What to outsource first: a simple test for small businesses
21 October 2026

Most small businesses know they should outsource something but are not sure what. We use a simple three-part test with new clients.

Is it repeatable?

Work that follows the same steps most of the time, such as order entry, invoice processing or common customer questions, is easiest to hand over and check.

Is it measurable?

If you can count it, you can manage it. Volumes, response times and error rates let you judge the work objectively.

Is it taking time from higher-value work?

The best candidates are tasks that keep skilled people away from sales, product or client work.

Where clients usually start

  • Email support for common questions
  • Supplier invoices and bank reconciliations
  • Product catalogue updates
  • CRM clean-up and data entry

Pick one, write down how it is done today and run a two-week pilot. You will know quickly whether to hand over more.