Business owners must juggle a variety of tasks to keep their companies running. If you struggle to keep up, you may wonder whether hiring more employees is the right option. Before committing to a new staff member, CaptivateTeacher.com advises that you may want to consider bringing in a freelancer.
Set Clear Expectations
You can find freelance workers to perform nearly any task necessary in your company. However, it is a mistake to hire someone without a clear idea of how they will benefit the business. Before looking for a freelancer, you should determine the timeline of the job and the desired outcome.
Determine the Budget
Creating a budget for a project allows you to get a clear view of how much money you can spend on recruiting and paying a freelance worker. Freelancers typically set their own rates, although they may be willing to negotiate certain terms. Depending on your resources, you may need to reallocate funds to ensure you can hire the right contractor.
One way to determine how much you need to budget for working hours is by using spreadsheets to calculate the anticipated workload on your freelancer(s). Once hired, of course, you can use these spreadsheets to schedule and calculate payroll. While it’s possible to process timesheets in Excel, knowing the ins and outs of creating formulas can be complicated, which is why many managers prefer using automated timesheets like QuickBooks Time, software that comes with additional benefits like allowing users to retrieve, send and approve time remotely.
Search for Freelancers
Freelancers have specific skills, so look for someone who specializes in the exact area needed. Whether you need someone to come into the office once a month to train staff members or want a bookkeeper to work remotely for an hour a day, the right person is out there. Create a list of the necessary tasks and qualifications needed and, as Undercover Recruiter suggests, write a detailed job description.
There are many ways to find freelancers. Asking people in your network for referrals is a great place to start. Looking online can also be fruitful as long as you frame your searches correctly. Comb through the results and evaluate the qualifications of the contractors who appear on the page.
Some online marketplaces and employment agencies specialize in connecting businesses with freelancers. Depending on your needs, you may be able to find a website that offers these services free of charge, while others may require a fee.
Utilizing social media platforms can help you search more effectively. If your company has a social media account, you can create a post asking for freelancer applications. Encourage your friends, family members and business associates to share the post, enhancing its reach.
Interview Wisely
The interview process can be daunting. FreeUp says to have a list of questions ready and talk about the details of the project. If you withhold information, it may result in unqualified freelancers agreeing to take on a project. Interview multiple candidates and compare their qualifications. Resist the temptation to hire contractors because they have the lowest rates. While they may do a wonderful job, it could be an indication of inexperience in the industry.
Research Labor Laws
There are different laws in place regarding the payment of freelance employees. While hiring a contractor can help you save money, it is important to understand the payroll requirements, independent contractor rights, and labor laws involved. Note that freelance workers are typically considered to be self-employed; however, factors including the type of relationship, control over the worker’s job, and financial considerations come into play when determining how your business can classify workers.
Use a Recruiting Agency Instead
The work associated with hiring freelancers can be time-consuming, and if you’re already burning the candle at both ends, this extra task may prove overwhelming and difficult to keep up with. If this is the case, your best bet is to connect with a recruiting agency that can connect you with vetted professionals for roles like chief of staff, an executive or personal assistant, or an office manager. With the background details taken care of through a recruiter, you will have an easier time bringing on a temp or a new hire.
Bringing a contractor in to tackle projects or provide other valuable services can help your company thrive. When looking for freelancers, focus on how they can add value, research labor laws, and set realistic expectations to help ensure a positive experience. And if this task becomes too much, turn to a trustworthy recruiting firm to help take the lead.