Thursday, May 26, 2011

Hiring a Freelancer

One of the best ways to get work done by a specialist is to hire a freelancer. Freelancers often work from home and on their own schedules, making them uniquely suited to tackling your latest project.  Freelancers are a wonderful resource for the savvy business owner.  As they get paid by project instead of being on payroll, they often save the company money.  Not only that, but a freelancer is dependent on business owners who appreciate quality work and therefore they produce excellent results often for a bargain price.  Freelancers exist for nearly any skill set. Below are a few examples:
  • Content
  • Internet Marketing
  • Sales Copy
  • Graphics Design
  • Art
  • Animation
  • Web Design
  • PHP
  • Android Apps
As we’ve clearly demonstrated, there is a freelancer for just about any project out there.  Finding a reliable freelancer in a hurry can be quite a challenge, though. It’s important to select a dedicated employee so that there aren’t any surprises mid-project.  Below are a few tips to help anyone looking for a freelancer get started:

Elance – Become familiar with this resource.  Elance is a great place to find freelancers in a short amount of time.  There are safeguards in place within their system that protect the employers and freelancers alike.  One of the best features for both employees and potential employers is the feedback system.  Checking out a prospective freelancer’s feedback gives the potential employer a very good idea of what to expect for their investment. 

Portfolios – A wise employer always asks for examples of a potential freelancers work and takes a look at any available portfolio on file.   Doing so allows you to rule out anyone not suitable for your project at glance.  Examples of a freelancers work give you a good feel for their professionalism, sense of style and attention to detail.

Discuss – Lastly, take the time to talk to the freelancer before hiring them. This gives both you and your potential employee an opportunity to determine if you will work well together.

Hiring a freelancer is often the most cost-effective, rewarding way to get a project a done.  Taking the time to do it right will save headaches for both you and your potential partner in the long run.