The purpose of “Virtual Business Services” is to alleviate the human resource headaches of business by offering pure services at reduced overheads, without taking up office space and, without the on-costs of hiring a ‘bum on a seat’.
Insourcing is term used for Virtual Services that telecommute through a Client’s server and work on ‘real-time’ records. ie: for Bookkeeping and Accounting Virtual Services, the Insourcer is allocated access to specific sections of the Client’s cloud or in-house server and uses the Client’s existing accounting software, working on live records.
Outsourcing is the term used to package up a piece of work or a project and send it out electronically or by mail, to be completed. ie: a superannuation fund.
Points of differentiation of using Virtual Insourcing or Outsourcing Services
Cost Savings – The real cost of an employee is two to two and a half times their salary! By partnering with a Virtual service provider, you are not responsible for: payroll tax, workers’ compensation, superannuation, sick and holiday leave, training, equipment and office space nor the cost of hiring someone to administer these things.
Symbiosis – A Virtual Services Insourcer or Outsourcer has a vested interest in helping your business flourish and they too are in business, so they are well equipped to provide the support you require.
Team – An Insourcer or Outsourcer can still be an integral part of your team by joining your team meetings via Skype or Lync. These methods are also used for up-skilling, cross skilling, learning and development.
Delegation – You need to sharpen your delegation skills when delegating to Insourcers and Outsourcers. If work is delegated, the instructions can either be emailed, or, emailed and followed by a Skype or Lync meeting for further clarification. As with normal delegation, this means better communication for instructions, for reviewing work in a timely manner. Insourcers and Outsourcers are extremely efficient and turn work around like wildfire, so reviewing needs to be as efficient, to keep the work flowing.
Commitment – If you ask the question, Virtual Services Providers will allocate you a dedicated worker, who is committed to you and your business – not a temp agency where you can have constant change in temps.
Productivity – As Virtual service providers work in a dedicated Insourcing and Outsourcing office, precious time (and consequently your money) is not wasted on office politics, socialising around the water cooler, cigarette breaks, mandatory breaks, personal issues, gossip, playing games or browsing the internet.
Flexibility – Virtual Service Providers will work in your time-zone, to suit your business needs.
Confidentiality and Security – The Virtual Service worker works on a ‘dumb’ terminal, with no ready internet access apart from what is required for their job. They are not allowed to have mobile phones, other electronic devices, USB’s and such, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to computer files, so that confidentiality of your intellectual property is assured.
Technology – Your Virtual worker is well versed in current trends in technology and can assist you to operate your business more efficiently with the tools and resources available.
No Risk of unfair dismissal, harassment and discrimination suits.
Written by Barb Channing – Director International Operations, The Virtual Business Centre
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