| Outsourcing is so much similar to marriage. Like | | | | requirements. |
| marriage, outsourcing is a partnership between | | | | Most outsourcing partnerships fail within the first |
| two entities - the customer and the vendor. Like | | | | three years and the reason in most cases is |
| marriage, outsourcing has its ups, downs and | | | | unrealistic expectations from either partners. |
| in-betweens and it's a serious long-term | | | | Reaching a compromise and working together to |
| commitment. Here are 8 reasons why outsourcing | | | | fulfill reasonable expectations is the best way to |
| is so much similar to a marriage. | | | | make outsourcing a successful experience. |
| 1. It's a long-term commitment: | | | | 5. Trust is earned the hard way: |
| Like marriage, outsourcing works better if both | | | | In most off-shore outsourcing scenarios, spanning |
| parties agree to go the long haul. Like in all | | | | continents, it takes time to build a relationship of |
| relationships, it takes time to understand each | | | | trust between partners. Like in a marriage, it |
| other's vision, ethics, strengths and weaknesses. | | | | takes a lot of time and effort to reach a level of |
| So, outsourcing is a partnership that reaps better | | | | comfort where they can understand each other's |
| dividends when both the customer and the | | | | needs instinctively. Trust is built over several |
| vendor are prepared to work together towards | | | | years of delivering quality work, on-time, every |
| common goals over the years. Both partners gain | | | | time. It's built by going the distance and exceeding |
| a lot from a business relationship that focuses on | | | | customer expectations. It's built by working hard |
| long-terms goals and not short-term profits. | | | | to improve each other's business. Building trust is |
| 2. Like marriage, outsourcing is a roller-coaster | | | | a slow and gradual process in outsourcing, as it is |
| ride: | | | | in a marriage. |
| Don't expect to sail smoothly with your | | | | 6. Both require continuous effort to make it work: |
| outsourcing partner to distant shores. Like in a | | | | Marriage is hard work. So is an outsourcing |
| marriage, there are bound to be several ups and | | | | partnership. Both require continuous effort to |
| downs in your relationship with your outsourcing | | | | make it work. Partners need to take time to |
| partner, as well. There may be issues raised due | | | | address differences and grievances, re-align |
| to miscommunication or financial constraints. And | | | | processes, re-focus on new goals, conduct regular |
| then, there are the highs that may include | | | | trainings, and build a spirit of camaraderie between |
| improved productivity and greater profitability. | | | | employees at both ends - in order to make the |
| Some of these highs can strengthen your | | | | outsourcing partnership work. A successful |
| relationship with your outsourcing partner; while | | | | outsourcing partnership, like a successful marriage |
| some of the lows may drive a wedge between | | | | requires constant efforts from both partners to |
| your company and your outsourcing firm. The | | | | make it work. |
| trick to a successful relationship is to balance the | | | | 7. Divorce is a possibility |
| highs and the lows, while focusing on your | | | | Not all marriages work. Similarly, not all outsourcing |
| long-term goals, together. | | | | partnerships work. Failure is a part of life in the |
| 3. Communication is the key: | | | | outsourcing world, too. In rare instances, |
| This is something that every other certified | | | | outsourcing partners may not be able to see |
| marriage counselor and every self-proclaimed | | | | eye-to-eye on many issues. Expectations may |
| marriage guru will tell you. Communication is the | | | | not be realized. Financial issues may come in the |
| key -in a marriage and in an outsourcing | | | | way. Promises may not be adhered to. In such |
| partnership, as well. It's important to keep the | | | | cases, the outsourcing partners may decide to go |
| communication channels open especially when you | | | | their separate ways. As in a marriage, divorce is a |
| are dealing with an off-shore outsourcing partner | | | | possibility in outsourcing partnerships, too. But it's |
| in India. Several glitches may occur due to | | | | an extreme that should be avoided till the very |
| miscommunication, as you are dealing with two | | | | end. |
| different cultures, two different lifestyles, two | | | | 8. Eventually, it's all worth the while! |
| different time zones and two different work | | | | May be there are a few major differences, |
| environments. Clear out any misunderstandings, | | | | maybe there are a few heart breaks, may be |
| right away and keep communication transparent. | | | | there are a few broken promises - but most |
| It's a great way to build a strong foundation for | | | | couples when they look back say that on the |
| your business partnership. | | | | whole, their marriage with all its ups and downs |
| 4. Compromise works wonders: | | | | was worth the while. This holds good for a |
| Most marriages fail because either or both | | | | successful outsourcing partnership, too. In spite of |
| partners are unwilling to come down from their | | | | all the differences, in spite of issues like |
| pedestal and work out a compromise. Similarly, | | | | miscommunication or differing viewpoints, |
| outsourcing partnerships work best when partners | | | | outsourcing, too, is worth the while in the long run |
| are willing to be more flexible and compromise to | | | | with both the customer and the vendor gaining |
| accommodate each other's needs. This does not | | | | heavily from the partnership - in terms of |
| in any way mean compromising on productivity or | | | | productivity, quality, timely delivery and greater |
| quality. It simply means fine-tuning processes and | | | | profitability. |
| systems to accommodate each other's | | | | |