How to Outsource Projects Successfully
Managing projects has never been an easy business. It can also be expensive if mistakes happen, and it can waste your time if any of the project members decides to quit the team. Outsourcing was actually created to tackle those problems. And although it indeed decreases your burden and makes many tasks way cheaper than they were used to. You have to know how to use outsourcing correctly.
Know Your Ability to Communicate
The biggest obstacle in outsourcing is miscommunication, especially if you decide to partner up with a foreign contractor. For example, it has become common these days for web owners to buy articles from writers in countries with weaker currencies. However, the challenge there will be language.
It will be much safer if you read some business communication books first. Even if you did learn some when you were in college, perhaps, many things surely have changed in the meantime. You have to update your communication skills!
Choose the Right Interface
Different outsourcing platforms will have different user interfaces. Therefore, it is best to use one that offers a free trial so that you can be 100% sure you are convenient with the program.
Moreover, if you choose to outsource your project from multiple contractors, you’ll definitely need a freelancer management software. Pick the paid service because this is vital for the success of your projects.
Learn the Working Culture
Before you hire an outsourcing agency, especially the foreign ones, it’d be much better if you learn a thing or two about their culture. You don’t have to go too in-depth about this. Start by reading the terms and agreements regarding project submission. If they include compensation rules for their mistakes, then we can say that the agency adheres to the professional culture. If no guarantees whatsoever are on the website, you’d better look for another agency.
Observe Local Law
It would be a grave mistake to think that you are not bound by law only because you hire workers from abroad. The reality is quite the opposite. If you are found to violate some rules, especially the ones that have anything to do with employment, the police may not be after you anytime soon. Still, your business’s reputation will inevitably be damaged.
Be Prepared to Evaluate the Progress Routinely
Although outsourced workers work under the supervision of their agency, you still need to check the progress of their works routinely. If it is set to be submitted in three months, for instance, you should evaluate the progress of your projects at least once every two weeks. You should also document everything and organize them all. …