Outsourcing

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Outsourcing is a business practice where an outside company is hired to perform certain services or tasks. As an entrepreneur, outsourcing can be the key to scaling your business. In the world of photography, there comes a tipping point where it is better to stay inside of your “zone of genius” doing tasks that you love and are good at, and hiring out the tasks that don’t bring you joy to someone who might have more skills than you.

Many photographers outsource things like:

Bookkeeping + Tax + Payroll Services

Editing + Retouching

Posting + Interacting on Social Media

Legal Services

Emailing or Client Communications

Printing + Shipping

Copywriting

Marketing, SEO, or Advertisements

Website Development

and so much more!

I am far from a one-woman show. I am continually monitoring all of my activities so that I can continue to do profitable tasks that bring me joy, and hire out (or automate) tasks that frustrate me. Recently, I did a free Workflow Challenge (you can still join HERE!!!) where I went through my entire process, but I want to highlight a few key tasks and share what I keep for myself and what I send off to others.

MONEY: I do all of my own bookkeeping daily. This is a task that I love and I like to keep a pulse on money coming in and out. I use PayChex for my Payroll processing, a local CPA for tax services, and a financial advisor for my retirement accounts.

EDITING: I cull sessions myself. Previously, I have hired private editors to do Lightroom and PhotoShop work for me. Currently, I do all color correction myself in Lightroom. I use ReTouchUp.com for any extensive retouching needs, and to clip ALL of my black background images. Use code KMPLearn2021 for 50% off 5 images (up to $25 value!)

SOCIAL MEDIA: I have always posted to @kirstieeemarie myself, but in the past, I have hired people to help me interact on Instagram, or pin on Pinterest.

LEGAL SERVICES: I used LegalZoom to set up my LLC and all of my contracts are from The Contract Shop. I have had to retain the services of several local lawyers for copyright issues.

CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS: I handle this myself, with the help of 17Hats (Use code KMP50 to receive 50% off your first year) and FloDesk to automate many pieces of it.

PRINTING/SHIPPING: The majority of my printed items come from WHCC and Madera Books. I have my labs drop ship most orders directly to the client. I package and ship all welcome packets and proofs… but I don’t enjoy those tasks so they are next on my list to outsource!

COPYWRITING: I handle a lot of this myself, but do use Abigail Boatwright when I get stuck!

MARKETING/SEO/ADs: I do most of this myself, with the help of a few graphic designers. I have used Bre Yingling for SEO help and Canva for some graphics. I use BlogStomp to help blog faster.

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT: I have outsourced this in the past to designers. Currently, both of my sites are templates I customized from Davey + Krista.

When it comes to my business, I am very hands-on. Outsourcing a few items in my personal life has given me the time and freedom to be able to spend more time running my business!

For example, I hire a HOUSEKEEPER to clean weekly. Life saver!

I use FARMBOX to deliver local produce directly to my house (tell them I sent you when you sign up for $10 off!)

I have INSTACART do ALL of my grocery shopping each week. I despise grocery shopping!

I use PLAN TO EAT to store my recipes and plan my meals.

And I use AMAZON daily so I never have to leave my house 🙂