Outsourcing certain components of your business, particularly IT, is a useful asset in business growth and development. It allows you to focus on the future of the face of your business rather than constantly managing the behind-the-scenes work. It also gives you access to greater staff, technology, knowledge, and other resources than you might be able to afford or manage on your own. Here’s a few quick tips if you are considering outsourcing:
DO continuously monitor outsourced services
Ensure that you are getting maximum value from your outsourced services by performing regular evaluations. Maintain an open line of communication with team leaders to discuss the future of your business. Use this relationship to revise and change processes, targets, and contracts as needed. Your service provider should be able to grow and adapt with your business – regular evaluations will allow you to quickly identify deficiencies and make changes when necessary.
DON’T be afraid to ask for help
Evaluating the performance of your outsourced services requires a specific functional knowledge of the field. Delegate this task to a leader within the team and work with them to develop a schedule of structured evaluations to ensure that performance goals are consistently being met. Make sure the results of these evaluations can be easily communicated and understood by all involved parties.
DO maximize the scope of your business’s relationship with the service provider
You have chosen to outsource this area of your business for a reason – it gives you access to a greater resources than you would be able to afford or monitor on your own. Make sure you are taking full advantage of everything available to you. Your outsourced team is equipped with world-class technology and advanced expertise in their field – how can this benefit your business? What changes can you make using the resources provided to you via your outsourced team? Work with team leaders to reach the maximum potential of this partnership.
DON’T limit yourself to one provider
It’s possible that one provider might not be able to meet the demands of your business. If you feel that you have reached the limits of your business relationship, it might be time to consider working with another service provide. Whether it’s a total switch or outsourcing to two service providers, this can help you accommodate your growing business. You might not end up switching either – this type of discussion can be used as leverage in negotiations with your current provider.
DO build strong relationships
Outsourcing relies on a mutually beneficial relationship – when your business thrives, so does that of your service provider. It’s important to maintain ongoing honest communication so that both parties can achieve their maximum potential. Work with leaders within your outsourced team to identify and resolve deficits quickly, so that your business can continue to run efficiently and productively. Create an open discussion around new ideas – invite new perspectives and develop a strategy to move forward. This helps foster maximum value for both parties.
DON’T settle for less
Your business might outgrow your service provider, or your business’s ideals, cultures, or values may no longer align with theirs, or there are a number of other factors could be detrimental to your outsourcing relationship. It’s important to be prepared for these circumstances – create a terminate and exit plan to end your relationship with your current provider and allocate a budget for finding a new alternative. This way, your business is least likely to suffer.
In the end, it comes down to what is best for your business. There are many different service providers out there, each with their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. A project manager like ITPM can work with you help you determine which is most suitable for the future of your business.