Wearing All The Hats

TikiGiki

TikiGiki

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Excuse the monotony if this has been posted before but I searched all of the forums for both the title I used plus "outsourcing vs hiring" and found nothing relative.

After a lengthy call with a prospective business analyst, I was quickly reminded that I have no exit strategy if I can't sell a turnkey business. For that, I need to drop residential customer puirsuits and focus solely on commercial MSP subscribers. I also need to delegate positions for marketing, bookeeping, customer service etc.

Always before, when business was strong I've used subcontractors or interns to cut down on legalities and taxes but she has me thinking about hiring and while I work from home (going on 13 years now) I have room for 1-2 people.

Dear reader/moderator: What are your thoughts on outsourcing vs straight-up hiring? I know I can't micro-manage but I've only tried outsourcing twice before with mixed results.

Thanks and good luck to all!
 
Well I found E-Myth Revisited:Summary, so let's cut the exit strategy part of my post and focus on "What are your thoughts on outsourcing vs straight-up hiring? I know I can't micro-manage but I've only tried outsourcing twice before with mixed results." If this isn't the best forum for this, please let me know. I was hoping to get more input. Thanks
 
NYJimbo said:
The exit strategy for my business is a nylon rope and a step ladder.

Not sure if this helps......
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Haha I gotta good chuckle outta that one. Did any of the stores in your area that all closed ever open back up? I found it so odd that business just completely dried up like that in your area of NY a few years back? Can't remember if you ever updated that story or maybe I missed it possibly.
 
lan101 said:
Haha I gotta good chuckle outta that one. Did any of the stores in your area that all closed ever open back up? I found it so odd that business just completely dried up like that in your area of NY a few years back? Can't remember if you ever updated that story or maybe I missed it possibly.
Click to expand...
Nope, not one. Even my old shop remains vacant.
 
Wow so bizarre. Shops around here come and go to a degree. There's definitely less now than 10-15 years ago that's for sure.
 
Another good book to read is Built To Sell by John Warrillow. It talks about how to turn a service business like ours into something you can sell when you decide enough is enough (which for me is usually about 9:45am on every Monday)
 
Prospective business analyst? Someone who consults with other businesses to help grow their business? Or a potential customer?

If it's the former I'd be leery. Who are they and do they have any experience in the IT support business? I'd think there is plenty of resources out there already. If you want to pay money Robin Robbins has been around for a while - http://www.technologymarketingtoolkit.com/. Never bought anything from them but the free stuff looks pretty good.

If it's the latter and they are wondering about longevity just be up front about your situation. As far as staffing. Not sure about South Carolina but where I am employing someone can be a very expensive proposition. Especially when you need to let someone go.

With any rope you want to spray it with a good lube, like lithium...... LOL!!!
 
My exit strategy is to drag out my resume, polish it up and start looking for IT positions, though after doing this for 15 years I'm not quite sure where my skill set would fit unless I was being an in-house BOFH for a small-midsize business.
 
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