Establishing an Outsourcing Partnership An outsourced team can play a crucial role in expanding a company's capabilities when help is needed most. If one…
Establishing an outsourcing partnership
An outsourced team can play a crucial role in expanding a company's capabilities when help is needed most. Whether a company needs a boost on a software project or an engineer with specific skills to complement its development team, an outsourcing provider can often be the solution. In fact, 57% of companies turn to subcontracting to allow them to focus more on their core business, and 28% of companies use subcontractors to access intellectual capital not available internally.
While outsourced teams can often act as mercenaries you call in on a case-by-case basis, your company can achieve better results by developing a broader partnership with your supplier. After all, you train your internal team to follow your company's culture and values; your outsourced team should feel a similar connection to their work. Instead of just paying a group of people to complete a job, you should develop a long-term partnership that makes the outsourced team feel like they also have a stake in the project.
Here are three tips to help turn a supplier into a partner:
1. Create a long-term contract with your provider.
If you are used to hiring outsourced teams for small projects, you may be missing out on the advantages of maintaining a long-term relationship with the organization. The main challenges faced by organizations working with contractors are communication, deadlines, collaboration and building trust. These questions can be even more poignant when you only work sporadically with the outsourced team. Consider drafting a long-term contract or agreement that keeps your outsourcing vendor in close contact with your internal team. Even if you can't create a formal document, write down the company's established values and goals and even a brief explanation of its corporate culture so that you and your supplier can align more closely.
2. Establish lines of communication with the outsourced team.
By remaining in communication with the outsourced team for extended periods of time, you will be able to better align your goals when the critical moment arrives for an upcoming project. Even if you can't form a formal agreement, try to establish an established communication channel that allows team members to stay in touch even when they're not working on a specific project. One of the best ways to maintain communication is to appoint representatives from each organization, usually a project manager, and schedule weekly or monthly meetings so they can stay up to date with changes and developments in your company. If you are outsourcing to a different country, use tools like Zoom, Twist, Slack and Appear. To keep lines of communication open, even when you're not working on an urgent project.
3. Develop a trusting relationship.
By treating your outsourcing vendor as a partner, you will cultivate a mutually respectful relationship that encourages external staff to bring their best work to help your company. Your outsourcing provider has unique experiences and capabilities that can make them a significant asset to your company beyond just completing necessary tasks. If appropriate, you can invite your supplier to contribute to business decisions. To establish trust, give them space to work without excessive supervision from your team. Accept that your provider may not resolve a problem in exactly the same way as you would; however, they can bring a solution that exceeds your expectations. Trust will allow both parties to work freely and collaboratively as partners rather than customers.
Building a strategic partnership is a constant work in progress, and you need to proactively develop communication channels to leverage your outsourcer's unique experience and skills. Consider dedicating a small amount of time to update your outsourcing team on your company's progress so they feel involved in your development, even beyond the individual project you've assigned them. The more your outsourced team feels involved with your company, the more motivated they will be to exceed expectations and help your business succeed.
