Many agencies rely on freelance help to complete client work faster and for less money than it would cost to hire in-house talent. From large campaigns with many moving parts to one-off, last-minute projects, freelance talent can help pick up the slack in many areas. But getting everyone on the same page when people outside the agency are working on a project is often easier said than done. Whether an agency is temporarily understaffed or wants to bring contractors in to work with its internal teams on a consistent basis, it’s critical for agency leaders to ensure all parties understand timelines, deliverables and other expectations. Below, members of Forbes Agency Council share their best tips for making sure freelancers understand the goals of the agency and the specifics of the projects they’ve been assigned. Members listed from left to right. Photos courtesy of the individual members. 1. Take A Two-Pronged Approach First, lay out in writing the exact project requirements—including expectations, deadlines, resources, spokespersons and outlines—and provide any other documents or background info they might need. Second, schedule a quick phone call where they can ask questions and clarify the assignment. This two-pronged approach goes a long way toward ensuring goals and deadlines are met and both sides are happy. – Valerie Chan , Plat4orm PR 2. Treat Freelancers Like Teammates The key to building strong bonds with freelancers is to treat them as if they are already on your team. Include them in project meetings up front. Have a written scope of work that details the assignment, the deadlines and who the rest of the team members are. Make room in the schedule for edits, rewrites and so forth. In essence, make everyone in the process accountable—not just the freelancer. – Leeza Hoyt , The Hoyt Organization, Inc. 3. Have Clarity Have a statement of work written for your freelancers. Be up front with your expectations. I urge agencies to have a trial period, as much of this industry is sink or swim; if freelancers don’t comply or fit in with your team’s work ethic, you can have that conversation. – Jessica Kopach , The JKO Agency Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify? 4. Create A Starter Pack And A Clear Brief Create a starter pack and a clear brief for contractors. A company culture should not only be for permanent employees. Everyone who comes through the door should be up to date on the goals, processes and vision of the agency. I advise agencies to create a clear onboarding plan for contractors that brings them up to speed on the vision you are working toward as a team. – Anastasia Cecchetto , Ace Influencers 5. Properly Define And Explain Tasks Provide a detailed brief or a task that has been properly defined and explained by the manager responsible for the project. Freelancers and contractors are just as interested in getting […]
