Post by BlueGrid Team 
January 15, 2024 | 
Setting the Outsourcing Stage
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Of course you are, that’s why you’re here! Outsourcing might just be the golden ticket you’ve been searching for.
Outsourcing has become a powerful strategy that promises to address these challenges head-on. But wait, not so fast! Before diving headfirst into the world of outsourcing, it’s important to keep in mind that not everything is going to be perfect (or is it?).
If you want to avoid mistakes while outsourcing, the very first step you can take is going through possible mistakes.
In this blog post, we’re about to embark on a thrilling journey through the labyrinth of outsourcing mistakes. Here’s a quick sneak peek at what we’re gonna cover:
- Focusing Solely on Price Tags
- Ignoring Hidden Costs of Outsourcing
- Not Defining Outsourcing Project Scope Clearly
- Neglecting Vendor Evaluation
- Sacrificing Quality for Speed
- Quality Control Measures in Outsourcing
- Believing Everything Can Be Outsourced
- Quick Wins vs. Sustainable Outsourcing Solutions
- Long-term Planning for Outsourcing
- Negligence in Data Protection
- Insufficient Onboarding Time
- Adapting to Changing Outsourcing Needs
Let’s start!
Focusing Solely on Price Tags
Let’s say you’ve found an outsourcing partner offering jaw-droppingly low rates. Too good to be true, right? While it’s tempting to jump at the chance to save a few bucks, you might want to think twice.
Yes, budget considerations are crucial, but fixating solely on price tags can lead you to some inexperienced or unqualified partners. Quality, efficiency, and overall value can take a backseat when the cost becomes the sole driving force behind your outsourcing decisions.
When you’re looking for an employee, salary is not your only factor. Why it would be for your outsourcing partner?
Ignoring Hidden Costs of Outsourcing
Ever heard the saying, “What you get is what you see”? (Tina Turner has a great song named like that BTW).
Well, when it comes to outsourcing, what you see isn’t always what you’re going to get on your bill. “Hidden costs” of outsourcing are the stealthy little problems of the outsourcing world, silently coming for your business.
From setup fees and communication expenses to unforeseen delays and rework costs, there’s a whole world of hidden expenses waiting to ambush your budget. Ignoring these costs is not good and the thing we’re suggesting you do is to carefully discuss with your outsourcing partner company the full list of all the things that will be on your service bill.
Not Defining Outsourcing Project Scope Clearly
Imagine building a sandcastle on the seashore, only to watch it get washed away by the wave. That poor little sandcastle is your outsourcing strategy and that’s the risk you take when you dive into outsourcing without a clearly defined project scope.
If your project lasts a bit longer than your ability to follow it, ask your outsourcing partner for a project plan. Create milestones, deadlines, and timelines, and define your budget.
Without clear boundaries, tasks can spiral out of control, leading to confusion, delays, and frustration.
Neglecting Vendor Evaluation
Did you ever buy a car from a car salon? Would you buy that same care if a salesman said that you can’t do a test-driving before purchasing? Similarly, jumping into an outsourcing partnership without proper evaluation can lead to disappointment and frustration. Considering vendor evaluation is an important, part of selecting an outsourcing partner.
A vendor might look great on paper, but their actual performance might tell a different story. From assessing capabilities and past performance to considering factors like reputation and stability, you’ll learn how to make informed decisions that set you up for success. Don’t get caught in the vendor vortex; instead, use evaluation as your compass to navigate the outsourcing landscape.
Sacrificing Quality for Speed
We get it. You want a task from your to-do list to be done ASAP. However, some things take time. When doing anything for business, there are three important aspects: quality, speed, and price. And the thing is, you can only get 2 of these three. But even then, some tasks can’t be done overnight.
Sacrificing quality for speed in outsourcing can lead to a low-quality service, even if you’re working with the experts (tho experts would never allow themself to sacrifice quality for speed).
While meeting deadlines is important, compromising on quality can destroy your reputation and customer trust. By recognizing the pitfalls of this approach, you’ll discover how to strike a balance between speed and quality, ensuring that your outsourcing efforts stand strong.
Quality Control Measures in Outsourcing
We already explained that it is important not to rely just on trust between you and your outsourcing partner.
Managing outsourcing without quality control measures is handing over your business’s fate to chance. Quality control is your secret sauce – the ingredient that makes your services exceptional.
Before diving deeper into any type of long-term agreement, set a clear performance standard to conduct regular audits and reviews.
Believing Everything Can Be Outsourced
Outsourcing is a great business process if you’d like to expand your business, but that doesn’t mean you should outsource every single job that needs to be done.
Believing that every aspect of your business can be outsourced might get you a bit disappointed. While outsourcing can work wonders, only some things are good candidates for it.
Tasks that require strategic decision-making for your business, in-depth industry knowledge, or a deep understanding of your company’s culture should be handled in-house. To be advanced in handling the process of outsourcing, you need to understand some limits of this strategy. This will save you from frustration, that’s for sure.
Quick Wins vs. Sustainable Outsourcing Solutions
Short-term success can be exciting, but it often comes at the cost of long-term sustainability.
When it comes to outsourcing, prioritizing quick wins over sustainable solutions isn’t going to give you the best results. While achieving immediate cost savings or speed boosts might be tempting, they can lead to long-term setbacks if not approached strategically.
By considering the bigger picture and evaluating the long-term impact, you’ll position your business for success that endures beyond the sprint.
Long-term Planning for Outsourcing
Similar to a previous point, successful outsourcing requires careful long-term planning and nurturing. Long-term planning for outsourcing sometimes requires a lot of investment, and sometimes that investment is not through money – sometimes, it is through time.
It involves assessing your business goals, forecasting future needs, and aligning your outsourcing strategies accordingly. Avoid the trap of short-term gains that lead to long-term losses; instead, cultivate a garden of outsourcing that thrives for years to come.
Negligence in Data Protection
“Well, who I’m going to trust if not my business partner?”
Fair question. Of course, we are not suggesting you go into a partnership with zero trust. However, you always need to be ultra-careful. Neglecting data protection in an outsourcing arrangement can lead to disastrous consequences – especially if you’re outsourcing for the cyber security industry.
Forgetting about data protection is a ticking time bomb – it’s not a question of if, but when a breach will occur. By implementing robust security protocols and ensuring your outsourcing partners adhere to them, you’ll shield your sensitive information from the hands of cybercriminals.
Insufficient Onboarding Time
Maybe you chose to outsource to avoid the never-ending process of going through thousands of resumes, interviewing, onboarding, hiring, and more. And you’re not wrong, this aspect is a huge benefit of outsourcing. However, it won’t be erased.
Rushing the onboarding process in outsourcing can lead to a similarly uncertain outcome. It’s like sending a ship to sea without proper navigation. It’s bound to encounter storms.
When you rush the process, you risk missing out on crucial information and setting the stage for misunderstandings and inefficiencies. However, by giving yourself time for onboarding, training, and alignment, you’ll find the way for a smoother transition and a more successful outsourcing partnership.
Adapting to Changing Outsourcing Needs
In the ideal and perfect world, you would find an outsourcing partner, set a goal, and let them use the same strategy for months or even years without encountering any problems. Unfortunately, in practice, it’s a bit different.
Change is a constant, and your outsourcing strategy must have the flexibility to accommodate it. Adapting to changing needs is crucial for following industry needs. Don’t fumble on flexibility; instead, master the art of adaptability and ensure your outsourcing strategy remains up to date.
Outsourcing Wisely for Business Growth
As we reach the final chapter of our outsourcing journey, it’s time to reflect on the valuable lessons learned. Outsourcing is a dynamic and multifaceted strategy that holds the promise of unlocking new levels of efficiency, innovation, and growth for your business. However, navigating the outsourcing landscape requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands wisdom, strategy, and an understanding of the potential pitfalls.
Hope we helped you!
