If you’re running a small business, then working with outsourced services to take care of the responsibilities that you might not have room or time for might become a common practice. However, outsourcing isn’t always as easy as simple as making a request, seeing it done, and then paying for it. Working with and incorporating outsourced services into your business can take a little more preparation if you’re planning to work with them often.
Start small to begin with
A big mistake that a lot of businesses make when first working with freelancers or contracted teams is that they lay out major projects for them to get stuck into and base the working relationship around the idea that these projects are going to be handled smoothly and on time. However, it’s a bad idea to do that before the team or individual in question has been able to prove themselves. Start off with relatively small tasks and, should they prove themselves, then you should offer them more.
Have payment figured out in advance
Most outsourced teams and freelancers are already going to have a concrete idea of how and when they accept payment. However, to make sure there is no lack of clarity, get it in writing how you’re going to be paying, how much, and when before they start working. If you’re working with international teams and individuals, make sure you know how to send money to their country, be it through a payment portal, your bank, or otherwise. Any lack of clarity surrounding the financials is just inviting trouble.
Make sure there’s a contract in place
When talking about the financial expectations of how work is going to go, getting it in writing is crucial and there is no piece of writing more vital to a good service provider and client relationship than the contract. The contract should include more than just how they’re going to be paid, however. It should include details of what work is to be completed, when it is to be completed by, and terminating clauses to make sure you can get out of the contract if, for instance, they are late in doing the work.
Reward good work
Surely, payment is the reward, right? Not really, not if you’re genuinely very happy with what the freelancer or team has done for your business. Maintaining good business relationships can help you benefit from their services again, and a good way to do that is to bolster their business actively. This can include sharing positive word-of-mouth, such as leaving a testimonial or review on the business site or a broader review page. It can also include making it clear you want to work with them again. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if they don’t keep some availability open for you.
Outsourced service providers can be a fantastic boon to your business if you build a good working relationship with them. However, it’s important to take your time and ensure you’re ready to meet your end of the bargain.
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