Balancing the Budget: Outsourcing Business ServicesBalancing the Budget: Outsourcing Business Services


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Balancing the Budget: Outsourcing Business Services

My company is now over a decade old and I still outsource several key functions. It isn't that I can't afford to keep them in house. It is just that outsourcing is the most financially responsible decision I can make. I outsource all sorts of support services. One company manages my IT needs. Another partner takes care of the payroll and remitting taxes. I even have a cleaning service that comes in at night, does the windows, and in general keeps everything spotless. If you think outsourcing might benefit your business, let's talk. I'll tell you what I outsource and why. From there, you can decide if my strategy would also work for you.

Top Three Challenges of Long-Distance Business Moves (and How to Overcome Them)

A long-distance move poses more challenges than a regular local move. The challenges become even more heightened when you're moving your business to another state. The following are the top three challenges of long-distance business moves, with advice on how to overcome them.

1.  How Do You Run Your Business While It's in Transit?

You have all your business equipment packed away. Your phone lines are disconnected, and your PC is back in its original, foam-core box for safekeeping. You won't be able to unpack all your business equipment for at least several days, and even then you need a day to set everything up. How are you supposed to run your business while your things are in transit?

Don't pretend that business is going on as usual. Contact all your clients and inform them that your office is relocating. Be honest about your inability to access computer files during the move. Give clients a business cell-phone number so they can reach you in case they have something urgent to discuss. Just having your number will make clients feel better about your company being "off the radar" for a few days. That way, your clients will still be your clients when you're back in full swing.

2. How Can You Travel to Lease New Office Space When You Have to Stay and Supervise the Move?

You can't be in two places at once—that's a given. But you can contact a commercial real-estate agent in the destination city and pave the way for your business to move. Give them a list of your office-space requirements and have them narrow down your choices. With online videos and careful discussions with your realtor, you may be able to find your ideal location. They can likely email you the lease agreements, and you can sign them in front of a local notary and seal the deal.

3. How Are You Supposed to Pack Up Heavy Office Equipment?

Your small business might have a wide-format printer, a copier, and other equipment and machinery pieces that are too large for you to pack up by yourself. If they were going across town, that would be one thing, but this equipment will have to be loaded into a packed truck and driven over rough roads for long distances. You can't afford to incur damages. A commercial long-distance mover will have experience and skills to take care of moving almost anything that can be found in a business office. All you need to do is ensure that the equipment is disconnected, that the wires are properly labeled and stored, and that any manufacturer moving instructions in the equipment manuals are adhered to.

These three top challenges of moving your business can be overcome when you follow these suggestions.