How far will one go to survive in business? There are simply not many places you can go domestically where you can mention the word “outsourcing” without a tirade of how it is hurting America. For most, the reaction is about the loss of jobs and that outsourcing is the catalyst for company closures. I feel that a bit of this reaction is because people feel victimized, and some even like being the victim (I expect a few comments on that remark!). Yet for many companies that utilize outsource services in a responsible fashion, it offers a chance for continued corporate and employment viability for the workforce that remains.
There is another form of outsourcing. This is where a company decides to outsource themselves, or relocate to another geographic area. This could be an adjacent community or one that is halfway around the world. This is neither a casual or easy decision to make. There is significant effort that goes into culturally adapting your business. You must consider the many logistical considerations; e.g. transitioning your employees and customers, and even preparing your circle of society to understand what is taking place.
The International Institute for Outsource Management (IIOM), despite being supplier dedicated, has a strong domestic client base that it supports. We made the definitive decision to relocate to Asia. In doing so, we took the necessary steps to prepare. We formed new alliances. And we continued to attend to those domestic clients; and in fact formed a new service office specifically to retain a loyal customer base.
Even though the economic downturn has ravaged domestic sales, there are still those faithful customers that don’t deserve to be abandoned. While our ring of society never truly endeared the IIOM because of its outsourcing nature, there was still a need to share with them the reason for relocating. Our decision to move was we found it prudent to be closer to our foreign customers but also to find a haven where our capital reserves could last much longer. Our risk is not in failing - but more of the speed of transitioning. And in doing so, making as few mistakes as possible while keeping things simple – this is the true order of the day. At the same time we continue to remain aware that business goes on and that work in flight must remain aloft. For these reasons what could have been done in a month has taken more that six to orchestrate.
So…. we are headed west to the Far East (Philippines) to start a new chapter in our business and my personal life. It is my dream to meet new friends and maintain those that have been there through good times and bad. It is my hope that we will provide a flavor and a view in the East based on the norms that I grew up with in the West.
Until next time feel free to contribute your thoughts or send me an email at jdurant@Int-IOM.org.
