IT outsourcing isn't just for big corporations anymore. In fact, small businesses are discovering that outsourcing their technology needs is often the smartest move they can make. Think about it this way: you wouldn't try to be your own lawyer, accountant, and doctor all at the same time, would you? So why try to be your own IT department when you can hire experts who do this stuff every single day?
What You'll Learn in This Guide
Why Small Businesses Are Outsourcing IT (And Why You Should Too)
Here's the thing about technology: it's constantly changing. What worked perfectly last year might be completely obsolete this year. Keeping up with all these changes while trying to run your business is like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle. It's possible, but why make it harder than it needs to be?
The Cost Reality
Let's talk numbers. Hiring a full-time IT person costs you at least $60,000 per year in salary alone. Add benefits, training, equipment, and you're looking at closer to $80,000-$100,000 annually. But here's the kicker: that one person can't possibly know everything about every technology your business needs. With outsourcing, you get access to an entire team of specialists for a fraction of that cost.
The Expertise Factor
When you outsource IT, you're not just getting someone who knows how to fix computers. You're getting access to cybersecurity experts, network specialists, cloud computing professionals, and software experts. These are people who spend their entire careers staying current with the latest technology trends and threats.
What Gets Outsourced (And What Doesn't)
Not everything needs to be outsourced. The key is figuring out what makes sense to handle in-house versus what's better left to the experts.
Perfect for Outsourcing
Network management, cybersecurity, data backup, software updates, and help desk support are all perfect candidates for outsourcing. These are complex, time-consuming tasks that require specialized knowledge and constant attention.
Keep In-House
Strategic IT planning, vendor relationships, and business-specific software decisions should stay in-house. You know your business better than anyone, so you should be making the big-picture technology decisions.
Real Business Success Stories
Case Study: Manufacturing Company
What the Data Shows
The Outsourcing Trend
More small businesses are outsourcing IT than ever before, and the trend is accelerating.
Key Data:
According to a recent study by Deloitte, 78% of small businesses now outsource at least some of their IT functions, up from 52% just five years ago.
Source: Deloitte Global Outsourcing Survey 2023
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan
Assess Your Current IT Situation
Take a hard look at how much time and money you're currently spending on IT problems. Track everything for one month.
Pro Tips:
- Keep a log of every IT problem that occurs
- Calculate the cost of downtime and lost productivity
- Add up all IT-related expenses, including salaries, software, and equipment
Identify What You Want to Outsource
Make a list of IT tasks that are taking up too much of your time or causing too many problems.
Pro Tips:
- Focus on tasks that require specialized knowledge
- Consider tasks that happen outside normal business hours
- Look for tasks that are repetitive or routine
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow do I know if IT outsourcing is right for my business?
If you're spending more time dealing with technology problems than using technology to help your business, outsourcing is probably right for you. The key is finding a provider who understands your business and can respond quickly when you need help.
QWhat should I look for in an IT outsourcing provider?
Look for providers with experience in your industry, local presence for on-site support, and a proven track record of helping businesses like yours. The best providers will take the time to understand your business goals and explain their recommendations in plain English.
The Bottom Line
IT outsourcing isn't about giving up control of your technology—it's about getting control back. When you outsource the right IT functions to the right provider, you free up your time to focus on what you do best: running and growing your business.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to stop fighting with your technology and start using it to grow your business? Contact Alcala Consulting today for a free IT assessment. We'll show you exactly how outsourcing can help your business run more smoothly and profitably.