To much work and not enough workers - Here are 7 alternatives to hiring
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There comes a time in many small businesses when a decision has to be made
whether or not to hire employees.
Maybe you've reached the point where you need to grow, but you're not sure
you're ready to bring on more people. Or maybe you want to stay small and lean,
and don't want the bother of having employees. Or maybe it's just been a bad
year (totally understandable in this economy!) and cash flow is crunched.
Whatever the reason, there's still work to be done. And today there are more
ways than ever to get the work you need taken care of without hiring. Where you
turn depends on what type of business you have, and your particular needs.
Here are a few suggestions on where you can get the workers you need for the
work you need done:
1. Subcontractors and Freelancers
You aren't the only person who does what you do (even if you're the best!). Find
a few good people you can call on when you have too much work and not enough
time. Be sure to negotiate a price that will allow you to still make money on
the job, though. Also, make sure you know how your client(s) feel about someone
else doing the actual work. FYI...there are a lot of freelance websites on the
internet where you can go to find quality people. Elance.com, guru.com, and
iFreelance.com are a few you might try out.
2. Virtual Assistants
More and more small businesses are turning to virtual assistants to help them
grow and organize their businesses. VAs are independent contractors who work
from home and provide a variety of professional, personal and office support.
They can perform a variety of tasks, including general administrative work,
writing reports, editing, creating marketing materials, making customer
contacts, database development and maintenance, thank you notes...the list goes
on and on. Some VAs also provide personal services to clients such as scheduling
doctors' appointments, party planning, coordinating a move, and so much more.
You can locate a VA through two professional organizations: Virtual Assistance
U, and the International Virtual Assistants Association.
3. "Temps"
You can get temporary workers for just about any job you have - from answering
the phone and general secretarial work, to manual labor...and everything in
between. When you use temps, you get skilled workers, without having to pay
benefits. Most temp agencies have stringent screening procedures make sure the
workers they hire and send out have the necessary skills to do the job.
4. Interns
As part of their college training, many bright young students are available for
temporary positions. Interns are mostly available in the summer, but many
schools offer year-round internship programs. Depending on the school and the
program, interns work for either very cheap or free. You, in turn, are to
provide valuable on-the-job training. Different colleges have different
requirements, so check with the one(s) where you think you'd have the best luck
for your particular type of business.
5. Friends and Family
Who better to count on in crunch times than those closest to you? Asking for
their temporary help - either on a volunteer basis, or at a reduced wage - can
be a good way for them to be part of your business while providing the help you
need. Get the kids involved as well! It'll teach them responsibility
6. Delivery services
Don't even think about hopping in the car and driving that brochure clear
across town to the printer yourself. Remember, time is money! Instead, pick up
the phone and call the delivery service. Delivery services will pick up and
deliver just about anything to just about anywhere. They will charge you, but
it's worth the price, believe me. And it is a legitimate client-billable
expense. To find a reputable delivery service, look in the phone book, and/or
ask around to see if anyone you know has any recommendations.
7. Contracted Services
When you need a specialized service on a regular basis, consider contracting it.
Instead of hiring a bookkeeper, use an accountant. Instead of hiring a janitor,
contract a janitorial service. Grounds upkeep, security, decorating, fish tank
cleaning (yes, really!), plant maintenance, equipment maintenance,
printing...all are services you can contract.
As you can see, there are many good ways to get the job done without actually
adding people to the payroll. Whether to hire personnel, use an alternative, or
use a combination of both depends on your business model and what makes the most
sense for you and your small business.
(c) Copyright 2008, BusinessBurrito.com. All rights reserved.
Donna Williams is the founder and creator of BusinessBurrito.com - a website
dedicated to helping small businesses grow to their maximum potential. She is
also a 25-year advertising / marketing executive, creative director, writer, and
producer. Together, Donna and her husband currently own and co-own five small
businesses. You can read more of Donna's articles at her website
http://www.businessburrito.com
