Learn how to Offshore part of your Business
Do you think that just because your business is small you can’t outsource? There are ways to send your writing, IT tasks and other needs overseas to add efficiency to your enterprise. By doing some prior planning and following some pointers, you can get the quality help you need.
Starting Out
Pointers for launching your outsourcing operation.
- First, define your core: Don't hand over the core functions of your business. Consider outsourcing other operations that are not as strategic.
- Evaluate a service provider like you would a full-time employee: Ask questions.
- Clearly define the scope and schedule for your project: Be up front about your project requirements so that service providers know about schedules and deliverables.
- Don't choose a vendor based solely on price: Discard the highest-priced and lowest-priced bid. You want a balance of good value and quality results.
- Look for specific experience fit: You want a company with specific experience with the type of project that your company is undertaking. This is important when outsourcing complex technical projects such as software development.
- Tie compensation to clearly defined project milestones: Define a work plan for your outsourced project, with clearly defined milestones.
- Don't forget about support after the project is complete: Draft a support clause that ensures you'll get continuing support from the vendor after the project is complete.
- Get it in writing: Keep a written record of project goals, pay schedules and any changes.
- Start small: Start with a project that is relatively small and simple in scope to give you a better idea of the provider's style and capabilities.
Skills to Consider Outsourcing
You may be able to outsource these job functions to make your small business run more smoothly.
- Public-relations services: Most small businesses cannot afford a full-time public-relations pro.
- Virtual assistants: Virtual assistants, or independent entrepreneurs, provide administrative, creative or technical support by handling tasks like scheduling and filing.
- Outsource brokers: These brokers, exchanges and networks can recruit, interview and manage the services your company needs.
- E-commerce solutions: Hire a provider that can turn your business's Web site into a cash cow.
- E-mail marketing: Your contractor can be thousands of miles and seven time zones away, but they'll market your business like they're in the same room.
- Writers: Writing can be done from anywhere.
- IT Professionals: Consultants are cheaper than hiring someone in-house.
Outsourcing Do's and Don'ts
Keep these tips in mind as your orientate yourself to outsourcing. Carefully evaluate what can really be outsourced: Self-contained tasks or projects are more suited to outsourcing, while team tasks are not. Consider management costs: Don't end up squandering the savings in training and oversight costs. Be prepared for challenges: Even from across an ocean, personalities can clash, and schedules can take a while to sync. Don't walk in blind: Get guidance in choosing a vendor and keep knowledgeable tabs on performance. Consider having a staff employee(s) act as a liaison: Consider entrusting an in-house manager to oversee the outsourced help. Watch out for hidden costs: Consider everything from layoff-related expenses and telecommunications costs for remote workers.
Know the outsourcing ABCs:
Alignment: Is outsourcing the right move for your business?
Business case: Have you taken all costs into consideration?
Culture: Can you bridge the cultural difference between your company and the outsourcer?
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