The only constant in the business world is change. Indeed, even the most successful organizations must adapt in order to survive. As such, this often means that business leaders need to develop connections with freelancers and professional contractors for additional help from time to time.
After all, businesses may need assistance with a myriad of different projects –– from marketing and advertising to construction and expansion. With all that in mind, today we’ll share four tips that business leaders can use to ensure positive interactions with them for years to come. Check them out here:
Identify Needs
Sometimes, businesses require the assistance of professional contractors for a very specific purpose. If, for example you’re building a second location for your company, then you will need to hire construction workers to help you out.
However, sometimes businesses may require more “general” assistance from contractors and freelancers. A business that needs IT support may need to strike a long-term deal with a tech contractor.
So it’s crucial to determine what you need from a contractor as well as how long you’ll need their help. This will allow you to make smarter, more financially sound decisions in the hiring process.
Put Everything in Writing
While trust is essential to developing a good working relationship with a contractor or freelancer, it’s nevertheless important to document your agreements. Don’t ever assume that “things will just work out” and don’t take strangers at their word.
It might sound paranoid to insist on putting everything down in writing, but it will protect your business should a disagreement or misunderstanding arise. Plus, good workers will appreciate your attention to detail and welcome transparency at every stage of a project. Contracts protect freelancers and contractors too.
Review Previous Work
Whether you’re looking for a contractor that manufactures safety equipment (like OTW Safety for example) or a catering company to cook for a business picnic, you should always review a contractor’s previous work before you hire them.
Odds are, you’ll be able to find plenty of objective reviews and ratings for established contractors online. Though this step might seem obvious, it’s crucial not to skip it!
Don’t Micromanage
The point of hiring a contractor is to effectively delegate work. While it’s fine for business leaders to monitor the progress of hired contractors, it’s unwise to try and micromanage contractors and freelancers. Instead, it’s typically a better use of your time to let experts handle their job.
If you’ve properly vetted your contractor, then you shouldn’t have any problem trusting them to carry out their assignment. Trying to micromanage these pros will likely lead to negative outcomes. Avoid this if at all possible.