Managing complex projects is difficult enough at the best of times, but a whole new level of complications is added by outsourcing. Problems that commonly derail outsourced projects are not usually caused by the outsourcer’s competence so much as a lack of common understanding and communication in regard to what’s really important.
One good tip is to make sure that the outsourced party (or parties) is aware of your company’s and your goals. You need to share the important aspects of your company, your business processes, your clientele, and the people who work with you. If these elements are shared effectively, there is a greater likelihood that your outsourcer will create real value due to being more closely aligned with your actual goals.
It is also important to be aware of and respect the fact that your outsourcers are likely to be working from different time zones. Meetings need to be scheduled to suit everyone involved. Time zone differences can even be an advantage; for example, when a job is sent to an outsourcer at the end of your business day, only to be complete by the start of the next because your outsourcer was just commencing their business day when the job was sent.