The multi-talented world of freelancers

Erin Harrison explains why businesses should utilise freelancers to grow their enterprises. 

Freelancers are nothing new. In fact, the word freelance first arrived in the English language in the early 1800s, where it was used to refer to a medieval mercenary who would fight for whichever nation or person paid them the most. 

Perhaps that’s why freelancers are often seen as radicals? The type who throw caution to the wind by living their daily existence reliant exclusively on themselves, loyal to no one. Outlaws if you will. 

But all this fanciful thinking only gets in the way of the true value of freelancers today, and why more businesses need to utilise them in order to increase profits and grow bottom lines.

There aren’t a lot of facts and figures around which freelancers are doing what in New Zealand, but across the ditch it’s been reported that nearly one third of the workforce are currently self-employed. Us Kiwis aren’t too far removed from this number. 

The so-called ‘gig-economy’ has certainly experienced significant growth over the past five to ten years, thanks to a number of factors.

Firstly – technology. We all know that advances in wireless telecommunications has made working from almost anywhere easy.

These progresses have also changed the way many big corporates ‘house’ employees – including hot desking and ‘work from home’ arrangements. 

Of course, this helps cut costs, as it is certainly pricey for every staff member to have their own permanent space. In fact, did you know that overheads for full time office-based, professional workers can equate to an extra 20 percent above their annual salary?    

The second reason why more people choose a freelancing career path is that businesses themselves have created a need for workers who help out on a project basis, or assist during peak periods. Since the GFC companies have been cautious about expanding worker numbers unless is it is absolutely ‘someone-is-going-to-collapse’ necessary. 

So how do they get through those times where they need more hands to the pump? 

By hiring an extra set of non-committal hands. 

Freelancers are a commodity that must be treated with the attention they deserve – particularly from SMEs. Why? 

Highly-talented and experienced people are out there every day providing their expertise to businesses on an as-needed basis. 

Want to create regular blog posts? Hire a freelance writer. 

Looking to sort a fancy new logo? Hire a freelance designer. 

Keen to improve your social media presence? Hire a social media guru. 

They’re all out there, without overheads, and without the unaffordable agency prices.  

But how do you know these freelancers are any good? And will do the job right? 

Well, ask yourself this. Every time you’ve hired a full-time employee, how did you know they would be the right fit? You spoke to them, checked their experience and their references. 

Same goes with freelancers – who likely have even more ‘proof’ of their ability, with online portfolios and sometimes their own small business presence.

For some organisations, freelancers are often an extension of their workplace, and that’s okay. 

You may bring them on for a one-off project, but once you see their ability and the ease of the whole process, more jobs may keep cropping up. 

And at the end of the day, there’s some comfort in knowing that anyone can walk away at any time without too much of a ‘break up’.        

Where are they?

So where do you find these magical people we call freelancers? All over the place. 

Put a post on social media, scout around LinkedIn, search Google, or check out New Zealand’s new hub for freelancers – The Freelance Village. 

The latter has a growing number of extremely talented freelancers, including writers, designers, photographers, event planners, marketing specialists and website developers.   

Here’s why freelancers are a must:

• Businesses benefit from a seasoned expert, without committing to a full-time employee.

• Freelancers offer an outside perspective, with fresh ideas, wider industry knowledge and ‘big picture’ understanding.

• They won’t blow the budget – bring them in as and when needed.

• They’re specialists and help you achieve your objectives without any ‘in house politics’. 

• Freelancers are often small business owners; passionate about helping others to succeed through their own skills and expertise.  

Erin Harrison is founder of The Freelance Village. Visit www.thefreelancevillage.co.nz