What business tasks should I outsource as my Ontario business grows?

Common tasks to outsource include bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, IT support, marketing, website management, legal services, and specialized consulting.

When is the right time to outsource business tasks in Ontario?

Outsourcing is beneficial when tasks are taking up too much of your time, require specialized expertise, or when scaling operations to meet growing demand.

What are the benefits of outsourcing for small businesses in Ontario?

Outsourcing can save time, reduce costs, provide access to specialized expertise, improve efficiency, and allow business owners to focus on core operations.

Which tasks should new business owners keep in-house?

Tasks closely tied to your core business, such as strategy, customer relationships, and quality control, are often best managed in-house, especially in the early stages.

How do I choose the right outsourcing partner in Ontario?

Look for providers with proven experience, positive client reviews, clear pricing, strong communication skills, and the ability to scale services as your business grows.

Can outsourcing help small businesses comply with Ontario regulations?

Yes. Outsourcing accounting, legal, and HR functions to professionals ensures compliance with provincial and federal regulations and reduces the risk of errors or penalties.

Is it cost-effective to outsource tasks as a small business in Ontario?

Yes. While there is a cost to outsourcing, it often saves money by reducing errors, improving efficiency, and freeing up time to focus on revenue-generating activities.

Which marketing tasks can small businesses outsource effectively?

Marketing tasks such as social media management, content creation, SEO, email campaigns, and graphic design are often ideal for outsourcing to specialists.

How can outsourcing help scale my Ontario business faster?

By delegating non-core tasks to experts, you can focus on growth strategies, expand your client base, and handle higher workloads without overextending yourself.

What risks should I be aware of when outsourcing business tasks?

Potential risks include lack of control, communication challenges, quality issues, and security or confidentiality concerns. Choosing trusted partners and clear contracts mitigates these risks.

Can freelancers be used for outsourcing instead of agencies?

Yes. Freelancers can be cost-effective, flexible, and highly skilled for specific tasks, while agencies often provide broader support and scalability for ongoing needs.

How do I know which tasks to keep in-house versus outsource?

Evaluate tasks based on core business impact, expertise required, time consumption, and cost. Tasks that are non-core, repetitive, or require specialized skills are good candidates for outsourcing.

What is the easiest way for Ontario business owners to start outsourcing tasks effectively?

Start by listing all tasks, prioritize which ones are time-consuming or require expertise, research trusted providers or freelancers, and begin with small projects to test fit and quality.

Do It Yourself or Call in the Pros? What to Outsource as Your Business Grows

Natalie Paquette
Nov 24
2 min read

In the early days of business, you're the CEO, the social media manager, the accountant, the customer service rep… and sometimes even the janitor. It’s all part of the scrappy startup life.

But as your business grows, so does your to-do list—and let’s face it, there aren’t enough hours in the day (or cups of coffee) to do everything yourself.

That’s when the magic question kicks in: What should you keep doing yourself—and what should you hand off to the pros?

Let’s break it down.

The Case for DIY (a.k.a. Your Inner Hustler)

There are some things you can totally do yourself—especially when budgets are tight and you’re still figuring things out. DIY works great for:

Testing new ideas
Creating your first logo or website using templates
Running your social media (if you love it)
Writing your own content or emails
Managing your own inbox and calendar

DIY is scrappy, creative, and empowering. But it also has a shelf life. The goal isn’t to stay stuck in all the roles forever—it’s to build a business that works without you doing every little thing.

The Signs It’s Time to Let Go

Here’s how you know it’s time to outsource:

You’re working 12+ hour days and still feel behind
You’re turning down opportunities because you’re too busy
You’re doing things you hate (and aren’t even that good at)
You’re stuck in the weeds instead of focusing on growth
Your customer experience is starting to slip

If you’re nodding your head, keep reading.

Smart Things to Outsource (Before You Burn Out)

You don’t need to hire a full team. Start with one thing that frees up your time and energy the most:

1. Admin Tasks

Inbox overload? Calendar chaos? Repetitive tasks? A virtual assistant can be a game-changer.

2. Bookkeeping & Taxes

Unless you love spreadsheets and CRA guidelines, this one’s a no-brainer. A bookkeeper or accountant will keep your finances clean, clear, and tax-ready.

3. Design & Branding

If your DIY logo looks like a middle-school project (no shame—we’ve been there), it might be time to call in a designer to level up your brand.

4. Marketing & Ads

Facebook ads, Google SEO, content calendars… if marketing isn’t your zone of genius, outsourcing this can get you way better results, faster.

5. Website Stuff

Yes, you can build your site on your own. But if it's buggy, slow, or makes people click away, a pro can clean it up and make it shine.

Pro Tip: Think of Outsourcing as an Investment, Not an Expense

Hiring help might feel scary at first (especially if you’re used to doing it all), but when you outsource the right things, your time gets freed up to focus on the stuff that actually grows your business—like sales, strategy, or finally launching that big idea.

Time is money. And peace of mind? Priceless.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It All

Every successful business owner learns this lesson eventually:

Just because you can do it all, doesn’t mean you should.

Start by outsourcing one task that’s draining your energy or slowing you down. Then build from there. You don’t have to go it alone—and your future self will thank you for building a business that runs like a dream, not a burnout factory.

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