Maybe you have an upcoming project that requires a specific skillset that your staff lacks.
Maybe you need to expand your staff but can’t afford another permanent employee.
Or maybe you simply want to see for yourself what all the buzz is about.
Whatever may be the reason for outsourcing some of your company’s work to a freelancer, get ready to reap the benefits! Freelancers can help you save money and reduce office space while freeing up time in your busy day.
From marketing and accounting to human resources and customer service, there is an entire network of freelancing professionals available at your fingertips. And with almost half of the Canadian workforce expected to be freelancers this year, it’s only a matter of time before your company starts using them (if it isn’t already).
Here’s how to make working with freelancers as easy as possible – for both parties involved.
Remember That They Are Not Your Staff
When you hire employees, you are responsible for paying employment insurance, vacation pay and sick days. Although employment labour laws set standards for payment, compensation and working conditions, you can dictate how employees do the work required.
Freelancers are the exact opposite. They own their own businesses, work remotely and set their own rates. They are responsible for paying their own taxes and can dictate their own working conditions.
Many times, a freelancer chooses to become self-employed because they want to be their own boss. So if you start treating a freelancer just like you would a typical employee, you could soon run into problems.
Instead, clearly communicate the work you require completed and the expected results.
And then give the freelancer some breathing room.
As long as agreed upon deadlines are met and contract obligations are withheld, a freelancer has freedom over how projects are completed.
Give Them Details
Freelancers work with multiple clients at one time while balancing competing priorities. Over time, they will become familiar with your business, its goals and your work preferences. But in the beginning, they will require some direction from you so that the process can go as smoothly as possible.
Other than emails, video calls and a rare in-person meeting, communication to a freelancer is normally limited. If you’re only used to working with in-house employees, this can be a difficult concept to grasp!
When communication happens, be as clear as possible about your expectations. In the early stages of working with our new clients, we find out information about their industry, target market and desired writing tone. We learn about their expectations of us, the deadlines needed and the intended goals of our work.
The more transparent you are to us about your business’ needs, the better we will be able to deliver the results expected.
Don’t Make Assumptions
Remember: freelancers aren’t mind readers! Great freelancers work quickly to become familiar with your business. Provide them with as many project details as possible. This will help streamline the project and strengthen your working relationship.
Throughout the project, the freelancer will likely have questions needing answers from you. Respond to their queries using a timely manner, keeping in mind that excessive delays can potentially affect your project’s deadline.
Provide Them With Feedback
Unlike an in-house employee, you can’t just walk down the hallway and congratulate a freelancer on their good work. As remote workers, they also don’t typically attend staff appreciation days, Christmas parties and other work-related celebrations.
But take it from us, even though we work remotely, it’s still nice to hear feedback and compliments about our work. This lets us know that the work we are doing is meeting your expectations.
Learn the Benefits of Working With Freelancers Yourself
Freelancers have chosen a specific field and are committed to their craft. They’re usually flexible, easy to work with and are more cost-effective than employees.
They provide less risk to your company, too. Freelancers can’t sue for workplace harassment, discrimination or unfair dismissal and they aren’t eligible for unemployment insurance.
So, what are you waiting for? Try outsourcing some of your company’s work to a freelancer today!
Looking to outsource some of your company’s copywriting? We provide copywriting services to companies located in Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton and virtually anywhere in the world! Contact us for more details today.