Outsourcing is the process of subcontracting secondary processes in your business to other suppliers. These processes are typically those that do not contribute primarily to your product or service delivery, but support them. Typically these functions would include distribution, marketing, internal bookkeeping, processing salaries and statutory tax submissions.

Typically, these functions are time-consuming. Although many of them are compulsory in the eyes of the Receiver, they don't make you any money. Which in itself makes a strong case for outsourcing them and focusing on what counts in your business.

South Africa is renowned for its outsourcing facilities and the huge number of firms that can take care of most of the secondary functions within companies. The list below should be a good start in searching for what you need to lighten your load:

Chambers of Business/Commerce
Industry specific sources
Brabys.com
TradePage
Trade and Technological Information Promotion System - TIPS
Electronic Buyers' Guide
EasyInfo.co.za
The advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing
Engineering Directory
Specifile on line
PulseNet
SAEverything