As your business grows, you look for ways to delegate and outsource non-core functions. Theoretically, this task is straightforward and easy–simply call the right people, make sure they are appropriately compensated, and be clear about your expectations. And yet, so often, these initial forays, designed to make you more efficient, end up with you re-doing the work that has been done, after wasting considerable resources. Why does this happen, and what can you do?
Outsourcing is a skill like any other. The first time you try it, you are likely to fail.
So Step 1 is acknowledging that initial failure is simply part of the process. Don't beat yourself up about it, and more importantly, don't give up outsourcing.
Step 2 is learning from your mistake. Did you make a mistake in the person you selected? Did the person lack the skills you needed? If so, what led you to the wrong conclusion? Not enough due diligence? Or did the person misrepresent their experience? Was the problem in the implementation and communication? Maybe you didn't clearly explain what you wanted, or maybe your expectations were too high for the person you had selected. How can you handle resource selection and project definition to minimize disappointment in the future?
Step 3 is taking a look at your expectations. Assume that outsourcing the activity will double the amount of total time spent on the activity, and that you will still need to be part of the activity. The first time you outsource a task, you might spend half the time you would have spent had you done the task yourself, and the outsourced resource might spend triple the time. But these time outlays will improve as you become more adept at outsourcing, and the goal, freeing you up to do other things, is met even on the first project.
Of course it's "faster and easier to do it myself". But that's not the point. Over time, you want to apply your limited time to doing the most leveraged activities, and need to figure out how to let other people help you. Over time, your outsourcing partners may in fact be faster than you, but initially, you need to plan for some time outlay and learning curve before you are able to maximize your efficiency from delegating.
