3秘密为你找到最好的自由职业者CompanyIf you've been struggling to find someone with a certain skillset to join your team, it's time to look into hiring a freelancer.

ByNathan Resnick

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're inspired, you have an idea for a business and you think you are ready to start on the journey as an entrepreneur. Using freelancers is a great way to get things going and there are platforms out there that can help you find the team needed to kick-start your company.

For example, when starting my watch company Yes Man, I needed to create computer-aided designs to show the details of my watch to my manufacturer. Instead of bringing on a designer as an equity partner, I connected with a freelancer who helped me design our initial line of watches.

While they can definitely offer cost-effective solutions, it can be challenging to find a good match.

Related:3 Steps for Getting Over Your Fears of Starting a Freelance Business

Jumping in and finding a freelancer can be challenging. Here are three essential you need when selecting one or more freelancers to make your dream a reality.

1. Plan for what is needed.

No project should get underway without a well-formulated plan.

Freelancers are not magicians. They cannot read your mind and suddenly get your idea after a couple of emails. The best products and services are built following a period of qualification, strategic planning and definition of a product's functions. Otherwise, you are just wasting your time (and money), along with the freelancer's.

Related:Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Freelancer

2. Take time to select the right people and establish a good working relationship.

After you devise a plan and are able to determine exactly what you need, you need to find the right person.

One recommendation I have is invest in a platform's hiring tools. For instance, Freelancer.com's Recruiter tool manages the applicants for you, similar to a HR firm. Using this tool, you'll be able to delegate the hiring process.

如果你想自己管理的过程,让我n mind that posting a project online will yield a lot of interest and there will be a lot of people saying they are the best fit for the job. Treat hiring a freelancer like you would treat hiring a permanent member of your team. Here is a checklist to utilize:

  • Did they read your brief?
  • Do they have previous experience doing what you need?
  • Do they have references?

3. Move forward with open communication.

Never be afraid to say what is working well and what isn't. Have daily check-ins and review work regularly. If things are not getting done, then make the choice to change freelancers. (Making those choices late, could kill a startup.)

At the same time, listen to the freelancer and treat them just like any other member of the team. A great freelancer can add so much more to your idea and help build an incredible product or service.

Hiring a freelancer is an often overlooked outlet for entrepreneurs. Struggling to find the right fit within your network can take ages, while finding a freelancer online could literally take less than a day. The potential for freelancers is limitless, as the network continues to grow and connects people around the world. If you've been struggling to find someone with a certain skillset to join your team, it's time to look into hiring a freelancer.

Related:Hacking Elance: How to Make Money Freelancing

Wavy Line
Nathan Resnick

Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor

CEO of Sourcify

Nathan Resnick is a serial entrepreneur who currently serves as CEO of Sourcify, a platform that makes manufacturing easy. He has also brought dozens of products to life over the course of his career.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

Report: AI Will Take More Jobs Away from Women Than Men

Automation is many things, but apparently, it is not gender-neutral.

Business News

What Is a 'Lazy Girl Job'? New TikTok Trend Empowers Women to Work However They Want

The trend began as a way for women to find more free time during their days.

Growing a Business

3 Solutions That Help Alleviate Everyday Pressures Small Business Owners Face

We live in a world with increasing pressures from stakeholders, constantly changing customer expectations and volatile financial conditions — which for many, especially business owners — can make it hard to create clear distinctions between professional and personal emotions.

Starting a Business

10 Common Obstacles to Avoid When Starting a Business

Starting a new business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common obstacles to avoid when starting a new business.

Business Ideas

The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023

Can't figure out which enterprise you should launch in 2023? Check out 10 stellar home business ideas to get inspiration.