February 16th, 2012
Outsourcing and offshore are interchangeably used by people. Some of them think that these terms are same. But there is different between Outsourcing and offshore.
Outsourcing means sourcing from outside. The term is increasingly used to refer to sub-contracting of a set of functions or processes by one firm to another, or to a group of individuals. The latter organisation is often in another physical location, or another country altogether.
When a company’s operations or business processes are outsourced to firms in foreign countries, often to take advantage of cheap skilled labor, it is referred to as Offshore outsourcing or Offshoring.
Outsourcing enables a company to focus on core-competency areas. It also frees the firm from resource and labour intensive functions, which are now performed by trained personnel at much lower costs.
The processes or activities that are being outsourced could range from customer service and telemarketing, to IT management, software development, market research and even financial portfolio management.
Most of the outsourcing firms are based in the USA, some in the UK or Australia and fewer still in Europe, while most of the outsourced workforce is Asian.
There have been loud protests against outsourcing in the USA, and more recently in Australia, since some of the professionals might be dislocated; when processes are shifted, jobs are naturally shifted too. However, this kind of dislocation is mostly temporary and there are very few highly-skilled professionals who are actually losing jobs because of outsourcing.
Benefits of Outsourcing Reduce overheads, free up resources Minimize capital expenditure Eliminate investment in fixed infrastructure Offload non-core functions Redirect energy and personnel into the core business Free your executive team from day-to-day process problems Focus scarce resources on mission-critical projects Get access to specialized skills Reduce need for internal commitment of specialists Save on manpower and training costs
Apart from above mention benefits there are some other Benefits of Outsourcing are as follows:
Establish long-term, strategic relationships with world-class service providers to gain a competitive edge Enhance tactical and strategic advantages Focus on strategic thinking, process re-engineering and managing trading partner relationships Benefit from the provider’s expertise in solving problems for a variety of clients with similar requirements. Obtain needed project management and implementation consulting expertise. Acquire access to best practices and proven methodologies Spread your risks Avoid the cost of chasing technology Leverage the provider’s extensive investments in technology, methodologies and people Reduce the risk of technological obsolescence Increase efficiency by consolidating and centralizing functions.
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February 12th, 2012
The new age has given rise to new industries such as Business Process Outsourcing and specifically call center outsourcing. The technological age has brought us so far into the future that distance is no longer such a big problem for conducting business successfully. Information technology has evolved to a degree that long distance communication can be fast, precise, and very cost effective. Contact centers and general BPO industries that provide service U.S. clients for example are located far offshore in Asia.
So what are the major business process outsourcing offshore locations in the world today? Here is a list of the most popular and the most successful of these locations and a brief description of what’s going in each of these top offshore geographical locations.
China
China is relatively younger in the game but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a major player. Everyone is aware of the large population of China and the prowess of the Chinese in terms of technology. Also, this large population translates into low wages. China also unveils its plans to further broach the global contact center offshore competition by providing more English language courses in schools. In the business process outsourcing and knowledge process outsourcing arena, China is truly one of the Giant players.
South America
The countries of Brazil, Argentina, and others are one of the most popular call center destinations in the world. The edge of these countries is of course the Spanish speaking not only in Spain but in the United States as well. One cannot measure the large Spanish speaking population and niche that dwells in the United States and that is currently still growing up to huge proportions. There are a lot of English speaking call centers in South America as well since the Influence of North America trickles down the border.
India
India is the figure head of the call center industry. Everyone knows the stereotypical idea that India is a land full of call centers. And this is of course true. There are so many call centers in the country because it was the first geographical location to be targeted by such industries. Now the country is reaping the major benefits. One does not even need to think about how low the wages in India, it is a given. This third world country, almost as big a continent as China is full of laborers that will work hard for dirt cheap salary. The accent of Indian call agents is nearly impossible to miss.
Philippines
This is the new Mecca of the call center outsourcing industry in the world. After India was fully established as a call center country, companies started scouting out for a new location that might provide an even better venue for customer management services. That’s when they spotted the Philippines and a major migration occurred. The Philippines, being a former U.S. colony, is very Americanized. The language and culture barrier between a Philippine citizen and an American citizen is very thin so companies take advantage of this overpopulated developing country full of well educated professionals and cheap labor and business expenses.
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February 11th, 2012
Did you know that people utilize local searches more often than a general worldwide search? That’s because most commerce is made locally rather than mail order or downloads. When people search the Internet locally, they are looking for numerous products and services that they need right now:
* Restaurant menus
* Directions to establishments
* Printable coupons
* Customer reviews
Not long ago, restaurants had to rely solely on print ads in newspapers, direct mail advertising, yellow page listings or TV commercials. All of these mediums are very expensive, but the Internet has changed the way a local business can get the word out completely. Using local search directories like Bing and social networks like Twitter, you can reach and advertise to many of your customers for pennies.
Outsourcing is the perfect solution for local business. An overseas rep can take care of all these tasks for your restaurant. They can identify Facebook and Twitter followers that are just in a localized area and target them with specials and discounts. A Facebook fan page is a great tool to advertise a local business and access the menus, reviews and directions. Printable coupons can save a ton of money over traditional coupons that have to be delivered door to door.
Running a restaurant is very time consuming. For as little as $5.00 an hour you can have an outsourced virtual assistant keep your restaurant fresh in the minds of consumers. You can choose as much time as you need for your rep to work with you and then upgrade anytime as your business grows. The old way of doing business is over. This weakened economy has hit restaurants especially hard. Increase profits and growth with the new era of online advertising.
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February 3rd, 2012
Outsourcing! For some it is an economic explosion and for some, an awful nightmare. For years, outsourcing has been a sizzling topic of debate among countries’ politicians. What exactly is outsourcing and why it has been considered more of an issue rather than an advantage? Let’s find out.
Well, outsourcing is an ongoing practice of farming out or delegating various jobs outside the country you reside. Or in other words, outsourcing is a trend of global delegation that has ignited a firestorm of controversy, from newspapers to TV channels, magazines to blogs at Internet; you will find enormous discussions on the same.
Nowadays, more and more companies are outsourcing their jobs overseas and taking full advantage of time, cost, and quality. However, disputes on delegation of jobs to an alien country are still firm at their place. Let’s consider people who are making out of outsourcing. The companies themselves come at the top of beneficiaries of outsourcing. US companies have to pay comparatively high taxes and wages. Thus, the cost for a product automatically goes high. But if the same company ties up with an Indian company and employs an offshore dedicated team as the virtual extension of their own staff, it has to pay lower wages, lower taxes, can get products manufactured at a lower cost.
Global outsourcing allows software development companies to take advantage of, talented workforce, specialized knowledge and emerging technologies at relatively lower costs. These companies hire those who lead an industry, leverage a more competitive advantage in the market place and thus, make more money in the long run. Apart from the companies, consumers too remain at the advantageous side of outsourcing as they have to pay less for the products. Another advantage, you provide jobs to people overseas who otherwise wouldn’t be working.
This example presents a win-win proposition for all; however, reality is something else. To understand the controversy, we need to look at the other face of coin i.e. the American workers who are highly annoyed from outsourcing trend. Well, it is very genuine as more the trend is rising high more jobs are slipping out of Americans’ hands. They can’t just move to India and even if they do so, wages in India would be nothing compared to what they were getting in US. This example gives a clear idea that hundreds of people have suddenly come out of work because of outsourcing. Things don’t end here only. Just broaden the effect and see. People who have lost their jobs will spend less. Markets, restaurant, malls will be affected as they will be having lesser sales and thus, overall economy may face recession.
Well, above discussion seems right from both points of views and can not be concluded at a single outcome. But we can’t deny the fact that IT outsourcing has become a multi-billion dollar business for almost all established software development companies located in major IT countries. It is just assumed that firestorm of controversy over outsourcing will subside with time as the trend of outsourcing has bright prospects and is likely to expand in future.
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January 29th, 2012
More and more companies nowadays have realized the advantages of getting online bookkeeping services. Most of them have started getting a freelance bookkeeper first. Normally, this is applicable to smaller businesses because they have lesser transaction records. The large companies however need not just one bookkeeper but a team of them to effectively perform a bookkeeping task.
So, for the one who is just starting out his business, it will be ideal for him to get a freelance bookkeeper. This can significantly provide him a great relief in running his business. In fact, this is a good alternative if he wants to establish his clients. This option is also less expensive and is helpful to save some more time. With this bookkeeper, the need to undergo the process of hiring and spend an ample time to train new staff is no longer needed. This bookkeeper is well-experienced so he no longer needs further training; and if he does, it is no longer the responsibility of the person who hires him. Also, this bookkeeper can bring more profit to his client’s business using his expertise. Sure, a businessman may also consider hiring an equally expert bookkeeper to do the job; of course, he may do this. However, he can deem that this will require a higher payment because of this person’s above average capability. Additionally, he will need to invest for the workplace including the equipment.
So, it is undeniable that by settling to a freelance bookkeeper, the job can be less difficult and less expensive too. It will be the job of this bookkeeper to do his works. The client only needs to send the report or certain data. He can also trust that this bookkeeper will be very careful on the company requirements. So, he can expect that this bookkeeper will be upbeat on catering to him. This can be expected actually since the bookkeeper is offering service; hence, he can be very service oriented. Such attitude is very beneficial for the growth of the client’s business. Anything he requests as long as it is within the scope of the bookkeeper’s work, he will be very willing to do it for his client. For freelance bookkeepers, customer satisfaction is highly valued at all times.
So to speak, hiring a freelance bookkeeper for one’s business is also a form of hiring an expert person. In fact, it is like having a proficient bookkeeper onboard of the business. And again, the company can gain these advantages at a lower cost. However, the client who is prospecting for a freelance bookkeeper needs to be cautious too. He needs to take note that he is about to reveal important and maybe confidential data to the bookkeeper. Because of this, he needs to be careful in choosing a reliable freelance bookkeeper. He needs to make sure that he will choose the one who has a reputation and good business conduct. This way he can be sure that his business information is secure.
Looking for a reputable freelance bookkeeper may be quite tough. But the good thing is there is now numbers of online bookkeeping firms that offer freelance bookkeepers. Many of them are reputed firms of freelance bookkeeping that provides service both to small and mid-size businesses.
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January 28th, 2012
With increasing opportunities on the internet, more and more people have full time jobs on the internet; there is nothing that cannot be done through internet. If you are tired of having unreliable secretaries or they simply can’t do enough for you, you can simply hire a virtual office assistant on whom you will not spend a dime in the name of insurance and they will be able to do more than the live in secretary will ever do. An in-house secretary occupies a lot of space; something that lacks in small businesses or medium sized companies.
From a virtual office assistant you will be able to benefit from personalized services, without feeling that you are letting them know too much about you. Hiring a virtual office assistant is hiring a personal assistant who will not take bathroom or coffee break when you are not around to supervise them. He will be on call anytime to do whatever you require of him anytime. The virtual office assistant will remind you of the appointment you need to make with your dentist and maybe make a hotel reservation for your annual retreat.
He may even go to the extent of designing the new web page for your business website, something that you would have had to outsource if you had a live-in secretary. Whether your virtual secretary does some outsourcing for his services really isn’t a bother to you.
If you have an in-house assistant, he/she may not have the skills or the experience needed by the firm from time to time. On top of that, you will have to make room for the person and the myriad of machinery that he/she will come with. A virtual office assistant works far from you. You will not be able to see eye to eye but they will always be at your beck and call.
The in-house assistant stays idle at some point in their working day, depending on the amount of work that is handled by the firm on a day to day basis. No matter how much time he/spends on the work that is assigned to him/her a live-in assistant will not do more than is required by the boss unless you plan to hike the pay. They may go on a go slow or decide to quit without a notifying you. A virtual office assistant on the other hand is only paid for the actual hours that he does the job and nothing extra. He will not become a headache since he has other clients whose needs he needs to cater for. All you do is give an assignment and a due date; and the work will be delivered. It is cheaper to maintain a virtual office assistant since you will not have to pay some fees that come with having an in-house assistant.
A virtual office assistant is most of the time an assistant to many other people and since he/she has specialized on the work that he/she is doing, they are more likely to be more proficient and faster and have the latest tools to do their jobs. They have the latest software and they have a good support system. They pool their resources and help each other out when they are stuck.
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January 27th, 2012
Many people who have tried bid sites have walked away frustrated simply because they were not able to win proposals. These individuals believed that they were only able to win proposals when they were the lowest bidder, working for peanuts.
Fortunately, this isn’t really true. A freelance writer can win wonderful jobs on bid sites at reasonable prices if that writer knows how to craft a winning proposal.
Be personal: A personalized proposal makes all the difference. If you’re sending a form letter there’s no real reason for an employer to sit up and take notice. Write an individual proposal each and every time.
Look for jobs you have experience with: You may be new to freelance writing, but you’re not new to experiences. Write down every job you’ve ever had. Write down every volunteer experience you’ve been part of. Write down every web page you’ve ever launched.
If you used to make fudge for a living than assignments about making fudge, or making food, or even buying or eating food are going to look more favorably on you than those who just think they can poke around and do some internet research about it. If you used to be a door to door salesman than you are qualified to write books about sales success.
Begin reading lots of nonfiction: When you read a lot of varied non-fiction you qualify yourself for a lot of different jobs, simply by your ability to speak intelligently about your topic right at the proposal phase.
If possible, work a little harder: If you can provide an outline for the project, or a sample product description, or even an opening article paragraph, it shows clients that you are serious about working for them and with them.
Research your clients: If your potential clients have worked on the site before you’ll be able to see how much they paid for similar projects. You can then chose to bid in that range–or to pass it by and save your bids for more lucrative projects.
Send samples: If you don’t have any published clips, that’s fine. Write something “on spec” so your clients can see what you can do. Write something as if you were being paid to write it.
Demonstrate availability: If you’re available via phone it can take away a lot of a client’s fears about the work.
It is possible to win on Elance and other, related bid sites, if you take your time and give each bid the same care and attention as you would the finished piece. If all you’re going to distinguish yourself with is price than the low price wins every time. If you distinguish yourself with excellence, then you can charge what you want–and you have a high chance of getting what you ask for.
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January 23rd, 2012
One of the newest jobs available today is a virtual assistant. With so many jobs being completed through the internet, having virtual office staff only makes sense. It helps companies keep down overhead, and allows more workers the flexibility to telecommute. While there are training programs to teach you how to become a virtual assistant, many people already possess the skills needed. You simply need to learn to market yourself, showing the potential employer you’re the perfect person for the job.
Where to find a job as a virtual assistant: There are virtual assistant associations found on the internet that could assist in your training and job search. Some people who run home offices advertise for a virtual assistant, to help them stay organized without having to have an outside person come to their home. The VA will help them stay current by answering e-mails, reminding them of appointments, and other office administrative duties. Some VA assistant jobs may require occasional office visits, so you would need to live within driving distance of the office.
Skills you need: You should have good people skills, knowing how to communicate well both over the phone and through written correspondence. Being organized is a must, as that is the main reason most people need a virtual assistant: to help them stay organized. Good typing skills are also crucial.
Tools you need: You will need a reliable computer, with word processing database, spreadsheet, calendar programs and internet connection (high speed is best). You may also want to have an unlimited long distance phone plan, as you may be calling clients or setting up appointments for your employer all over the country, possibly even the world. A hands-free phone might also be a good investment. A fax machine is a good idea, as well as a printer and scanner (many units combine all three features in one machine).
How much money can you make? If you find a full-time position, as opposed to freelancing for a few clients, the income will vary. Some companies pay VA’s anywhere from $20-$50 an hour.
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January 18th, 2012
Many large services oriented businesses outsource to India, where there is a competitive supply of educated workers who are skilled in IT and fluent in English. The advantage of this approach is that the client company can save costs by freeing up resources such as office space for other activities and leave the personnel department of the third party company to handle recruitment costs. Similarly many manufacturing businesses outsource to the Far East and East Europe which has heavy industries and factories but where English is perhaps not so widely used.
In many cases, the supply of suitably skilled workers is unavailable in the client’s host location and therefore the option to outsource to India where there is a more readily available supply of skilled workers would save costs by removing the need to provide training from scratch. In this context, software outsourcing such as web design outsourcing and IT outsourcing is an increasingly popular trend within the software industry in the UK where there is a skills shortage making the cost of hiring an IT professional unaffordable.
IT outsourcing can involve the turning over of responsibility to an outside firm the company’s entire IT department such as hosting, maintenance, software development and technical support. However, many companies choose to partially outsource IT functions. The client company may at a later stage choose to have more or fewer departments outsourced.
IT outsourcing can significantly lower the costs to the client’s company while matching and often increasing the end product quality, leaving the company better able to anticipate future costs and focus on other key functions. On aggregate, the cost savings made allows the company to expand their services and therefore benefit the economy as a whole.
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January 12th, 2012
In today’s competitive economic environment, outsourcing IT and office work to an contractor or offshore center can present many significant efficiencies and cost-savings to businesses.
More and more businesses are scaling down by using technology to cut costs and realize outsourcing benefits such as lower labor costs and increased efficiency.
Few other fields can realize these benefits as well as information technology. Because networked systems can be accessed by qualified information technology professionals around the world, your business can farm out your IT work to offshore outsourcing centers.
Offshore outsourcers
Offshore IT outsourcing has become extremely popular because it allows businesses to avoid the high labor costs of the U.S. Sending your IT work to a centralized location also provides for greater efficiency because it allows for quicker response times and needs fewer people to operate.
Another field where such benefits are being realized is in virtual office solutions. By taking advantage of a virtual office solution, you can realize significant cost savings and efficiencies whether you send the work overseas or to a stateside outsourcing center.
In virtual office solutions, your call-handling, scheduling, accounts payable and many other clerical duties are handled off-site at a central location by staff dedicated and trained to handle these types of duties. This frees up your staff for more mission critical tasks and can allow you to reassign or downsize staff currently tasked with clerical or office duties, creating more efficiency for your business.
You may feel some anxiety or guilt over outsourcing work overseas or to a stateside center, but the money you save from sending IT and other work may be what helps keep your business afloat, saving your job and other jobs. In these recessionary times, tough calls like outsourcing present situations where one must sacrifice the few for the well-being of the many.
You Need To Manage It!
That’s not to say that outsourcing can’t have its downsides, however. Only about half of all businesses that use outsourcing are satisfied by it. Outsourcing only works as well as management has planned for its execution.
To make an outsourcing plan that works, you need expert advice that can help you realize the full potential of this management strategy. Good outsourcing advice and counseling can mean the difference between a plan that turns your operation into a well-oiled machine or just a quality-killing management nightmare.
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