New entrepreneurs and even those who have been part of the small business world for quite some time have a reputation for being enthusiastic workaholics who take on too much of their business’s to-do list on a daily basis. Creative individuals tend to be perfectionists who grab every opportunity presented and shun asking for help. They may do tasks that would be better given to another type of professional, and often find themselves overwhelmed. To counter this, it’s crucial to outsource certain tasks to contractors or freelancers. This frees up your time, and ensures the job is handled by an expert.
Here are some of the top consultants you may need to work with.
Financial
Financial consultants can help if your business is struggling or if you’re having a difficult time deciding how to allocate parts of your budget. These professionals make sense of a complex budget, get your paperwork ready for tax season or find opportunities to apply for loans, grants, and other types of federal assistance.
Marketing
As an entrepreneur, you may have taken business classes or received a degree in marketing from a university, and this knowledge has likely served you well up to this point. You can choose to continue overseeing the marketing of your product or services, or you could hire a part-time marketing consultant to take some of the load off your shoulders. If you’re just beginning to learn about marketing for a small business, it’s essential to speak with a consultant to plan a course of action.
Civil Engineer
If you’re planning a new build for your business, you absolutely need to work with a civil engineer. They can help with project oversight, building and zoning requirements, drainage needs and a host of other tasks that ensure your build is both up to code and meets your needs.
Web Design, Development, and Information Technology
If you own a small business and you don’t have expertise working with computers, it’s important to employ a professional who does. Hire a freelance designer to change the aesthetic of your website to draw new clients, and use a developer’s services to make sure that this new interface is functional. Business.org recommends preventing cyber attacks once it’s finished by turning over the digital side of your business to an experienced IT professional. And ensure that your website is generating as much traffic as possible by outsourcing SEO services.
Writing
Most business owners have great ideas — but this does not mean they are adept at articulating them in written form. If you’re struggling to express your mission and goals on your website, or if you’ve always wanted to start a business blog but don’t have the time to compose it, consider hiring a freelance writer to do the job instead. Browse platforms for freelancers, check their rates and compare them to your budget and read reviews before committing to a writer.
Legal
Depending on your line of work, MileIQ notes you may need legal services to protect both your personal life and your company. Research local attorneys and ask friends and colleagues for recommendations before proceeding with the professional you will trust to oversee many important legal aspects of your business, including contracts, taxes, and purchase agreements.
If you’re filing paperwork by yourself as you start your company, consider the laws concerning filing for a limited liability company before you do so. Colorado has unique rules and regulations for LLCs. Finalizing the details with the help of a formation service will help you avoid more legal fees in the future.
If you’re struggling with the idea of not doing everything yourself, remember that you’re an entrepreneur — not a martyr! Even the most successful business owners ask for help when they need it. Consider hiring one of the many consultants who would be happy to make your business better and give you back even a small portion of your work-life balance.
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Author: Derek Goodman
