Founder’s Desk: Martin Moll on Business, Hiring, and Success
Five Hidden Benefits of Using an Offshore Team
We’ve all heard about the obvious advantages of using an offshore team—cost savings, access to skilled labor, and the ability to scale your business. But what if I told you there’s more to it than just the usual suspects? Many of our clients at Cadencia have discovered unexpected benefits that go beyond the standard reasons for offshoring, and these hidden gems can have a profound impact on your business.
Let’s dive into a few of these less obvious but incredibly valuable perks that might just surprise you.
1. Highlighting Outdated or Inefficient Processes
You know that old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” Well, sometimes, what isn’t “broke” is actually just hanging by a thread. When you’ve got the luxury of walking down the hall or picking up the phone to get things done, it’s easy to let a few inefficiencies slide. But when you bring in an offshore team, those cracks in the process can become glaringly obvious.
Our most successful clients have honed processes that are “offshore agnostic”—meaning, whether a team member is down the hall or halfway across the globe, the workflow doesn’t miss a beat. This shift often reveals bottlenecks that have been flying under the radar for years, giving you the chance to refine and streamline your operations.
It’s like looking under the hood of your business with a fresh set of eyes—and sometimes, you realize there’s a bit more duct tape holding things together than you’d like to admit.
2. Language Barriers Require Clear and Concise Communication
Here’s something you might not have considered: when English isn’t the first language for your offshore team, it forces everyone to be a little more precise. Now, don’t get me wrong—at Cadencia, our staff are highly proficient English speakers and writers. But business jargon, slang, and hastily typed emails can still cause confusion.
This is where the power of “readback” comes into play. You know how pilots and air traffic controllers repeat instructions back to each other to ensure everything’s crystal clear? We encourage the same approach with our team members. It’s a simple technique that avoids misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
And guess what? Our clients often find that this level of clarity is something their U.S.-based teams could benefit from as well. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the communication issues aren’t about where someone is located—it’s about how clearly we’re all communicating in the first place.
3. Cultural Differences Expand Your Thinking
Let’s talk about cultural diversity. In a world where AI is getting smarter every day, the most valuable advisors are those who can bring fresh perspectives to the table—things that algorithms just can’t replicate. Mexico, for instance, is a powerhouse with its own unique blend of family values, work culture, and social norms.
When you bring in team members from different backgrounds, you’re not just adding headcount—you’re adding new ways of thinking. It’s like giving your business a passport to explore different approaches to the same problem. And that’s where real innovation happens. These cultural differences aren’t just a “nice to have”—they can be the secret sauce that sets you apart in a crowded market.
4. Having a Workforce Outside of Your Office Can Be Helpful
Now, let’s get real for a moment. Workplace drama—it happens everywhere. The little spats over who gets the corner office or whose lunch keeps disappearing from the fridge can sometimes escalate into full-blown turf wars. But when part of your team is offshore, it adds a layer of separation that can actually help neutralize these issues.
By simply being in a different country and time zone, offshore employees can act as a buffer, helping to reduce the noise of office politics. It’s like adding a bit of cool water to the heated dynamics that can sometimes bubble up in any close-knit team. And trust me, the impact this can have on productivity is nothing short of refreshing.
5. Redundancy Is Important
Lastly, let’s talk about something we don’t always like to think about: the unpredictability of life. Whether it’s environmental disasters, political upheaval, or even just a particularly bad flu season, having all your operations concentrated in one location can be a risk.
An offshore team isn’t just about spreading your resources—it’s about building in a layer of redundancy that can keep your business running smoothly, no matter what’s happening at home. In a world where “expect the unexpected” has become the norm, this kind of business continuity isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential.
These hidden benefits of offshoring might not be the first things that come to mind, but they can have a significant and positive impact on your business. So, the next time you’re considering whether or not to take the plunge, remember that the advantages go far beyond cost savings. It’s about evolving your business, enhancing your team’s communication, and staying ahead of the curve in an increasingly global marketplace.
What unexpected benefits have you discovered with your offshore team? Let’s keep the conversation going—I’m always curious to hear how others are finding new ways to grow and thrive.