When we talk to businesses about their needs and how they go about finding independent experts or specialist services for their business, they all seem to do the same thing and experience the same frustrations. Recently we commissioned a customer research project to determine how businesses, small, medium and large across multiple sectors went about this and what the common pain points were.
You may not be surprised at what we learned and it might even sound familiar. Here are some of the common themes we uncovered:
Some said they already had access to all the expert service providers they need. But when they needed expertise or specialist services they’ve never used before, they don’t know where to start. Where do you find them? How do you know if they are any good?
- Others tell us that if they don’t know who to use, they just ring a friend or someone in their network and get a recommendation. Worse still, they use someone they think can do the job, even though they may not be qualified. Better the devil you know, right? Usually, they miss the mark, are either the wrong fit or lack the capability needed, and you’re back to square one.
- Many simply throw their hands in the air or try a google search or search social media pages and groups but often come up short and give up. Muddling their way through the issue or project themselves. Unaware that there are ways of finding the experts you need.
- When it comes to the process, we’re told most experience confusion because they don’t quite know what they’re looking for or what they need to be done. A safe zone for larger businesses is to sometimes just keep doing what the business has always done. Use trusted existing providers or just pay more for larger consulting firms with big brand reputations and hope they can work out what is needed and deliver. If they can’t, no matter, their brand reputation provides protection.
- In larger organisations, it’s common for department heads and line managers to be unsure whether they have permission to engage external experts or can simply be paralysed by the at times onerous internal procurement and sourcing processes which can make the whole thing just too hard.
For the majority, the most common theme was that the whole process is frustrating and time-consuming. For smaller businesses, overwhelming. But it’s not all doom and gloom as there is growing awareness and acknowledgement that organisations need help to access experts and approach the whole process in a more efficient and cost-effective way. They need better access and choice of skilled experts so they can focus on delivering better results and not get bogged down in the detail.
This is exactly why CircleSource was created. To help people in small, medium and large organisations do what they do today (and clearly struggle with), through a smart digital solution, more efficiently and cost-effectively finding and sourcing the external service providers they need. CircleSource helps businesses clarify the work they need to be performed, provides them reach into a market they are usually not familiar with and gives greater choice to find the right skilled experts at the right time. All through an efficient and simple sourcing solution that helps them manage the process from start to finish.
The way we work is changing. So is the way we source and access the talented experts we need for our businesses. It’s time to be bold and if nothing else, try something different…you might actually get a better result!
What kind of expertise do SMEs need?
From what I can see, both in Australia and other parts of the world, there’s a common core group of services that SME businesses need to access most often.
Here’s my top 7:
- Technology: Technology is key for SME businesses. They typically need help with things like web design and development, IT consulting to set up, support and maintain systems, and help with security.
- Marketing: Getting the right advice around branding and marketing strategy is vital for SME businesses. They frequently seek help with social media, content creation, digital advertising, SEO, email marketing and more. Getting this wrong can be expensive, and have a major impact on the success of small and medium businesses working with limited budgets.
- People: Most SME businesses will only need access to HR and Workplace Health and Safety related experts from time to time. This ranges from help with recruitment, employment conditions and contracts, policy advice, remuneration and compensation, payroll services, HR consulting, mentoring and training. On the safety side they might need WHS strategy and consulting, compliance, EAP services, WorkCover advice and inspections.
- The challenge for SME businesses
The challenge many SMEs face is how to easily find and connect with the best and most reliable people when they need these specialised services. Time and resources are limited for most SMEs, so it can be costly to engage someone only to find out they’re not the right person for the job.
The new CircleSource platform is designed with exactly this in mind. It helps SME businesses like yours find and connect with trusted and qualified services providers, allowing you to search by skill set and location, and read endorsements before engaging someone’s services. And it’s free! Check it out now at www.circlesource.com.au.
When we talk to businesses about their needs and how they go about finding independent experts or specialist services for their business, they all seem to do the same thing and experience the same frustrations. Recently we commissioned a customer research project to determine how businesses, small, medium and large across multiple sectors went about this and what the common pain points were.
You may not be surprised at what we learned and it might even sound familiar. Here are some of the common themes we uncovered:
Some said they already had access to all the expert service providers they need. But when they needed expertise or specialist services they’ve never used before, they don’t know where to start. Where do you find them? How do you know if they are any good?
- Others tell us that if they don’t know who to use, they just ring a friend or someone in their network and get a recommendation. Worse still, they use someone they think can do the job, even though they may not be qualified. Better the devil you know, right? Usually, they miss the mark, are either the wrong fit or lack the capability needed, and you’re back to square one.
- Many simply throw their hands in the air or try a google search or search social media pages and groups but often come up short and give up. Muddling their way through the issue or project themselves. Unaware that there are ways of finding the experts you need.
- When it comes to the process, we’re told most experience confusion because they don’t quite know what they’re looking for or what they need to be done. A safe zone for larger businesses is to sometimes just keep doing what the business has always done. Use trusted existing providers or just pay more for larger consulting firms with big brand reputations and hope they can work out what is needed and deliver. If they can’t, no matter, their brand reputation provides protection.
- In larger organisations, it’s common for department heads and line managers to be unsure whether they have permission to engage external experts or can simply be paralysed by the at times onerous internal procurement and sourcing processes which can make the whole thing just too hard.
For the majority, the most common theme was that the whole process is frustrating and time-consuming. For smaller businesses, overwhelming. But it’s not all doom and gloom as there is growing awareness and acknowledgement that organisations need help to access experts and approach the whole process in a more efficient and cost-effective way. They need better access and choice of skilled experts so they can focus on delivering better results and not get bogged down in the detail.
This is exactly why CircleSource was created. To help people in small, medium and large organisations do what they do today (and clearly struggle with), through a smart digital solution, more efficiently and cost-effectively finding and sourcing the external service providers they need. CircleSource helps businesses clarify the work they need to be performed, provides them reach into a market they are usually not familiar with and gives greater choice to find the right skilled experts at the right time. All through an efficient and simple sourcing solution that helps them manage the process from start to finish.
The way we work is changing. So is the way we source and access the talented experts we need for our businesses. It’s time to be bold and if nothing else, try something different…you might actually get a better result!
MEs are taking things online
Recently, it’s become clear that an online presence is vital for most businesses. But SMEs have been aware of this for some time!
According to a 2019 report from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsmen, out of more than 2.3 million businesses in Australia:
- 95% of SME businesses have access to the internet in their business.
- 81% of SME’s use the internet to search for suppliers of products and services they need.
- Roughly 53% and up to 75% of SME businesses place orders online.
- Between 30% and 47% of SME’s receive orders online.
It’s clear that online tools are essential for SMEs to access the expertise and services they need in order to thrive.