Need Help But Not a Full-Time Employee? Here’s Who to Hire Instead
Why Hiring Full-Time Might Be Slowing You Down (And What to Do Instead)
The average small business owner works 52 hours a week—yet 70% say they feel time poor and can’t focus on growth. 😩
Meanwhile, hiring even one full-time employee can cost 1.25–1.4x their salary when you add in taxes, benefits, and overhead. 💸
At some point, you’ll hit that exciting-but-tricky stage where you need help—but not enough to justify the full cost of a full-time hire. 🤷♂️
The good news? The modern workforce makes it easier than ever to outsource the support you need, when you need it—without the red tape.
🚫 Why Traditional Hiring Might Not Be Your Best Move
Before diving into resumes and contracts, consider this:
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The true cost is higher than you think – Equipment, benefits, taxes, and workspace all add up
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Your needs might fluctuate – You may not need 40 hours a week of any one skill
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Hiring takes time and carries risk – A mis-hire can cost you thousands and months of progress
✅ The Smarter Alternative: Outsourcing
Outsourcing lets you bring in real experts—without the full-time commitment.
Here are 7 proven roles you can outsource today to free up your time, reduce stress, and focus on what matters.
1. 💻 Virtual Assistant (VA)
Your brain’s external hard drive
What they do:
Admin support like email, scheduling, order tracking, customer follow-ups, research, and more.
How it works:
You set the task list. They get it done remotely—hourly or on retainer.
Why it’s worth it:
✅ Reclaim 5–10 hours/week
✅ Avoid burnout from task-hopping
✅ Stay focused on customers and growth
Hire from:
👉 Upwork | OnlineJobs.ph | MyOutDesk
2. 📊 Bookkeeper or Accounting Pro
Keep your numbers (and nerves) in check
What they do:
Manage your books, track expenses, reconcile accounts, prep reports, and get you tax-ready.
How it works:
You grant access to your accounting tools or bank feeds—they handle the rest.
Why it’s worth it:
✅ Avoid costly tax mistakes
✅ Know where your money’s going
✅ Make smarter business decisions
Hire from:
👉 Upwork | OnlineJobs.ph
3. 🧠 Fractional CFO
Big-picture financial strategy—without the full-time cost
What they do:
Cash flow analysis, growth forecasting, funding prep, pricing guidance, and strategic planning.
How it works:
You hire a CFO on a part-time or project basis for strategic financial support.
Why it’s worth it:
✅ Avoid cash flow crises
✅ Plan smarter with real insights
✅ Get investor-ready without pressure
Hire from:
👉 Toptal | Paro | Upwork
4. 💵 Payroll Provider
Because payroll shouldn’t be your full-time job
What they do:
Process employee pay, file taxes, manage compliance, and issue W2s/1099s.
How it works:
You input hours or salaries—the provider handles everything else.
Why it’s worth it:
✅ Stay compliant
✅ Avoid penalties
✅ Save hours every pay cycle
Providers to explore:
👉 OnPay | Justworks | ADP | Paychex
5. 🧑💼 HR Services or PEO (Professional Employer Organization)
HR, compliance, and benefits—handled
What they do:
Manage hiring, onboarding, HR policies, benefits administration, and compliance.
How it works:
With a PEO, you share employment responsibilities. They handle the backend while you stay focused on your team.
Why it’s worth it:
✅ Offer big-company benefits affordably
✅ Stay compliant and reduce risk
✅ Free up time to lead, not manage red tape
Trusted names:
👉 Insperity | Trinet | Deel | Remote | Rippling
6. 📣 Marketing Consultant or CRM Specialist
Set up lead-gen that runs while you sleep
What they do:
Design and implement email funnels, landing pages, SMS campaigns, and CRM workflows.
How it works:
Hire a freelancer or agency to map your customer journey and automate the touchpoints.
Why it’s worth it:
✅ Capture and convert more leads
✅ Stay top-of-mind without lifting a finger
✅ Track what’s working—and what’s not
Hire from:
👉 Upwork | OnlineJobs.ph
7. 🎧 Customer Service Support
Delight customers without drowning in tickets
What they do:
Respond to emails, chats, reviews, and calls using your brand voice and SOPs.
How it works:
You set up guidelines—they handle the support across your channels.
Why it’s worth it:
✅ Improve response times and reviews
✅ Free up internal resources
✅ Scale service as you grow
Hire from:
👉 Upwork | OnlineJobs.ph | Zendesk Talent Marketplace
📋 The Small Business Owner’s Reality Check
Still on the fence about outsourcing?
Ask yourself:
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How much is your time actually worth per hour?
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What growth opportunities are you missing while buried in admin?
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What would happen if you had to step away from your business for a month?
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How is stress affecting your health, relationships, and clarity?
🎯 Start Small, Scale Smart
You don’t have to outsource everything at once.
Just start with what’s holding you back the most:
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Drowning in admin? → Start with a VA
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Financial fog? → Hire a bookkeeper
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No time to market? → Bring in a marketing consultant
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Embarrassed by your website? → Hire a freelance designer
Even 5–10 hours of expert help a week can transform your business—and your quality of life.
The most successful small businesses aren’t solo acts.
They’re lean, focused teams with the right support in the right places.
So… what will you take off your plate this week? 🍽️
