Learn how to start preparing the best foundation for your technology offshoring team with these simple strategies. Here’s how to start building a high-performing technology offshoring team.
Key takeaways:
- Technology offshoring can have large business impacts by giving you access to talented teams for a fraction of the typical cost.
- To prepare for offshoring, you must analyze business needs, choose the right destination, and define your strategy.
- Steps to build your team include hiring the right fits, onboarding and training effectively, and planning for optimal team management.
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and global connectivity, businesses are presented with unprecedented opportunities to expand their operations across borders. Technology offshoring, the practice of delegating critical tasks to skilled teams in offshore locations, has emerged as a strategic cornerstone for many organizations aiming to harness the power of global talent while optimizing costs.
Offshoring has its challenges, however, including maintaining optimal communication and quality control. Successfully navigating the intricacies of building and managing a high-performing technology offshoring team thus demands a well-informed, strategic approach.
This first part of our two-part series walks through tips for building a high-performing technology offshoring team.
How to prepare for offshoring
Whether you need a virtual assistant or an entire team, you can transform offshoring challenges into opportunities for growth with the right insights and strategies at your disposal.
Let’s start on building a high-performing technology offshoring team by covering a few key ways to get started:
1. Analyze your business needs
Begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your organization’s goals, operational requirements, and growth trajectory. Pinpoint the specific tasks or functions that are ideal candidates for business process outsourcing (BPO), considering factors like:
- Scalability
- Complexity
- Cost
- Long-term sustainability
Also consider your current workforce and their skill sets. This analysis helps you define the scope of how you will harness offshoring.
2. Choose the right offshoring destination
Think about the expertise and specialization of your offshoring destination’s workforce, ensuring it aligns with your business needs. Assess the: local business environment, regulatory landscape, and political stability to mitigate potential risks, and think through economic indicators such as cost-effectiveness, currency stability, and tax incentives to gauge the financial advantages. Cultural fit, language barriers, time zone compatibility, and communication infrastructure should also weigh into your decision.
3. Define your offshoring strategy
The right BPO model requires clear objectives and expectations, outlining what you aim to achieve through offshoring. Consider the scope and scale of your offshoring initiative:
- Does it involve specific projects, departments, or comprehensive business functions?
- Do you need a dedicated offshore team?
- Would just project-based help be more appropriate?
Create a detailed timeline that outlines key dates in the offshoring project. List all risks, challenges, and benefits. Finally, establish a communication plan for your internal and offshoring teams to stay in touch.
Steps for building a high-performing technology offshoring team
Once you’re prepared for offshoring, it’s time to start building your team. Here are proven steps to take for success:
1. Hire the right fits
You need to know exactly which skill sets you’re looking for. Your team should have the technical expertise you need for your project or initiative to succeed. Create clear job descriptions so that all parties are on the same page and so you can define the best candidates. Screen based on the skill sets you need to have, but remember that the person with a perfect resume isn’t always the right fit for your culture and goals. Conduct interviews that focus on behavioral scenarios, and emphasize what matters most to your company.
2. Onboard and train effectively
Start onboarding and training with a clear orientation to your company’s values, culture, and mission, fostering a sense of belonging. Provide in-depth training that encompasses specific job functions as well as communication protocols, tools, and collaboration platforms. Designate a mentor or point of contact for continuous guidance and support. Regular video conferencing and virtual meetings facilitate open communication, bridging geographical gaps. Encourage a dynamic feedback loop to refine processes and address challenges promptly, and offer ongoing professional development opportunities for team members.
3. Plan for optimal offshoring team management
For effective management, your plan will need ongoing review and updating. Establish clear goals for the team, and make sure all members understand expectations. Meet regularly so you can provide regular feedback and performance evaluations. Use tools like Zoom and Slack that allow for easy communication and to boost collaboration. Create a plan that addresses different time zones and work schedules so everyone knows when work will get done.
With these steps behind you, you’re ready to implement the best team possible for your offshoring strategy.
How DOXA supports remote team building
Building a high-performing offshoring team requires understanding business needs, finding the right offshoring location, and supporting the team with effective onboarding and training. Communication is key to a successful partnership, and cultural awareness on both sides will nurture collaboration.
Next, check out part two of this series from DOXA. Reach out to us when you’re ready to harness offshoring the right way and build an amazing remote team.
