What is nice about outsourcing is that costs are usually directly proportional to sales . Thus , no sales , no costs . The disadvantage of outsourcing is quality control , so you will have to keep a very close eye on quality when you outsource .
Automate & Use Technology We live in a time where you cannot afford to do something manually if you can automate it . Automation software often has free trial periods or versions , but this is one thing I am willing to spend on . Paying for good software is worth every cent .
Most software is cloud-based , which is precisely how you want to build your business . If any piece of hardware fails , you should be able to connect with a new piece of hardware and immediately have access to everything . Automation software should also significantly reduce your staff overheads .
I cannot imagine running a business today without good accounting software such as Xero or Sage One or communicating with your clients and mailing list without proper email marketing software such as Mailchimp , or still running payroll manually when you can use online platforms such as Simple Pay or Sage Business Cloud Payroll .
I cannot imagine not having access to basic design software such as Canva to help you to quickly design a post or advertisement or having appointment scheduling software such as Calendly for clients to book consultations . And who could run a business today without a proper cloud-based video conferencing service such as Zoom ?
Cloud storage such as Google Drive , One Drive , iCloud , or Dropbox has become necessary for businesses . And as I mentioned , if a piece of hardware fails , you should be able to access everything from a new piece of hardware immediately . Start from day one with a basic , cloud or onlinebased business phone solution such as Euphoria or Vox . You can even connect this to your cell phone number , but it looks like you are a big and professional business .
Build a Professional Brand from the Start You don ’ t need to spend a fortune to look like a professional or an established business . Start with the basics . Ensure your business has a logo , email domain , professional email signature , basic website , office number , and an office address .
Have business cards , ensure you are visible on social media , run your business in a separate entity with its own bank account , and make sure
26 AUG 2021 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine