Renee Matlock, the owner of The Private Practice Coach, shares with clients her wealth of experience, gained over 30 years of building a profitable, multi-disciplinary private practice.
BLOG: To Hire or To Outsource? That is the Question!
To Hire or To Outsource - That is the Question!
Should I hire or outsource? Just what is outsourcing? When and why should I consider outsourcing? These are the questions!
Outsourcing is a business strategy for obtaining goods or services from an outside supplier, especially in place of using internal resources. In my private practice, Speech Plus (www.speechplus.org), I have chosen to outsource my payroll and insurance billing functions. My IT services are also outsourced. At times I have turned to a marketing expert to design a targeted marketing initiative. How did I arrive at the decision to outsource rather than to dedicate internal resources (primarily staff) to these functions?
Here are three questions to ask yourself when thinking about outsourcing:
- Expertise–Does the task require highly specialized skills? Consider outsourcing if the task is not part of the core competencies of your business. This is the main reason I elected to outsource my IT services. Outsourcing IT services is a function often outsourced as these skills require a specialized skill-set and knowledge base. This is also why I outsource my payroll functions.
- Time and Cost–Can the task be accomplished quicker and at less cost than if you complete it in-house? In choosing to outsource insurance billing functions, I felt it was more efficient and cost effective to utilize the services of a medical billing specialist. My office staff can better use their time and expertise completing other key functions, primarily servicing our clients.
- Project Length–Do you have a one-time or short-term project that can be best handled outside your business?
I decided it would be best to outsource the design of the Speech Plus website using the skills of an expert web designer. It was a one-time project that needed expertise and time dedicated to the project that was best accomplished by an outside professional.
When the decision to outsource is made, be certain to select the right vendor who understands your needs, has the expertise to complete the functions to your specifications and shares your values. Also be sure to establish good communication and manage the relationship effectively. Paying attention to these areas will result in a ‘right fit’ between you and your outsourcing partner!
If you need help determining whether you should hire or outsource, contact Renee Matlock to schedule a complimentary, no-strings-attached, “Talk with Renee” session to discuss your practice, your goals and your dreams. Renee, the owner of The Private Practice Coach shares with clients her knowledge and expertise gained over 30 thirty years of building a profitable, multi-disciplinary private practice.
www.theprivatepracticecoach.com
