Posts Tagged ‘business service’

How “Vested Outsourcing” is Changing the Way Companies Do Business

Friday, January 6th, 2012

Recent research by Kate Vitasek and the University of Tennessee has created a new way of looking at outsourcing that is poised to transform the way businesses partner with providers.

“Vested outsourcing” is now being studied by government agencies as well as top commercial companies, who are eager to implement changes that promise to bring better results than traditional ways of outsourcing.

Here are some of the key differences in vested outsourcing as compared to current outsourcing practices:

  • Typically, companies pay for vendors to perform specific business activities. When following the vested outsourcing model, companies will look at the final results of those activities based on the value each vendor is actually contributing to the company and its bottom line. To that end, both parties must agree on “clearly defined and measurable outcomes.”
  • Companies have been accustomed to focusing on finding the lowest priced provider, but the vested outsourcing solution would have businesses consider the larger picture and carefully structure each vendor contract to eliminate hidden costs. Transparency is vital if you are to realize real value from your vendor partnerships.
  • With conventional outsourcing, the chief consideration has been based largely on a “What’s in it for me” attitude. Vested outsourcing allows the provider to reap increased financial benefits as well, based on their contribution to the company’s growth.
  • Traditionally, businesses outsource to expert providers who fill gaps in the company’s knowledge and skill base by completely taking on the processes involved in these areas. Vested outsourcing, on the other hand, advocates a governance structure that “provides insight, not merely oversight.”

According to Outsourcing Institute CEO Frank Casale, “Vested Outsourcing is a game-changing approach that will quickly become the new gold standard for advanced outsourcing relationships. It is a critical enabler for Outsourcing 2.0.” It is certainly something we’ll be keeping our eye on.

Ten Tips for Mastering the Initial Phase of Outsourcing

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

Getting off to a good start will pave the way for success in outsourcing.

Research firm Gartner recently offered advice for a winning initial phase strategy. Here is a summary of their tips:

  1. Establish your framework and define your goals. This involves setting priorities and outlining the principles and rules that will guide each sourcing decision and action. “Define specific business, service and technical goals for sourcing initiatives and relevant measures of success,” Gartner advises.
  2. Evaluate the company’s current service delivery.  Conduct a thorough assessment of the provider’s capabilities, considering the cost as well as the service levels of the organization’s existing contracts. Will this partner’s enterprise architecture enable it to deliver at the level required to achieve your objectives?
  3. Assess the company’s multi-sourcing management competencies. Find out the level of the provider’s knowledge and expertise for managing service delivery on business, application and infrastructure processes.
  4. Evaluate possible constraints and opportunities. Consider business forces, overall economic cycles, disruptive technologies, regulatory compliance requirements and internal organizational issues. Build risk profiles and a risk management framework.
  5. Analyze gaps. Measure your defined needs and objectives against the current situation and consider alternative approaches and ways to fill any gaps. Weigh and compare the drivers, goals and risks of each given scenario.
  6. Consider the external market. Evaluate the current vendor landscape as well as your competitors’ strategies.  Assess the availability, maturity and stability of service offerings, and use this analysis to help you decide what services you will use and when. Then, says Gartner, “Refine the alternative sourcing scenario to drive business value and stay ahead of competitors.”
  7. Use scenario planning. Compare the value and potential risk of various sourcing models. Does the sourcing solution fit your business objectives, gap analysis and company culture, for example? How will it impact retained competencies?  Use this information to find the best fit for your company’s objectives.
  8. Analyze your risks. Identify possible risks using a detailed risk-reward analysis for specific scenarios. Use tools and guidelines to assess and manage vendor risk, adapting your risk evaluation standards to different types of vendors and services.
  9. Create a business case. Analyze the total cost of sourcing (TCS) for the scenarios you’re looking at. Consider the costs of the transition and how workloads and service requirements will likely evolve.
  10. Develop an action plan. Define the agreements and the anticipated time frames, as well as a communication and change management plan, and develop an action plan to implement the strategy.

Four Top Countries for Outsourced B2B Services

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Which countries offer the best selection of outsourced service providers?

Forbes Magazine recently published its appraisal of countries that currently provide the best options for U.S. businesses looking to outsource. Based on data compiled Electronic Data Systems and neoIT, a global outsourcing advisory firm, this list can help businesses narrow their search for quality offshore vendors. Here is an overview of four of these countries:

India boasts several outstanding technological universities, including the Indian Institute of Technology, universally regarded as one of the world’s best. Salaries range from $5,000 to $12,000 for technical staff. Wages for back office functions run from $3,500 to $7,500.

India’s redundant telecommunications infrastructure offers excellent reliability within the country’s specialized IT parks. India is currently the leading provider of IT functions such as software development and maintenance, as well as business process outsourcing (BPO), including human resources, accounting, data analysis and call centers.

Providers in the Philippines are well acquainted with U.S. accounting procedures and customer service values. Companies in the Philippines have low employee turnover. However, labor costs are higher than in India; annual salaries for tech employees are between $5,000 to $10,000, and back office salaries range from $3,000 to $8,000.

If you operate within one of the country’s IT parks, the government will allow exemption from export taxes, fees and licenses. The government maintains a task force responsible for the development of IT and BPO services. Telecom infrastructure is reliable. Areas of expertise in the Philippines include finance, accounting, call centers, human resources and animation.

Russia has the third largest population of engineers and scientists per capita. Few of them, however, speak English. Annual IT salaries in Russia range from $6,000 to $10,000. The country hasn’t yet developed back-office competence. Telecom infrastructure costs are higher than average.

The Russian government adheres to outdated tax laws that do little to facilitate business. However, future treaties with the U.S. could instigate positive changes. There are few technology parks in Russia, and infrastructure outside the parks is generally of low quality. Russia offers expertise in Web design, complex software development and aerospace engineering.

Canada offers a near-shore alternative for U.S. companies. However, salaries are considerably higher than in offshore countries, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. Outsourcing to Canada involves little or no political risk, and the government allows tax breaks on IT exports. Canada has a solid telecommunications infrastructure. Expertise in Canada includes software development and maintenance, call centers and tech support.

Is a Merchant Cash Advance Right for Your Business?

Monday, February 14th, 2011

Perhaps you’ve heard of merchant cash advances for businesses–a process in which your merchant account provider purchases the right to receive a percentage of your future credit card sales based on your company’s credit card sales history. But if you are not sure whether this would be the best way to obtain funds for your business, here are a few key factors to help you decide…

Your business might benefit from a merchant cash advance if:

• You need short-term financing to help your business maintain cash flow or pay for equipment or other resources that will contribute to the growth of your business.

• Your business is seasonal in nature; a cash advance can help you get through the slower periods.

• You own a restaurant or other type of retail establishment that is considered high-risk by traditional lenders; a cash advance can be an easier way to obtain needed funds.

• Your credit history makes it difficult to obtain a traditional loan.

Some advantages of obtaining a merchant cash advance for your business:

1. No personal guarantee needed
2. No collateral required
3. No fixed repayment amount
4. Flexible repayment terms
5. High applicant approval rate
6. Will not show on your credit report
7. Good credit is not a requirement
8. Simple application and approval process
9. No credit check needed for quote
10. Fees are tax deductible

Additional factors to keep in mind:

The process for obtaining a business cash advance is quicker and easier than applying for a traditional business loan. However, because such advances are a riskier investment for the provider, the fees can be as much as 40% of the total cash advance amount.

The main reason for obtaining a cash advance should be to help your business grow. If you find you are using cash advances just to stay in business, this could be a sign that your business is in trouble. Many providers will require proof of how you are using your cash advance.

See the video below for tips on choosing the best merchant cash advance provider for your business needs.

How to Shop for Cash Advance Service Providers

Friday, February 11th, 2011

For companies that need a source of cash but aren’t interested in a traditional loan, a business cash advance could be a viable alternative. Watch the video to learn more about this fast and easy way to get needed funding.

Five Reasons to Use National Vendors for Business Services

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

When choosing a vendor for the business processes you plan to outsource, you might want to expand your list to include national vendors as well as local ones. Some business owners limit their choices by considering only locally based service providers, but adding national vendors to your list can offer a number of advantages, such as:

  1. Access to the best providers available. Business services can vary greatly, not only in terms of quality, but also in the variety of features and services offered. While there may be several B2B service providers in your area who offer excellent service, your local provider in any given category may not always be the best choice to meet your needs. Comparing services on a national level will give you a much broader selection and could result in finding the ideal provider for your company.
  2. Better price range. In some parts of the country, prices for local businesses services run higher than the national average. National vendors are often much more competitive in their pricing. Many of the larger companies have greater buying power when purchasing software, business supplies and other business services, and pass these savings on to their customers. Even if you do choose to go with a local vendor, researching the price range of national vendors will give you a good idea of what you should expect to spend for the type of business service you need.
  3. Greater scalability. After assessing your plans for future growth, you might find that some of your local business service providers are not as capable of handling your company’s increasing needs as a national vendor would be.
  4. Superior customer support. In some cases, national vendors come with a larger and more fully developed customer service and support center, with representatives available at all hours to help you resolve any issues immediately.
  5. Local branches. With many B2B services, having a local presence is not essential to providing excellent service to their customers. When, for example, was the last time you needed to visit your phone or Internet provider’s office in person? Nevertheless, many national vendors do have local offices in several cities across the country, so if being able to speak to someone face-to-face is important to you, choosing a national vendor with an office in your area can give you the best of both worlds.

Ten Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Web Host

Monday, January 10th, 2011

Computer hosting, or web hosting, allows you to have a business website under your own domain name, which will greatly enhance your company’s professional image. Web hosts abound, however, which can make the prospect of choosing a host seem daunting.  Here are a few points to help you make an informed decision:

  • Price - Web hosting accounts are typically billed on a monthly basis. Fees start at about $5 per month and increase based on the hosting vendor and add-ons.
  • Set-up Fees - These fees cover the cost to transfer files from another host as well as costs associated with getting your site hosted. Most hosting services waive the set-up fee for new customers.
  • Disk Space - Disk space is the amount of hard drive space your host allocates to you on their computer servers. This will include space for you to store all your files for your entire website as well as any data files that your company will need to periodically backup and store on the hosting company’s servers.
  • Data Transfer - Data transfer involves the amount and speed that your hosting company provides to you for sending and updating your data files.
  • Year Established - When was the hosting company founded? If a web host has been in business for a considerable time, then it is probably a safe choice. A brand new hosting company may not be as reliable.
  • Online Reputation – Perform simple Google searches on your preferred computer hosting vendors before making your final choice. By reading blogs and forum posts, you’ll be able to find out which services truly provide the solutions you need.
  • Email Accounts - Some hosts limit the number of email accounts that you can have associated with each website domain. Choose a provider that allows you to have as many email accounts as you need in order to operate your business effectively.
  • Added Features - Many web hosts offer features like content management systems, design software, and an assortment of widgets. You might not need many add-ons at first, but at least you’ll have the option of using them in the future.
  • Technical Support - Look for a vendor that has 24 hour customer service via a toll-free number. That way, if your website is ever down, you can contact a technical support team for immediate help to get your site back online.
  • Shared Host vs. Private Host – Shared hosts and private hosts offer different security measures. With a shared host you face the possibility of your website and data files being corrupted by a virus from the files of another company using the same host. A shared host, however, is generally far less expensive than a private host. Therefore, you should weigh the benefits and cost of having a private server against the savings and risks of using a shared server.

Seven Key HR Functions You May Want to Outsource

Monday, December 20th, 2010

Many companies, both large and small, use HR outsourcing firms to handle either some or all of their HR needs. Outsourcing human resources functions can save your company time and money, and the specific expertise of HR providers can be of great benefit to your organization.

The human resources industry involves a wide variety of critically important business service functions. To help you decide which areas of HR your business would benefit by outsourcing, here is an overview of the most commonly outsourced functions:

  1. Payroll Processes – Your HR provider can handle tax-sheltered annuities, garnishments, bonuses, salary structuring, paycheck distribution and all other payroll related processes.
  2. Benefits Management – Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance options, as well as 401k and other retirement plans can all be effectively handled by a qualified HR vendor..
  3. Employee Assistance Programs – Many companies would like to provide access to qualified counselors for employees and their families but lack the budget to hire in-house counselors. EAP counseling sessions are private and confidential, and provide employees with the help they need to cope with family issues and other life challenges they may be facing.
  4. Drug Testing and Background Checks – Drug testing is another function that is commonly outsourced. In fact, some states require that such testing be performed by an outside testing facility. Many employers also want all employees to undergo a background check and credit check as part of the hiring process.
  5. Recruiting – Many HR firms offer services ranging from providing a temporary workforce to screening and recruiting for upper level executive and managerial positions.
  6. Employee Data Management – Your vendor can collect and manage information regarding new hires, re-locations, promotions and other vital employee data.
  7. Compensation Consulting – Outside consultants with expertise in total compensation can design custom plans that can motivate sales team members and executives to achieve optimum performance.

Your HR services provider will work with you to establish rules for compensation, bonuses, disciplinary actions, and other processes to help you successfully manage one of your company’s most valuable assets–its employees.

Five Tips for Choosing a Long Distance Provider

Saturday, December 18th, 2010

Long distance services are communication services that allow business associates to communicate with one another regardless of location. These services make it possible for business operations to run smoothly and for employees to be able to communicate effectively with clients.

There are many different types of long distance services vendors, including phone vendors and VOIP services. In some situations, VOIP services are far less expensive than telephone long distance services, especially when a business is located in a remote area. When looking for a long distance vendor, consider the following:

  1. Cost – This is one of the most important variables when it comes to long distance services. The cost of the long distance service vary based on the service provider and the technology the provider is uses. Be sure to look at the base monthly rate, minutes you will receive at that rate (if applicable), and additional features available at that rate.
  2. Sound Quality – The sound quality of your long distance service has a major impact on your ability to communicate effectively. Some providers who offer low rates use outdated technology, so the sound is muffled or appears to be distant. Select a long distance service that guarantees crisp sound and ask for a trial period before signing up.
  3. Ease of Use – How easy is it for your employees to use the long distance service? Do they need to be near a certain computer or type of phone in order to place a call? Some VOIP services operate through phones as well as computers. Assess your needs and determine how mobile your long distance service needs to be.
  4. Contract – If the long distance company requires you to sign a contract for its services, request a trial period first. Also be sure the contract you sign offers you the flexibility to switch services if a superior technology becomes available during the term of your contract.
  5. Reputation – Some long distance services have a reputation for dropping calls. Others may be known low call quality. Performing a Google search for reviews on your top choices will help you find the company that’s most reliable.

InsideUp can help you locate a long distance service provider to keep your business communication network flowing. We have carefully selected top national long distance vendors who will provide high quality communication services for your business at a significant cost savings.

Choosing the Best Call Center Services for Your Business

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

the bestYour call center is often the first point of contact between your business and your customers, so it’s vital to choose a call center whose agents will leave a good impression on your callers. Here are some points to keep in mind when making your vendor selection:

  • Purpose – Analyze your needs to determine the main purpose the call center will serve. If you are looking for specialized services, such as tech support for your products, you will need a call center that employs IT professionals who can learn your product line. If you need customer service representatives, find a call center capable of learning your products. You will also need to decide if you need dedicated agents, who take calls exclusively for your company and will acquire a detailed knowledge of your products, or shared agents who take calls for multiple businesses.
  • Price – How does the call center charge for its services–monthly or annually? Will you have to sign a long-term contract? Will you be charged per call? The price of the services can vary greatly. Check the fine print so you won’t be surprised by hidden charges.
  • Features - Each call center will offer its own features. Ask about the prices for additional features, as well as a list of options for you to choose from. For example, some call centers will send you detailed messages in an email, while other call centers will call you with the message.
  • Agency Size – To get an idea of the size of call center you will need, determine the amount of call traffic your business currently receives, and try to project the volume you expect to receive from planned advertising campaigns.
  • Reputation - Do a simple Google search to see criticisms and praises of your top companies. Ask for customer references to verify the vendor’s reliability and professionalism. Also, ask colleagues for their recommendations.

You will also want to find a company that has:

  • An understanding of your particular industry.
  • The ability to forecast and schedule for expected call volume.
  • Technology such as performance management and data analytics.
  • Reporting formats that are compatible with your company’s software.
  • The ability to make changes and readily adapt to market conditions.

It’s important to balance cost savings and features with quality of service. Choosing a provider based on price alone could end up costing your company in terms of reputation and customer loyalty, but a call center that matches your customer service standards will be an asset to your company.

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