Out of Your Mind Not to Outsource?

I was recently asked to ponder what aspect of my business I would wish to outsource if given the chance.  Giving up
(in part) responsibility in management or allowing the flexibility of change in any capacity of control needs time for consideration and planning.  It got me thinking:  Am I out of my mind if I do not outsource?  



Club Creative Studio Protective Pouches.
Outsourced for creation from my Mother.

I think, however that you need to know yourself well enough to know if you are overwhelmed, over worked or are even open to the idea of taking on help from others in order to free your time for other aspects of your business.  Sometimes growth is the main reason for interest in outsourcing some of your tasks, sometimes it might be the idea of just being able to focus that extra time on an aspect that needs more of your attention. And for me an even better reason is that someone else can simply do the job better than myself. Enter...stage right- My Mother!


My Mom- creative seamstress.

I do already happily outsource one aspect of my business.  My fantastic Mother helps me by contributing her creative sewing skills.  She hand-sews each of the protective pouches that Club Creative Studio includes with each purchase.  She also designed our special tags.

She loves helping me, it gives her something to do in her day, she can definitely do it better and quicker, than I could.  She can be trusted, and she has the level of creativity and quality that I expect.  I know I have found at least one great helper that lightens my load and also provides something that I need in my everyday art transactions.  Cheers to my great Mother!

If you are able to mega-task and do your things effectively then I do not see any immediate need to pass on your chores to anyone else.  If you are that type A that can manage time, health, and wealth then I say; keep up the good work and share with others how you do that.  For me, the timing has to be right for me to welcome an extra hand.  It seems that at certain times, the business needs extra help in preparations.  Any major gift-giving holiday for example requires me to be extra prepared with inventory.  I know that I also like to have items on hand for future use. The stock-pile is important for me to maintain too.  I appreciate knowing that I have enough of our hand-made fabric pouches to coordinate with hand-made art. 

I  also have to determine the need level .  If I get to the point when I am not happy with spreading myself so thin- that would be at a point to consider outsourcing.   It is true that one person can not be in two places at the same time.  For that reason, you may want to keep the idea of outsourcing in the back of your mind or at the forefront as well.

And of course you have to deal with the issue of trust.  Can you locate a person or have faith in the system or work ethic of someone else to do the job just as you would or even better?  I know finding those characteristics are hard.  That is why I have people who might fit the short list that are qualified and willing to help as outside helpers if needed seasonally.  The other aspect to consider is funding.  How would you fund the services someone provides to you?  What would you offer as adequate or satisfactory payment?  Could you offer a trade of services?  It is sure an option that I have offered, swapping art for help.



Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.   Elizabeth Bibesco