You’ve taken the plunge and opened up your dream business. You’re psyched to create your own hours, spend all day doing what you love and answering to no one. Everything seems golden as you ride off into the sunset to pursue your passion - until two months later you’re in the middle of a 16-hour workday, wondering where you went wrong. 

Creating a small business is not for the faint of heart - a reason why 80% of small businesses will close in the first 18 months. The remaining 20% survive through outsourcing and sheer luck. More and more businesses have begun outsourcing to reduce their costs and increase their flexibility in timing. This is good news for freelancers and consultants, who will soon constitute the majority of the United States workforce, according to Freelancing in America. 

These freelancers and consultants play a huge part in the future of these small businesses, as they allow managers to forgo certain tasks to focus more on the managerial side of running a business. If you are currently considering or running a small business venture, here are six services you should consider outsourcing. 

1. Marketing

Your business could make the best products in the entire world, but without the right marketing, no one would know. For all businesses, especially those new to the market, marketing is the key to success. Hiring a marketing consultant can ensure you business is equipped with strategies that can boost sales, raise awareness, and foster consumer connection. This need for marketing consultants is rapidly growing, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts it will increase by 10% over the next decade. 

2. Information Technology (IT)

The use of technologies in the workplace continues the rise, requiring knowledge of all things electronic. Technology is a rapidly growing market and demands specific skill sets that most business owners do not have. In fact, according to a recent survey, 53% of companies already outsource some of their IT functions; while another 26% plan to begin IT outsourcing in the near future. The cost-savings of outsourcing IT services could be monumental, as new technology can make your business run quicker and more efficiently. 

3. Accounting

Unsurprisingly, payroll and accounting are two of the most outsourced services. Outsourcing these tasks can dramatically decrease costs up to 18%. Additionally, according to the IRS, 40% of small businesses pay almost $1,000 annually in penalties for late or incorrect tax filings. Hiring a payroll consultant can reduce these risks and save your business money.

4. Graphic Design

Every business needs a website, especially since 81% of people research services on the internet before making a purchasing decision. Well-designed websites attract customers and spread the message of your business without you lifting a finger. Outsourcing website or graphic design work will allow your business to stand out in the market. Additionally, it works alongside any marketing campaign and brings in a higher return on investment than any other advertisement. 

5. Sales and Acquisitions 

The key to your business's success lies in the consumer - who is buying your product or service? And while marketing handles a bulk of the awareness, there is much value in individual outreach. Sales calls value quantity over quality and require many people spreading the word quickly and effectively. Similarly, outsourcing partner or customer acquisitions allows others to handle the bulk of the groundwork, leaving you to focus on closing the sale. 

6. Administrative Tasks 

Many minor tasks arise quickly when you’re starting a new business - from answering the phone to filing away important documents. Tasks such as scheduling, data entry or typing can be outsourced to virtual assistants or administrative services. These administrators are usually professionally trained and can work remotely, saving you even more money. 

For any new business owner, outsourcing can be a clever strategy for expanding your capabilities while keeping your focus on running the show. The benefits are magnamious and include cost savings over 20 - 30%. Outsourcing allows you to keep control over your strengths and ensures that you stop wasting time on tasks outside of your professional capabilities.