5 Tips for getting the most out of your nearshore team

Nearshoring has become an increasingly popular strategy for companies looking to scale efficiently, operate effectively, and budget strategically — all without sacrificing quality and customer experience. But it's essential to approach nearshore staffing the right way to get the most out of your new team. At Rapido, we believe in taking a partnership approach to nearshoring — that requires a mutual commitment — to ensure the highest level of success.

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The role of nearshoring

Nearshoring is the practice of having work or services performed by people in neighboring countries. While offshoring involves outsourcing services to people in distant countries, nearshore staffing utilizes talent in nearby countries, especially Mexico for the US. There are several benefits that nearshoring offers, including:

• Cost savings: The cost base for labor and commercial real estate is significantly lower in Mexico, allowing companies to see meaningful cost savings.
• Scalable workforce: Mexico's population is more than double its nearest competitor in Latin America, making it the largest single national market for nearshore delivery into the US.
• Cultural alignment: Nearshoring takes advantage of a country's proximity to the US and strong proficiency in English, allowing for better collaboration and shared business values.  
• Skilled talent pool: Nearshoring taps into a large, skilled labor pool. In Guadalajara, roughly half of its five million residents have completed high school, with over a quarter having post-secondary education degrees.
• Time savings: Nearshoring allows you to hire quickly and free up your US-based team from monotonous tasks so they can focus on more strategic initiatives.

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5 Tips for getting the most out of your nearshoring partner

At Rapido, we take a new approach to nearshoring. We don't think of our solution as outsourcing; instead, we specialize in building an extension of your US-based team. We partner with you throughout the hiring process and for ongoing co-management of your team. But getting the most out of your nearshore team requires a mutual commitment to partnership.  

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1. Think of your nearshore team as your satellite office

Treat your nearshore team as an extension of your US-based team by fostering a seamless integration of workflows, values, and objectives. Encourage active participation in team meetings (including all-hands meetings) and include your nearshore team in internal communications to ensure they feel valued and respected. Plus, one benefit of nearshoring is the proximity to the US. Schedule a quarterly or annual trip to visit with your team. By getting to know your team in person, you can create better relationships and build trust.

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Your nearshore team represents your brand and company values, so it's important that they feel like they are truly an extension of your local team. This will allow you to create a unified workforce capable of efficiently achieving collective goals.

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2. Ensure clear communication

Clear and consistent communication is essential when managing a nearshore team. Communication is a two-way street, so creating a collaborative environment where your nearshore team feels empowered to speak up is vital. In today's world, where so many people work remotely, a variety of technology is available to help keep lines of communication open.

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3. Align on goals and expectations

In nearshoring, success requires all parties to be on the same page — that includes you, your nearshore team members, and your nearshore partner. From the beginning of the relationship — and every time you hire a new employee — it's important to align on expectations, key performance indicators, and goals. You want to ensure your new team members understand their roles and responsibilities. Define success up front, and continue to reevaluate your definition as goals and expectations change.

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4. Prioritize performance reviews and check-ins

Implement a structured approach to performance reviews and feedback sessions. Schedule regular check-ins to evaluate progress and discuss challenges. Encourage two-way communication, allowing team members to share their insights and suggestions for enhancing productivity and collaboration. Regular feedback fosters continuous improvement and strengthens the bond between managers and team members.

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When you work with Rapido, you'll receive performance updates, including dashboards, graphs, and rep-specific reports. Use these to help manage your team and reach your goals.

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5. Lean on your nearshore partner for support

At Rapido, we've built a five-step process to ensure you get the most out of your nearshore team. We leverage our experience and logistics expertise during every step — from recruiting and training to ongoing management and growth.

• Operational design: We take the time to understand your business and needs so we can help you design a team that's right for you.
• Recruiting and hiring: We'll help you prioritize the skill sets and candidate traits that are most important for your team and pre-vet all candidates before you speak with them.
• Industry training: Our Logistics 101 training was designed by industry experts with 20+ years of experience.
• Co-managing: We don't just hand over your team and walk away. We provide continued support and co-management to ensure your team members meet KPIs.
• Strategic growth: We analyze insights from surveys, reports, quarterly business reviews, and market research to recommend strategic growth opportunities.

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Partner with Rapido to get the most out of your nearshore team

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At Rapido, we believe nearshoring is an essential tool for businesses looking to scale efficiently, operate effectively, and budget strategically — all without sacrificing your quality of service. We believe in doing business the right way so you can get the most out of your nearshore team. Reach out today to learn more about Rapido's premier nearshoring solution.

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