Part I. Searching for the Right Outsourcing Solutions Provider
As mentioned in the last post, you can find reliable outsourcing providers in the following outsourcing platforms, directories, and social networks that connect small to mid-size businesses to outsourcing providers worldwide: elance.com, guru.com, RentACoder.com, outsourcingprofessional.org, alibaba.com, and LinkedIn.com. Many these services have their user reviews and rating systems which have so far beena good way to determine how the working relationship with the provider will be.
Below are the other 5 Tips on Finding Outsourcing Companies for your business:
1. Inquire from leading trade associations of outsourcing providers in the country of your choice.
For example in software development outsourcing: China Software Industry Association (CSIA) and Russia Association of Software Development and Outsourcing Cos. (RUSSOFT).
2. Perform a ‘google directory search’ using specific keywords:
outsourcing expertise, time zone, city, and target market, for e.g. “sales outsourcing for SMBs in Los Angeles”.
3. For cost savings at a reduced risk, you can start your provider search from the list of U.S. companies with offshore outsourcing resources.
More efficient collaboration and rapid communication between you and the outsourcing company is easier if they have a U.S. office, especially during times where there is a need for collaborative planning and troubleshooting.
4. For software development outsourcing and tech product development projects, search for providers with strategic partnerships with the leading universities
because they have access to the best talent and have the advantage of scalability. For example, Tsinghua University is known as China’s MIT and it closely works with Startech Global to provide software outsourcing requirements of U.S. firms.
5. And sometimes simple methods are the most effective; just ask your friends, contacts in business and industry organizations for referrals.
Some of my best outsourced projects have been led by companies that my friends recommended. They had positive results with these providers and passed on the information.
Category: Globalization, Outsourcing Tips