You posted your project, received numerous responses, and tackled the task of reviewing the candidates. Once you set aside a few Freelancers with whom you would like to speak further, take the time to map out personal and professional characteristics that are paramount to success.
The ability to complete your project successfully begins with identifying a talented Freelancers and continues with the creation and implementation of a solid business relationship. While many Employers are skilled at locating a top-notch programmer or a talented graphic designer, many are unsure how to weed out bad Freelancers to ensure a good working rapport.
Before beginning the project, make sure you can answer "yes" to the following points.
- The Freelancer has the skills I need at the price I can afford. The first step in locating the Freelancer for the job is finding the person who has the talent and experience needed to complete the project, in addition to the willingness to work for the price stated.
- The Freelancer has a good understanding of my needs.
- You can easily communicate with the Freelancer. Depending on your preferred method of communication, you and the Freelancer must be able to communicate effectively to get anywhere. If, when speaking with the Freelancer, you find that you have a hard time discussing the project, set him or her aside.
- The Freelancer can be reached with little effort. Freelancers who are easy to reach instill a level of trust in the Employer. The ability to reach someone easily to ask a question or discuss progress is critical. The Freelancer who provides numerous means of contact and is available for the entire duration of your project is a better choice than the one who is only available on Tuesdays after 5 p.m. and has planned an extended vacation during the project.
Once you are comfortable with the Freelancer's skills, communication level, and contact availability, you can make your hiring decision. Consider the following when beginning work with a Freelancer. If you can say "yes" to all of the following, you are part of a successful contractor relationship. If you answer "no" to one or more of the points, step back and see how your association can be improved.
- Maintain good communication throughout the project. Good communication is key, be it at the beginning to discuss the project needs, Project Agreement terms, and schedule; in the middle to discuss progress, changes, and roadblocks; or at the end to review and confirm the project.
Guru.com recommends that all Employers use Work Room Discussions to communicate with the Freelancers they hire. It's convenient, centralized location and real-time notification features make it ideal for keeping track of project progress.
- Conduct regular meetings and project reviews. To keep yourself abreast of the latest project details, speak with the Freelancer often and request that drafts of the project be uploaded to the Work Room for review at any time. This will help you to learn where you project lies with regard to the overall deadline, as well as allow you to offer input on any changes that need to be made.
- Create and approve a Project Agreement that includes the project scope, deliverable dates, payment terms, ownership, confidentiality, termination, and expenses. The Project Agreement helps Employers and Freelancers understand the project requirements. Employers who choose to use SafePay must ask the Freelancer to upload a Project Agreement before paying the SafePay request.
- Understand the payment amount and schedule. A full understanding of how much the Freelancer will charge and when he/she will request payment is tantamount to a comfortable relationship.
- Pay the Freelancer through SafePay.
SafePay
- Guru.com Payment Protection Guarantee with SafePay.
- The SafePay service allows you to transact with Freelancers risk-free.
- If you are working with a new Freelancer, use SafePay.
Learn how SafePay works. |
If you feel confident about the issues discussed above and have taken steps to protect yourself and the Freelancer, you are part of a successful contractor relationship. The piece of mind gained from working with a professional, talented individual who will complete your project on time and within your budget is priceless. The time expended to review the topics listed above will be worth your while in the end. Given the alternatives - a poorly completed project, an unexpected bill rate, or delays in project completion - it is in the best interest of all Employers to take the time to learn what constitutes a good working relationship and lay the foundation to take part in one. |