Whether you're looking to save time or money, outsourcing is a great way to get important projects done without allowing them to consume your company's focus. But before you hand off your work to just anyone, there are some potential risks you won't want to ignore.
That's why we asked seven entrepreneurs from FounderSociety the following question:
Q. What’s one thing I should be aware of before deciding to outsource an important project to a third party?
1. Look for a Team Player
Anytime we outsource a project or task within a project, we look for a partner who is a team player. If a third party is only out for individual success and recognition, it won't go well. You want a partner who works as well as a member of your team as you would if you were a member of their team. It's also important to establish your working style and maintain transparency from the get-go. —Nick Francis, The Franchise Group
2. Remember You're Still Responsible
No one will ever understand or care about your project as much as you do. Even if you outsource it to a third-party, you still own it and are responsible for it. It's just like managing an internal project—you need the right team members to execute your vision. But you need to work harder to get your outsourced team to buy in. —Jason Unger, Digital Ink
3. Stick to What You're Good At
At AlignedSigns.com, we like to stick to what we’re good at. We outsource anything that's outside of our core business. We outsource our public relations arm. We find that to be most beneficial because we get an outsider’s perspective on how to improve the way others see us and gather insider feedback, all at the same time. —Jessica Baker, Aligned Signs
4. Take Proper Security Measures
You need to know how you’ll retain control of your resources. You have no way of knowing whether a contractor will hold themselves to the same security standards as your organization. Find a way to protect any files you share with them and have your lawyer draft a thorough contract so that you have leverage in the event that a problem arises. —Steven Buchwald, The E2 Visa Lawyer
5. Be Explicitly Clear
No company can run on its own; you often need to enlist the help of another party. In order to avoid confusion and ensure the desired outcome, be explicit about your expectations. It's imperative that you and the third party are on the same page regarding cost, standards, and timelines. Don't let a lack of clear communication cost you time, money, and energy. Once they're lost, they're hard to get back. —Ajmal Saleem, Suprex Learning
6. Define What's Yours
Before outsourcing anything, define what content, intellectual property, or feature is your company's property. Make sure both the verbal agreement (based on the strength of your relationship) and the written agreement reinforce ownership, timelines, and deliverables. —Arry Yu, GiftStarter.com
7. Always Do Your Research
People, companies, and government agencies outsource to us on a daily basis. Most of them have had a bad experience or two before they found us, and it's usually because they didn't do quite enough research on previous companies. You'll be amazed at what you can find from a Google search and calling a company's references. —Ben Walker, Transcription Outsourcing, LLC
