Running a business means that you sometimes have to bring in help. But, what do you do if you don’t need a full-time employee or the talent pool in your area can’t satisfy your business needs? One smart answer is to outsource your tasks via freelancers. Learn important tips on how to assemble a successful team of contract and freelance workers locally and offshore to help your business thrive.
Find people whose skills match your needs.
Your first task is to find people who have a skill set that matches what you need. For example, if you want to take steps to protect your data from a cyber threat like ransomware or phishing, experienced IT freelancers and IT agencies can assist you in determining your security needs and developing a plan tailored to your business.
Similarly, if you need someone to help keep your books straight, search for a freelancer that has experience with either basic or full-service bookkeeping to ensure you stay financially compliant and maintain proper records.
Consider offshore assistance.
Did you know that you can hire freelancers from anywhere in the world? You can, and with online job boards (think Guru, TrueLancer, or Fiverr), you can get help wherever it is most readily available. The greatest benefit of having either domestic or offshore freelancers is that you can almost always find someone with expertise that you need, and you only have to pay them for the time they dedicate to you.
Decide which tasks can be handled remotely.
Not all tasks can be handled remotely. However, there are many that can. Basic administration, such as answering the phone and returning emails; website development, including app design and blog posting; and, graphic design, which includes logo design and brochure development, are all great options. Outsourcing Angel also lists social media management, e-commerce, and SEO.
Know how to pay your freelancers.
No matter which jobs you choose to outsource, you have to pay your workers. If they are all in the US, a simple bank transfer may work. However, PayPal and other payment platforms are also an option. If you are paying workers from outside of the country, you may need to use an alternative payment method. If you are paying international workers, it might make sense to use an affordable money transfer service. Remember, you do not take taxes out on a freelancer.
Decide when it’s time for full-time staff.
As you grow, you may find that you rely on your freelance staff more and more. But, when do you know when the time is right to take on somebody full-time? Start by comparing what you spend on your freelancers. If you’re currently paying for someone to both handle administrative tasks and do the books, you may be able to bring in one full-time employee that can do both. Do keep in mind here that a full-time person may expect some benefits as well as vacation time. Calculate these when crunching numbers.
Statistically, small businesses make up approximately 99.9% of all businesses in the United States. However, this doesn't limit you from finding top talent to complement the needs of your business in the U/S or across the world.
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