In today’s marketplace, there is an abundance of highly-talented individuals who are looking for the flexibility and freedom that comes with working on a freelance basis. By hiring freelancers, small businesses can tap into this vast pool of talent and expand their team without incurring the added costs and complexities associated with traditional employees. But where do you start? How do you know which types of freelancers are best suited for your business? And once you’ve found them, how do you make sure everything runs smoothly? Googdesk.com the answers to these questions and more.
Find Freelancers Who Know How to Work Remotely
One of the great things about freelancers is that they can often work remotely, which means you aren’t limited by geography when it comes to building your team. However, not all freelancers are well-suited to working remotely. When hiring, look for those who have experience working remotely and who possess the following qualities:
- Self-discipline:The ability to stay on task and meet deadlines without constant supervision.
- Good communication skills:The ability to communicate effectively via email, chat, or video conferencing applications.
- Ability to work independently:Comfortable taking initiative and working independently.
- Technical proficiency:Comfortable using the tools and technologies required to do their job, such as project management applications, video conferencing software, etc.
Find Freelancers You’ll Work Well With
Now that you know which types of freelancers are ideal for remote work, it’s time to start searching for them. There are a number of great websites and online communities that serve as marketplaces for freelancers, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs. These platforms allow businesses to post projects or tasks and invite freelancers to submit proposals outlining their qualifications and bid price.
You can also find freelancers by networking with other business owners or conducting an online search using keywords like “freelance [your city].” For example, if you live in Los Angeles, you might search for “freelance Los Angeles graphic designers.” This type of search will yield results for local freelancers who may not be registered with an online marketplace.
Vet Your Potential Freelancers
Once you’ve found a few potential candidates, it’s time to start vetting them. The best way to vet a freelancer is by asking for references from past clients. If a candidate is unwilling or unable to provide references, that’s a red flag. You should also ask candidates about their rates and whether they’re willing to provide a discount for repeat business. Last but not least, don’t forget to check a candidate’s online presence (e.g., social media profiles) to get a sense of their professionalism and expertise.
Build (and Stick to) a Great Schedules
Schedules are important when starting to work with a freelancer team as they can help you stay organized and on top of all tasks. Establishing deadlines, assigning roles and defining clear expectations upfront can help you create an efficient workflow and ensure that the project is completed on time. Schedules can also provide structure, helping both you and your freelancers stay motivated to meet and exceed goals. This in turn will make it easier for everyone involved to produce quality results – quickly.
A free online schedule maker can be an invaluable tool for creating and managing schedules. This type of software is user-friendly and often includes helpful features such as drag-and-drop editing and calendar views. Plus, the ability to assign tasks or deadlines to specific members of the team or entire projects can make it easier to keep track of tasks and ensure timely completion. This may help maximize productivity and minimize delays that could otherwise stand in the way of success.
Don’t Forget Essential Paperwork
Before hiring anyone — whether they’re an employee or independent contractor — there are a few administrative tasks that need to be taken care of first. For example, you’ll need to obtain appropriate insurance coverage and designate your business as an LLC (if it isn’t already). You can complete both of these tasks on your own, but it’s best to work with an insurance agent and formation service to ensure you have all of the best information. Formation services know exactly what paperwork is required for your state and can guide you through the application process. These administrative tasks may seem like a lot at first glance, but they’re actually quite simple once you know what needs to be done.
Take Advantage of Paperwork Technology
One of the best ways to share paperwork with freelancers is by using PDFs. PDFs are easy to create and can be opened on any type of device. Plus, they’re much less likely to get lost in the shuffle than physical copies of documents. To get started, simply create a PDF of the document you need to share by using a free PDF conversion tool. You can use these online resources to convert most file types into this format. Once the file has been converted, send it to your freelancer via email or messenger. They’ll be able to open it up and get started right away — no printing or faxing required!
Use Effective Payment Strategies
First, be sure to communicate clearly about payment terms before work begins. This will avoid any misunderstandings later on. Once work is completed, you can pay via PayPal or direct bank transfer. If paying via PayPal, be sure to include the transaction fee in your total payment. For bank transfers, you’ll need to provide the freelancer with your bank account details. Once the payment is processed, be sure to send a confirmation email or message so that the freelancer knows the money is waiting for them. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free transaction when paying freelancers for their work.
Prepare for Your New Team Members
Hiring freelancers can be a great way for small businesses to expand their team without incurring the added costs and complexities associated with traditional employees. When done correctly, hiring freelancers can save you time and money while giving you access to a vast pool of talent. Just remember to carefully vet all candidates before extending an offer and provide them with effective communication tools, especially if your team will be remote. And don’t forget the administrative tasks that need to be taken care of before bringing anyone onboard!
