Communication: An Essential Element When Outsourcing
Communication is an important component of our lives, and thanks to the advancements of technology, the way we communicate now differs a lot from the way we used to communicate a couple of years ago. We write emails, talk on the phone (more likely smartphone), write IM, write SMS, write on blogs, post tweets etc., and use every tool we have to keep in touch with our friends, family and with our business partners.
As outsourcing has become a clear business direction, the need to communicate with business partners from other timezones and having different cultural backgrounds, has triggered new necessities and requirements. As a result, new pieces of software have been developed which ease the communication process, and which offer both visual and audio support. Now on the market there are numerous tools which can ease the communication process, and make interaction between business partners more accessible.
For an outsourcing company, communicating with the customer, and receiving constant feedback, is a key element for providing a quality service/product. Not only that a good communication can save valuable time, but when developing a software product for example, it can also improve the end result, thanks to an efficient collaboration between the tow involved parties.
Due to a fierce competition on the software products market, good results are needed in due time, so it matters when you deliver the product as much as the quality of the product. For an efficient communication between company and customer it’s necessary to employ a series of communication tools, such as:a
* Emails
This is a basic tool for keeping in touch with customers, and sending and receiving feedback. Emails should have a clean structure and a concise message, not to mention that it has to be correctly from a grammatical and lexical point of view.
* IM
Instant Messages, such as Skype, should be used when immediate feedback is required. Due to the timezone difference, it might be difficult to employ such a tool, but certainly not impossible. As long as an appointment is set and both sides are aware, then using IM shouldn’t be an issue.
* PPT presentations
PowerPoint presentations should be employed when visual elements are needed to accompany emails, for a better understanding. It’s important to use the right formatting tools, and to not exaggerate in using style elements. Similar to emails, PowerPoint presentations should have a clear structure, and each image should be accompanied by a text message.
* Voice calls
Although the timezone differences can make this tool difficult to use, phone calls are necessary when immediate action is required, and in order to establish first time connections.
* Video conferences
Used more and more extensively, this tool is capable to offer real-tine feedback and a better interaction between business partners.
So, no matter what set of communication tools you use, as long as you present your feedback clearly, then the purpose of communication is fulfilled
