Business Operations

Outsourcing: What and When

Updated: 2026-05-27 Holdwise editorial team Outsourcing Delegation Operations

Outsource tasks that any competent person can do, such as bookkeeping, design and routine admin. Most entrepreneurs can start earlier than they think. Many keep tasks they should hand over and then wonder why their business stops growing. With outsourcing, you get time back for the work that only you can do. At Holdwise, we updated this answer on 27 May 2026 and change it when the rules change.

The basic question

For each task, check whether it needs you personally or only someone competent. If another competent person can do it, you can outsource it. The cost is rarely the problem, because the time you gain is usually worth more.

Good candidates to outsource

Bookkeeping: a part-time bookkeeper or accountant for relatively low monthly cost saves hours and reduces mistakes.
Design and visuals: a professional often gets a better result in a few hours than you get in a day of your own amateur work.
Specific technical work: hire a developer or specialist for one-off setups. You can skip learning everything yourself.
Repetitive admin: a virtual assistant who sorts your email and plans your appointments saves you real time each week.

What to keep doing yourself

Client relationships, at least at the start.
Strategy and core decisions.
Everything that makes you better than your competitors.

When to start outsourcing

Earlier than most entrepreneurs think. A common moment is when your week is always full and your business stops growing. You then have too little time to sell or to build the business. With outsourcing, you get that time back.

How to outsource well

Document the task clearly before handing it over.
Pick someone with proven experience in exactly that task.
Start small, see how they work, then expand.
Give feedback early and clearly. If you hide your frustration, the problem usually gets worse.

The common mistake

Many business owners give a badly defined task to a cheap helper, get poor results and conclude that outsourcing fails. You usually solve this by defining the task clearly and paying a little more for someone good. Doing everything yourself forever is rarely realistic.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start outsourcing? +

Often earlier than entrepreneurs realise. Start when tasks with little value take so much time that you have too little left for the work that makes your business grow. Bookkeeping and admin are common first tasks to outsource.

Is outsourcing expensive? +

Often the cost is lower than the value of the time you gain, especially for tasks you do every week. Compare the cost with the hours you get back and with what you do in those hours.

How do I manage someone I outsource to? +

Define the task clearly, agree on expectations, start with a small trial and then expand. Give feedback early and clearly. If you keep a problem to yourself, it usually causes more trouble later.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 2026-05-27