Got your clock set? Let’s get moving! ⏰ We’re going to follow up our previous Rocketfuel about the gig economy and talk about how to establish and maintain positive relationships with your freelancers. Let’s dive in.
“Freelancers have allowed us to achieve things that would have been impossible otherwise.” – Beth Granai
We’re continuing our conversation about the gig economy with a little bit of advice about establishing good relationships with your freelancers. Whether you just have a couple picking up your extra slack or a small army working behind the scenes, it’s important to maintain positive relationships with your contractors in order to make your business successful and keep a good reputation.
How to establish a good relationship with your freelancers
It’s not just about sending nice emails or agreeing on projects, it’s about respecting their time and energy and how it fits into your business. Here’s how to do that.
Understand their timelines
Trying to rush a freelancer into completing a project well before the agreed-upon timeline isn’t going to work in the long run. If there is an emergency or a detail you missed that you need them to help out with, explain your situation and most freelancers will lend a helping hand. Demanding a project well before it’s due, however, will probably leave a bad taste in their mouth. Again, that doesn’t build good relationships with freelancers.
Respect their rates
When it comes to establishing a good relationship with any freelancer, it’s important to understand and respect their rates. First, some freelancers charge by the hour while others will charge by the item — it usually depends on what industry you’re in. Second, remember that freelancers have years of experience and training that they paid for, which in turn, is what you are paying for.
Give constructive criticism and feedback
Telling your freelancer “I just don’t like it,” isn’t going to cut it if you want meaningful revisions or updates. To create a positive relationship with freelancers, be sure to give focused and constructive feedback that will allow them to build upon previous versions of work that result in what you’re looking for.
Listen to their feedback
Sometimes, a second pair of eyes will reveal things about a project you didn’t consider. For the most part, freelancers are there to help your business be successful, not gouge you in prices. If someone is suggesting a change in scope or a shift in strategy, give it a thought instead of dismissing their concerns and recommendations. Remember, they’re experts, too.
And always, be clear in your communication. You’ll find that you will have a fulfilling and long-term business relationship through respectful and clear communication.
Challenge
This week, review your policies and operating procedures for working with freelancers to ensure the way you collaborate works well for both of you.
Awesome Stuff I Read This Week
- 👩🏽💻 Someone drew the characters of “The Simpsons” in pure code.
- 🤫Five secrets of people who work faster than you.
- 🧠Kids’ brains may hold the key to better AI.
Let’s grab coffee soon,
Drew Horine, Founder & Chief Creative
