free·lance (/ˈfrēˌlans/)
adjective
adjective
- working for different companies at different times rather than being permanently employed by one company.
- HISTORICAL: a medieval mercenary.
Does this sound familiar? You're busy, but all your projects are moving along. You’re feeling good. And then your boss (or maybe a client) hands you yet another task, one with a really tight deadline. How will you get it done? You and your staff are maxed out. All your deadlines are carved in stone, unmovable. There’s no time to hire someone, not to mention there's no money and no long-term need.
A freelancer may be just what you need. You get extra capacity when you need it but no added long-term expense.
Benefits of Freelance Talent
Why call on a freelance writer rather than add to your staff? Here are some advantages:
Finding freelancers
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 available at any given time since you don’t usually have warning about emergencies.
1. 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.
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.
2. Try freelance websites.
Sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and others connect freelancers to clients. Some sites have freelance pool ranging from computer programmers to graphic designers, from novices to guru-level. Others specialize in one type of freelancer (writers, for instance).
If you're okay with working virtually, you can find real gems here at reasonable rates. The better you describe your project, the more on-target your results will be.
If you think this might be the route for you, try a test run on a not-so-critical project so you know the ropes when the big emergency hits.
3. 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 smal, paid 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. Be prepared for the inevitable by identifying resources before the need arises.
When you need freelance marketing writing, contact me at claire.e.cunningham@gmail.com
A freelancer may be just what you need. You get extra capacity when you need it but no added 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 and 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 staffing flexibility. Using freelancers means you can staff up for an emergency project and reduce your workforce when the workload goes down.
- 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 eager and talented but unseasoned. Or maybe they know ABC but not XYZ, and your new project 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 freelancers
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 available at any given time since you don’t usually have warning about emergencies.
1. 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.
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.
2. Try freelance websites.
Sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and others connect freelancers to clients. Some sites have freelance pool ranging from computer programmers to graphic designers, from novices to guru-level. Others specialize in one type of freelancer (writers, for instance).
If you're okay with working virtually, you can find real gems here at reasonable rates. The better you describe your project, the more on-target your results will be.
If you think this might be the route for you, try a test run on a not-so-critical project so you know the ropes when the big emergency hits.
3. 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 smal, paid 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. Be prepared for the inevitable by identifying resources before the need arises.
When you need freelance marketing writing, contact me at claire.e.cunningham@gmail.com
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