When exploring a new industry or a new facet of an industry such as virtual assistant services, it can be difficult to sift fact from fiction.
With that in mind, there are some falsehoods about outsourcing that have regrettably spread and created some unfortunately common misconceptions.
Here are some of the most common and the truth behind them.
Almost Any Job Can Be Outsourced
If a job can be delegated and described in a job ad, it can be outsourced. The vast majority of people who outsource jobs do so not necessarily because of cost savings (although that can be a factor at times) but because they are looking to plug a skills or knowledge gap.
Whilst customer service and data entry are both jobs that are commonly outsourced, copywriting, graphic design, social media and even consulting work are all commonly outsourced.
Savings Come Through Efficiency
As anyone who has worked with freelancers can attest, the biggest benefit for both outsourced workers and the company requesting the work is that they only pay for the work they need, which is the true source of savings, rather than compromising quality.
Contractors Work As Closely Or As Distant As The Business Needs
Some business leaders prefer a “point-and-shoot” approach where they give an outsourced contractor a set of tasks to complete and clear expectations regarding timescales before largely leaving them to it, whilst others prefer a much closer connection.
There’s a wide spectrum between contractors who just do what is asked and only get in touch when it is done, and virtual assistants who are almost akin to consultants who work closely with a company for mutual benefit. In both cases, contractors take immense pride in what they do.
Small Businesses Get The Most Benefits
There is a belief, largely due to how many people outside of the business world interact with outsourcing, that only large companies use it, but in reality, small businesses are likely to get the most benefits from outsourcing and form the closest connections with their freelancers.