For many Australian and New Zealand small businesses, the idea of expanding their team overseas might seem daunting, but a volatile and disrupted business environment may make it a question of survival. 

 Irwin Hau, founder and director of digital agency Chromatix Web Design and the Australasian marketing SaaS start-up ConversionCow, believes a new approach called “Right Shoring” is the key to success in today’s small business market.  

“We’ve all been conditioned to think local for the last decade,” says Hau. “But with rising costs, a globalised world, and the shift to remote work thanks to COVID, right shoring is no longer a ‘maybe,’ it’s a must-have for businesses that need an edge to get ahead.”  

Unlike traditional offshoring, which focuses solely on cost savings, the new right shoring prioritises the “right” location for specific tasks. Having tested this in their web design division, it has been a technique that has shown great promise.  

This opens doors to a global talent pool, allowing businesses to find the best person for the job, regardless of location. 

 

Three Actionable Steps to Embrace Right shoring: 

1.  Think Beyond Borders: Video conferencing and project management tools make remote collaboration seamless. Look for talent in countries with complementary time zones and vital skill sets. 

2. Embrace Remote Work Culture: Building a solid remote work culture starts with clear communication and regular check-ins. Consider daily “work in progress” meetings to keep everyone on the same page. 

3. Leverage AI for Enhanced Efficiency: AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, allowing your team to focus on higher-level projects and client relationships.   

Right Shoring: A Win-Win for Businesses and Employees   

Hau emphasises the human benefits of right shoring.   

“It opens doors for Australians, too,” he says. “Imagine a salesperson connecting with leads in another country, all thanks to the flexibility of remote work. In fact, as agreed by Meta Blinds director, this technique has been pivotal for international reach and success”  

Right shoring fosters diverse thinking and a wider range of perspectives.    

“It’s not just about saving money,” says Hau. “It’s about creating a richer, more dynamic team to propel your business forward in a globalised world.”