Chances are if you are running a business you have considered hiring a freelancer if you haven’t already.
The flexibility that comes with working with freelancers can be a breath of fresh air for businesses that have limited networks or have simply reached a period of stagnation in their company’s growth.
Yet, there are still companies that have reservations about working with telecommuters, often worried that freelancers won’t be as productive than employees who report to the office on a daily basis.
Luckily, online communication tools have advanced greatly over the last five years, making it easier than ever to stay in touch on a regular basis. In addition to advancements in workplace technology, it has also been shown that freelance workers tend to be more productive than traditional workers, as they have the ability to chose what workplace environment works best for them.
If you’re still not convinced, here are 6 reasons why you should hire a freelancer for your next project:
1. Freelancers are highly skilled
There was a time when freelancers were often considered to be low skilled workers that could be taken on for little money and promptly let go once they weren’t needed anymore. Fortunately, this is no longer the case and companies have learned that freelancers are not only dedicated workers but are highly skilled. Numerous example professionals, from experienced journalists to corporate consultants have made the choice to go freelance, as it gives them more freedom and variety in their careers.
2. Freelancers can help you boost innovation
During the time that a dedicated employee has been with one job for a longer period of time, freelancers have probably had multiple jobs, which means that have more variety in their experiences. If your business is stuck, whether it means you are not reaching your financial goals or not attracting enough customers, a freelancer can provide various solutions that you may not have been exposed to had you not ventured outside of your network.
3. Freelancers are more willing to give their input
Because freelancers are not bound to a specific role in a company, they need to be communicative with leaders about their strengths and weaknesses, in addition to what they can bring to a company or specific project, if they are going to get hired. Relying heavily on consistent communication is a major part of the freelance lifestyle and as a result, this ability to communicate has created a culture of transparency and openness which freelancers feel comfortable engaging in, as their livelihood depends on client satisfaction. Thus f there is a problem with a project, independent workers are more likely to speak up to ensure their clients are satisfied with the results.
4. Freelancers have strong networks
Freelancers need to have strong networks in order to be successful. Freelance communities, whether they are online, or in a coworking space, help self-employed workers find jobs and improve their skills. For businesses, hiring a freelancer can give them access to these wider networks, which can be an excellent source of talent and innovation.
5. Freelancers can reduce overhead
Even if your business isn’t struggling financially, hiring freelancers is an effective way to reduce overhead costs. In addition, adding more self-employed workers to your team can also help you cut back on your “burn rate”, which is the additional amount of money needed to cover your business expenses. Not having to pay to house new employees in your office will leave you more wiggle room to invest in growing your company.
6. Freelancers can help you be more competitive
With an estimated 34% of the workforce working freelance in the United States alone, sooner or later businesses will have to embrace freelancers. Those that learn how to manage self-employed workers and how to benefit from flexibility will be better off in the future. In addition to embracing change, companies that work with freelancers tend to be more open, thus making space for innovation, which will help you stand out against competition in your industry.
While it may seem daunting at first, working with freelancers can bring enormous benefits to business in any industry. From giving you exposure to new concepts and ways of working, the freelance ecosystem is growing by leaps and bounds each day, which is beneficial for both workers and business owners.
Tracey Sunderson is a working on her PhD in metaphysics. She's currently exploring ways for emerging technologies to improve our lives and fascinated by new technologies.
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