Training for Book Authors
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
How To Develop Organizational Culture With Outsource Staff?
Copyright (c) 2009-2022 Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM
Today's businesses - even small ones - are complex organizations made up of in-house and outsourced or virtual assistance staff. The in-house staff might meet in a single office location, but the outsourced staff could be anywhere.
It's a good business decision to outsource: It's often cheaper to hire outsource staff than to hire in-house. At times, the per-hour cost of outsource staff might be slightly higher than an in-house staff (depending on where the outsource staff is located), but there is less overhead, no payment of benefits and bonuses, and the business can be covered around the clock.
But this outsourcing creates an additional issue that businesses are now dealing with: How do you create a strong organizational culture in a business context that includes outsource service providers and virtual assistants?
The importance of creating that culture is important. After all, you don't want to have an "us-versus-them" mentality in your business, with in-house staff not appreciating the value that the outsource staff can provide (and the outsource staff not knowing what's going on). Instead, you want to have a business operating as a strong, single entity focused on keeping your customers happy.
While it can seem daunting to create that organizational culture it's really not.
It starts with communication. Make sure that you give your staff (both in-house and outsource) plenty of ways to communicate with each other. Email is one way, instant messaging is another, even Twitter might be a good way. (Just make sure that you're clear in what your outsource staff can bill).
Set up periodic conference calls as frequently as you might set up a normal in-house meeting. For example, a weekly conference call in which everyone dials in might be a valuable way to touch base and keep everyone up to date. Make sure you hear from everyone. Consider using meeting software like Adobe Connect so people can see each other, share desktops, and take notes, just like in a regular meeting. There might be a slightly increased cost in paying wages for the hour-long meeting, but the enhanced, productive relationships that come out of that will be worth the expense.
Be intentional about who you assign to projects. Connect an in-house person with an outsource service provider; don't just connect two in-house people because they happen to be in the same room when you need the work done.
Team-building is a little more difficult to do in this situation but not impossible. Have a contest, pairing your in-house staffers each with an outsource service provider (or even two outsource service providers), and give them a project or business problem to find a creative solution to. Again, you might initially resist the added cost, but this builds relationships between team members and it's still way more productive than having your in-house people in a room for a bunch of silly team-building games.
Today's business is not done in-house. Businesses of all sizes are spread around the globe and require mindset changes. Remember, if you want to get the best out of all of your team members (in-house and outsource) you'll want to build a strong organizational culture.
Heather Villa's professional philosophy is that her role in the success of others will ultimately bring about her own success. Whether she is working from an advanced accounting or challenging marketing angle, offering guidance in development, organization, supervision, or administration, Heather makes sure that her clients get accurate answers from a professional that they can depend on. As CEO of IAC Professionals (http://www.iacprofessionals.com), Heather instituted a company-wide philosophy of professional and personal integrity, and IAC soared. Would you like to find out how Heather Villa can help drive your business toward greater success? http://www.hireheathervilla.com
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles || Related Categories: Business Online Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM
Finance: More Than Number Crunchers
Written by: Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM |
Distributed: 2009-03-10 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 2203
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 0.78
In businesses I've observed, Finance departments often face
silent derision or disrespect. Part of it is an us-versus-them
mentality that comes out of the front office staff who feel their
jobs are more difficult because they deal with customers
(compared to Finance, who deal with numbers).
Business Opportunities Are Made Better with Outsourcing
Written by: Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM |
Distributed: 2009-03-05 |
Word Count: 545 |
Page Views: 2376
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.90
Mary saw it coming. The economy had dramatically impacted the
company she worked for and there were several of pink slips
handed out on Friday afternoon - her job had been axed, along
with several of her coworkers. What now?
Project Management Gone Wrong
Written by: Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM |
Distributed: 2008-12-04 |
Word Count: 864 |
Page Views: 6362
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 1.18
The following are true stories of project management gone
terribly wrong. Only the details and the names have been changed
to protect the guilty. These stories were collected from
colleagues who work on projects in large and small organizations
in varying industries.
Embracing the Recession
Written by: Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM |
Distributed: 2008-11-25 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 3687
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.00
We live in uncertain economic times. Every time we turn on the
news we hear of another company that is going under or another
company that is laying off thousands of its workforce or another
company that has had to respond to a lack of shareholder
confidence with kneejerk reactions. People just don't want to
watch the news anymore!
All of Author's Articles on this site: Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM Articles
Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles
How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-10 |
Word Count: 987 |
Page Views: 6190
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 0.83
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on
advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring...
Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the
success they are today... They have forgotten that they have
a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in
their paths.
SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-09 |
Word Count: 945 |
Page Views: 6294
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.40
More than once in the six years that I have been providing
SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to
discuss with individual business owners their search engine
optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an
individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is
absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute
statement, I like to press for details. It has been my
experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will
have a horror story to share.
Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 537
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing
what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In
Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement
systems.
Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 542
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your
company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good
reasons why you should get it.
Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-30 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 632
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the
job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.
Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-28 |
Word Count: 636 |
Page Views: 5053
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and
sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the
career is not directly associated with green industries.
ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 525 |
Page Views: 5049
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.20
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the
job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit,
being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being
intentional about how you spend your time.
Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-24 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 598
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching
on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn
from the art of listening and having a conversation.
Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-07-05 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 5815
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.00
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot
hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the
future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional
rocks, so put that sack down!
The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-06-30 |
Word Count: 470 |
Page Views: 6101
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.20
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan
with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out
strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of
your spa or salon.
Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 39868
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.38
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm...
might there be a better way to get a book written?
The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2007-05-09 |
Word Count: 1522 |
Page Views: 36949
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 3.18
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books.
Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises
people. Curious? Read on.
The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 1211 |
Page Views: 34550
| Votes: 30 |
Rating: 2.70
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that
graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As
famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of
Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint
Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City,
the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the
American movie industry.
What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher |
Distributed: 2008-08-05 |
Word Count: 930 |
Page Views: 27143
| Votes: 84 |
Rating: 3.17
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me
that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many
will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on
it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you
can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?
The Future of the Office Photocopier Industry
Written by: Jennifer Robinson |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 635 |
Page Views: 15549
| Votes: 39 |
Rating: 2.00
Since Xerox first invented and sold the first commercial
photocopy machine companies and organisations have paid for
use of the machine on a cost per copy basis. This has
traditionally included full maintainance and toner supplied
under a service agreement. In-fact the office photocopier is
unique in the fact its one of the only pieces of equipment
that comes without a warranty from new. But photocopier
expert Online Connect UK claim all that is about to change.
Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin |
Distributed: 2008-08-12 |
Word Count: 971 |
Page Views: 14648
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.09
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at
fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One
day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of
cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and
signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him
what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a
'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed
that that was the difference between getting the job and being
passed over.
Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 333 |
Page Views: 14285
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.27
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements
and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans.
While the regulations generally don't take effect until January
1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.
Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 13284
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.33
Enhance your talent management and development programs
through conducting career aspiration discussions with your
employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to
determine if it matches your business needs. This will
enable you to differentiate your employee development to
grow the future leaders of your company.
Top Ten Personal Habits
Written by: Laurel Vespi |
Distributed: 2009-09-08 |
Word Count: 427 |
Page Views: 12934
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.08
Successful people have a regular routine of daily or weekly
habits that reinforce the things that are most important to
them. By practicing a set of personal success habits, they
maintain a positive outlook, keep focused on their
priorities, have more energy, and a greater sense of
satisfaction with life.
Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-25 |
Word Count: 413 |
Page Views: 11510
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 1.52
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure
to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball
theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to
include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball,
they're sure to make an even greater impression.
Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles
Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 629 |
Page Views: 5083
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.60
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become
accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your
community.
Lone Wolf --- Lead Wolf: The Evolution of Leadership
Written by: Rick Johnson |
Distributed: 2006-07-20 |
Word Count: 1826 |
Page Views: 4174
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 3.47
Family owned organizations, both small and large, with succession
issues, family preparation and second and third generation
leadership issues have been subjected to the evolution of
leadership. These organizations are often founded by an
aggressive, highly talented entrepreneur. Many of the principles
of leadership that helped build the success that the organization
enjoyed in the past is not the type of leadership that will
maintain that success through generations of ownership.
Why 'Closing' Is Not The Most Important Part Of Making A Sale
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2006-08-29 |
Word Count: 553 |
Page Views: 5992
| Votes: 25 |
Rating: 3.44
If you ever thought that 'closing' was the single most
important key to sales success, then pay close attention, because
what I'm about to share may surprise you. Let me explain:
What Makes You So Great?
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2006-10-04 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 3704
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 3.38
The other day I was discussing marketing options with a client
and she said something that shocked me. I was shocked because
this client founded and runs an extremely successful consulting
practice and works with an elite roster of Fortune 100 companies.
Get the Balance Right
Written by: Rich Thawley |
Distributed: 2009-01-28 |
Word Count: 638 |
Page Views: 3701
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.33
Do you build your business around your family or your family
around your business? The choice is yours.
You Can Turn Complaints into Cash!
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2006-08-08 |
Word Count: 795 |
Page Views: 6245
| Votes: 26 |
Rating: 3.31
Most of us don't like listening to complaints. We can't imagine
the value in listening to someone rant and rage about something
they're dissatisfied with. But here 's a secret: There's gold
in those complaints—-if—-you know what to listen for.
Delegate Or Die: 6 Steps For Business Growth
Written by: Rick Sloboda |
Distributed: 2007-05-08 |
Word Count: 366 |
Page Views: 3415
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 3.29
To achieve business growth, you need to focus on your strengths
and hire others to take care of the rest. Unfortunately,
entrepreneurs often fail to employ this fundamental business
growth strategy. Here are six steps to help you delegate
successfully.
Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 4778
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?
Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert |
Distributed: 2007-08-08 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 6729
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
In today's business environment, many businesses need to
fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to
improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing
challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that
must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the
business.
Boost Retention And Referrals In Your Insurance Agency
Written by: Stephanie Cunningham |
Distributed: 2007-10-23 |
Word Count: 707 |
Page Views: 2379
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
If you have ever stayed at a nice hotel, then you have probably
seen the hotel's Concierge. The role of the Concierge is to
assist guests with information and service to enhance their stay.
What would happen if you took the idea of the Concierge and
applied it to the way you service your agency clients?
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 524
Total Views: 4433
Article Rating: 2.75 of 5
Votes Cast: 12
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2009-03-03 11:48:00
Internal ID: #6598
|
|
|