 When Synthesis opened its doors in 1994, outsourcing was a new concept, but even then, folks were finding benefit from project-based, fee-based services.
Today, outsourcing has become a smart alternative for most businesses – large and small. Almost everyone has hired a consultant at one time or another – this is the upper level of outsourcing. Consultants focus on strategy, the big picture, giving your business a global perspective. Synthesis actually handles the work that results from this strategy! If you're like most business owners you're probably thinking, "This sounds great, but I'm sure I can't afford it." That’s a logical conclusion, especially if you are wearing every hat yourself. Even those of us with in-house staff might look at the hourly rate of outsourcing and conclude that it is ‘cheaper’ to do it in-house. For some things, that may be very true. However, everyone has a specific area of expertise. People who are hired to perform administrative functions seldom have a talent for graphic design. We may be an excellent bookkeeper, but can we launch a website? There is a limit to what any of us can do well! Established businesses that presently have full-time or part-time staff see great reward from outsourcing specific areas of expertise: Graphic & Web Design, List Building, Accounting or Database Design to name a few. My Virtual Team: Synthesis employs over 20 subcontractors who wear only ONE hat – their area of expertise. We do not ask accountants to be graphic designers or cybrarians to train on ACT! As a business owner you have four traditional options when it comes to your administrative needs- full time employees, part time help, temporary laborers, and doing it all yourself. When you have employees, you are responsible for all related taxes, required insurance, office space, equipment, and benefits. Temporary labor can reduce the hidden costs, but still requires an investment in space, equipment, and training. The chart on the following page compares the average annual cost of full time and part time (20 hours per week) employees with equivalent outsourcing services. According to a report from Salary.com, the average worker admits to squandering 1.86 hours per 8-hour workday, not including lunch and scheduled break-time! 
What are they doing with that time? | Top Time-Wasting Activities | (%) | | 1. Surfing Internet (personal use) | 52.0% | | 2. Socializing with co-workers | 26.3% | | 3. Running errands off-premises | 7.6% | | 4. Spacing out | 6.6% | | 5. Making personal phone calls | 3.9% | | 6. Arriving late / Leaving early | 2.9% | | 7. Applying for other jobs | .7% |
Bottom Line Benefits of Outsourcing - Cost effective
- No wasted time
- No legal exposure
- No costly benefits
- No tax obligations
- No / minimal training
- Periodic / over-flow availability
- Guaranteed dependable service
- No space or equipment required
Convinced? So let’s get to it: What’s it going to cost me? Click here to view a list of the core services offered by Synthesis and My Virtual Team: Synthesis™ and an average cost – remember, your work is as unique as you. We offer free one-hour consultation on any project, an agreed upon quote and timeline.*
* All quoted prices in this document guaranteed through 12/31/08. Prices subject to change; however, all bids will be honored as quoted. |
