SAMPLE GUIDE from “Outsourcing to the Philippines made easy”
(FULL TITLE: “Why Manila is the Preferred Outsourcing Center For Thousands of Entrepreneurs and Companies”)
The “How To Choose Where To Locate Your Operation” Guide (from “Outsourcing to the Philippines made easy”) outlines the four key business criteria which should be used when evaluating service providers / your outsourcing location.
These criteria apply to all locations including Cebu, Bagio, Davao, Clark, and Manila.
Once these criteria have been met, then you may like to look at ancillary / support criteria.
For example, I – and many others – have a preference for Manila which meets all of the criteria in the above Guide plus offers the following additional advantages:
1.) Size Matters
Manila is the primary outsourcing center in the Philippines … and the BIGGEST single outsourcing center in the world.
I cheekily describe it as the “Silicon Valley of Outsourcing” when talking to people because of the enormous concentration of facilities, expertise, and activity in one place.
Every conceivable form of BPO service is performed by companies within Manila unlike many smaller centers whose major activities relate to call center and web oriented tasks.
These are also performed in Manila – but there are also high level engineering design, architectural design, publishing, and finance related service providers plus there are now “incubators” for tech start-ups located in the city.
The sheer size and diversity of the outsourcing sector in ONE city has created a dynamic you won’t find elsewhere.
What this means is that, when you need extra or special equipment or expertise, you are more likely to get it “quickly” in Manila than elsewhere.
2.) A Bigger Pool of Quality Staff
Recently I had the General Manager of an outsourcing operation in a regional center approach me regarding work opportunities. In our discussion, he asked me why I focus on Manila. When I explained that the primary reason is because “the best people are based in Manila”, he agreed. (He had previously been based in Manila and wanted to return.)
This is a common situation. Career-oriented Filipinos tend to gravitate to Manila as jobs – and job choices – are more abundant and salaries tend to be higher.
When you outsource, staff availability is a key consideration … and Manila wins hands down on this front.
3.) World Class Medical Facilities
Unexpected medical issues can arise anytime, and when they do, you want to have ready access to the very best possible medical care no matter where you are in the world.
This is something every Expat and visitor to “any” country – including the Philippines – should keep in mind.
It’s something you should factor in your “location” deliberations if you or your staff will be travelling frequently to – or basing yourself in – the Philippines to manage your outsourced operations.
In Manila, there are several world class hospitals. There are good hospitals in other cities, but they are not of the same standard.
I have personally had to undergo emergency surgery in the Philippines and have had friends who found themselves in the same situation when visiting. Fortunately, we were all in Manila when the need arose.
4.) Travel Considerations
Whilst there are now direct flights from some parts of the world into other cities, Manila remains the primary entry point for overseas visitors.
If your point of arrival is Manila, then the very last thing you want to do after travelling for 10-24 hours, is to take a connecting flight onto another city.
This can be inconvenient and time wasting for you … and for any clients who may be travelling with you.
This is not an issue if your operations are Manila based.
Those with a preference for other locations can, I am sure, come up with counter arguments – and maybe some new ones – for their favored location. However, as indicated above, the criteria outlined in How To Choose Where To Locate Your Operation are the key and MUST be addressed first.
The listed top concerns regarding the selection of location is a must remember. Being able to know what you should be focusing would enable to achieve the economical place to start the business.
Best,
Nancy, http://www.infinit-o.com/