BLOG

Working with other freelancers? Remember these 5 things

Working with other freelancers? Remember these 5 things
Enterprise Nation
Enterprise NationEnterprise Nation

Posted: Mon 19th Aug 2013

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...

1. Look for talent online and off

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

2. Get together, if you can

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.

3. Put something in writing

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.

Contracts for Your BusinessLearn how to write a contract

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

4. Define the project scope and schedule

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 Basecamp, to track progress and discuss developments.

5. Have a little faith

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.

Get 25% off all of our business books

Join the Enterprise Nation business club for just £20 per year and get 25% off all of our business books, including 'Contracts for Your Business', as well as our business events. Plus, find freelance help at meet-ups and networking events exclusive to business club members. Join now

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. San Sharma (@sansharma) is editor of the Enterprise Nation blog Photo Credit: littlebirth via Compfight cc

Enterprise Nation
Enterprise NationEnterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation has helped thousands of people start and grow their businesses. Led by founder, Emma Jones CBE, Enterprise Nation connects you to the resources and expertise to help you succeed.

You might also like…

Get business support right to your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive business tips, learn about new funding programmes, join upcoming events, take e-learning courses, and more.