How to Choose an Outsource Company
It makes sense to outsource tasks you don't know how to do, don't do well, don't like to do or get better value for time by having someone else do them. Use another company for a task if it allows you to do more work for which you're paid higher than you pay the outsource company. Anything from customer service to marketing to payroll can be outsourced. Follow these steps to choose the right company.
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Instructions
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Update your business plan. This will force you to reflect on what tasks you want outsourced, what sort of match you're looking for and your time frame for choosing an outsource company. Share this with staff who'll be involved with the outsource company.
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Allow time for evaluation. It's best not to wait until things get desperate. Start searching for a company to handle customer service when you anticipate a spike in need from a new product launch.
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Consider the company's experience in your industry. Building a website for a service business, for instance, is different from creating one for a retail store. While experience shouldn't be the deciding factor, you must consider it when choosing an outsource company.
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Assess how flexible the company's capabilities are. A PR consultant, for instance, who specializes in press releases may not be able to handle radio commercials when your business grows. A graphic design firm who works with copywriters on a contract basis can expand with your marketing efforts.
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Ask about how the company plans on organizing the task if it requires juggling different resources. Learn, for example, how they'll keep track of staff performance and customer feedback if you're hiring them to take care of customer service.
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Get referrals for outsource companies when possible. Ask at networking events and tap into family and friends. Talk to satisfied customers whenever possible.
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Trust your instincts. An outsource company is a business partner and you want to create a partnership that's both lucrative and comfortable.
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Tips & Warnings
Just because you use an outsource company doesn't mean you don't have to treat them right. Good ones deserve as much respect as good employees.
Consider writing a questionnaire for tasks that are central to your business, like website design or customer service, to hit upon important points you want covered.
Don't rely on the testimonials the company posts on its website.
