Comments on: 5 Tips for a Better Outsourcing Experience

By: Mower Jack

Mower Jack — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:48:38 +0000

“Be explicit with instructions and deadlines.”

That’s the hardest part. Almost every time, there is something forgot or misunderstood from my experience with outsourcing. And that costs time and money in the end.

By: greg cryns

greg cryns — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:16:51 +0000

I think you need a title: how about “The Outsourcing Queen”?

By: Leverage in Outsourcing

Leverage in Outsourcing — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:09:01 +0000

I must say, this is an excellent post. I also agree with Andee, there just be trust in the business relationship without which everything will fail. It is also important to value that trust if you want to have a long and productive relationship.

By: Andee Sellman, One Sherpa

Andee Sellman, One Sherpa — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:47:50 +0000

Hi Alice,
Thanks for your answer

By: Alice Seba

Alice Seba — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:59:58 +0000

Andee – To answer your question, if it’s a repetitive task, it’s rarely quicker and easier to do it yourself. Set up an instruction sheet with the process and hand it off to someone else. Keep those instructions handy if you have to hire someone new…it’s simple.

I think it’s important to make it a habit to write out / video record your business processes, even if it takes more time to start with. It will save you tons of time in the long run and it also makes your business more valuable (should you decide to sell it at some point).

In regard to trust, it’s something you need to build. Start small, give more tasks as you feel more comfortable. If you nurture the relationship with a qualified contractor, it will become more valuable to you than you’ll even imagine!

By: Andee Sellman, One Sherpa

Andee Sellman, One Sherpa — Sun, 10 May 2009 07:30:50 +0000

Great post Alice,
I have a question for you
The first step for me in outsourcing is to overcome the TRUST barrier between me and a potential outsourcing company. Its seems to me that often it is easier and quicker to do something yourself and therefore until you’re under pressure the thought of outsourcing never crosses your mind. By then its too late and you can possibly make a bad decision.
How can you bring this to font of mind more quickly and not get i n this position?

By: Tom's Orchid Flowers Help

Tom's Orchid Flowers Help — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:10:33 +0000

I think quit often it is difficult to take your fist steps with outsourcing.
I remember outsourcing to a good friend of mine and all the things you describe above went wrong.
Although we had agreed on how things should be handled (also some notes made by both of us), the agreement was lacking the formal character and later, when i got unsatisfactory results, it became difficult to discuss and the friendship was endangered.

I started to take away projects from my firend and outsourced to someone else (no friend, no relative) with all the proper docs and controls in place.

Lesson learned the hard way – and I still have my old friend (who is reliable as a friend, but not as a business partner)