An outsourcing partnership should be based on trust.
But, since trust cannot be earned overnight and since time in business is always limited, doing your homework is an important part of the deal.
Think of outsourcing as a marriage.
Although this life-long relationship will bring you happiness and security, it comes with a list of challenges.
For staff outsourcing, we will talk about the main five things that can make you reconsider your decision.
1.
Loss of control When going into a serious relationship, you are expected to invest your better half with trust and eventually stop being a control freak.
You will be expected to do the same thing with an outsourced staff.
Turning over the managerial control to other company can be a problem for almost all of the CEOs.
You should take into consideration that the outsourcing company will have a different mission and motivation and will also be interested in gaining profit.
Although it sounds an impossible thing to do, you will have to accept that the other company has its own identity and try to find a common ground from the beginning.
2.
Hidden costs You all think that a good thing comes with invisible responsibilities.
Well, you are right, sometimes you might end up paying much more than you previously planned.
In order to avoid this situation, you should negotiate the terms of your contract; remember to include every aspect of your relationship and make sure you are the one keeping the couch.
3.
Security and confidentiality threats Every outsourced staff will need, at some point, information about you and your business.
Make sure you protect yourself through the contract but still ensure that you offer the staff all the necessary data.
4.
Decrease in company value Also, you should take into consideration that your outsourcing partner has several clients and usually cannot provide you with their full attention.
In order to prevent this from happening, you should think not just if this solution will help you save money, but also if the outsourced staff will add real value to your company.
So, you can invest in your staff but also outsource the non-core parts of your business that are eating all of your employees' time.
Promoting an environment where innovation is appreciated and outsourcing is encouraged, might be the recipe for success.
5.
Lack of flexibility An outsourcing company is a business.
Like you, they don't enjoy dealing with undecided customers.
So, be sure you know what you want and don't expect from their part a reaction that you and your business would never have.
For example, don't expect your outsourced staff to understand you and your company from the first meeting.
Communication is the key and only by being open to suggestions and having a real partnership with your outsourcing company you will get something valuable out of this.
As you already know, the coin will always have two sides and although people swear they will never get married, eventually some lucky ones do.
Finding the right partner is always going to be hard but a good CEO will always know the right path for their business.
Make sure you look for a partner for the right reasons and remember that saving costs alone is not a good long-term strategy.
Always look for an outsourcing partner that cares and provides you with the right staff.