Outsourcing: Trusting your brand in someone else’s hands

It does represent a leap of faith to engage with an external organisation to help you promote your brand. Whether you’re outsourcing marketing, sales, business development, or some other form of support, you’ll want to feel as confident as possible that the company you choose is aligned with your values, and crucially, that you can trust them to represent you in a way you’d feel happy representing yourselves.

What’s important when you’re making this decision?

#1 What are your own values, and how does the supplier match up with them – evidence can be found through seeing how much rapport you have with the contact you speak with, information online such as reviews and testimonials, and the type of language and information given by the supplier on their website.

Really think about what you want to achieve, what resources in terms of time and expertise you have yourselves, and where the gap is. Having a good handle on what you need is not always a simple decision. That doesn’t mean having all the answers, as sometimes that can take a bit of planning, but having a starting point to work from will help you ask the right questions and choose the right support. If you like someone, but they don’t have the skillset you really need, you may need to keep looking. There may be a few different options in terms of the type of service that could help you, which you’ll need to weigh up in terms of likely ROI.

#2 Gut instinct – you know when something just feels right; it’s often because it’s simply a good fit. When something feels difficult, doesn’t flow, or you feel generally anxious about it, there’s a strong message it’s not right for you. Sometimes this can seem totally illogical, but it’s rarely wrong.

#3 Take some time to have meetings and conversations rather than relying on quotes and proposals. It’s really easy to go with price, but value is more important. Be aware that promises of certain performance levels are easily made, so if these are given, how are they backed up? What evidence can be given to ensure these are really achievable? Unfortunately some will sell you their solution, even if another would be a better fit. You’re looking for some honest appraisals here.

#4 Take some time full stop. Don’t rush or feel pressured into making a quick decision before you’ve weighed everything up so that you feel comfortable with the company you choose.

#5 Ask lots of questions, and keep asking, if you need to, until you feel you have all the information you need.

#6 Ask the supplier if they can give you details of their existing clients who would be happy to speak with you or email information about their own experience.

You’ll still have to take the leap, but doing so with a little confidence will help the relationship get off to a good start and ensure you make the best choice for your business. As an employee you have to be careful with the budget you’re given, and as a business owner, your brand equals your reputation, so choosing wisely really makes sense.

If Cre8 can help you with your sales, marketing, and lead generation, or with finding great sales people to help you build your team and business, please get in touch on 0121 347 6601. We’re sales experts, and happy to help.