Leveraging Your Network
1. Build a Reliable Team of Freelancers:
– Most business owners have access to talented freelancers. You need to make sure you have a vetted list of professionals who can step in as needed, short and long term projects. Establish clear agreements with them regarding availability, rates, and responsibilities.
– Example: Keep a roster of trusted copywriters, virtual assistants, web designers, and other specialists who can be quickly mobilized.
Project Management Tools
2. Use Project Management Software:
– Tools like your own SaaS CRM, Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can help you manage tasks, deadlines, and collaboration with your freelance team.
– Example: Create a project board for each contract, detailing every task, assigning deadlines, and tracking progress to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Subcontracting
3. Subcontract Parts of the Project:
– For larger contracts, consider subcontracting specific parts of the project to specialized firms or freelancers. This can help you manage workload without compromising quality. Very important because it can affect your past performance.
– Example: If a contract involves a significant amount of web development, subcontract that portion to a web development firm while you handle the copywriting and marketing strategy.
Time Management
4. Prioritize Tasks:
– Focus on high-impact tasks that directly contribute to the project’s success and delegate other tasks to your team.
– Example: Spend your time on strategic planning and client communication, while your team handles routine tasks like content creation or data entry.
Financial Management
5. Budget Wisely:
– Allocate your budget to cover the cost of freelancers and subcontractors. Ensure you have a financial buffer to handle unexpected expenses.
– Example: Set aside a portion of your contract payment specifically for hiring additional help as needed.
Scaling Up
6. Plan for Scaling:
– Have a clear plan for scaling up your operations when you win a larger contract. This includes having pre-written job descriptions and onboarding materials ready.
– Example: Prepare templates for onboarding new freelancers quickly, including NDAs, contracts, and project briefs.
Legal and Administrative Support
7. Legal and Administrative Assistance:
– Consider hiring a part-time or virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on core business activities.
– Example: A virtual assistant can manage scheduling, communications, and document preparation, freeing up your time for those more important tasks.
Here are some best practices
8. Develop SOPs:
– Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensure consistency and quality. Create SOPs for repetitive tasks to make it easier for freelancers to follow your processes. I think @Melodie Cole mentioned in her intro initial post that she can help our community with this type of business activity
– Example: Document the steps for content approval, client reporting, and project updates to maintain high standards.
Communication
9. Effective Communication:
– Maintain clear and regular communication with your team and clients. Use tools like your own SaaS CRM, Slack or Microsoft Teams for real-time updates and collaboration.
– Example: Set up regular check-ins and updates to keep everyone aligned and address any issues promptly.
Risk Management
10. Risk Management:
– Identify potential risks early and have contingency plans in place. This includes having backup freelancers and alternative solutions for critical tasks.
– Example: If a key freelancer is unavailable, have a secondary option ready to ensure the project stays on track.
