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As the best way they do business changes, executives and entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to an on-demand workforce that concurrently uses technology and engages in purpose-driven projects.
Consider Upwork in 2020 The Future of the Workforce Report revealed that nearly 80% of hiring managers who hire freelancers are confident they may achieve this. These positions provide the in-demand expertise – depending on the project – that entrepreneurs need to scale their operations without incurring long-term overhead costs.
This latest market paradigm also promotes dynamics, including: 79% of enterprises agreeing that independent talent enables greater innovation. Perhaps most telling is that 84% of hiring managers using this solution feel more confident that they will handle future disruptions compared to just 69% of those that rely solely on full-time employees.
By leveraging independent marketplaces, entrepreneurs can strengthen their employer brand, expand opportunities and create future-proof organizations, even within the face of disruption. Like almost 60% of hiring managers plan to increase their work with freelancers in the subsequent two years, it is time for management to realize their potential.
The labor market is always changing
After a season of mass hiring, we’re back to layoffs and job cuts. Companies are feeling the bloat – from unused office space with rising rents to oversized worker structures and concentrate on hiring only crucial positions. This leaves a critical talent gap needed to complete complex projects and specialized tasks. Highly expert and specialized independent professionals can fill this gap.
Some key advantages of involving them:
• Access to area of interest experts: Platforms like Toptal and Guru provide access to elite professionals from leading Fortune 500 firms and revolutionary startups. Whether you wish a machine learning specialist, growth strategist or financial modeler, entrepreneurs can now create teams with specialized skill sets on demand, enabling them to focus their investments on projects with the best strategic value.
• Enhanced Agility: Leading corporations are increasingly “renting” skills, bringing in independent experts for initiatives involving latest technologies or entering unknown markets. With area of interest collaborators who can fill knowledge gaps, owners can explore ideas that after seemed unrealistic due to internal constraints – unleashing ingenuity and a first-mover advantage.
• Stronger employment brand: Pairing full-time employees with project-based freelancers signals a commitment to modernization and work-life balance. Offering each engaging work and adaptability will enable you attract exceptional candidates and enable you compete with corporate giants for top-notch talent.
Tips on how to use your concert talents
After examining the forces changing work, executives may wonder how to effectively leverage freelance platforms. After all, how can you are getting your money’s value if the worker is not physically present full-time?
• Clearly define projects: Contract employment thrives when expectations and deadlines are set prematurely. So clearly detail product needs, success metrics, required skills, and expected time investments. Being ahead of the curve with communication and expectations will help avoid problems, including delays.
• Build loyalty with talents: The best freelance professionals have the chance to select the projects they tackle. Study their profiles to recognize their passions and motivations. Offer interesting work, flexibility and good communication to motivate interest and improve performance.
• Manage collaboration: Provide constant context, feedback and guidance at every stage of the project, but in addition support autonomy, even directing efforts towards strategic goals. A dynamic balance of those characteristics ensures optimal results.
• Continue to expand your talent pool: Add vetted freelancers to your internal database for repeat assignments and alert talent to latest initiatives where their expertise could provide a bonus. Discovering additional ways freelancers can improve the business deepens relationships.
The best platforms to connect with talent
Now comes the hard part: finding contractors who offer fractional sets of experience. Of course, there are increasingly more platforms on the market, but I’ve found that the next stand out as leaders:
Fiverr: : Perfect for executives on the lookout for support in design, digital marketing, writing, video and administrative support. Known for its affordability and ease of posting job offers. It also leverages a worldwide talent pool.
Work: : A versatile platform with over 150 skills. Used by everyone from small businesses to global enterprises. Strong in IT, development, design, finance and consulting.
Toptal: : It only focuses on the highest 3% of talent. Best for skilled developers, designers, project managers and financial experts. All co-authors are thoroughly checked.
Against: : A growing independent platform that verifies and connects each job candidates and hiring firms. Most importantly, it doesn’t charge commission on projects.
The numbers speak for themselves: firms that employ independent professionals report greater self-confidence and competitiveness, in addition to the power to withstand turbulence, but pre-existing beliefs should cause hesitation amongst those looking to hire. With the support of such specialized colleagues, firms can explore latest horizons, unfettered by a one-time narrow view of HR models.