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Since launching in 2005, the Enterprise Nation team has helped thousands of people start and grow their businesses. Led by founder Emma Jones MBE, Enterprise Nation continues to be the most active UK small business community and a leading campaigning voice for small business. Joining Enterprise Nation connects you with resources, community and connections you need to reach your business goals.

Working with other freelancers or partnering with other startups is a great way to grow your business and offer new products or services. But before you start, remember these five things...

There are lots of places to look for freelance help online, including 

, where you can post project descriptions and hear back from professionals. It's also worth tapping into your own network, and asking friends and colleagues for their recommendations.

If you can, meet up with freelancers in person, or chat on the phone or over Skype. Nowadays, technology makes it possible to work together without ever having to meet up or have a conversation, but doing so adds context to your work and can be a good compatibility check.

When there's money involved, having a written agreement protects you and also the freelancer you're working with. It defines who's responsible for what and when it needs to be delivered. Remember, a copy of an email thread doesn't count, so make sure you get something written up and signed.

Download a straightforward guide to writing contracts and legal agreements for your business for just Â£5 - or get a copy delivered to your door for Â£10 (plus postage & packaging). 

When working remotely with freelancers, it's not always easy to check on their progress. So, set clear goals and objectives and deadlines along the way. Consider using project management software, like 

, to track progress and discuss developments.

Working with freelancers is not like working with employees. You have to think of their work in terms of achievement rather than time. If you expect results and communicate well, freelancers will usually rise to the occasion. If they do, and meet your expectations, remember to thank them - and offer to write them a LinkedIn recommendation or a testimonial for their website.

 for just Â£20 per year and get 25% off all of our business books, including '

', as well as our business events. Plus, find freelance help at meet-ups and networking events exclusive to business club members. 

Have you worked with freelancers to grow your business or get things done you can't do yourself? What was your experience? And what advice would you give other small business owners outsourcing their work? Let us know in the comments. 

) is editor of the Enterprise Nation blog

Working with other freelancers? Remember these 5 things

&lt;p&gt;Hello, I'm Amanda, Enterprise Nation's&amp;nbsp;adviser community manager. I oversee communications, content and events for our active and collaborative adviser community. I'm here to help our members make the most of opportunities and ensure we're constantly improving what we offer.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Previously, I've worked across a range of professional services industries specialising in diversity and inclusion and&amp;nbsp;corporate culture. I founded&amp;nbsp;an award-winning corporate&amp;nbsp;D&amp;amp;I&amp;nbsp;initiative&amp;nbsp;and led community strategies for a global board-level women’s network.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;An aspiring writer and storyteller. My&amp;nbsp;roots are from Wisconsin but I have lived in the UK for over 11 years. I enjoy&amp;nbsp;going to gigs, fitness, camping, and&amp;nbsp;far away places.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Adviser Community Manager

How to build a £100k online consultancy business model

Rachael Howourth turned her biggest challenge into her greatest strength.

When someone tells you “oh wow, things must be going SO well in your business” – does a part of you wish they knew how lost you sometimes feel?

 
I know how hard you work, how badly you want to succeed, how much you believe in the potential of your business, and how much progress you’ve already made.

 
But at some point – between juggling orders, suppliers and the relentless need to keep up on social media, you’ve begun to feel overwhelmed. And financially, you may be wondering when you’ll get the chance to pay yourself a decent salary or hire in enough help.

My name is Catherine Erdly and I have over 20 years experience working with product businesses of all sizes from high street names (such as Laura Ashley, Coast and Paperchase), all the way down to brand new businesses with just a handful of customers.

 
I have helped these businesses get more organised and make more money.

&nbsp; 
Now I want to help you do the same so that you feel clearer, re-energised and confident enough to take your business to the next level.

&nbsp;

If you’ve been looking for some help with your business, and you’d like a trusted expert to work with you to:

 
- Outline what your options are to make your business a success long term 
- Make the most of your time 
- Manage your money 
- Support you with a new project – like a pop-up shop or wholesale 
- Give you the confidence to grow as a founder and business owner 
&nbsp;

Then get in touch now, and let’s talk.

Founder

Product business founders connect

Do you sell products?  Whether that's online, in your own bricks and mortar store, via Etsy or other platforms, or at local events, then this group is for you.  Product businesses have their own unique rewards and challenges, so why not join with us as we share ideas and encouragement?

Creative Director

Building Strong Brand Foundations

&lt;p&gt;What will you get?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;You will have a clearly defined and useful purpose, mission, vision, and set of values that creates the soul of your business.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;What you cover&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;Why setting the right foundations is so important?&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;What is a purpose and why you need one?&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;What&amp;#39;s the difference between mission and vision? How do they help you build a better brand?&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt