Offshoring is not a new trend. It has been used over the years and is currently a common practice with many companies. Thanks to technological advancements and the internet, offshoring is now easier for all companies, and not only those in the information technology industry.
Offshore outsourcing has numerous benefits. Not only does it offer a less expensive software development option, but it is also a way for companies to gain access to a vast pool of talent. However, to leverage these perks, a company needs to build the right team.
In this article, we will share five tips on how companies can succeed in building an offshore team.
Let us delve into specifics.
Table of Contents
5 Tips To Succeed In Building An Offshore Team
1. Find a reputable offshore company
For successful software development outsourcing, the importance of finding a reputable offshore company cannot be over-emphasized. The first step is to perform pre-screening of the developers. Once you identify an offshore company, reach out and request if you can have a look at the developer’s curriculum vitae.
During pre-screening, take a keen interest in the developer’s educational background and experience. Since you seek software development services, look at their proficiency levels in various programming languages.
After reviewing, narrow down to three potential candidates. Schedule interviews with each one of them online to find the ideal developer for your project.
2. Share your vision and define your expectations
To get the most out of offshore outsourcing, share your vision with the team from the get-go. Clearly outline your company’s short-term and long-term goals. Doing so makes the team part and parcel of the company, motivating and making them feel valued.
Additionally, define your expectations regarding the project at hand. Communicating the deadline is also crucial. To ensure the team completes the project on time, set milestones. Have regular meetings with your team to review the project’s progress. This helps the team stay on track and to address any unprecedented issues promptly.
3. Communication is key
Lack of communication is detrimental to the success of your offshore software development project. Considering that you are dealing with a team in a different time zone, maintaining communication between the company’s managers and the team can be challenging. For this, you need effective communication tools.
E-mails are one of the best communication tools when offshoring. Also, a live chat window allows you to get instant updates from the team, while video conferencing is great when holding online group meetings.
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4. Visit your offshore team
Thanks to the internet and various applications, people can now communicate without the need to meet physically. However, the importance of visiting your offshore team regularly cannot be over-emphasized.
Immediately you build your team, take the first visit. By meeting face-to-face, you get to know your team and interact with them on a personal level. Work with the team for a couple of days. By doing so, the team gets to know who you, allowing them to deliver a project that lives up to your expectations.
After the initial visit, make sure you take regular trips during your working relationship to ensure a smooth-running of the software development process.
5. Collaborate
Business owners are often busy. They keep tabs on every company process, which can be tasking and overwhelming. To ensure effective management of the offshore team, company owners need to appoint both an onshore and offshore manager.
These two people need to collaborate to ensure both teams are on the same page. They should communicate regularly to ensure the company achieves its desired outcome. By doing this, you are far less likely to have disconnects and undesirable outcomes, hence a successful offshoring project.
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Tips To Succeed In Building An Offshore Team: FAQs
What Is An Offshore Team?
An offshore team is a group of skilled professionals working for your company from a different country than your headquarters. They are essentially remote employees, but the key distinction is the geographical separation and often, a different cultural background.
What are the key benefits of building an offshore team?
- Talent Access: Tap into a wider pool of skilled professionals beyond your local area.
- Cost Optimization: Potentially lower operational costs depending on location and talent availability.
- Round-the-Clock Coverage: Extend your work hours with overlapping time zones.
- Specialized Expertise: Find niche skills that might be scarce in your immediate location.
What are the biggest challenges in managing an offshore team?
- Communication: Time zone differences, cultural nuances, and language barriers can hinder clear communication.
- Team Cohesion: Building trust and fostering a collaborative environment across physical distances can be challenging.
- Technology: Reliable internet access, secure communication tools, and collaboration platforms are crucial.
- Cultural Differences: Understanding and respecting cultural norms is essential for effective management.
What are some key tips for managing an offshore team successfully?
- Clear Communication: Set clear expectations, timelines, and communication protocols. Utilize video conferencing, project management tools, and instant messaging for regular interactions.
- Invest in Relationships: Build rapport with your team through regular meetings, virtual team-building activities, and cultural awareness training.
- Emphasize Transparency: Share company goals, performance metrics, and decision-making processes openly.
- Embrace Flexibility: Be adaptable to different work styles and time zones.
READ ALSO: Managing Remote Teams: Best Practices for Team Extension
What are some resources to help me build a successful offshore team?
- Industry Associations: Organizations like Global Services Association (GSA) and National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) offer resources and guidance.
- Professional Staffing Agencies: Partner with agencies specializing in building offshore teams for tailored guidance and recruitment support.
- Online Resources: Numerous websites and blogs offer insights on managing remote teams, cultural awareness, and communication strategies.
Conclusion
Building an offshore team requires careful planning, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication. By understanding the challenges and utilizing these tips and resources, you can confidently embark on this journey and unlock the potential of your global team.
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About the Author:
Marie Beaujolie is a computer network engineer and content writer from Paris. She is passionate about technology and exploring new ways to make people’s lives easier. Marie has been working in the IT industry for many years and has a wealth of knowledge about computer security and best practices. She is a regular contributor for SecureBlitz.com, where she writes about the latest trends and news in the cyber security industry. Marie is committed to helping people stay safe online and encouraging them to take the necessary steps to protect their data.
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.
