Outsourcing For Growth

What can be gained from outsourcing?  You would be right in thinking there must be many benefits with outsourcing appearing in the business pages again recently, and on and off for the past year or so. But is it just a way to save money, or can it bring so much more?

It seems whatever the sector, most things can now be outsourced.  But how can you be sure it is going to be a positive and rewarding step to take in the current climate?

• Trust – this is one of the biggest barriers to outsourcing. How will you know that the people you outsource to can do what they say they can do, with the integrity and professionalism that you’re used to?  And what about confidentiality? How will you know your business information is ‘safe’ in their hands when they’re not working in your organisation’s premises? Business support professionals should be keen to show you their work history and experience, and to demonstrate to you they have sound knowledge and ethics to support you and your business.  It is perfectly acceptable to ask to see more detailed history and to take up references from existing or previous clients.  Security is key and support partners will be mindful, and have knowledge of applications, that are secure for the transfer of information and should be able to advise something to suit if this is a concern.

• Training – don’t be afraid to invest time in ‘virtual’ colleagues as you would an employee.  It is important that they understand the nature, values, mission and way of working of your business so they can continue to promote this through their work with you and your clients.  Investing doesn’t have to mean money and training courses, what can be most beneficial is investing time to explain the business e.g. work shadowing or invitations to observe key meetings.   It is also useful that you understand their business too.

• Development - the great thing about outsourcing is there is no limit to developing support.  As your business grows and support requirements change, your partnership can grow with you and reflect these changes.  No trying to change a job description, or sign off additional responsibility allowances through, what in some cases is, a long-winded exercise! Business agreements with support partners are often renewed at intervals throughout the year giving you the opportunity to change support.  If your requirements change at short notice, the flexibility of outsourcing allows this to happen instantly, and if you’re not near a renewal period, often extras can be ‘bolted on’ at an additional cost.

• Partnership – creating a mutually beneficial collaboration is what outsourcing should be all about.  In the traditional sense, you are not ‘employing’ someone, and they in turn are not ‘employing’ you.  Outsourcing is a partnership that is built on the strength of expertise, and a shared enthusiasm for business.

Not as scary as it sounds now, is it!