10 Things You’re Doing That Are Killing Your Business (That You Should’ve Outsourced Months Ago)
You didn’t start your business to spend your life elbow-deep in spreadsheets, customer emails, and weird printer errors.
But here you are… manually inputting receipts at 11 PM, wondering if caffeine counts as a business expense. 😵💫
Truth is, wearing every hat isn’t heroic — it’s a fast track to burnout (and a stalled business). If you’re feeling stuck, tired, or like your to-do list is silently mocking you… it might be time to outsource.
Here are 10 things you should absolutely stop doing and let someone else handle.
1. Wrestling With Your Books 📊
Nothing strikes fear into a small business owner’s heart quite like accounting. You’re not a numbers person, yet there you are—hunched over QuickBooks, frantically Googling “what counts as a business expense?”
Why it’s killing you: Every hour spent fumbling through bookkeeping is an hour you’re not generating revenue. Plus, mistakes here lead to costly tax issues and missed financial opportunities.
The outsourcing solution: A dedicated bookkeeper costs far less than you think—typically $200-500 monthly for small businesses—and can save you thousands in avoided errors and tax optimizations.
You can find qualified bookkeepers on Upwork, Fiverr, or OnlineJobs.ph.
2. Playing Social Media Manager 📱
You started with good intentions—posting regularly, engaging with followers. Now, your last post was three months ago, and your engagement rate makes ghost towns look bustling.
Why it’s killing you: Inconsistent, unprofessional social media damages your brand and wastes the marketing opportunity. Creating content, engaging followers, and staying on top of algorithm changes is practically a full-time job.
The outsourcing solution: Social media managers can create a content calendar, schedule posts, and engage with your audience for $500-1,500 monthly—delivering professional results that actually drive business.
You can find social media experts on Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn.
3. Website Maintenance Meltdowns 💻
Remember when your website crashed during that big promotion? Or when you spent an entire weekend trying to add one simple feature to your online store?
Why it’s killing you: Technical issues directly impact sales and credibility. That DIY approach to website maintenance isn’t just inefficient—it’s actively costing you customers.
The outsourcing solution: Website maintenance packages start around $50-200 monthly and ensure your site stays secure, updated, and functioning smoothly without consuming your valuable time.
Find reliable web developers on Upwork, Fiverr, or OnlineJobs.ph.
4. Email Marketing Madness 📧
Your competitors send beautiful, automated email sequences while your “monthly newsletter” has become more of a “whenever I remember” newsletter.
Why it’s killing you: Inconsistent communication means missed sales opportunities and forgotten customers.
The outsourcing solution: Email marketing specialists can set up automated sequences, design templates, and manage campaigns for $300-800 monthly—creating a consistent touchpoint that converts leads and nurtures customers.
Connect with email marketing pros on Upwork, LinkedIn, or Fiverr.
5. Customer Service Chaos 📞
You’re answering the same questions over and over, juggling complaints via email while trying to close new deals, and watching customer inquiries slip through the cracks.
Why it’s killing you: Poor customer service leads to negative reviews and lost business, while constantly switching tasks destroys your productivity.
The outsourcing solution: Virtual assistants or customer service specialists starting at $15-25 per hour can manage inquiries professionally, letting you focus on growth.
Find reliable customer service help on OnlineJobs.ph, Upwork, or Virtual Staff Finder.
6. Administrative Avalanche 📁
Your inbox has 3,000+ unread messages. Your calendar is a mess. You’ve missed appointments because you’re drowning in administrative tasks.
Why it’s killing you: These small tasks compound into massive time drains and mental clutter.
The outsourcing solution: A virtual assistant for 10-20 hours weekly can transform your organization, handling email, scheduling, and administrative tasks for $300-800 weekly.
Hire qualified VAs through OnlineJobs.ph, Upwork, or Fancy Hands.
7. DIY Graphic Design Disasters 🎨
That logo you created in Microsoft Paint? Those brochures you designed in Word? Your customers notice, even if they’re too polite to mention it.
Why it’s killing you: Amateur design work undermines your brand’s credibility and positioning, especially if you’re charging premium prices.
The outsourcing solution: Professional designers can create brand assets starting at $50-100 per hour, or you can use services with unlimited designs at flat monthly rates ($400-600).
Find talented designers on Fiverr, 99designs, or try subscription services like Design Pickle.
8. Content Creation Crunch 📝
Your blog hasn’t been updated since 2022. That “weekly” newsletter is collecting dust. Your competitors are publishing valuable content while you’re struggling to write anything.
Why it’s killing you: Content marketing drives organic traffic and establishes authority—without it, you’re invisible online.
The outsourcing solution: Content writers ($100-500 per article) or content marketing agencies ($1,000-3,000 monthly) can create consistent, high-quality content that positions you as an industry leader.
Find professional writers on Upwork, Contently, or WriterAccess.
9. HR Headaches 👥
You’re spending hours on job descriptions, screening resumes, and figuring out compliance issues—taking time away from your core business.
Why it’s killing you: Poor hiring decisions are incredibly costly, and compliance mistakes can lead to serious legal issues.
The outsourcing solution: HR consultants ($75-150 per hour) or PEO services can handle everything from recruitment to onboarding and compliance, ensuring you build the right team legally.
Check out TriNet, Justworks, or find HR consultants on LinkedIn.
10. Tax Turmoil 💰
Tax season turns you into a stress-eating, receipt-hunting mess. You’re probably missing deductions and credits your business qualifies for.
Why it’s killing you: Tax mistakes can lead to audits, penalties, and overpayment. DIY tax preparation almost always leaves money on the table.
The outsourcing solution: A dedicated CPA might cost $1,000-3,000 annually for tax preparation, but they’ll likely save you much more through proper planning and deductions.
Find qualified accountants through TaxFyle, Bench, or the American Institute of CPAs.
Work ON Your Business, Not IN It
The most successful small business owners aren’t the ones who do everything—they’re the ones who know what to delegate.
Start small.
Pick one area that’s causing you the most stress and outsource it this week.
Calculate not just the cost of outsourcing, but the value of your reclaimed time and reduced stress.
Remember: You didn’t start a business to become a mediocre jack-of-all-trades working until midnight. You started it to excel at what you do best.
So go ahead. Buy back your time.
You built something amazing — now let others help you scale it. 💼🚀
