How to Outsource Work to a Freelancer

Many people running a home or small business soon find there are not enough hours in the day to keep operations running smoothly. Better yet, business expands and the need to find a freelancer becomes essential. Yet, it can be a bit unnerving or fearsome to entrust a stranger with your company or customers. With a little knowledge and preparation you can choose the right independent contractor and outsource work to a freelancer with confidence.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Business plan
• Freelancer sources
• Documentation

How to Find a Freelancer

1. Make a list of your business needs and evaluate the cost and benefit ratio of outsourcing work to a freelancer versus performing the work yourself. It may be beneficial to begin with outsourcing mundane administrative tasks to allow you to apply your experience and attention where it is most profitable.
2. Consider the benefit of adding experience and talent to your small business and project the impact on revenues. This will provide a guideline for your outsourcing budget. If needed, plan milestones that you wish to accomplish to minimize unnecessary expense.
3. Outsource work to a freelancer that is proven, even if it costs more, when there is little room for mistakes or missed deadlines. Focus on a freelancer's portfolio, references, credentials, and work history foremost. Some jobs may be worth outsourcing to someone with less experience and lower fees as long as they can demonstrate the ability to perform the work via samples or comps.
4. Compare “Find a Freelancer” services in terms of costs, reputation, areas of expertise, and risk-assessment. Look for an escrow payment system that offers protection to both parties and avoid paying a fee if there is no benefit in doing so. Obtain bids from three to five providers and compare qualifications and terms.
5. Opt for a local freelancer if you are uncomfortable with outsourcing work to freelancers online or when it is cost productive to do so. Good sources to find a freelancer include the phone book, trade journals and sometimes the newspaper or online classified ads. Know that the quality of advertising does not always equate with good service.
6. Provide details of the work to be performed and any legal forms requiring signature, such as non-disclosure agreements, when arranging to commit to a freelancer. Also discuss payment terms, guarantees and insurance issues prior to employing a freelancer's services.
7. Make yourself accessible to regular communication to maximize success but avoid micro-managing or treating an independent contractor as an employee, both for practical and tax purposes. For large projects set a virtual or in-person meeting to review completed work or input on the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain a respectful attitude towards independent contractors and be realistic on expectations, such as revisions or rework to be performed.
• Obtain direct freelancer recommendations from forums or groups dedicated to your business interests.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau before you outsource work to a freelancer and conduct additional research online if necessary.