I’ve been a freelance marketing writer for over 10 years. In that time, I’ve had great relationships with most clients and rough ones with a few others. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.

If you’ve gone to the trouble of finding a good freelance writer, designer, researcher or whatever, you don’t want your investment to be wasted. You want good results for a fair price in a reasonable amount of time.

Here are three simple guidelines for getting the most out of freelancers based on what I’ve experienced:


1.      Communicate. (Describe the project and your expectations clearly.)

Before the project starts, give it some thought. Are you looking for original copy or copyediting? What tone do you want? Are there experts to interview? What’s the deadline?

Here’s an example of what can go wrong:
I had a client ask me to write two pages of website copy. I gave him an estimated cost. Then as I began to write, two pages turned into six. I rushed to get it done on time but wound up having to invoice more than my estimate. I explained that my invoice would be higher and why, but my client was still unhappy.

An experienced freelancer will ask a lot of questions up front to avoid problems and unpleasant surprises. Your freelancer may also check in with you during a project to get clarification and ask questions that come up later. The time you spend giving thoughtful answers will be well worth it.

2.      Respect.

Of course, you treat everyone with respect – direct reports, peers, upper management, and everyone else. You show appreciation for people’s time and contributions. You set reasonable deadlines. If you need revisions, you clearly explain what’s needed. You pay fairly for the work that’s done.

So why am I making this point? Sadly, not everyone behaves this way.

An example:
I had a client who would schedule a meeting and then not be available when I got to the office after a forty-minute drive. I tried a couple work-around strategies but finally had to sever the relationship. While I was working for him, my frustration got in the way of doing my best.

3.      Timely payment.

I suppose this is a sub-set of respect. Just as you pay employees on time, so should you adhere to whatever payment arrangement you’ve worked out with your freelancer.

I have wonderful clients who pay me in ten days, and I have other wonderful clients who pay in 45 days. I can deal with either – I just plan my cash flow accordingly. Non-payment or late payment is not OK. I do not enjoy making collection calls.

Your freelancer is a small business owner who needs payment just like any other supplier your company works with
 

That’s it. Three simple rules for working with freelance talent. Let me know if you have anything to add. And call me in on your next writing project.

This ever happen to you? You're busy, but all projects are moving right along. You’re feeling good. And then the boss hands you yet another task, one with a really tight deadline. How will you get it done? Your staff is maxed out. All your deadlines are carved in stone, unmovable. There’s no time to hire someone, not to mention there's no money for a new position and no long-term need.

A freelancer may be just what you need. Whether you need a single professional or an entire team, these folks give you extra capacity when you need it but don’t hang around to add long-term expense.




Benefits of Freelance Talent
Why call on a freelance writer rather than add to your staff? Here are some advantages:

• Keep your overhead low. With freelance talent you hire for the project only. You don't have to pay a salary or benefits like you would with a permanent staff member.
• Budget costs accurately. If you describe the project clearly, most freelancers can give you a time and cost estimate up front. That should help with budgeting and cash flow planning.
• Increase your staffing flexibility. Using freelancers means you can staff up for that emergency project and reduce staffing when the work load goes down without adding to or subtracting from your regular staff.
• Match the person to the task. If one project calls for social media marketing skills, you can hire that. If another project needs expertise in widgets, you can hire a widget expert.
• Hire experience. Maybe your regular staff is fresh out of college -- eager and talented but unseasoned. Or maybe they know ABC but not XYZ, and your new project really needs both. You can hire a freelancer with expertise that balances your team.
• Get a different perspective.  A fresh set of eyes brings a new view. A freelancer can be fresh eyes.

Finding a freelancer
The next step is to find the right person or persons. This may take some trial and error so a long-term strategy is in order. It doesn’t hurt to have several options working at any given time since you don’t usually have warning about emergencies.

Build a relationship with a contract employment firm (or two). Most managers know about contract employment firms. There are specialized ones for creative talent.
If you've used these agencies before, you may have had mixed experience with them. Sometimes they’ve sent you a gem. Other times a dud. Often the difference between good and bad results is the agency’s understanding of your needs. It needs to go deep.
Between emergencies, talk to and experiment with several firms and consultants. Find one that you feel understands your needs thoroughly. They can be a resource for you when you need help fast.

Identify your own pool of freelancers. There’s an entire community of freelancers who work directly with companies – no middleman or agency involved. Especially creatives like writers and designers.
During non-emergency times, gather suggestions for freelance/contract folks. Get recommendations from current and former employees, friends, coworkers, colleagues in similar companies, professional associations. You're more likely to get on-point recommendations if you provide a clear idea of what you need when it comes to expertise, skills, budget and style.
Interview each one to review their experience and work samples. You can even give the best of the bunch a small project to complete so you can learn what it's like working together. Set up a file of those who pass the test with their contact information, general availability, hourly rate, work style and so on, so you’re prepared for the next unexpected project.
 
Freelance talent can save the day, handling last-minute assignments with skill and expertise. Be prepared for the inevitable by identifying resources before the need arises.