To Outsource or Not to Outsource: That is the Question

Key Issues to Consider in any Strategic Decision to Outsource

1. Outsource business functions that do not have to be done internally so you can focus on your core competency and grow your business.
2. Outsource specialized skills, such as accounting or graphic design, that are necessary, but not core to your business; however, where you need technically skilled workers that cost a lot in the U.S.
3. Outsource rote tasks, such as data entry, that can be done by trained personnel more efficiently and more economically outside the U.S.
4. Outsource finance and accounting to a specialist in those areas. Many times a business can not find competently trained people in their geographic area to perform these functions, but other countries have many competently trained employees with those particular skill sets.
5. Outsource a portion of a certain function as a backup system and to spread risk.
6. Communicate regularly with your outsource provider.
7. Make sure that your outsource provider has security in place and backup systems.
8. Negotiate and select the right outsourcing model to achieve your business objectives. Not all outsourcing is the same! Not all models will achieve the intended results. Use a consultant to assist you if you are not sure!