You’ve heard that outsourcing offers great benefits to businesses of various kinds and sizes. So, you want to try out outsourcing and join in reaping the benefits that come with outsourcing. That’s definitely a smart decision. But first, you need to define your outsourcing needs, and what does it entail?

Step #1: Identify the Task You Wish to Outsource

Sit back and take a long look at your business needs. Then, write down a detailed definition and explanation of the process or task you wish to outsource. Remember to spell out your inputs in clear terms. In essence, determine what work tool (if necessary) you should provide to the outsourcing firm. You should also spell out expected outputs – the deliverable s or final outcome that you expect from the independent contractor.

You need to be detailed in writing down what you expect from the outsourcing company in terms of quality, speed and quantity. When you’re done, be sure to look over your record again to ensure you’ve not omitted anything needful.

Step #2: Monitor an Outsourced Project

It’s not enough outsourcing tasks, you also need to oversee the outsourced tasks from your own end. Therefore, you should consciously assign a team or an individual to supervise and monitor the progress of the outsourced task. In fact, depending on the nature of the task, you may even have to take up the supervisory role yourself to ensure the final outcome meets the standard you set at the beginning.

Don’t forget to also take cognizance of this monitoring aspect when detailing your outsourcing needs. The extent of the interaction with the outsource partner should be part of the details in your outsourcing needs description.

Remember to include conditions, restrictions, rules or limit to data that should be transmitted to the outsource partner. And, policies regarding security of data entrusted in the hands of the outsource partner should also be detailed in the outsourcing contract.

Step #3: Set Your Quality Standards

You should also set your quality standards in line with a suitable budget. It’s not enough setting your expected standards, you also need to determine whether or not the outsourcing service provider can meet the standards. You should find a way of evaluating the provider’s services in terms of quality. There should be a specific unit or parameter for measuring the partner’s quality and performance level. For instance, you can measure aspects such as the percentage of error in terms of outsourced payroll task.

Finally, when defining your outsourcing needs, don’t forget to put a bid package in place for the potential independent contractor. It simply means you should include expectations, job scope, expected quality and other features that will help the contractor calculate the appropriate costs.

Daven Michaels is a New York Times Best Selling Author and CEO of premiere global outsourcing company, 123Employee. The company employs hundreds of young bright individuals on three continents. His International event, Beyond Marketing Live! inspires entrepreneurs build & grow their business with revolutionary new theories and systems allowing them to design the business and personal lifestyle of their dreams.