Heard about the GENIUS Act?
It was signed into law earlier this month. It’s the first comprehensive piece of federal legislation focused on regulating cryptocurrency. Which means for the crypto industry, it’s a historic pivot point.
Now, you might not be adding “issue payroll in digital tokens” to your list right now, but here’s why I bring this up today:
For the first time, there are federal guardrails in place for digital assets. Think: faster transactions, low-fee payment rails, and a potential future where B2B payments, vendor transactions, and even payroll can be done with greater flexibility.
While you’re probably not going to start paying your staff in crypto next week (*not recommended right now*), the framework still exists.
The financial infrastructure is shifting, and regulatory clarity means adoption will follow. Businesses that are ready to adapt when changes like this happen will have the competitive edge. Something to ponder…
Now, if the thought of innovations like these is immediately overwhelming, then it might mean we need to fry some bigger fish first. Mainly, how you can get to the place where you have the capacity to consider these innovations for your Milwaukee business.
Small Business Efficiency: How Milwaukee Business Owners Can Combat Overwhelm
“It is not enough to be busy…. The question is: What are we busy about?” —Henry David Thoreau
Quick Summary: The Secret to Better Small Business Efficiency
- Outsourcing helps cut costs, frees up internal resources, improves customer experiences, and provides access to specialized skills.
- High-impact areas to outsource include bookkeeping, payroll, marketing, IT support, customer service, and HR.
- Start small: track where your time is going, and test outsourcing with a trial period.
- Evaluate outsourcing ROI regularly to ensure it’s driving real results.
“I feel like I’m doing everything… and nothing is actually getting ahead.”
This is where most small business owners end up: juggling sales, bookkeeping, hiring, payroll, marketing. And somewhere in the middle of all that, trying to grow the company too.
But the reality is, you can’t scale when you’re stuck in survival mode. You won’t see growth if you’re constantly chasing tasks instead of leading.
So, let’s talk about the path out of that cycle and into small business efficiency that moves the needle.
Outsourcing: A Small Business Efficiency Strategy (Not Just a Convenience)
The smartest businesses (big and small) don’t just outsource to save time. They do it to:
1. Cut costs: Outsourced professionals handle their own overhead, which lowers yours.
2. Free up resources for what matters: Your team (and you) get to focus on the strategic, high-impact work while time-draining or technical tasks go elsewhere.
3. Deliver better customer experiences: A more efficient back end = a better front end. Happy customers stick around (and refer others).
4. Tap into expertise you don’t have: Not every team needs (or can afford) a full-time marketing strategist or a CPA. But outsourcing gives you on-demand access to expert-level help.
So… What Should You Outsource?
I’ve seen it too many times – business owners insisting on doing everything themselves. Especially when it comes to bookkeeping. They dive in with good intentions. But then the numbers get off, projections miss the mark, and tax planning falls apart.
Let me be blunt: Even if you are good at bookkeeping, is this really how you want to spend your time? (If the answer is yes, then let’s talk. I might need to hire you.)
This is where outsourcing can change everything for your Southeastern Wisconsin business. Start with your bookkeeping and accounting. Other areas where outsourcing really pays off:
- Payroll processing: Compliance mistakes here can get very expensive, very fast.
- Marketing and social media: Algorithms change. Trends shift. And sure, AI can help you create content, but it’s still time-consuming. Let experts handle it for you.
- Web and IT Support: Your website is often your first impression. If it’s slow, outdated, or broken, you’re losing business.
- HR and recruiting: Especially if you’re hiring remote or multi-state employees.
The key is this: if someone else can do it better, faster, or more affordably — without risking quality — why are you still doing it?
What Should Stay In-House?
Not everything should be handed off. Some parts of your Milwaukee business are simply too important (or too personal) to delegate – areas that shape your brand, build trust, and require your unique insight.
Because it’s critical that you stay connected to your company’s direction. Here’s what I recommend keeping close to the chest:
- Core strategy and leadership
- High-touch customer relationships
- Anything that involves sensitive or protected data
- Functions that are already working efficiently internally
How to Start Outsourcing (Without Losing Control)
Smart outsourcing follows a process. No, the goal isn’t to throw tasks over the fence and hope for the best. It’s to create partnerships that give you back your time.
Here’s the process I recommend, step by step:
Step 1: Track how you’re spending your time this week. Highlight everything that’s routine, repetitive, or outside your skillset.
Step 2: Choose one area to test outsourcing with a 30-day trial.
Step 3: Define clear deliverables. What does “done right” look like? Document it.
Step 4: Communicate frequently. Stay engaged, especially early on. Think partner, not passerby.
Step 5: Measure ROI. Are you saving time? Getting better results? Feeling less overwhelmed?
FAQ
“What’s the biggest risk with outsourcing?”
Poor communication or unclear expectations. That’s why it’s crucial to document processes, set clear deliverables, and start with trial projects before going all-in.
“How do I make sure I’m not handing off something too important?”
Look at risk vs. skill. If it’s high risk and you don’t have the skills in-house, outsource to a vetted pro. But if it’s high risk and you already have strong internal know-how, keep it close.
“How do I find reliable outsourced help for my business?”
Referrals, reviews, and small pilot projects are your friends. Don’t just go off the cheapest bid. Look for professionals who’ve worked with businesses like yours and can prove results.
“How often should I reassess what I’m outsourcing?”
At least once a quarter, or anytime your growth goals shift. As your business scales, some roles may move in-house while others stay external. Stay flexible.
“Is it ever too early to start outsourcing in my business?”
Not really. As soon as your small business efficiency is hurting because of tasks that don’t directly impact growth or profit, consider handing them off – even if it’s just a few hours a week.
“What kind of ROI should I expect from outsourcing?”
A good benchmark is a 3–5x return in saved time, increased revenue, or avoided costs in your business within the first 6–12 months. If you’re not seeing that, it’s time to revisit the arrangement.
What’s next?
Hire an expert and quit driving everyone who works with you crazy. Focus on what you do best. That’s the way to make your business grow. Know what YOU are best at … and hire for the rest.
And if you’re now starting to see that you’ve been doing too much for too long, let’s talk:
414-325-2040