{"id":1936,"date":"2014-10-29T14:00:22","date_gmt":"2014-10-29T14:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/?p=1936"},"modified":"2023-10-19T16:53:44","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T16:53:44","slug":"outsourcing-best-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/outsourcing-best-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Valuable Lessons Learned from Outsourcing"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1936\" class=\"elementor elementor-1936\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f1c2c96 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6f1c2c96\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\" data-e-bg-lazyload=\"\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f77e360 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5f77e360\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18b1942b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"18b1942b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5 Valuable Lessons Learned from Outsourcing<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a8db624 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"7a8db624\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/elementor\/assets\/css\/widget-icon-list.min.css\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/elementor-pro\/assets\/css\/widget-theme-elements.min.css\">\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-0c36990\" itemprop=\"author\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/audienti.com\/author\/quin\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-user-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 496 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M248 104c-53 0-96 43-96 96s43 96 96 96 96-43 96-96-43-96-96-96zm0 144c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48s21.5-48 48-48 48 21.5 48 48-21.5 48-48 48zm0-240C111 8 0 119 0 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S385 8 248 8zm0 448c-49.7 0-95.1-18.3-130.1-48.4 14.9-23 40.4-38.6 69.6-39.5 20.8 6.4 40.6 9.6 60.5 9.6s39.7-3.1 60.5-9.6c29.2 1 54.7 16.5 69.6 39.5-35 30.1-80.4 48.4-130.1 48.4zm162.7-84.1c-24.4-31.4-62.1-51.9-105.1-51.9-10.2 0-26 9.6-57.6 9.6-31.5 0-47.4-9.6-57.6-9.6-42.9 0-80.6 20.5-105.1 51.9C61.9 339.2 48 299.2 48 256c0-110.3 89.7-200 200-200s200 89.7 200 200c0 43.2-13.9 83.2-37.3 115.9z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-author\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQuin Woodward-Pu\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-0ee551c\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/audienti.com\/2014\/10\/29\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-calendar\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M12 192h424c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v260c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48H48c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48V204c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12zm436-44v-36c0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48h-48V12c0-6.6-5.4-12-12-12h-40c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12v52H160V12c0-6.6-5.4-12-12-12h-40c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12v52H48C21.5 64 0 85.5 0 112v36c0 6.6 5.4 12 12 12h424c6.6 0 12-5.4 12-12z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>October 29, 2014<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-603b08a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"603b08a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df670ce e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"df670ce\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4e6077 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e4e6077\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>We have compiled five valuable lessons on outsourcing. Lessons \u2013 both good and bad \u2013 from companies and individuals who have outsourced.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be Selective in Your Outsourcing<\/h2><p>While it is obvious that your company does not have to outsource everything (or keep everything in-house), you should take some time to consider what makes the most sense to outsource.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.entrepreneur.com\/article\/49616\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em>Entrepreneur\u00a0<\/em><\/a>magazine advises that you think about your business\u2019s core competencies. What does your company do well? And be specific. Not all marketing services need outsourcing, for example. You could hire a contractor to maintain your company blog. While monitoring social media accounts in-house.<\/p><p>Additionally, automation can be just as effective as outsourcing, and you can keep that service in-house. Invoices, direct marketing, and social media marketing are all things that can be automated.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Your Research<\/h2><p>Do not let the cost be the deciding factor here. A cheap vendor may produce subpar work. If you end up having to fix it, what you saved in money you will lose in time and frustration. When selecting a vendor, ask around for referrals and request examples of past projects. Elance and other online marketplaces are good locations to start \u2013 you can easily see reviews on these sites.<\/p><p>It is also a good idea to start small. See how a company handles one project before you make them your long-term vendor. \u201cSee the early stages as a honeymoon period since over time a great experience can turn into something quite different,\u201d advises business writer Jeff Haden in an article for\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/the-7-biggest-outsourcing-mistakes-to-avoid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">CBS News<\/a>. \u201cTurn over a portion of the function and let your outsourcing partner earn a greater share.\u201d<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make Sure Cultures Are Compatible<\/h2><p>Some vendors might do excellent work, but they just might not work well for your company. Per\u00a0<em>Forbes\u00a0<\/em>(ellipses mine):<\/p><blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Labor rates are lower in some countries, but culture and language match are the real keys to productivity \u2026 The outsourcing team will always try to adapt to your situation, but success depends on their cultural work ethics, time constraints, social status, language quirks, and an overall attitude. Adapting to culture goes both ways, and training is the key. Recognize and embrace differences.<\/p><\/blockquote><p>If your outsourcing involves offshoring, make sure you can work around language and time zone barriers.<\/p><p>This compatibility refers to work culture as well. Freelancers are often drawn to freelancing because they can set their own schedules. Be clear on when you need them to be available, so you don\u2019t have any lapses in communication.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be Clear about What You Want<\/h2><p>Contractors hate hearing, \u201cOh, just do what you want; you know best!\u201d It signifies to them that\u00a0<em>you\u00a0<\/em>do not know what you want, which is never a good position to be in. Make sure you give clear, concrete instructions for each project or service. Written documentation is ideal, so vendors can refer to it throughout the process.<\/p><p>Similarly, you have to understand the work you are asking your vendors to complete. It is the only way to effectively manage the projects and ensure the result is what you need.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check the Quality<\/h2><p>While you should do your due diligence and hire reputable, reliable vendors, you also need to have an in-house process to ensure they\u2019re doing quality work, before the work is ready. For example, have in-house staff review any written work from the vendor before it gets published. You should also have regular follow-up meetings to make sure there are no big surprises when the project or other deliverable comes due.<\/p><p>But, there are things that you should never outsource. Check our article on things that you should not outsouce\u00a0<a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/audienti.com\/never-outsource\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e00de4b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e00de4b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04dd3d9 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-3983 elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"04dd3d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/elementor-pro\/assets\/css\/widget-call-to-action.min.css\">\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tReady to supercharge your go-to-market strategy?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover our consulting, training, and software for go-to-market growth businesses. Click below to transform your approach and drive growth today!\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-\" href=\"https:\/\/audienti.com\/consulting\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover here\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We have compiled five valuable lessons on outsourcing. Lessons \u2013 both good and bad \u2013 from companies and individuals who have outsourced. Be Selective in Your Outsourcing While it is obvious that your company does not have to outsource everything (or keep everything in-house), you should take some time to consider what makes the most [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3928,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1936"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1936"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1936\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3996,"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1936\/revisions\/3996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1936"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1936"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audienti.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1936"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}