There are times during our working days where we just need to reach up from the depths of our overflowing inboxes and back to back Zoom calls and say “HELP ME, PLEASE!” Working with a small staff has become a big issue for many. Full-time hiring is crazy so therefore freelance hiring is crazy. At Uncompany we’ve seen the panic and bad habits forming when it comes to looking for talent. This is why we’ve created this list (below) to help us and help you — so that you can get back to working quicker and less stressed than you were before. Okay...deep breath.
In order to find the most-awesome freelancer or team for you there are some critical pieces of information we need. Without these pieces of information you run the risk of not getting the right match, slowing the process down, and not being taken seriously by talent.?
- HAVE A BUDGET - I know, sometimes you want to “test the waters” to see what things cost and are nervous about overpaying but TRUST US that going in with a budget or even a range is a better place to start the search from. Remember the goal is to find you the right freelancer and if you can’t afford someone's budget then don’t waste their time or yours. Focus up, get us a budget.?
- HAVE A SCOPE - The best way to start a project is knowing what is expected and what needs to be delivered for the project to be a success. This is done with a clear scope. If you haven’t written one check out this article. The squishier the scope the more room for missed expectations, confusion and scope creep. Be detailed. Be specific. Define the project and get us the scope.
- HAVE A TIMELINE - “ASAP” is not a timeline. It leaves room for interpretation and sets the tone of “panic” at project start. Having a timeline allows you to plan for reviews and feedback and allows your freelancer to focus on the work without the panic of unknown due dates. Set-up your timing early and share it clearly.
In order for you to get and work with the most-awesome freelancer or team there are some critical things you need to do to ensure maximum effectiveness with fewer missteps.?
- BE PROACTIVE - In our world everything is a “last minute scramble” a “fast-paced environment” a “24-hr turnaround”. Panic has become the baseline. Having to find freelance talent when you are already behind the 8-ball is a bad place to make a good hiring decision. Be as proactive as possible. Identify the times of the year where you have busy seasons. When staff take PTO. When “so-and-so” is out on maternity/paternity leave. Get ahead of it as much as possible. Work with us to build a OnDeck bench so you are ready to go when you need help.
- BE READY - Nothing slows down a project start like missing files, broken links and disorganized processes. Before you engage with a freelancer or team, get your things together. Make a folder, label it “Freelancer Onboarding” and put your needed design files, Brand ID, strategy, processes, expectations, points of contact, and whatever else you need to give your freelancer so they can jump in quickly.??
- BE CLEAR - “Clear is Kind. Unclear is Unkind.” - Brene Brown. The biggest project killer is miscommunication and missed expectations usually from a lack of clarity or a general invasion of squishiness. Make sure as you write scopes, communicate feedback, deliver a brief that you are 100% clear in what your expectation is. Your brief is your “point of reference” to make sure everyone is on the same page. Review it with other people in your office to solidify the squishiness.? It will save you a world of headaches and 1,000 emails asking for clarity.
At Uncompany our goal is to make unconventional working more workable for our clients and our freelancers, but we are a partnership. Uncompany, our clients and our freelancers are all working together to connect. The more we can communicate, plan, and prepare, the less time we spend connecting the dots and the more time we spend on finishing the work.
Do you have questions? Check us out at weareuncompany.com or book a time to chat.
