Finding a good outsource partner is akin to looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend; it takes time, energy, and a significant personal investment to build a strong and healthy relationship. Most people get to know each other by asking and responding accordingly to a series of questions. The outsourcing process should be no different. These five questions are designed to help you get to know your potential outsourcing partners before you commit to a long-term relationship.

Does the match meet your goals and objectives for using business process outsourcing? Businesses choose to outsource for many different reasons. The primary one is usually money-related and features an attempt to cut costs. In addition to cost-cutting measures, business process outsourcing has the potential to meet other company goals and objectives. Put aside thoughts about money and think for a moment to make sure your potential outsourcing match meets other goals, such as quality assurance, enhanced security or improved customer service.

Is the potential match financially stable? The numbers say it all when it comes to offshoring and outsourcing. An ideal match will have financial stability, a strong portfolio and the ability to prove it. Look to build relationships with outsourcing companies that have proven records of financial excellence to avoid trouble in the near future.

Can the potential match provide references? Just like a potential employee, your potential business process outsourcing partner should have credible references. Ask the potential match to provide references from companies that are comparable in terms of size or industry to your own.

Is the size of the outsourcing team manageable? When partnering with another company, it is critical that the business will not be overwhelmed by a host of new management responsibilities. Investigate the size and scope of the outsourcing team that will be put into place. Ensure that the size is manageable for your existing leadership team.

How educated and trained are the staff members? You want to ensure that the outsourcing company will represent your business well. First impressions are important for all of your customers, and by choosing an outsourcing partner that staffs a team of highly trained, articulate, and well educated employees, your interests are served well. Ask about the company’s hiring practices and what criteria they utilize to hire staff members to ensure that there is a definitive fit with your company’s communication strategy.