Businesses Are Built With People — Here Are a Few Who Can Help You
There are plenty of solo entrepreneurs who have found success and comfort in their chosen niche. But, chances are, they had at least some help along the way. If you are looking for the right types of freelancer or remote employee, you’re in luck. The vast majority of knowledge-based positions are easily outsourced, and you don’t even have to stick your area code to call in the big guns.
Quick Tips on Remote Teams
It’s important to note that most freelancers operate on a remote basis. This means that they work from their homes (or the location of their choosing) and are typically given a task to complete without explicit instructions on how to do so. Freelancers are usually considered experts in their field and they don’t require constant supervision. Here are some things to think about before you add a freelance staff to the roster:
Don’t limit yourself. There are dozens of freelance websites where you can find a qualified professional to handle tasks and projects on your behalf. And, although it might go against what you were always taught about hiring employees, you don’t actually have to worry about their commute time. It is entirely possible to assemble a group of contractors/freelancers to work on ongoing projects or to fill an occasional need.
Interview before you commit. Although your freelancer will not be a full-time employee, it’s still wise to interview them either in person or online. FreeUp suggests that you know what you’re looking for before you begin drafting interview questions. Make sure to ask why they’ve chosen the freelance life and, perhaps more importantly, how long they’ve worked this way. While many qualified individuals went to a freelance model after losing a job at the start of the pandemic, someone with a longer history of working for themselves is likely more equipped to handle your needs.
Offer benefits. Benefits like health insurance and paid vacation are typically reserved for full-time employees. But that does not mean that you can’t extend the proverbial olive branch to freelancers. Given that top talent is often difficult to recruit, small perks might make a big difference. Pet insurance, snack boxes sent to their home once a month or free online training courses are examples of non-employee benefits to consider.
Make payment arrangements. Keep in mind that you must find a reliable way to deliver payment to your freelancers, whether they are in the US or overseas. Ideally, the transfer service won’t hurt overhead. While domestic transfer services may be cheaper, many international transfer services are expensive, so research before you wire money across seas. Remitly is an example of a trusted payment solution that charges low fees to most countries, including India.
Types of Freelance Help
Virtually any job that can be done at a desk is fair game for freelancing. But there are some that may be more valuable than others. From the highly technical to those that require few skills, these following types of freelancers can all be important cogs in the machine that is your business.
App development. Most business owners today recognize the importance of the internet. Take this a step further by hiring Team4Solution to develop an app that will help your business stand out on the web and via your customers’ mobile devices. When your customers download your mobile app, they are basically making a commitment to use your service. Offer some sort of perk for doing so, such as a free white paper or a small percentage off mobile app orders.
Administrative. Returning phone calls, answering emails, creating spreadsheets — all of these are essential business tasks but take a ton of time out of your day. This is time that would be better spent handling other areas of your business. Consider hiring a virtual assistant to help with these and other administrative tasks.
Customer service. Like a virtual assistant, a customer service agent can take some responsibilities off your plate. But instead of general business help, your virtual CSR can focus their energies on becoming an expert on your products and services. Plus, you can have a customer service team available to pick up the phone and respond to email inquiries around the clock.
Cybersecurity. Small businesses are the biggest target of hackers, scammers, and other cybercriminals. Outsourcing your cybersecurity is a smart move that may protect you from a data breach. Malware, phishing, and password attacks all target small businesses in hopes of somehow extorting money or stealing your or your customers’ personal information.
Graphic Design. Having a great graphic designer on your team can mean the difference between great branding materials and lackluster logos, brochures, and business cards. Spend the money on a knowledgeable freelance graphic designer. But do not simply hire the first one who pops up in your search. Look at portfolios to find one with a style that matches your vision of your company’s brand.
Marketing. Exceptional graphics are part of marketing, but they are not the only bit of expertise you need to make sure your business gets its fair share of attention. A marketing specialist will get your brand out into the public and will meet your customers where they are already shopping. They might, for example, help you with email campaigns or social media posts.
Videography. If you’ve been on the internet for more than five minutes, you know that content is king. But in today’s age, that means more than just blog posts and how-to articles. Today’s consumers want video — and lots of it. Look for a local videographer who already has the gear and equipment needed to create commercials, TikTok videos, and vlogs.
Having great products and services is only part of the business success puzzle. People are the backbone of all companies, and the ones that you put into place now will help your company grow. But, if you don’t have the budget for full-time employees or there is not enough available talent in your local area, freelancers are the way to go. They are already experts, and you don’t have to commit to a 40-hour-per-week paycheck. Choose wisely, and you may establish a network of contractors who can get to know your business and may be interested in full-time employment later down the road.
If you need help in making your business a profitable one, Team4Solution has the answers. Get a quote today.
