Philippine Outsourcing Challenges

13 years ago

that will be the main problem when you're hiring a freelancer. I always suggest to lease an outsourcing firm because they have supervisors and team leaders who manage their staff and ensure high quality and productivity of their work.

If you're hiring a reputable company, you're confident that you'll get the right employees suited to work on your project and equipped to take the job so you're
assured that they we'll deliver high quality results to your satisfaction.

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piExpat 13 years ago

JohnJonasVA and myeanne -

Thanks to you both for your replies - thanks also JJVA for the video link.

Since JJ insists (at the end of the video) that the "disappearing VA" issue is due to lack of training from the remote employer, then - in my mind - this would allude to a potentially incomplete initial interview.

For example, if a potential employer interviewed me and asked if I could code websites I'd say, "yeah, sure". I should NOW fully disclose my full range of web programming skills so there's no misunderstanding regarding what I can and can't do.

But, what if the VA doesn't go into a discussion of specific programming skill sets and the employer doesn't ask because - perhaps - they don't know much about web programming and they just think that a website is a website is a website (which is indeed a pretty common attitude).

Now, after hiring the VA because he/she "knows how to program websites" the employer asks for a fully functional customized shopping cart to built in FLEX. Since the VAs web programming experience was never fully enquired about by the employer nor disclosed by the VA, things start to fall apart because the VA will have to admit that he/she doesn't know how to program in FLEX.

To which the employer might respond, "But it's all just programming... right???"

While this example is specific to programming, I believe this example could relate to nearly any task.

So... I think the most important thing to do is to have a very comprehensive initial interview (or interviews) with prospective VAs to really ascertain if they can preform the tasks required.

With that in mind, has anyone experienced any specific difficulties/challenges in the Philippine VA interview process?

AND/OR

What is the single biggest issue/problem you've faced when hiring a VA from the Philippines?
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- plainwords 13 years ago
  
  Employing someone from the Philippines is the same as employing someone locally - you need to ask the right questions to find the right person.
  
  There are some very talented people in the Philippines... but you have to find them, and if you do, they will work for you very loyally and be a great asset to your business.
  
  There are some drawbacks with the Philippines, such as power cuts, Internet outages etc. Also, most Filippinos are pretty laid back, so you will not usually get 8 hours of work out of a full time employee.
  
  However, Filippinos are generally honest, conscientious and loyal.
  
  Getting back to the initial point, you need to ask questions carefully and find someone who has the right skills for the job you are offering. That's exactly the same as when you hire someone locally.
  
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  Zach Crawford 13 years ago
  
  I understand your pain
  
  Actually, when I first started out in Internet marketing and offline marketing I had some of the same troubles. I now live in Manila, Philippines and have my own staff who work with me.
  
  The one thing I've learned is they need very clear instructions of what you expect from them. Most Filipino's aren't lazy or unreliable as some claim. In fact most work on average for $8-10 a day and harder then most American's.
  
  As someone described above you need to very clear and upfront with what you expect. Especially if they are working from home. My workers work with me either at my home or in the office so it's easy for me to manage my team.
  
  If they are working from home then I would be in contact with them regularly through Skype or email.
  
  I find the best workers come from Manila as most Filipino's migrate from the provinces to Manila for work. Most of your well educated and talented people are from Manila. I've heard good things about Cebu as well.
  
  Filipino's are no different then any other country. You need to work closely with them until they fully understand what you expect from them and your on the same page.
  
  Another thing is you will probably get better work from a full time employee over a freelancer.
  
  Filipino's like stability and most like to be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month. Most freelancers could make decent money bouncing around, but they would rather have a stable paycheck they can count on. So if you're just hiring freelancers you may want to try to hire a full time employee.
  
  I'm assuming from your screen name your in the PI?
  
  If you don't want to manage your own team you can always hit me up. Outsourcing is what my business is and we are working on expanding and hiring more as client work picks up.
  
  If not you can always message me and I would be willing to help point you in the right direction on where to find good workers.
  
  skype = turbohappy86
  
  Good luck
  
  Thanks
  
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Peter Ridell

13 years ago

Hi piExpat,

The statement "this would allude to a potentially incomplete initial interview" Is extremely relevant.

Hiring any outsourced worker has similar issues, it's not only applicable to Philippino's.

You need to give an absolutely clear initial brief then equally clear explanation and or description of exactly what you want done. If you can't do this then outsourcing is not for you.

Be prepared for constant revisions and supervision of finished tasks as an education for both you and your new outsourced worker.

Document everything so you can learn how to do it better the next time.

Screen capture video's can be a great tool to help in explanations, remember in the Philippines their English on average is acceptable but they do NOT understand localized English slang and this will always create a misunderstanding and one thing you need to accept is that most Philippino workers will say YES long before they say I don't know. So always ask them to explain your job back to you in detail.

In summary, yes they are cheap at an hourly rate but unless you are prepared to put the work in yourself (as mentioned above) it will become an expensive waste of time and money.

Cheers

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Ross Dalangin

13 years ago

plainwords says most, you have to provide a video of what you want to accomplish most importantly when it's new to them.

Different questionnaires to different job positions are needed.

The task must be realistic by time and proven possible to do.

Salary is one of the most precious. They will be really really good on the first few weeks and you must give something on their effort for them to continue. It's like a promotion from a corporation. If they don't feel, there's no raise in the near future while they did all the effort and hard work then for sure they will go unless they are not really confident that they can get more job.

This is not a summary for Filipinos. Maybe most countries are like this. When you found one which is good then feed them good or let them help you freely which means you will value their proposals/recommendations and let them decide. Make them feel they're part of the organization, value them and make them open to whatever conversation/communication or promises. Just be good and open and they will be for sure.

Ross

Thanks

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Ross Dalangin

13 years ago

Great answer 88crxsi.

Good observation, there are so many good potential workers in Metro Manila and Cebu. However, it's difficult to get an experienced technical staff for $10/day but you can get talented newly grad. Metro Manila rate is higher than the provinces.

Regards,

Ross

Thanks
1 reply

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Zach Crawford

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Ross Dalangin

Great answer 88crxsi.

Good observation, there are so many good potential workers in Metro Manila and Cebu. However, it's difficult to get an experienced technical staff for $10/day but you can get talented newly grad. Metro Manila rate is higher than the provinces.

Regards,

Ross

To clarify I actually meant Filipino's in general work for this rate. I pay around $400-800 for experienced web developers. It can be higher then that if they are high end programmers like Ruby on Railes.

It's all who you know as well. If you have a good worker/team they will recommend people they know as well. Sometimes you will get your best workers this way because they want to work with their friends.

Thanks

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OmarNegron

13 years ago

Everyone seems to have problems initially but the key to getting over this seems to be to make sure that you interview many to give you a better chance at finding the hidden diamonds. Once you find the right person make sure you reward them and provide consistency of work.

Also having someone disappear is part of the game but I have noticed that being friendly and staying in touch on skype for casual conversations even if there is no work to be given yet has been great.

They appreciate it a lot , this is for sure.

Thanks

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piExpat

13 years ago

Thanks for everyone's input on this so far.

>>Everyone seems to have problems initially<<

I'm very interested to know what these initial problems are or what the number 1 hurdle to hiring a VA seems to be (I'm sure this will vary somewhat, but I'm interested in what others have experienced previously).

Just like:

"The biggest issue that I always seem to encounter is __________"

Thanks again to all for your input so far!

Thanks

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tinyreal

13 years ago

I went through 20 VAs before I found my girl that Im working with for close to a year now and she is awesome

I had VAs try to sell me software that their "friend" owned. Wouldnt take no for an answer and then threatened to take my sites down when I wouldnt buy

had VAs work for a week and then leave and say there were storms and outages and when I checked with my others there werent any

had some ask for money up front

Had some that told me how awesome they were but never worked and said they were researching

now, when I hire, i send a detailed email and tell them they have to tell me they fully understand what I said, or ask for further explanation. the email includes a clause that if I dont get a daily report from them, no matter how much work they did, they will NOT get paid for that day, period. I dont care if they wore they eyes out designing a site for me, they do NOT get paid without a daily recap

I send them videos when I can, and I just talk on them, I dont pretend to be perfect. I compliment my girl to no end when she does something well and tell her how awesome she is, and I mean it or dont say it. When she struggles with something, I tell her its ok, and we will fix it. I NEVER let her feel ashamed of anything and I work to make her feel as important as she is. If she wants time off for a birthday or for a holiday, she gets it. Ive asked her to work extra on a project, she has and shes been compensated.

Hope it helps

Mike

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robin lee

13 years ago

Great thread everyone, thanks. Iʻve been looking for a recommended source for hiring Filipinos.does anyone have a company they like and work thru or do you usually go thru regular VA sites?

I ask because I donʻt really need a full time person right now.

Thanks!

Thanks
1 reply

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tinyreal

13 years ago

Originally Posted by robin lee

Great thread everyone, thanks. Iʻve been looking for a recommended source for hiring Filipinos.does anyone have a company they like and work thru or do you usually go thru regular VA sites?

I ask because I donʻt really need a full time person right now.

Thanks!

Robin-

contact me if you want, I sub mine out, and add nothing on top. She gets $20 US a day, whatever that converts to for PHP and you pay her directly via paypal

Mike

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seorules

13 years ago

Philippines is a great place to outsource online marketing job I've been using Filipino service for long time and I am very very happy how they work.

My experience in outsourcing in the Philippines is outstanding. But I never tried to use a freelancer because of my experience with freelancers that they have to many customers to work and I don't have time to watch them from time to time...

During that time I am looking where to outsource my leg works, I found a post here at warrior forum about this company lexorsoft[dot]net who is base in the Philippines. The owner of this site is fellow warrior. Since I started using them I never tried to find another service provider I am happy with their service.

Even Travis Sago created this video xxx[dot]youtube[dot]com/watch?v=UKoOeDwORKs&fb_source=message explaining how their service work... it's worth to try...

Bottom line, outsourcing in the Philippines is a good choice because they can understand and speak well English plus the fact that they do extra miles on what you ask them to do.

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jay walters

13 years ago

Originally Posted by 88crxsi

To clarify I actually meant Filipino's in general work for this rate. I pay around $400-800 for experienced web developers. It can be higher then that if they are high end programmers like Ruby on Railes.

It's all who you know as well. If you have a good worker/team they will recommend people they know as well. Sometimes you will get your best workers this way because they want to work with their friends.

I so agree with paying my virtual employees at that range too. It's wise to
look for someone who has experience and actually has the guts to ask
for better pay rates.

Glad you you found someone who can do ROR, which means I can also look
for one when needed.

Originally Posted by Ross Dalangin

Great answer 88crxsi.

Good observation, there are so many good potential workers in Metro Manila and Cebu. However, it's difficult to get an experienced technical staff for $10/day but you can get talented newly grad. Metro Manila rate is higher than the provinces.

Regards,

Ross

It's true about Metro Manila, however their facilities are also slightly
better than the provinces. However Cebu, Cagayan and Davao are moving
in par with Metro Manila. I've noticed that when my employees visit
Davao, they have a nudge to stay.

You may want to check out Davao City folks, I found some really great
help and talent there.

Originally Posted by plainwords

Employing someone from the Philippines is the same as employing someone locally - you need to ask the right questions to find the right person.

There are some very talented people in the Philippines... but you have to find them, and if you do, they will work for you very loyally and be a great asset to your business.

There are some drawbacks with the Philippines, such as power cuts, Internet outages etc. Also, most Filippinos are pretty laid back, so you will not usually get 8 hours of work out of a full time employee.

However, Filippinos are generally honest, conscientious and loyal.

Getting back to the initial point, you need to ask questions carefully and
find someone who has the right skills for the job you are offering. That's exactly the same as when you hire someone locally.

Great wisdom mate! I have encountered dishonest Filippinos in my previous
dealings - well lost a major client for that matter - but just like the Manny
Pacman dude, (I don't know how to spell his last name) Filipino talent just
seems to always get back up and ready to fight another day.

Originally Posted by piExpat

Hello All -

For my very first forum post I'd like to know if anyone else has had any problems when outsourcing work to people

in the Philippines?

Even though their (Filipinos) English (speaking and comprehension) is pretty good, I find that - at times -

initial pre-hire interviews leave me wondering if they really understand certain issues regarding the tasks I'm

needing them to preform.

I've also heard that there are times where they have problems managing their own time and a reasonable task list

doesn't get completed on time or sometimes they just drop off the face of the earth and won't answer Skype calls,

return emails, etc.

Aside from my experiences, I'm interested in knowing what the forum members here feel are the most significant

challenges when outsourcing to the Philippines.

Thanks to all in advance.

I completely understand how you feel and know what it feels like - well
used to feel like.

You probably got a newbie who over sold himself / herself during the
interview process, and it's good that you are learning now.

Outsourcing challenge is no different from hiring your friend challenge.
Adequate Training, Controls and Relationship is what has worked for
me.

(You can find out some of my hard learned lessons from the link on my signature).

Please note that culturally, Filippinos are very relational - like super relational.
When you find your best Filippine dude staff, make it a point
to invest time with them so that they'll treat you like family.

I've experienced it personally and it has and still is working wonders. My
business is expanding to new niches and services that I've been wanting
to start since I began marketing - thanks to my virtual employees from
the Philippines.

Don't give up! Keep learning, tracking and building on your milestones. It
will take you and your dreams to new heights!

Thanks
1 reply

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JackCronfield

13 years ago

Just wonder if in the hiring process you asked the candidates specific questions and told them exactly what you want to achieve. Did they supply you references from their previous work ?
Cheers!

Thanks
1 reply

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OutsourceFactor

13 years ago

Originally Posted by JackCronfield

Just wonder if in the hiring process you asked the candidates specific questions and told them exactly what you want to achieve. Did they supply you references from their previous work ?
Cheers!

Outsourcing is kind of my thing. When hiring someone (may it be from the Philippines or from another country) I always ask for samples/references. Yes, I do ask them specific questions and tell them what exactly I wanted done. If I'm satisfied, I'll give them like a trial run. For example, when I want to hire a write I ask for samples/references sometimes but most of the time I give them a topic to write about then asses their skills through that short writing trial.

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johnpaulgrant

13 years ago

Hi Warriors,

Couldn't agree more with plainwords.

With regards to outsourcing in the Philippines, wide range of selections are in metro manila, you might find all kinds of graduates here since a lot of good schools offers different types of new courses that's newly innovative. Regardless of where and what type of service, at the end of the day, you still make your own decision, It all a matter or asking the right questions and finding the right employee.

Thanks
1 reply

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TheyCallMeBE 13 years ago

Johnpaulgrant, are you spamming? I respect anyone trying to get their services out there but three straight posts without anyone responding to you?
- [ 1 ] Thanks
- 1 reply
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- Colm Whelan 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by TheyCallMeBE
  
  Johnpaulgrant, are you spamming? I respect anyone trying to get their services out there but three straight posts without anyone responding to you?
  
  Of course he is - and also trying to mis-represent himself as someone who uses Filipino outsourcers when in fact he supplies workers.
  
  Thanks
  
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RK Corbes

13 years ago

One thing you should know about us filipinos, we wanted to be secure with salary, if you hire us make sure you do not delay the salary because that will come the attitude of laziness, sometimes completely stop following the instruction until get paid. I am filipino myself and I have been dealing with Filipino VAs everyday. Most of you are correct because most of filipino needs specific instruction, only few excel in internet world. We are not in america and I hate the education here in us. You can't depend on your school, you have to learn it yourself.

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Philippine Outsourcing Challenges

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