5 Tips for Working with Offshore Companies
September 16, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) There are many advantages and disadvantages to working with offshore companies. Many businesses swear by it; while others avoid it at all costs. Not only is there a cultural difference, but communicating, expectations and visions can all get confused and misunderstood by either party. However, on the flip side, using offshore companies usually create huge savings in cost and time. While your part of the world is fast asleep, you can feel good knowing your company is still going to be growing and expanding due to the team that's awake and ready to produce for you. So while, yes, there are pros and cons, there are simple ways to prepare for the challenges while benefitting from the good. Get yourself familiar with the basics of working with offshore companies and do research to decide if this is the best route for your business. In the meantime, I've put together 5 tips for working with offshore companies:
Use an Experienced Team
If you're going to look for offshore companies, make sure you find a team that knows your business a little bit. Working on projects can be difficult already, but having to communicate across the world only makes things more difficult. The more experience they have, the less you'll have to explain in detail, which means there is less chance for errors and mistakes. Make sure you get familiar with their areas of expertise so you can capitalize on them, rather than wasting everyone's time. Ask a lot of questions and get references if you can during the beginning stages to make certain that you have the right fit for your company.
Communicate Clearly
Yes, communication will be difficult as there is likely to be a language barrier. Not only that, but cultural differences can make communication just as challenging. Things like tone, body language, and simple phrases can be easily misconstrued, giving your words a completely different meaning. There are quite a lot of programs out there to help you in communicating with your team, things like Skype, email services, or Slack offers you the opportunity to feel like you're all in the same room together. Countries on the other side of the world can now access your files, documents, and notes in a split second. It may seem like communication will be easy, but being very clear and concise about your expectations and desires will create less room for miscommunications.
Be Exact About Goals
If you're reaching out to an offshore company, know what it is you want to obtain from them first. Let them know what their part of the business is going to be all about, so they have no chance of confusing their tasks. If you're expecting their presence to enhance your company in some way, get that goal clear in your mind and on paper before even reaching out to them. Approach them with clear, manageable goals so that you can track their progress with a timeline. Timelines help predict whether the team in on route to reaching their goal. If you can identify discrepancies or working problems, you could get the chance to fix them before throwing the entire project out the window. Clear, manageable goals will keep your team on track, and work out any kinks that may be present.
Get Familiar with the Culture
Wherever your offshore company is, familiarize yourself with the culture there. Even something as simple as names have different cultural meanings, depending on where you look. If your dealing with any companies based in Iraq, for example, it may be a good idea for you to learn more about Iraq names, and how to search them out. This will give you comfort in who you're talking with and give you the confidence to be at ease with them while conversing. Getting to know the culture will help create a bond and safe connection with your team which will enhance the entire project.
Visit Annually
It would be a wonderful idea for you to visit your offshore company at least once a year. It's true that we have all the technologies in the world for easy communication and file sharing, but there is nothing that can replace the handshake and in-person contact. This will create closeness in teammates and create a trusted and close connection, making you feel safer in your endeavors. Staff tend to work harder for people they trust and respect, and an annual visit will ensure that your staff feel part of the team.
When working with offshore companies, try to stay one step ahead of the challenges that are bound to present themselves. By seeking out an experienced team, communicating clearly, stating your exact goals, getting familiar with the culture, and with an annual visit, you'll be prepared to have the best offshore partnership and enjoy all its rewards.
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