Working with freelancers is a key ingredient for how my business has grown; they are the highly talented, flexible resource which delivers the sharp end of the projects that I bring in.

Moving from ‘do everything yourself‘ to ‘delegating to others‘ is not always easy. For one thing you have to swallow your ego; I work with better designers and developers than I am. You also have to embrace that fact that things won’t always be 100% the way you would like it; they can’t be; as you’re not doing it yourself. But if you can settle for (say) 90% going your way, and enjoying the resulting scalability of your business which comes with that compromise, then happy days.

Anyway, I digressed a little there, what I really want to get on to are some of the core qualities I’ve seen shine through with the freelancers I’ve worked with (and continue to work with) over the years:

1. Skilled

Sounds obvious but they are  good at what they do. By all means have light skills in certain areas (we can’t be good at everything, and don’t beat yourself up if you’re not); but be sure to make the client aware of where your core skills lie and on what projects you are best suited; no-one wants to put a square peg in a round hole.

2. Diplomatic

Freelancing can mean working with lots of different people; all with their own interests, traits and personalities. A good freelancer is able to be diplomatic, constructive & positive in trying circumstances (sometimes exacerbated by being remote). They are able to take constructive criticism – freelancing is no role for throwing your toys out of the pram anytime someone wants you to amend your design.

3. Realistic

Project milestones are key. If you give an unrealistic deadline which slips; then chances are there will be a chain of events which means that other people end up looking bad because of it. All this can be avoided if realistic estimates are given in the first place. If you feel that you don’t have enough information to give a sound estimate; then push back; don’t be painted into a corner by a pushy client eager for timescales.

4. Communicative

Responding in a timely fashion is really, really important. No-one is expecting you to drop everything when an email lands in your inbox or for you to be available on SKYPE 24×7; you have your own workload to manage, just be clear with the client how and when you will be available. Also, if you’re waiting on a response from the client, please feel free to nudge them – they are busy and may have forgot – don’t just go into stasis because they ball is in their court. It’s up to you to manage the client and your aspects of the project.

5. Reliable

“I”m sorry, I’m going through a bad time now, I think my wife is going to leave me” – I’ve had this said to me as an excuse for a missed deadline. Suffice to say, the last time I checked, his wife is still with him. We no longer work together though.

The client is not here to micro-manage you; it just won’t work like that. You’re an adult, The client is paying you to get ‘x’ stuff done; you say you’ll get it done by ‘y’ and they’ll expect it done by that date. If things look like they’re going to drift out then letting the client know at the 11th hour is no good; spot the warning signs early & communicate.

Closing Shots

It’s been a while since I was an onsite contractor and then a traditional sole freelancer but I can tell you that, as hard as it was at first, I feel all the better for it because it helps show up where you are lacking in the skills above and where you need to improve. We’re not all going to be equally skilled in all areas; that’s not how life works – but being aware of your strengths & your weakness allows you to handle situations & projects in your own terms and with as few bumps in the road as possible.

The core freelancers I employ are a joy to work with; and their non-technical/creative skills end up being just as important as their ‘day job‘ ones.

Joel

p.s. what would you add to this list? Or any more thoughts from the client perspective?

p.p.s don’t forget that The Business of Web Design conference is coming to Cardiff next July and there is a call out for speakers.