How to Try Offshoring Again After a Bad First Experience

Many accounting firms try offshoring once, have a bad experience, and then give up. But some stay curious. They see others making it work. They know the talent and cost advantages are real. And they wonder if there’s a better way to do it.

‍

If you're in that place - still open to offshoring but unsure how to try again - here are three things I suggest based on what I’ve seen work.

‍

1. Focus on control

‍
When firms offshore without control, things go wrong. You need to set the processes. You need to decide how training happens. You need to set the goals and incentives for the offshore team so they match your firm’s goals. Without this alignment, the results won’t be what you’re hoping for.

‍

2. Go slow

‍
Don’t try to fix everything at once. Whether you're using an agency or hiring directly, start with a small team. Give yourself a year to experiment and learn. If you're going direct, don’t set up your own company right away. Use an employer of record to stay compliant without getting caught in red tape. Rent a co-working space instead of signing a long lease. Keep your investment low while you figure out what works.

‍

3. Don’t do it alone

‍
Offshoring takes time to get right. There are people who’ve helped others do it before. Talk to someone who’s done it many times. Their guidance can help you avoid common mistakes and save a lot of time.

‍

Offshoring can still work - even if it didn’t the first time.

‍