Building Great Contractor Relationships In Outsourcing

Successful outsourcing isn’t different from any other business relationship: It requires nurturing and smart management. Here are the best ways to accomplish that:

1. Don’t Think of Contractors as Just Vendors

A vendor keeps your business stocked with paper or provides your Internet. A contractor brings his or her own knowledge, skills, and expertise to the table. By treating a contractor as an integral member of your team, you can keep them with you for the long haul, as well as discover new ways to leverage those skills and expertise in your business. Little touches can go a long way.

2. Invest in Your Contractors Early On

It can be disappointing when the contractor doesn’t immediately hit the ground running. Consider this a long-term investment. The more time you dedicate working with contractors early on, the more value you’ll get back in the end.

3. Don’t Become the Client You’d Hate

In short, if you want to build a healthy long-term relationship with a contractor, don’t be the client you’d hate to work for. You can build a solid rapport by being appreciative for jobs well done, receptive to a contractor’s expertise and advice, and respectful of their time. Remember to always say “please and thank you” along with offering just some general courtesy.

4. Be Careful How You Negotiate

If a contractor feels like they’ve been pushed too far to give you a bargain, you might just get bargain work in return. Figure out what you can afford to pay in advance. In contract work, payment schedules and compensation vary widely. If a particular contractor seems too expensive, you may be better off looking for someone else who’s more in line with your budget.

5. Communicate Openly From Start to Finish

Good communication is key to any relationship, and it’s particularly critical in the contractor ecosystem where freelancers are often scattered across locations and time zones. Maintain good communication throughout the project and set up processes for sharing information at all levels. Regular check-ins can provide valuable information on the health of the relationship. And lastly, don’t forget to share good news and not just bad news.

Do you have other ideas on how you can build a great relationship with contractors? Share your thoughts with us!

Source: Mashable

Image: Taiga Company