts handle specialized tasks while you focus on growth.
- Scalability: Easily adjust your workforce depending on business needs.
- Access to Skilled Talent: Outsourcing gives you access to experienced talents without the hassle of recruitment.
- Better Time Management: Reduce workload and avoid burnout by delegating time-consuming tasks.
How to Get Started with Outsourcing
Now that you know what to outsource as a first-time outsourcer, here are some first-time outsourcing tips to ensure a smooth transition:
- Identify Your Needs – List time-consuming tasks that don’t require your direct involvement.
- Choose the Right Partner – Research outsourcing providers and check reviews to ensure reliability.
- Start Small – Outsource a few tasks before expanding to more prominent roles.
- Communicate Clearly – Set expectations and ensure regular updates with your outsourced team.
- Monitor Performance – Track results and adjust processes as needed to maximize efficiency.
Maximize the Benefits of Outsourcing with ClearSource
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of outsourcing, ClearSource is here to help.
As a trusted BPO provider for 17 years, we specialize in handling customer service, IT, finance, admin tasks, and more—so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Let us do the hard work while you enjoy the rewards. Contact ClearSource today, and let’s make your first outsourcing experience successful!
