OUTSOURCING: The Dating Game

Outsourcing in today's competitive market is very much like meeting, dating, and marrying. First you hear about someone (personal reference), then you are introduced informally (CEMA, MPI, etc.), then you meet them on your own (capabilities presentation and RFP), and possibly have a first date (first user conference or launch meeting). If your're lucky, you fall in love (you received a promotion as a result of the awesome event) and marry (develop a long-term trusting relationship) . . . or