You’ve thought about all of the considerations of subcontracting work, prepared for the transition and found a great subcontractor. You’re ready to start outsourcing. Here are 31 tips to make your outsourcing experiences as smooth as possible.
Come to an Agreement
One of the most important elements of subcontracting is making sure you and the subcontractor are on the same page and that there are no surprises. Keep these things on your list to help facilitate a smooth working relationship:
1. Use a contract
2. Make sure you agree on payment terms up front
3. Don’t pay in full until the job is complete
4. Be clear on how and when you plan to pay the subcontractor
5. Agree on a timeline for the work
6. Include a non-disclosure/non-competition provision in your contract
7. Determine how you will receive project updates
8. Clarify confidentiality expectations
9. Build in a “de-bugging” provision that identifies a specific period of time the subcontractor will be on call to fix potential problems that arise
10. Clarify the ownership of the project in writing
Protect Your Business
When you outsource, you are giving up some of your control over the project. Consider these tips to help you protect your business, interests and reputation:
11. Check references
12. Review the subcontractor’s portfolio
13. Verify skills
14. Consider a small test project first
15. Be prepared to review all work before turning it over to the client
16. Be very clear about expectations
17. Don’t leave any details out when relaying the project request to the subcontractor
18. Send all work requests in writing
19. Schedule an initial call and regular check-ins, if necessary
20. Be available throughout the duration of the project
21. Track all payments for your books
Client Relations
The goal of the project should be to meet and exceed the client’s needs. In order to do that, follow these tips to manage your relationship with your client:
22. Be the middleman
23. Tell your client you are using a subcontractor, if appropriate
24. Pad the time estimate provided by the subcontractor in your estimate for the client
25. Don’t forget to add in time for your management role
26. Be accountable for your work AND your subcontractor’s work
Aside from the Work
Remember the importance of the personal side of your subcontractor relationship. Here are some ways to do that:
27. Don’t overlook the importance of complementary personalities
28. Respect the subcontractor’s time
29. Make sure there are no communication gaps
30. Give praise and appreciation for a job well done
31. Ask the subcontractor how it went at the end of the project and provide feedback
What other tips would you add to this list?
Successful outsourcing will not only allow you to focus on what you do best, but also find other ways to satisfy clients and expand your business. By building relationships with your subcontractors that are based on trust and respect, you will be able to create a team that can accomplish just about anything…and give you a day or two off in the process.
Image credit: Carl Dwyer
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
