In an outsourced environment, routine tasks are typically transferred to another company, usually within a low cost country where the cost of living is significantly less resulting in reduced labor costs. Outsourcing activity is performed in highly controlled environments in which international standards of performance and service delivery are rigidly maintained.
Why Outsource At All
Outsourcing can literally keep a company afloat. You can most definitely keep your costs lower when a process is outsourced. This improves your company’s overall profitability. Further it may be possible to work certain processes as 24x7 which translates into improved quality and quantity of customer service.
Outsourcing also means accelerated company growth. Improved financials for your company can mean increased funding for marketing, R&D etc. This could lead to higher growth rates for your company. It may be possible to implement a process superior to the current process within your company simply because you have many more resources at your disposal when you outsource.
What Business Processes can you Outsource
The list is long and tends to grow every week. Here is a short sample:
Accounting & Finance Services:
These were among the first services that were transferred to low cost countries. This process saved companies significant amounts of paperwork and human resources.
Customer Care Services:
The process involves calling customers to attempt to collect overdue payments, informing them about new products, and handling complaints. It also involves responding to e-mail inquiries and answering them responsibly.
Human Resource Services
Human resource outsourcing involves processing and screening job applications and even a preliminary chat over the phone. Routine HR tasks such as filing leave applications and evaluating proposals for training are some processes that could also be performed by service providers who are adept at providing these outsourced services.
Opportunities for Small Business
Here are a few outsourced services companies in India, China, Ireland and the Philippines among others could provide your company:
- Answering phones after work hours
- Receiving your phone calls and scheduling all your appointments as well as making travel arrangements
- Making sales calls and lead generation
- Responding to e-mail messages on your behalf
- Maintaining your website and updating your website content
- Basic accounting and book keeping functions
- Researching for you on the Internet
Outsourcing Live Chat Services and Appointing Virtual Assistants
Believe it or not, this too can be outsourced at very attractive rates. Moreover, you can provide this service on a 24X7X365 basis. This and all the other functions listed above are performed by highly qualified professionals in low cost countries. They are called virtual assistants. Their primary objective is to support you in your business. Consider serious outsourcing seriously and prepare yourself for a pleasant surprise!
