Freelancing is becoming an increasingly popular way to work. Though it has many benefits, managing a team of freelancers can be tricky. Here are a few tips to help make the process easier.
1. Establish clear expectations from the beginning.
As a business owner, you’re used to being in control. But when you’re managing freelancers, it’s important to remember that they are their own boss. This means that they will likely approach work differently than a fulltime employee. Establishing clear expectations from the beginning is essential to ensuring that your freelancers meet your needs.
Start by outlining the specific deliverables you expect. Be as detailed as possible, including due dates, format requirements and any other relevant details. Once you have a clear idea of what you need, share it with your freelancers. If possible, provide them with a written statement of work that outlines the project in detail. This will ensure that both you and the freelancer are on the same page from the start.
It’s also important to set expectations for communication and availability. Let your freelancers know how often you want to be updated and what method of communication you prefer. Be sure to let them know if there are any specific times when you need them to be available. By establishing these expectations up front, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your project runs smoothly.
2. Set deadlines and milestones.
One of the most challenging aspects of managing freelancers is setting deadlines and milestones. This can be difficult because you are dealing with independent contractors who often have other clients and projects. In addition, freelancers may not be as invested in your project as you are. As a result, it is important to be clear and concise when setting deadlines and milestones. When setting a deadline, be sure to include all relevant information such as the expected completion date, scope of work, and any deliverables. Make sure that the timeline is realistic. It is important to give the freelancer enough time to complete the task, but you also don’t want to set a deadline that is too far in the future. Be flexible if possible; things happen and freelancers may not always be able to meet your expectations. If this happens, try to work with them to come up with an alternate plan.
3. Create a system for tracking progress and communicating with freelancers.
When it comes to managing freelancers, the key is to establish a system for tracking progress and facilitating communication. By doing so, you’ll ensure that deadlines are met and that everyone is on the same page. Create a tracking document where you can log each freelancer’s assigned tasks and their corresponding due dates. Your HR or even an outsource HR expert, such as an HR consulting in London or your city can guide you with this. The tracker will help you stay organised and on top of deadlines. Don’t forget to set up regular check-in points with each freelancer. This could be done via email, video chat, or even in person (if they’re local).
4. Pay on time and be prompt with feedback.
Paying freelancers on time is important for maintaining a good working relationship – but it’s not always easy to keep track of invoices and deadlines. One way to stay on top of things is to set up a system where you can easily see what’s due when. This might mean creating a separate folder for each freelancer in your email inbox, or keeping a physical notebook with all the relevant information.
Prompt feedback is also crucial when working with freelancers. If there’s something you’re not happy with, don’t wait weeks to let the freelancer know – this will only make it harder to fix the problem. Instead, give prompt feedback so that any issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently.
5. Respect their time – don’t ask them to do things outside of the scope of the project.
As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to cut costs and get more bang for your buck. When it comes to managing projects, one way to do this is by hiring freelancers. However, it’s important to remember that while freelancers may be independent contractors, they are still professionals with their own lives outside of work. This means that you need to respect their time, and not ask them to do things outside of the scope of the project.
For example, if you’ve hired a freelance writer to create content for your blog, don’t ask them to also design the website or come up with a social media strategy. That’s outside of their area of expertise, and you’ll likely end up with subpar results. Instead, focus on giving them clear instructions and deadlines, and then let them get to work. If you treat freelancers with respect and manage them properly, you’ll find that they can be a valuable asset to your business.
6. Thank them for their hard work!
The success of your business depends on the hard work of your employees, including the freelancers. From designers and developers to writers and editors, freelancers play a vital role in keeping your business moving forward. So, take a moment to thank your freelancers for their hard work. A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way toward showing your appreciation for their efforts. And if you’re feeling extra generous, a small bonus or gift card can show them just how much you value their contributions.
Whatever you do, make sure to let your freelancers know that you appreciate their hard work. It’s the least they deserve.