Top 10 Outsourcing Tips

More and more businesses are looking to accomplish more for less with outsourcing business and recruiting processes. Save time, money and resources and expand the reach of your business by outsourcing projects to skilled vendors. Here is a list of basic tips to help you outsource successfully.

10. Review the Portfolio- It's pretty basic. Check out each company's body of work (white papers, samples, case studies) before considering them as a vendor.

9. Don't Go Too Big...at first - Right out of the gate, be careful not to hand over mission critical projects to a new vendor.

8. Define Milestones - Schedule checkpoints where the status of the project is reviewed. This will ensure that you meet the final deadline.

7. Who Owns This? - Negotiate and define the ownership of the end work up front.

6. Post-Project Support - Do you need a warranty? A support clause? Discounts on future modifications? Before any work is done, negotiate the post-project expectations and support systems and you will save yourself headaches down the line.

5. Get Everything in Writing - Of course you'll get the initial contract agreement on paper...but make sure to secure and archive any proposed changes to the initial agreement, whether they are agreed upon or not.

4. Clarify the Scope - Any successful outsourcing initative begins with a defined goal and the requirements. Be specific about your expectations and the deliverables needed so the vendor can provide a correct and reasonable proposal. Give vendors all the facts. Most of all, create a project schedule and stick to it; you will see the positive effect this has on your cost-savings.

3. It's an Interview - When you receive proposals from potential providers, evaluate them as you would a resume and interview of a new employee. Ask questions. Check references. Have an open dialogue. The vendor you choose will become an extension of your team.

2. Specific Experience and Cultural Fit - The provider you select needs experience with the type of project that you’re undertaking. And going hand-in-hand with that is the vendor's corporate culture. Your needs should match their experience and their company's values, culture and style should compliment your own.

1. Best Price does not Necessarily Equal the Best Choice - Don't be tempted to choose the cheapest vendor just because they are the cheapest. Yes, it is possible that they are the best choice, but dig deeper. Will saving money by choosing the cheapest vendor now truly pay off later when it comes to quality and creating a long-term, viable relationship?