Building Strong Business Relationships with Freelancers

Small businesses can significantly benefit from hiring freelancers. They can access specialized skills without the cost of hiring full-time staff and attract new skills and business opportunities.

Additionally, organizations can access a broader range of talent when they use remote freelancers anywhere worldwide. However, using freelancers doesn’t always work out.

Selecting the right freelancers is crucial for success, as poor choices can lead to adverse outcomes. For example, there may be communication challenges, especially with remote freelancers. If you love micromanaging daily activities, freelancing may not work well for you without strategies and systems to help you.

Other challenges with freelancers can include mismatched productivity expectations, which can result in cost overruns and quality issues such as missed deadlines.

Intellectual property concerns can also be challenging with freelancers, but they can be minimized with properly enforced contractual agreements.

Working With Freelancers

Despite the challenges and risks, working with freelancers can be a positive experience; check out our seven-step guide for tips on making the best decisions and fostering strong partnerships.

1. Respect, Encouragement, Feedback

First of all, freelancers are, in effect, business owners so, make sure you treat them with respect. For example when receiving feedback, actively listen to what the freelancer is saying without interrupting.

Make sure you understand their perspective before responding. Regardless of whether you agree with the feedback or not, always thank the freelancer for taking the time to provide it. It shows respect for their input.

When providing feedback or encouragement, it’s important to be specific about what you appreciate and what needs improvement. Rather than general praise, targeted feedback helps freelancers understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Frame feedback in a positive and constructive manner. Instead of saying, “This is wrong,” try, “Here’s how we can improve this.” Additionally when offering constructive criticism, always balance it with praise for the freelancer’s good work. This helps maintain motivation and confidence.

Integrate feedback loops into the workflow to continuously gather input from freelancers about their experience working with the business. This allows for ongoing refinement of processes and improvements in the freelancer experience.

2. Systems

Systems such a feedback loop improve communication, performance evaluation and productivity.  If your business is likely to use freelancers often consider setting up the following systems.

• Onboarding system – for freelancers, including clear expectations, access to necessary tools and resources, and any training required
• Project management – use tools for assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and tracking processes improve the way businesses work with freelancers
• Document and Knowledge transfer – to document project requirements, processes, decisions, and key information for smooth knowledge transfer and to ensure continuity in case of freelancer turnover or transition
• File sharing and collaboration system – for secure file-sharing and feedback in real-time
• Contracts – contracts templates and legal agreements to clarify the terms of engagement, including project scope, deliverables, payment terms, and intellectual property rights
• Feedback – implement a performance evaluation and feedback system for freelancers to provide and receive feedback regularly
• Resource Allocation – develop a system for effectively allocating resources to freelancers based on their skills, availability, and project requirements.

There is more to working well with freelancers than systems and feedback.

7. Get To Know Them

Freelancers frequently possess expertise in various fields that may surprise you. Once you discover a skilled freelancer, it is advantageous to maintain a strong relationship with them.

Building a deeper connection can lead to additional benefits, saving you money in the future, and collaborating with individuals familiar with your business can be highly advantageous.

Consider investing in their skills and development. For example improve the freelancer’s skill set by granting them access to training materials and industry-related events, demonstrating your commitment to their development and partnership.

Integrate freelancers into the fabric of your workplace or company culture. Include your freelancers on team building activities and social events.

Last words

Hiring the right freelancers involves a thorough screening procedure verifying their credentials, expertise, and background.

The advantages of hiring freelancers can outweigh the challenges. Companies can achieve a competitive edge through flexibility, specialized skills, and cost-effectiveness.