Here it is:

1. Create a clear understanding of a needed solution.

Do invest your time in getting a sharp sketch of specification, functionality and goals of your future application. Both parties, you and your partner will win from it and save time in the future. Create product mockups or user stories. It will help you to define the scope of work needed to be completed.

2. Describe to yourself a perfect company and look for it.

In sales they call it an “Ideal Customer Profile”. It includes pricing, country, language proficiency, tools, communication, technology. It’s also about a wanted type of cooperation: outsourcing, outstaffing, remote team or own remote office. (An article on that is coming shortly). Make sure to include desirable specifications, for instance: the company should have already done a project similar to yours. Do not hesitate creating an image of a perfect company and only then switch to research. Check up not only general info on their website, but look for reviews on Clutch or Facebook. Dig deeper! Look at which of your contacts in LinkedIn have the founders of the chosen company in their networks and ask for their opinion. Base your decision on different points of view. Also, peep into your inbox, as some of the companies might have already contacted you with a cold email!

Bonus tip: don’t choose the cheapest, otherwise you will pay twice as much in the end. Here in Ukraine we have an expression: “the miserly pays twice”, an analog to “buy nice or buy twice”. Don’t let yourself experience it. Poorly written code, lack of documentation, communication and no transparency in the development process is the last thing you would want to happen in hiring remotely.

3. Pay attention to the first touch and your feelings about it.

After your send out your first letter with basic information and a clear call to action, look at the company's response. What is the speed of their reply, did they ask clarifying questions or did they try arranging a phone call? Good moments to pay attention to are their engagement, openness to discussions and willingness to contact often. Honesty about the problems and suggestions related to the project should also be the red flags. Pay attention to every detail.

All in all, try focusing on the business environment and engineering resources of a chosen region, programmers’ skills, project management and many-many-many more.

Investing time in choosing the right partner will more likely lead you to the great benefits!