A few weeks ago, I found myself in a conversation which seemed very familiar, and I’m going to paraphrase it here because many of you might be in the very same spot. We were talking about the usual challenges thatcome with running a small business—cash flow, scaling, and, of course, marketing. It didn’t take long for us to land on a topic that I’m particularly passionate about: the pros and cons of outsourcing your marketing efforts.

My friend, let’s call her June, runs a growing manufacturing company. She’d been handling her marketing in-house, relying on a small team to manage everything from social media to graphic design. But as her business expanded, she started to feel the strain. “I’m at a crossroads,” June said, and I could tell she was frustrated. “Do I need to invest in hiring a full-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), or is there another way?”

I’ve been in the marketing world for years, and I’ve seen firsthand how outsourcing can be a game-changer, especially for small to medium-sized businesses like June’s. So, I shared my thoughts, starting with the one thing every business owner has on their mind: cost.

The Cost Advantage

“June,” I began, “have you considered how much it actually costs to bring on a full-time CMO? Not just the salary, but benefits, PTO, vacation time—all of it adds up.” She nodded, already doing the math in her head. “Here’s the thing,” I continued, “for the same or even less money, you could outsource your marketing and get access to an entire team. You’re not just hiring one person—you’re hiring graphic designers, social media experts, videographers, writers, strategists, all rolled into one package.”

June was clearly interested, so I kept going. “And the best part?” I added, “You don’t have to worry about benefits or managing time off. It’s going to sound too good to be true. You only pay for the services you need, when you need them, and you get a team that’s laser-focused on driving results.”

June raised an eyebrow. At this point in the conversation, it’s natural to be skeptical. “So I get all the benefits without the headaches?” she asked, half-joking.

“Look, it’s not a magic wand,” I said back, “but it is a lot like having your cake and eating it too—without worrying about who’s going to cover the office while they’re on vacation.”

The Elusive Unicorn

June’s biggest hesitation seemed to be rooted in the idea of having someone in-house who could fully immerse themselves in her brand. “I get it,” I said, “but let me ask you this—how easy do you think it is to find someone who’s an expert in graphic design, a social media whiz, a talented writer, and a brilliant strategist all in one?”

She laughed, “That sounds like a unicorn.”

“Exactly,” I replied. “And here’s the kicker—even if you do find that unicorn, they’re probably running their own business by now. The truth is, expecting one person to wear all those hats is unrealistic. But when you outsource, you’re essentially creating a team of specialists who bring their own expertise to the table. Like having a Swiss Army knife for your marketing needs.”

The Power of Collaboration

June didn’t get where she is by saying yes to every idea that came her way. I could see the wheels turning, but she wanted to know more. So, I shared one of the biggest benefits I’ve witnessed in my own business, with my own two eyes: the power of collaboration.

“When you hire a single in-house marketer, you’re limited to their skill set, their creativity, their ideas. But when you outsource to a marketing team, you get multiple perspectives, diverse skill sets, and a collaborative environment that breeds innovation. It’s like having ten creative minds working together to solve your marketing challenges instead of just one.”

June nodded thoughtfully. “So, you’re saying it’s not just about the skills, but the collective creativity?”

“Yes, 100%,” I said. “Many heads are greater than one. Outsourcing gives you access to a whole think tank of ideas and strategies, and that’s something you can’t get with just one person.”

She smiled, “I like the idea of having a think tank. Sounds fancy.” From a manufacturing exec, I never know whether “fancy” is a good word or a bad one.

“It’s fancy and effective,” I assured her.

The Decision

By the end of our conversation, June was starting to see the benefits more clearly. “It sounds like outsourcing might be the way to go,” she admitted. “But how do I know it’s the right choice for my business?”

At this point in the conversation, whenever it happens, I try to separate myself from being a business owner to just being a friend. “It’s all about finding the right fit,” I said. “Outsourcing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but if you’re looking for cost-effective expertise, a range of skills, and a team that can grow with your business, it’s worth considering. The right marketing partner can feel like an extension of your own team—without the overhead.”

As we wrapped up our chat, I could tell June’s mind was already racing through some of these new options. The frustration from earlier had turned to curiosity; ideas were forming. “Thanks for the insight,” she said. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

To me, that’s what these conversations are all about. Person to person, exchanging ideas that can help drive each other’s success. For small to medium-sized businesses looking to maximize their impact without the overhead of a full-time in-house team, outsourcing offers a smart, strategic path to growth. As business owners like June are discovering, sometimes the best move is trusting the right partners to help you reach your goals.