In our last blog post, we talked about the practical steps for a global MSP rollout. Those steps will make the process easier. However, as with anything in business, it’s not always smooth sailing.
Fortunately, as an experienced MSP provider with offices spread across the globe, at Pinnacle we’ve seen it all. Navigating the difficulties and ups and downs of global expansion is just part of doing business on a global scale.
Here are some of the most common global MSP challenges that we’ve seen and how you can work through them.
Language
This one is obvious, and likely the first thing you think of when you consider the difficulty of working in another country. Language barriers can be really difficult, even in modern times with so many ways to translate languages online. One of the most difficult parts of a language barrier is not normal conversations, but complicated MSP-specific language. Talking about the details of MSP in English is confusing enough for people who aren’t as experienced in working with the jargon. Now, imagine working across language barriers and knowledge gaps. That’s why it’s vital to have someone on your staff that can speak the language and that knows MSP inside and out. Only knowing one of these things can’t help you bridge that gap. Your translator has to know both.
The concept of contingent labor programs across the globe can range from widely understood to virtually unknown. Do your homework before you kick off a project in each country and know what to expect. If MSP is virtually unknown plan extra time to explain terminology and concepts to stakeholders.
Cultural Norms
Even more so than language, it can often be difficult to translate the MSP business across cultural norms. The maturity of a business culture in a certain country can have a strong effect on how quickly the pickup will be when it comes to MSP. There are also certain manners and ways of interacting with people that need to be followed in order to build trust. As we have discussed previously, one of the most important parts of rolling out an MSP globally is getting buy-in from the local teams. If you don’t pay attention to cultural norms and practices, then it will be much harder to get that buy-in. If possible, your project team should include at least one person that understands your global program in depth and understands the local culture.
Over-standardization (Not Enough Freedom)
This can be a problem when it comes to U.S.-based MSP programs, but it can really rear its head when it comes to global MSP. If you use a cookie-cutter approach to MSP programs, you can run into serious problems overseas. Taking what works here and assuming it will work elsewhere is bad business and can cause your entire program to fall apart. Customization is key and Pinnacle works hard to customize every MSP program so that the program works in all facets. The issue with over-standardization is the complete lack of freedom to make changes, but there is also a risk in taking the opposite approach.
Under-Customization (Too Much Freedom)
Despite our focus on customizing each program, there are tried-and-true best practices that will apply across borders. These principles need to be used everywhere, no matter how customized your program is. Allowing too much freedom, especially in a country that has little experience with MSP could spell trouble. Pinnacle makes sure to have a balanced approach when it comes to customization vs standardization.
Lack of a Dedicated Team
A global MSP rollout is a time-consuming endeavor, so if you are working with an MSP program that doesn’t have a team dedicated specifically to your global expansion, then you are not going to get the right level of customer service. Having a dedicated team for these rollouts allows you the peace of mind knowing someone is constantly working on and paying attention to the details of this rollout.
These are some common issues that arise when implementing an MSP program globally. Of course, there are many, many others that could pop up depending on each situation. For those, it’s even more important to have an experienced and dedicated MSP provider that can work through any potential issue. Contact our team to learn more about Pinnacle’s global MSP program.
