Small Businesses

Checklist for Finding a Business Services Company

  • 4 min Read
  • April 16, 2018

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

Hiring staff to take care of your IT, human resources, and accounting may not be feasible for your startup. This is why it’s very beneficial for startups to hire a business service company. If you’re currently in the market for an outsourced team, take a look at this checklist for finding a business services company which will work well for your needs.

 

Know Your Needs

Before finding the right fit, you first need to know what your needs are.

Make a list of the tasks you need help with. Create a project list, discuss this with your management team, business partners or advisers. Things to incorporate in your list include:

  • Type of help needed or the scope of the project. For example, you might need someone to manage payroll or set up a benefits plan for your staff.
  • Your expectations including how you’ll evaluate the work.
  • A time frame for completion. If you need ongoing help, set goal dates for the completion of tasks.
  • Any specifics you need to convey.

Look at Their Track Record

It benefits your startup to do your research to find the best business service company.

Ask for a client list and references. Look at their track record and what types of startups they work/have worked with with. Find out how their clients feel about their outsourcing services.

Check online reviews and ask for customer testimonials and information on their portfolio.

Choose a Company Which Understands You

As a startup, you want to work with a business services company that thoroughly understands startups. Since you’re needs are unique, you want a company who knows how to scale right along with you.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you all speak the same terms. For example, look for a company who is well-versed in the labor laws in your state. If they aren’t, they’re probably not the company for you.

Research Their Workforce

You are outsourcing your business services because you need qualified individuals who are experts in their field.

Because of this, you want to look at the skill-set and professional expertise of the outsourced team. Do they have the knowledge, experience, and dedication you need?

By looking at their references and portfolio of clients, you can make a better choice about the qualifications of your potential outsourced team.

Consider the following:

  • What is the composition of the team that will be assigned to your account?
  • What roles do they play?
  • How will they manage your onboarding?
  • Can they handle growing with your business?
  • Is there senior staff that will participate in the planning and development of your account?
  • Will your implementation team be the same as your ongoing service team?

Discuss Cost

You want to be completely clear on the financial terms of your contract with the business services company. This eliminates any hidden or unseen costs.

Be sure you understand the pricing model and payment schedules as well. This is one place where you want all the details so there aren’t any misunderstandings. Make sure to also consider how these costs will change as you scale .

Final Thoughts

Finding a quality partner consists of finding the right people who can manage your processes. When you hire right, document your expectations, outline the process and leave nothing unsaid, you’re well on the way to finding the perfect fit for your outsourcing needs.

Quality matters and finding a trustworthy business partner in your outsourcing company is an invaluable benefit for your startup.

Are you a new startup ready to succeed? Are you looking to get your new business off the ground and watch it rise to success? We are here for you. We can help answer your questions and guide you through the process. Outsource your HR duties, finances, payroll and more to us. Contact Escalon today to get started. 

Image: Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

Accounting & Finance

The Importance of Financial Literacy for Business Owners 

Running a business isn’t just about having a great product or service – it also requires a firm grasp of...

Accounting & Finance

Tax Implications of Remote Work: What SMBs Need to Know 

The rise of remote work has opened exciting possibilities for small and medium businesses – access to a wider talent...

Leadership & Growth

Succession Planning: Preparing for Leadership Transitions 

Change is inevitable in business, and one of the most significant changes a company can face is a leadership transition....

Accounting & Finance

Sales Tax Compliance in the Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions 

The rise of e-commerce and digital business models has revolutionized how companies reach customers, but it has also added new...

Leadership & Growth

Implementing Lean Management Principles in SMBs

“Lean management” might conjure images of big manufacturing plants fine-tuning assembly lines, but the principles of lean are highly relevant...

People Management & HR

Developing a Competitive Compensation Strategy for SMBs

For small and medium-sized businesses, a competitive compensation strategy is key to attracting and retaining the talent needed to grow...

Accounting & Finance

The Role of Financial Reporting in Small Business Growth

Financial reporting often appears to be a routine exercise, but for small businesses, it can be the difference between reactive...

Accounting & Finance

The Impact of Accurate Financial Operations on Business Success

Financial operations encompass the systems and processes that govern every monetary aspect of a business—from managing payables and receivables to...

People Management & HR

The Benefits of Outsourcing Payroll for Small Businesses 

For many small business owners, running payroll is a time-intensive chore that requires meticulous calculation, familiarity with tax codes, and...