Don’t waste your time and money on things you’re not great at, or simply don’t have time for. Here are some ideas for what you can outsource in your business, so you and your teams can focus on your core activities.

1. Appointment scheduling

Those endless email exchanges just to nail down a meeting time could probably form a novel series, right? Why not claim back those wasted hours by letting online tools play scheduler instead?

Calendly allows you to set up different event types – for example a 30-minute or a one-hour meeting and then set what days and times you want to make available. You can link Calendly to your calendar (for example Google Calendar or Outlook) so when you add something to your calendar, it automatically makes that date and time unavailable in your event type.

You can also add a location – either a physical one or online (Calendly integrates with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and more) so when the person books an appointment, they automatically receive your video conferencing link, as well as reminders.

And if you want people to pre-pay for the appointment, you just connect Calendly with your Stripe or Paypal account and add the amount in. You can also include questions for the person to answer to help you prepare for the meeting.

Acuity is another scheduling app that allows your customers to book appointments, meetings, classes, and if required, take payments. For health professionals, Cliniko provides high-level security for patient records; while Fresha caters specifically for beauty, hair and wellness appointments.

2. Vehicle hire

Owning vehicles for your business can be a wallet-drainer: They depreciate in value over time and there’s all the running expenses, from pink slips and insurance to repairs and maintenance.

If your business only needs vehicles occasionally, using a vehicle hire service can be a great option. You get to pick from a fleet that’s well-maintained, minus all the pesky ownership headaches.

Budget has one of Australia’s largest networks of rental vehicles, with cars (EVs included), buses, utes and trucks, servicing metro, country and remote areas, enabling you to easily access the vehicle you need when you need it.

They also have a special service for small to medium businesses with affordable, tailor-made vehicle solutions. Whether you’re a sole trader who needs a truck or van now and then, a business traveller who occasionally needs to hire a car, or a business with unique needs such as mine spec utes, Budget has you covered.

The SME program is free to join and you get guaranteed discounts. At the time of this article’s publishing, there’s a current offer of 15% off Budget’s daily retail rate for members.

Other benefits include a dedicated team to manage your account and support your business needs, the ability to avoid queues at the counter, and a rewards program where you can earn Qantas Points on eligible accounts.

Weigh up the costs of vehicle ownership and rental – you might find some huge savings. Image: AdobeStock

3. Accounting and bookkeeping

This is one of the first things you might want to outsource as a business owner. Unless you’re an accountant, trying to DIY this can trigger major meltdowns (we’ve been there!). As well as balancing your books, you’ve got to be spot on with your tax returns, BAS filings if you’re registered for GST, withholding tax from staff and more.

It’s complex and best left to the experts.

If you’re a sole trader, apps like Hnry save time. Specifically aimed at freelancers, contractors and solopreneurs, it’s like having an accountant in your pocket – without the hefty fees. It calculates, deducts, and pays the right amount of tax whenever you get paid, and lodges your tax return and BAS if required.

For anything more complex, a professional bookkeeper or accountant is your best bet. Bookkeepers typically make sure all your records are in order (tip: find one who’s qualified to file BAS returns). Accountants are financial wizards who work their magic to maximise you achieving your financial goals while fulfilling your tax obligations.

4. Virtual receptionist

If you don’t have physical premises, or you’d simply like calls handled professionally at any time of the day or night, whether full or part-time, a virtual receptionist is the way to go.

Companies such as Virtual HQ, Office HQ and BusinessCo have a suite of services including live answering 24/7, message taking, and temporary answering (to bolt on to your existing receptionist or customer service rep during busy periods).

Don’t want to get a landline phone installed or use your personal mobile for business? These companies offer local numbers as well as 1800 or 1300 numbers.

Some also provide virtual office addresses in prestigious locations as well as mail sorting and delivery services, allowing you to completely outsource your reception while providing a professional image for your business.

5. IT support

With technology playing such a huge role in businesses today, finding in-person IT support who know it all can be pretty challenging. By outsourcing your IT support, you can get specialised help without searching for a technical unicorn.

There is plenty of support you can get both locally and internationally. If you’re considering offshoring a freelance resource, make sure you dot your I’s and cross your T’s when it comes to employment law and data protection.

For medium-sized organisations, extra IT support can allow internal teams to move faster on projects. Microsoft reseller SoftwareOne, for example, helps businesses manage software and cloud products, saving businesses money and time.

If you’re just getting started, the Australian Government’s Business.gov.au provides a Digital Solutions program to help small businesses understand their online needs. You can also do the Cyber Wardens free online cyber security course to up your tech expertise, and train your team, so that if a cyber attack does hit your business, you know what actions to take.

All of the above can help free up your time, money and mental space to focus on the areas you do best, and the meaningful work that can grow and sustain your business.

Join Budget Australia’s new free-to-join Small and Medium Business Program for 15% off car and truck rental retail rates, so you can book knowing you’re getting the best price for that vehicle on that day. Sign up now.

This article is brought to you by Business Builders in partnership with Budget Australia.

Feature image: AdobeStock