Some studies indicate that proximity is everything when building strong working relationships.  For example, spreading employees out on different floors in the same building impacts their ability to work together effectively and build relationships with each other.

What challenges do BPO companies in the Philippines face when their key customers are located thousands of miles away?  There are several ways to build stronger relationships with business process outsourcing clients.  Here are three suggestions to enhance the level of trust between outsourcing partners:

Communicate Frequently

Communication in a business process outsourcing relationship can take place in different ways, including video or phone conferencing, phone calls, emails, or face-to-face meetings.  Employ a variety of communication mechanisms to strengthen relationships between clients and business process outsourcing companies Philippines.

Communicate using different methods and do it frequently.  Some matters won’t be resolved quickly or efficiently using just one method.

It might be prudent to keep a running list of conversation points for face-to-face meetings or video conferences.  Much like you might stop at a co-worker’s desk after lunch to check in, “check in” on your offshore business partners (especially middle-management) too with a quick email, text message or phone call.

Maximize Face Time

When opportunities arise to meet with business process outsourcing companies in the Philippines in person, maximize that time and make the best of it.  This might mean taking a colleague out for a night on the town to a sporting event or concert to express appreciation for their time.  In addition, you have an opportunity to show them a bit of your own culture.

Face time is invaluable, and the more you make of it, the better your relationships with outsourcing companies will be.  These types of activities also increase the personal bond between colleagues, opening doors for better and more frequent communication.

Look for Gaps

If a certain process, department or area seems to be lacking, look for breakdowns in communication and relationships.  Targeting these “problem areas” early on can lead to more effective problem solving before a major problem or an unhealthy working environment develops.  Examine good working relationships in the company and look for ways to implement them in other areas of operation.

Geography makes it difficult to forge rock-solid working relationships, but it is possible to maintain trust-filled working relationships across the miles, especially with BPO companies in the Philippines who are technologically savvy and driven by success.