I'm Kane from Active Outsourcing (www.activeoutsourcing.com.au) and for a glorious 15 plus years, I've been playing in the world of outsourcing, dabbling in everything from starting the outsourcing team at Moore Stephens to managing the National Deloitte Outsourcing team in Australia. Needless to say, I've seen it all, and I can't help but share my enthusiasm for all things outsourcing and accountancy.

Now, let's talk about one burning question: How do you outsource successfully? Well, here's a nugget of wisdom, whatever you do, don't fall for the trap of responding to any old LinkedIn message or spam promising you cheap labour from some faraway land. Trust me, that's a fairy tale that ends with a witch trying to shove you into an oven for dinner or at least your compliance work being completely burnt.

Trust me on this. If someone is bombarding your inbox with unsolicited offers, you can safely cross them off the list of trustworthy operators. Unfortunately, I've seen countless accountancy firms scarred by that very experience and we end up their rehab facility for their outsourcing jobs. So, rule out those spammers and let's focus on a more professional approach to implementing a successful outsourcing strategy.

First things first, you need a solid plan. Enter the strategy phase! This is where you define your objectives and the scope of your outsourcing concept. Think about what you hope to achieve and set realistic timelines. It's like creating a master plan for an epic project. Time, budget, and resources all need to be considered. It's showtime, my friend!

Once your strategy is locked in, it's time to establish baselines and specify the service levels you require from your potential suppliers/vendors. This is where you clarify the relationship between the functions you want to outsource and those that will remain in-house. It's sometimes a delicate dance between what you let go and what you hold on to tightly.

You may want start with some SMSF outsourcing to get your SMSF administration and SMSF compliance under control or you may want to keep that inhouse and try a more efficient SMSF auditor (we do all of this).

Now, let the negotiations begin! Find a vendor who meets your criteria and get ready to haggle or draw up a contract. The goal? To create a binding agreement that leaves both parties satisfied.

Then on to the implementation phase which is often a rollercoaster ride of excitement and unforeseen challenges. This is where reality kicks in as you transition from in-house to outsourcing. Brace yourself, my friend, because you're bound to encounter a few unexpected potholes and speed bumps along the way. But fear not! A competent vendor will help you navigate these obstacles and help you emerge victorious.

Once you've survived the implementation hurdles, it's hopefully time for some smooth sailing. You'll settle into a comfortable rhythm, managing your relationships with the vendor and overseeing the actual work. This might involve making active changes to the outsourcing relationship to ensure a successful outcome. Flexibility is the name of the game!

Keep in mind that outsourcing providers are like partners to whom you entrust a level of managerial discretion. They're the ones managing the staff and day-to-day service delivery. So, it's crucial to forge long-term relationships based on trust and mutual understanding. That's why jumping into a relationship with someone who invaded your inbox or slid into your DMs with spammy tactics is a big no-no!

You want your partners to truly grasp the intricacies of your business and industry, both now and in the future. They should be able to meet your needs and even come up with innovative ways to help your firm. It's all about finding that perfect match and nurturing the relationship.

Choosing the right vendor and managing the outsourcing relationship are pivotal tasks in achieving outsourcing success. So, strap on your adventure hat, and conquer this wild world of outsourcing!

I'm Kane from Active Outsourcing (www.activeoutsourcing.com.au) please feel free to drop me a message or send an email if you're itching to ask me something about outsourcing or accountancy. We do a huge amount of work in the SMSF outsourcing space as well as a lot of other outsourcing work for accounting firms.