Even though a lot of people have a negative perception of outsourcing, it is seen by many Western companies as an effective business solution. This was specifically evident during the global financial crisis wherein many firms transferred certain processes to deal with the impact of the situation and keep the business going.

Outsourcing is also perceived as a process that is suitable primarily for large companies – those that can handle the risks involved in establishing operations in a different country. The truth is, even small businesses and start-ups can outsource.

Here are the benefits small businesses can get from outsourcing one or more of their processes:

Cost reduction – People who are just starting their own business are cautious when it comes to expenditures and they aim to get the most of what they’ve already invested in. With outsourcing, small business owners can lower their labor and operational costs by up to 70 percent. In an ever-changing economy, who wouldn’t take the opportunity to get significant cost savings?

No capital expenditures – Outsourcing enables start-ups to establish operations and/or expand without having to deal with workstation and IT infrastructure setups. The service provider will take care of the office space and other requirements.

Access to a new pool of talent – Hiring employees domestically is something that start-ups may not be willing to do, especially due to high labor costs. Outsourcing opens doors to a large pool of talent that small businesses can utilize without breaking the bank but still get deliverables that meet and even exceed their requirements.

Risk mitigation – Another advantage of outsourcing is that small businesses do not have to enter long-term deals, so there are also no long-term risks. Contracts can be flexible and customized in a way that small businesses can expand quickly and/or stop outsourcing depending on their needs.

Also, small businesses do not even have to hire full-time employees in other countries, especially if they only have small, one-time projects or requirements.

Many service providers offer outsourcing services that involve taking on small projects with a specified timeframe. Small businesses can contact the service provider on a per project basis. With this setup, they can avoid long-term risks and still get the deliverables at lower costs.

Many start-ups and small businesses are already enjoying the benefits of outsourcing. Keep in mind, though, that it is essential to choose a reputable service provider that promises only what it can actually deliver. Do some research and get some insights from other business owners who have experience in outsourcing work.