Using freelancers has always been a contentious topic in the tech world. When used correctly and at the right moment, freelancers may be a valuable addition to any team. But when is it appropriate to do so? What’s the best way to discover a good freelancer? There’s a lot to think about. On the one hand, if freelancers are hired frequently, they become more expensive in the long run. If you manage an agency, this can quickly eat into your profit margins and potentially cause projects to become unprofitable. Second, you can’t always count on a freelancer to show up, and they tend to come and go more frequently. This can be especially troublesome when they’ve been working on mission-critical duties. In most cases, being relying on outside knowledge to run your firm is an unacceptable risk. On the other hand, there are occasions when hiring freelancers makes a lot of sense.
Occasions when to use freelancers in Tech
Make up for a lack of capacity
The most obvious example is when you don’t have enough people to complete a project. For example, having a permanent in-house staff large enough to do a comprehensive website makeover makes little sense because this will only happen once in a while. Drafting outside aid to bolster that team is a sensible solution in such a situation.
Introduce specialized knowledge
Another time when freelancers can come in handy is when you require specialized knowledge. For example, you could just need video work on occasion, so having a full-time cameraman on your team isn’t necessary. Instead, you’d hire a freelancer to provide such services as needed.
Independence
When you spend a lot of time and money on thorough training for an employee, you’re effectively tethered to them. If they decide to go, you’ll be in a difficult scenario that could stymie your growth. Hiring freelancers is a preferable option because you can switch between different staff as needed and part ways without causing a snag. Find another freelancer who is more fit for the job if someone doesn’t work out.
Rich in variety
A short-term contract with a tech freelancer brings you new employment opportunities. You are no longer restricted to your location and have access to the best matching freelancers wherever you are. It also helps break the habit of hiring the same type of employees over and over again. This undermines the efforts of companies with a more diverse workforce.
Conclusion
Depending on how you approach it, working with freelancers can be a blessing or a curse. I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories about shady freelancers that don’t deliver on their promises. It’s not merely a case of bad luck. They can prove to be a useful member of your team if you choose your freelancers properly, establish the relationship gently, and work closely together. However, even sourcing out a whole team can proof to be more than beneficial as well. If you are seeking for help with your business project, don’t hesitate and drop us a line.
