Is your business considering outsourcing IT services?
You’ve read about the savings it brings and having access to specialized services.
But then you hear some outsourcing horror stories. Are you sure it’s safe to commit?
More than a third of companies outsource a business process. Many hire third-party professionals to reduce costs and focus on their core functions.
But for 50% of employers, the biggest drawback is the quality of work.
Outsourcing requires careful planning to hire the right provider. Get it right and you’ll tap into a larger talent pool of professionals. Get it wrong and it could cost you thousands.
Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when outsourcing IT services. Ignore them at your peril!
1. Low Price Is Not Always High Quality
Just because an outsourcing provider is cheap doesn’t mean they’re good!
Evaluate your contractors before hiring them. Track down their customers and ask for feedback. Did they deliver on time? Was the service high quality?
On the other hand, if you pay too little don’t expect a lot.
Employees appreciate a fair wage. They’ll be motivated to work harder if they’re compensated. Aim to pay lower than internal hiring but more than the outsourcer’s market rate.
2. Good Tech Over Good Communications
Some businesses focus solely an outsourcer’s services. If they have the right background in IT then they tick the box.
But what’s just as important is their ability to communicate effectively.
A good communicator can understand and respond to your needs with no misinterpretation. They should be proactive in reaching out to you and not be afraid to ask for clarification.
Ideally, they should work well in a team. If English is your primary language they should be fluent. Make sure you understand them and that they understand you!
3. Hiring Multiple Providers
Outsourcing to several providers sounds like a great idea. If one company specializes in security hire another for web design.
The problem arises when trying to manage everyone.
If your time’s spent chasing several teams then you lose the main advantage of outsourcing. The more providers the more they need managing. And the more management the more communication required.
Better to stick to one or two providers that can do everything and do it well.
4. Lack of Experience
College-aged providers are usually cheap and claim to know everything. They may be great at UI design but should you trust them when it comes to your IT security?
Ensure you see a portfolio of work before hiring. Check if it’s authentic. Ask to see a resume.
Don’t put your business in the wrong hands!
5. No Long Term Plan
The right plan for outsourcing looks to the future, it does not provide a quick fix.
Yes, you can hire someone to add content to your website. But if you use multiple providers consistency and quality will suffer. You’ll also waste time interviewing and researching new talent.
What you need is a long-term partner. Someone you can trust! Someone who keeps their word.
Outsourcing IT Services Without Mistakes
When it comes to outsourcing IT services you can’t afford to make mistakes. If promises aren’t kept or communication is poor your bottom line suffers as a result.
At Envision IT Solutions we keep our word!
We offer professional IT support services including security and VoIP communications.
Need a professional website designed? We can help!
Our portfolio speaks for itself.
Businesses of all sizes trust us to manage their systems and keep them safe.
Make the right choice. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
And remember to read our article posts on IT outsourcing. Our blog is full of useful tips and advice so be sure to subscribe.