By Deanna Maio
Business Growth & Outsourcing Expert

Outsourcing can be a great way to make your small business more profitable and help you streamline your work.  As a solo entrepreneur you want to be aware of some of the common mistakes that can be made when you start outsourcing and creating your virtual team.

When you start outsourcing you want to know you are not spinning your wheels.  You want to ensure that your venture into outsourcing is a smooth process.

As with any aspect of a business, outsourcing has its good and bad points.  However, if you are aware of the potential problems before hand, you increase your chances of an enjoyable experience.

Here are 5 outsourcing mistakes that every small business owner should know:

1. Know Who You Hire

The professionals you hire will most likely work remotely.  You will probably never meet them face to face.  Because of this, careful consideration must be taken when choosing your contractor.

A thorough interview with potential workers is a must.  Checking out the company is crucial.  You want to make sure that the person or company you are working with is someone you can trust to represent your business.

2. Non-Communication Between Owner & Assistant

When creating your virtual team you must keep the lines of communication open.  Your goals and expectations need to be clearly expressed.  Assistants are not mind-readers and do need guidance.  You don’t want to end up with work that is not what you wanted or not up to your standards.

3. Forgetting To Budget Wisely

It is important to be realistic about how much you can afford to spend on outsourcing.  You must keep a close eye on your spending.  Some projects require single payments.  Other tasks may involve recurring or retainer payments.  Some assistants may charge by the hour and others may expect payment based on commission or per project.  It would benefit your small business to budget appropriately and carefully.

4. Under Utilizing Your Contractor & Their Resources

When you outsource certain tasks, make certain you are using your assistant to their fullest capabilities.  You also may want to avoid splitting up work between two assistants when it makes more sense to use one.  Don’t outsource your work just to say that you’re on the outsourcing wagon.

5. Misunderstanding Your Role as the Outsourcer

Recognizing your role as an outsourcer is something you don’t want to overlook.  Be detailed in what you expect from your virtual team.  Keep in mind that you are probably not their only client.  They will appreciate it if you are respectful of their time and give them honest feedback on their work.

Knowing the possible problems that can occur when you outsource will put you ahead of the game.  You now can be more confident as you start your outsourcing journey.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your seat in my new training “How To Grow Your Income Through Outsourcing” when you visit http://getresults.deannamaio.com/outsourcing

You’ll learn the 15 ways a competent contractor can save you money, 7 tips for identifying the tasks you need to outsource – so you can free up time to complete the critical jobs only you can do, and how to set outsourcing goals that ensure your success.

From Deanna Maio – Business Growth & Marketing Strategist at http://www.DeannaMaio.com

Entrepreneur mentor, Deanna Maio, teaches coaches, consultants, and other service providers around the world how to create a powerful virtual team and use outsourcing so they can get more clients, make more money, and make a bigger impact. Get her free special report “5 Simple Steps to Create a Powerful Virtual Team” at http://www.PowerfulVirtualTeams.com

© 2012 Deanna Maio All Rights Reserved.