In a time when many businesses are reducing their marketing budgets, large design companies are finding it difficult to attract new clients and work. The situation may be difficult for large design firms; however, the conditions could be perfect for freelancers and other small companies that work remotely.
One advantage of firms that provide full-service design services over freelancers working on their own is the access to a wide variety of technical and creative sources. How can freelancers meet the demands of multi-skilled consultants? The solution is to create the Virtual Team using a product that provides collaboration software that puts everyone to be on the same page.
In collaborating with other freelancers with similar capabilities, you’ll be able to provide a wider array of services to your clients and potential customers. A freelancer on their own isn’t able to beat a full-service company by price alone, regardless of how tight budgets may be. If a freelancer isn’t able to fulfil the project’s objectives, then he’s not likely to get the job. Collaboration with other freelancers can make you appear more reliable and professional, particularly in the event that the client knows that they’re only paying for the specific service provided by the expert. The public is increasingly sceptical of design companies that offer services that they will never utilize and are concerned that they’re paying for them with high-cost costs.
The following are some suggestions for working with freelancers from other companies and successfully managing a joint venture:
Find or be found
Actually, both. There’s no need to wait for the launch of a new venture before contacting potential partners. Check out the websites for potential business partners. Sign up in directories for freelancers and recruiters. Provide details of the services. You never know when someone is looking for the talents you can provide. Utilize these directories to look for similar freelancers if you require additional assistance.
Instinct + Thinking = Partner
Check out the website of your potential partner and go through his profile. If you’re considering a certain person, be sure to follow your gut. If you are having doubts regarding working with someone, the odds are that it won’t go as planned. Look over the clients that are listed on the site. What was the experience of the client working with the prospective partner? Review the references of their clients.
Make sure everything is written.
Be aware that the freelancer is only available for a single project; each freelancer must have an individual contract. Avoid the trap of being the one to pay the entire team. Invoices and contracts should be sent directly to the client. It is not your job to pay the client, and it’s the responsibility of all to ensure they get paid and not you. If you decide to bundle your invoice, you’re allowed to charge an additional markup (15 up to 20 per cent based on your industry) to compensate you for your efforts.
Beware of confusing your client.
Don’t let your team begin emailing documents to clients. Clients may not know the work of each individual. It is logical to use an online collaboration platform that includes tools for managing projects. Same-Page.com has an extremely customizable workspace in which it is possible to focus your team. Make a list with people who are involved in the project, make calendars, and offer an automated email notification system.
Co-ordinating the work of a group
The person who creates the team is typically the one responsible for the project. Sometimes, a client may contact the freelancer with a specific project in mind, recognizing that, at a minimum, the majority of the work can be completed by the lead freelancer. Utilizing a tool for managing projects such as TaskTracker will allow the work that the group puts into it to be redirected through a primary project manager. Assigning tasks and informing team members that their coworkers depend on their reports for each accomplished task is important. Implement an issue management system to handle interruptions to projects.
Regular communication
Utilize a hybrid intranet/extranet system to keep the stakeholders constantly updated – which includes everyone with any involvement in the process, including the client and all technical and creative suppliers. Information about any developments must be communicated via the email system to all those involved.
Break it into smaller pieces
Turn a large project into several smaller ones. This helps manage by delegating each job to the person in charge of they are responsible for it.
All of this requires you to apply certain project management techniques on a daily basis. However, it’s possible when you think well and make use of common sense.
Keep in mind that so that your entire team can work effectively, everyone must be on the same page!
