Congratulations to Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers who hit more 3 pointers in one playoff game than he did all of last season. Very impressive to be more productive in one game for a new team than you were for a whole season with the Jazz. Keep up the great work.
A month or two ago, I did an interview with a writer for Utah CEO Magazine about outsourcing in emerging tech industries. The issue was just recently released. You can view it here on the Internet (you have to register). Here’s the good stuff though:
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Relinquishing control
How to cope with the hands-off aspect of outsourcing
While outsourcing can bring many benefits, sending work outside the company also means being prepared to give up some control. While that can be difficult — and even uncomfortable — there are ways to be at ease with the work being done beyond the borders of the company, even if the usual sense of control isn’t there.
Value results over involvement: “Follow-up by someone at the company is expected,” says Bryan Phelps, search engine optimization (SEO) manager for Orange Soda (orangesoda.com), which handles outsourced online marketing services. “You don’t need to be involved in the day-to-day operations, but you should expect reporting” on what you’re getting for your outsourcing buck.
Remember that time is your money: “You should be involved, but micromanaging can be counter-productive,” Phelps points out. “Remember, when we’re on the phone with you, we’re not doing work.”
Do your research: It’ll be easier to let go if you have a good sense of who you’ve outsourced to. This is particularly true in many emerging high-tech areas, such as SEO, where regulations have not been set up, knowledge of how the service works may not be well known and industry leaders may not yet be clearly established or have a set track record. “In a newer industry, you’re going to have greater variance in skills and services,” Phelps says. “Do some research on the Internet and learn the terms.”
Outsourcing can lead to a loss of control, but taking a hands-off approach while also demanding performance from a vendor that has been thoroughly researched will let you sleep better at night.