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Outsourcing has become the byword for getting a business to thrive during difficult circumstances. You may end up using remote workers or freelancers that can help you to build a solid structure. But when we work with outsourced clients there are certain components that we need to address within our business. Having a proper relationship with our outsourced components may seem somewhat trivial, especially in the short-term, but what are the best ways in which to work with outsourced clients effectively?
Keeping The Communication Lines Open
There are so many companies out there that offer a service purely from an outsourced perspective. A company like WDIT offers managed IT services but this doesn’t mean that we should take them for granted. What we put into our relationship with them means we will get more out. When we are keeping those communication lines open, we can inform them of our goals. As the company evolves there will be specific changes that need implementing. This is none more so than in the technological area of business. As a company scales up, the technology needs to mirror it.
Minimize Ambiguities
Clarity is crucial. When we work with outsourced clients, whether they are freelancers or big companies, we’ve got to make sure that our written, verbal, and contractual communications are to the point. Perhaps your KPI template could do with altering or you are too focused on spelling out everything for the client. While contractual documents need to be lengthy, you have to remember that attention to detail to the point of micromanaging on paper could have a negative outcome.
Be Realistic
Out of sight, out of mind, right? But this is not a good way to operate with outsourced clients. You’ve got to be aware of the restrictions they are under. When you ask them to commit to specific schedules and KPIs, you also need to remember how important it is to understand it from their point of view. While we are somewhat focused on the final product, when we start to outsource there are so many different components to think about not just in terms of their own restrictions but the cultural aspects they communicate as well. You could be asking too much of them so early on in the process. But what you need to do is encourage performance and behaviors within the right environment so they are able to meet your demands. Sometimes it’s about the values you exhibit as a leader which sets the template but sometimes it’s also about making sure that you aren’t too demanding. Freelancers can only redo a piece of work so many times before they end up getting paid below minimum wage.
Consistency
Working with any outsourced client is about fostering a good working relationship. Not only do you have to be professional but you’ve got to be consistent so that it aligns with your pre-agreed documents. But remember, you have to treat everyone the same. If we treat our outsourced clients differently to the in-office components, this could breed resentment. For the sake of the business and your own reputation, you must keep away from perceived inconsistency.
