I recently read a presentation that reported “one in four organizations plan to increase spending on outsourcing by 25% or more this year”. And according to interviews with more than 500 executives, the key benefit of outsourcing isn’t saving money, it’s innovation. Companies are realizing that instead of hiring all of the skill sets needed within an operation, they can save money AND achieve greater levels of innovation (more creative ideas, outside the box thinking, less “corporate” or “institutional” methods) by outsourcing.
Other benefits include the ability to focus on one specific project with a specific person or group of individuals, tapping into an outside network of greater skills and connections, and not restricting the base of knowledge available to a project.
This could work for municipalities or economic development organizations looking for project oriented results, or success for entire programs. Cities and other organizations are even investigating outsourcing their entire Economic Development function (some already have). Tapping into the experience of a group of seasoned, trained, educated, connected professionals will naturally provide different perspectives and new ideas to seemingly old or ongoing problems and challenges. Uncommon collaborations are the new way to work. Relationships are developed. New solutions are introduced and even long existing issues are resolved like never before. Results are impressive.
Think outside the box on opportunities to outsource projects or former job functions in your community. The results will astound you!
