You know your company can benefit from using contractors or consultants and you may have even hired them before, but have you ever considered how you can get the most from each contractor or consultant that you hire? Maximizing your use of contractors and consultants is more important now than ever. Consider these guidelines when hiring independent talent to maximize your investment.
Do your research before you hire
- Choose a contractor with the appropriate level of experience. It is unnecessary to spend $150-$200 per hour for the services of a VP-level consultant when all you really need is entry-level marketing work done.
- Make sure you and your consultant have complimentary working styles. Your project could turn out to be an absolute disaster if the contractor’s work style is hands-off and independent, while yours is more interactive and you like to keep constant communication.
- Be aware of the contractor’s policies. If you are not informed or do not clearly understand all of their policies including payment, redesign fees, timelines, due dates and in some cases tax filing preferences, you could get stuck with an extra fee.
- Seek information about the contractor’s reputation. Get references and perform a simple Google search to learn more about the contractor. If you find any questionable information don’t hesitate to ask the contractor to explain the discrepancy.
- Consider the adage: you get what you pay for. Although not always the case, some independent professionals who charge a considerably lower rate than others may not necessarily do the best job. You could end up spending more in the long-run if the job takes longer than expected or you have to have something redone. Remember: you are looking for the best possible value, not the lowest cost.
- Double-check that the person you are hiring is, in the eyes of the government and according to the tax forms they fill out, and independent contractor. If the person is filed as an employee, this could cause problems and cost you additional money later.
Start off strong
Get to know your contractor right from the start. Be outgoing and personable in order to establish good relations. Having the respect and admiration of your client could create an incentive for them to work harder for you.
- Do not neglect your full-time employees. One of the things people forget about sometimes is keeping first-rate relationships with current staff. Full-time employees can sometimes develop feelings of envy towards the consultant, especially if they are doing the “fun” work.
- Do not forget to tell your employees to keep up their good efforts and let them know their work plays an important role within the company.
Although hiring contractors and consultants can sometimes seem like a lengthy process, it is without a doubt a smart business decision for many companies. After you have made the choice to hire independent talent, make sure you do background research on contractors and consultants first, and then establish and maintain relations with employees. All of these tips will make it easier to take full advantage of contractors and consultants and help your company earn more for your money. Good luck!
