US-based SMEs now outsource jobs to RP

CEBU, Philippines - A local outsourcing company is set to expand its facility to 110 seats by end of May to accommodate the growing demand for outsourced jobs especially from the Small and Medium Enterprises in the United States.

Live2Sell Incorporated chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Chris C. Ducker said that the company, which started only with 15 seats when it opened March of last year now has 75 seats and is currently working on expanding its facilities and personnel to accommodate the tremendous demand from the US.

Ducker said the weak economy in the US benefits the outsourcing industry in the Philippines as the majority of its Small and Medium Enterprises now see the benefit of the outsourcing strategy to cut on overhead costs.

A subsidiary for Live to Care Incorporated, the company focuses on the virtual assistance services such as outbound telemarketing, along with other administrative jobs in broad range industries such as Internet-based companies, financial, healthcare, recruitment, real estate, among others.

The company recently signed a licensing agreement of its software and applications with Microsoft Philippines, through its accredited reseller partner Thinking Tools.

Ducker said it is important for an outsourcing business to have its software licensed, not only to legitimize its different business solutions applications and improve its service, but also to strengthen its credibility in the international market, considering that outsourcing business is mostly based on “trust”.

Live2Sell has signed up a licensing agreement with Microsoft for a total of 106 (Microsoft software) units, including some Microsoft software applications.

In outsourcing, Ducker said it is important for a company fully legitimize its services, including licensing of software and applications, as it is the mostly requirement of the market.

“We do virtual business partnership. We don’t even meet them [clients]. It is important that they will know that we are reliable, trustworthy company,” Ducker said.

As the company is on the fast lane, Ducker said infrastructure should be well in place, and software business solutions should be well taken cared of, as this is one of the main backbones for outsourcing operation.

Ducker said while the Philippines has become the destination of choice for outsourcing clients worldwide, especially from the United States, the prospects for this kind of service here is huge.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the average small business owner spends up to 40 percent of his or her time on routine administrative tasks. 

Ducker said the company, including the inbound services offered by “Live to Care,” is taking advantage of the much stronger demand now, as US economy is under threat by its fragile and weak movements.

 Although, the company is also servicing outsourcing clients from other continents, he said the most active now is the SME market from the US.