12 Essential tips to finding the best outsourcing company
The very foundation of outsourcing means getting someone to
handle your work, a partner in business. Ideally the outsourcing
consultant or company should have a similar vision as yours and
solid work ethics.
Success in business would depend greatly on finding the right
outsourcing company and for this you must:
* Determine clearly what your core business competencies are.
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
* Clearly define your goals, future business plans.
* Create an outsourcing proposal that outlines your objectives
as well as needs. State clearly the details of the project,
expectations, timelines, as well as budgets.
* Do in depth research on outsourcing companies to find out
which ones will satisfy your needs. Alternately one can hire a
consultant to carry out the search.
* Search for an organization that can source many talents.
Flexibility in operations is crucial.
* Interview at least 3-4 organizations. Check out their
referrals and projects completed. Be sure to meet key personnel
to gauge their competencies. And check out their technological
expertise.
* Do a cost effectiveness study as also how the selected company
will fulfill your needs. Whether their infrastructure and
training will be in synchrony with yours. Systems must be
compatible. The costing should address impact of increased
flexibility, difference in productive and time management, which
is the time taken to reach the market and its effect on
competition.
* Study thoroughly the non-financial costs as well as advantages
of outsourcing.
* Check with local chambers of commerce like the California
chamber of commerce at www.calchamber.com or other associations
that focus on human resource like the Sacramento Area Human
Resources Association at www.sahra.org.
* Before making a final choice check whether the outsourcing
company or vendor is trustworthy, find out what kind of security
measures they use, check the company's reputation in the market;
determine in no uncertain terms whether they have the right
qualifications.
* Seek answers to: are they an established and financially sound
company; what is their customer service philosophy; what is
their service record; who are their current clients; is their
estimate transparent or are there any loop holes; are they
limited or can they expand along with your growth; is there an
implementation plan; what about disaster recovery mechanisms;
can they deliver?
* Check whether communications will be smooth and trouble free
and if there are any cultural differences between you and the
vendor. If yes will you be able to bridge the difference.
The cornerstones of a good and ideal outsource is a company that
will enhance your performance; partner you in growth by infusing
talent and technology; will share your visions; and contribute
positively.
Interview the companies. After you select one discuss in detail
the contractual terms. Be sure to protect your own interests
well. It takes trust, collaboration, communication, and
chemistry to make an outsourcing successful.