Outsourcing: Hiring for What You Know vs. What You Don’t Know

Outsourcing is a powerful tool for businesses, but not all outsourcing decisions are the same. The approach to hiring when outsourcing a task you know how to do is vastly different from outsourcing something you have no experience with. Understanding these differences can help you make better hiring decisions and maximize the benefits of outsourcing.

1. Outsourcing What You Know

When outsourcing tasks you already understand, the goal is typically to free up time, scale efficiently, or delegate lower-value work. You have firsthand knowledge of how the task should be done, so you can guide, train, and monitor performance effectively.

Hiring Approach

• Define Clear Expectations – Since you know what success looks like, provide specific guidelines, KPIs, and workflows.

• Look for Efficiency & Reliability – You’re not hiring for expertise, but rather for execution. Choose someone who can follow instructions well.

• Training & Onboarding – Provide structured onboarding, ensuring the outsourced worker aligns with your existing processes.

• Process Optimization – Use outsourcing as a way to refine and streamline the task further, possibly integrating automation where needed.

Best Tasks to Outsource in This Category:

• Administrative support

• Data entry

• Social media scheduling

• Customer service (script-based)

• Simple content creation

2. Outsourcing What You Don’t Know

When outsourcing a task you don’t know how to do, your approach shifts. Here, the goal is to bring in expertise, strategic insight, and problem-solving abilities that you or your team lack. You’re not just delegating work—you’re hiring professionals who can help guide the process.

Hiring Approach

• Find Experts, Not Just Workers – Look for people who have industry experience and proven results. Their ability to strategize and execute is critical.

• Ask the Right Questions – Since you’re unfamiliar with the task, focus on outcomes and case studies rather than micromanaging how the work is done.

• Trust & Collaboration – Be open to the consultant or outsourced team recommending changes that improve efficiency.

• Education & Knowledge Transfer – Ideally, outsourcing should help you learn as well. Work with your provider to gain a basic understanding of what’s being done.

Best Tasks to Outsource in This Category:

• CRM management & automation

• Website development & SEO

• AI integration & process automation

• Paid advertising & digital marketing strategy

• Customer journey mapping & workflow optimization

Key Differences in the Hiring Approach

Factor Outsourcing What You Know Outsourcing vs What You Don’t Know

Goal Free up time & scale vs Gain expertise & guidance

Hiring Focus Execution & reliability vs Strategy & problem-solving

Training Needed Yes, based on your process vs Minimal—you rely on their expertise

KPIs Task completion & efficiency vs Results & business impact

Management Style Hands-on, structured vs Collaborative, trust-based

Outsourcing is not just about handing off work—it’s about making strategic choices that align with your business needs. If you’re outsourcing tasks you already know, focus on hiring reliable executors who can follow your system. But if you’re outsourcing what you don’t know, prioritize experts who bring new insights and innovation.

By understanding these differences, you can build a more effective outsourcing strategy that not only saves time but also adds real value to your business.