Improving efficiency while reducing the cost are significant factors that make a business successful. And one of the best ways to achieve this is through outsourcing. Companies outsource some of their services such as payroll, accounting, customer service, and marketing, among others, so they can focus more on core business functions.
With outsourcing, they are able to get things done and be more efficient by just paying for a fraction of the cost.
Outsourcing has been a great help to a lot of businesses, even for start-up companies.
In fact, according to explodingtopics.com, 37% of small businesses outsource at least one service.
Moreover, the global spending for outsourcing is expected to hit around $731 billion this 2023. That’s a lot of investment and business opportunities.
With this demand, many outsourcing companies have been born around the world, especially in the Philippines.
In fact, according to medium.com, the Philippines is considered the business process outsourcing (BPO) capital of the world. The country has become a popular choice for companies, like Google when it comes to outsourcing non-core business functions for a low cost.
Furthermore, 9% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comes solely from the outsourcing industry.
With this great demand, how do you find the right outsourcing company in the Philippines to hire or partner with?
How to find the right outsourcing company
If you are thinking of outsourcing your customer service, marketing, accounting, and other non-core business functions, here are some business tips that you need to consider in finding the right company in the Philippines.
1. Find a company that matches your business needs and requirements
Evaluate what your business needs. List all the skills or tasks that your current in-house team can’t provide or accommodate. What are the specialties that you need to outsource? How many staff? What is your budget? For how long do you need to outsource?
It is easier to find the right outsourcing company in the Philippines if you know what your business needs. It will also help you allocate a budget and plan for the future.
2. Prepare your project requirements
As mentioned, there are a lot of outsourcing companies in the Philippines and around the world. To be able to filter and find the right company, you need to first prepare all your project requirements. With this, it would be easy to inform the outsourcing company of the specific details of the job and find you the right outsourcing strategy that would fit your needs.
By listing all your project requirements, you are also setting realistic expectations between you and the outsourced company.
Bear in mind that there are specific skills and expertise that the outsourcing company can provide, and if you are both clear with these expectations and limitations, it will be easy to have a smooth and successful relationship.
Many outsourcing contracts have failed because both parties failed to set the right project requirements as well as expectations.
3. Do your own research
There are a lot of outsourcing companies in the Philippines that promise to give you what you need just to get you as their client. Don’t easily fall for their promise trap. Do your own research and verify the information you found on their website and social media. It is better to go with a reputable company instead of a company that provides a mediocre or quick-fix job.
4. Find a provider with a specific niche that matches your target market
There are a lot of outsourcing companies in the Philippines that offer specialties. There are those who only provide accounting services, while there are those who specialise in customer service and sales. It is advisable to get an outsourcing provider that specialises in a specific industry as they can be a credible expert in that field.
5. Go with a provider that is compatible with your time zone
It is very hard to work with a remote team that does not match your working time. Good thing the Philippines is very time-zone friendly. There are outsourcing companies in the Philippines that offer 24/7 services that can accommodate international markets such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the USA, among others.
6. Interview outsourcing staff as if you are interviewing your own employee
Having an outsourced staff is just the same as having your own new employee. That is why during the recruitment process, make sure to interview them just as you interview your in-house staff. Is the outsourced staff equipped with the right talent, skills and dedication that you need in your team? Does their attitude, motivations, and work ethic reflect that of your company? Does he/she have a good record of honesty and transparency? Make sure to include these next time you interview an outsourced staff.
7. Check their communication skills
Aside from their skills, it is also advisable to check the communication skills of your outsourced staff. Communication is one of the key factors for a successful outsourcing relationship. During the interview process, check the applicant’s ability to comprehend your business needs. Although the outsourced staff doesn’t necessarily need to be English native speakers, they should be able to communicate well with you and discuss the project and things that need to be done.
8. Don’t focus on money
Outsourcing should be able to save you a lot and accomplish more. But it does not mean that you will immediately go for the lowest bidder. Always remember that low cost does not always equate to quality service. Whether you save 5% or 20% by hiring an outsourcing company, the saving is worthless if it fails to provide quality service. Always check the outsourcing providers’ ability to fulfil demands.
9. Go with a company with proper system and planning
In your search, find a company that has a solid outsourcing and onboarding system and planning. A company that has proper documents and files. That is accredited and has compliance in place. Find an outsourcing company that knows what they do and does it best.
10. Always choose a company with a proven track record.
The most important thing to consider when finding the right company is to choose the one with the best and proven track record. Ask for references and testimonials as well as a portfolio.
Need to outsource?
Finding the right outsourcing company in the Philippines can be a challenge. But hopefully, with the above considerations and business tips, the process of finding the right company will become easier.
On the other hand, we, at SOS Smart Outsourcing Solutions, are a credible and trusted outsourcing provider in the Philippines. We offer specialized outsourcing services such as:
- Creative Services
- Back Office Support
- Digital Marketing
- Sales and Customer Service
- Bookkeeping
- E-commerce
- Web Development
Contact us for a free discussion of our outsourcing solutions and special offers today. Contact 1300 020 280 and sales@sosglobal.com.au!