Continuing our previous blog about finding the best Outsourcing Advisor for your company..........

• References matter: Choosing an Outsourcing Advisor without checking their references is not very advisable. In this day and age of the plethora of choices available, finding the right candidate needs to be validated with the success achieved by that person in earlier situations.Talking directly to the Outsourcing Advisors previous clients is important because they would be the ones to verify if the advisor in question has what you need.
  
  
• Include toolbox review: Experienced sourcing advisors bring with them tried methodologies, processes, and tools which help them help you. So ask your Outsourcing Advisor about the tools in his or her toolbox. How developed are they, which tools are used in what stage of the process, etc. etc. are all good questions to ask.Will the Outsourcing advisor stick to only those tools or will they also bring creativity and flexibility by adding new tools to fit your needs?
  
  
• Ensure impartiality: It doesn't need to be said but if we don't say it, we'd be remiss. You know that your Outsourcing Advisor must also truly be an INDEPENDENT third-party.That means that he/she should have NO conflict of interest when it comes to the vendors that he or she is proposing for your consideration. Since the Outsourcing Advisor is there to meet  your goals, he/she should not become too close to the vendors being considered for the work and should always be working towards your interests. 

In summary, the best sourcing advisor is one who understands and works to create a win-win between both parties. While ensuring that they meet your goals, they should still be able to facilitate good relationships with the vendors in questions, be able to resolve risks and be able to constructively find solutons that allow both parties to succeed. The minute the relationship becomes one-sided or favorable to only one side, the entire project may be in jeopardy.

If you are seeking an Outsourcing Advisory, we hope you will check out our Outsourcing Advisory services!