In the not-so-distant past, the concept of hiring a freelancer to complete crucial tasks was an option exercised by only a minority of businesses. Freelance skills and outsourcing specialized work were perceived as niche practices, applicable only in certain situations.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has undergone a significant transformation. The gig economy has flourished, rendering freelancing no longer an anomaly but a mainstream phenomenon.
Yet, despite this evolution, freelancer misconceptions endure, casting a shadow over their substantial potential to contribute to startups and businesses.
Of course, most, if not all, misgivings related to freelancer performance are unfounded. Sure, some cavalier outsourced workers are trying to learn freelance skills on the fly. However, assuming the hiring team does their due diligence in terms of vetting and onboarding, freelancers are a fantastic addition to any team, capable of advancing work production beyond standard practice.
Why hire a freelancer for your startup?
Freelance work encompasses a diverse array of expertise, driving your startup’s growth.
Whether you bring aboard web designers who breathe life into your brand’s visual identity through fantastic graphic design elements or content writers proficient in search engine optimization (SEO), freelancers bring specialized talents that may not be readily available within your immediate team.
Do you need a web development professional who can shape your online presence and mobile app development to facilitate seamless interactions for multiple clients? No problem. Require a digital marketing wizard who can get your content in front of your ideal clients? Say no more. These days, if a job needs taking care of, there is a freelancer with the skills to match.
These in-demand freelance skills, and many more, reflect the new abilities businesses seek to address contemporary challenges.
The realm of freelancing work extends beyond its contribution to established businesses. Freelancers often bridge the gap between full-time employees and venturing into entrepreneurship. Learning freelance skills provides professionals with a flexible income and equips them with the expertise necessary to navigate the dynamic terrain of the business world.
This blog aims to illuminate misconceptions surrounding freelancers, offering reassurance that outsourced hires are not solely an alternative source of labor, but increasingly one of the more effective choices for achieving success.
Freelancer myth 1: They lack dedication
This sentiment may stem from the misconception that freelancers lack the sense of ownership or commitment found in full-time employees. This belief stems mainly from an erroneous presumption that because freelancers simultaneously handle multiple clients, they could never be loyal and share in the heartfelt success of the company.
Reality: Freelancers are highly committed to their craft
The truth is that many freelancers view each project as an opportunity to showcase their freelance skills and cultivate enduring client relationships, resulting in committed efforts that further your startup’s objectives. Freelancers are motivated professionals who opt to work in the gig economy due to its flexibility, not because they don’t care about your success.
Because they are often profoundly devoted to their craft and take pride in delivering exceptional work, your own business shares in their victories. When you engage freelancers who resonate with your startup’s mission, you tap into a reservoir of expertise driven by dedication.
Freelancer myth 2: They are unreliable
Concerns about reliability arise from the assumption that freelancers lack accountability due to the nature of remote work. One-off misunderstandings and rogue reviews on some social media platforms shouldn’t deter you from finding a contractor ready to give it their all.
Reality: Freelancers are just as reliable as any full-time hire
Like any professional, freelancers value their reputation and client relationships. Quality freelancers thrive on positive feedback and referrals, providing ample incentive to be reliable and meet deadlines. In fact, feedback and positive reviews act as a secondary currency for freelancers as they provide an avenue for repeat and new business.
You can forge a trustworthy partnership with freelancers by establishing clear expectations, fostering open communication, and conducting regular check-ins.
Freelancer Myth 3: They break the bank
The belief that freelancers are expensive often stems from misconceptions about specialized skills. The assumption that expertise necessarily translates to high costs isn’t always accurate, and apprehensions about exceeding your budget may deter you.
Reality: Freelancers are cost-effective solutions for startups
By eschewing fixed salaries and offering varied pricing options, freelancers enable you to leverage your required skills without straining your finances. The adaptability of their project-based remuneration allows you to tailor your expenditures to align with your current financial standing while gaining access to top-notch work.
If you factor in the cost of hiring full-time employees, freelancers work out cheaper. They require less on-the-job training, and you don’t need to pay many of the benefits required under employment law as they take care of that themselves.
Having the capacity to scale your staff up or down without laying people off is a real win for startups, as their resource allocation, especially in the early stages, can be restrictive.
Freelancer Myth 4: They are lone wolves
The perception that freelancers are isolated lone wolves might arise from the remote nature of their work. This notion fails to acknowledge their adaptability and ability to integrate into collaborative environments seamlessly.
Reality: Freelancers are connected and collaborative
In today’s interconnected world, freelancers thrive within collaborative setups, even if they might not ever meet their team face-to-face.
With the latest communication and project management tools, freelancers seamlessly integrate into your startup’s team, can actively engage in discussions, share insights, and contribute to collective goals. Their capacity to work autonomously while remaining engaged stands as a testament to the evolving dynamics of modern freelancing.
Freelancer Myth 5: They are short-term solutions
Freelancers are often regarded as transient fixes due to their project-based work structure. This perspective discounts the potential for cultivating meaningful, ongoing partnerships with them.
Reality: Freelancers love long-term engagements
While freelancers excel in project-based assignments, their potential extends beyond short-term tasks. By nurturing long-term collaborations, you gain the advantage of consistency and specialized expertise.
Freelancers can familiarize themselves with your startup’s unique needs, enabling them to provide solutions that seamlessly align with your goals. This sustained collaboration injects stability into your team while capitalizing on a versatile skill set.
A few outsourced marketplaces specialize in placing freelancers with small businesses, agencies and startups for long-term engagements. Here, the company gets the best of both worlds: a committed staff member without the additional costs associated with a full-time hire. Conversely, freelancers get a steady stream of work without being bound by contractual obligations for a set salary.
Freelancer Myth 6: They can’t be trusted with confidential information
Concerns arise from apprehensions about data security and confidentiality. Entrusting sensitive information to external freelancers might seem risky compared to relying on in-house teams.
Reality: Most freelancers understand the importance of privacy
It’s natural to exercise caution, but many freelancers comprehend the significance of safeguarding confidential data. They frequently operate under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and prioritize privacy. In many cases, they run their own businesses, so they understand the need to be discreet.
The critical step is to conduct thorough evaluations of a freelancer’s background. Contact past employers and always interview a prospect before handing over confidential information. This way, you can identify reliable partners and institute measures to protect sensitive data.
Striking a balance between collaboration and security empowers you to harness freelancers’ expertise without compromising the security of your startup’s valuable data.
Freelancer Myth 7: They don’t grasp your vision
The misconception stems from doubts regarding freelancers’ capacity to grasp your startup’s vision. Collaborating effectively seems challenging when alignment is in question.
Reality: Freelancers live and breathe entrepreneurship
Conveying your startup’s vision to freelancers need not be a daunting endeavor. Clear briefs, open conversations, and effective communication swiftly enable freelancers to comprehend your objectives. Their ability to grasp your goals is enhanced by their diverse experiences, infusing fresh perspectives that contribute to your startup’s innovative expansion.
Many freelancers already have experience within the startup ecosystem and have no issue working out your USP and adhering to your brand voice with aplomb.
Freelancer Myth 8: They lack depth in skills
The notion that freelancers lack skill depth is rooted in misconceptions about independent work and their varied experiences. Niche expertise may be underestimated.
Reality: Freelancers frequently specialize in niches
Their distinctive skill sets develop through various projects and collaborations, equipping them to offer specialized expertise. This diverse experience culminates in a wealth of knowledge that can significantly enhance your startup’s projects, providing solutions that may not be readily accessible within your own hours or immediate team.
Quickly Hire: Freelancers with in-demand skills businesses seek
By dispelling these freelancer myths and embracing the realities of working with the gig economy, you can open your startup to diverse expertise and cost-effective solutions. The key to success lies in clear communication, well-defined expectations, and a collaborative mindset.
As businesses increasingly recognize freelancers’ value, platforms like Quickly Hire stand as exemplars of this transformative trend.
Quickly Hire offers a premier outsourcing marketplace with a pool of fully vetted and tested freelancers. These individuals are finely tuned to align with the needs of startups and small businesses, ensuring that their specialized freelancing skills and dedication become catalysts for growth and innovation.
One thing is for sure. The gig economy is growing. The power of freelancers and gig workers to drive success is undeniable, making them indispensable contributors to the modern business ecosystem.
Get in contact with our team today and get access to a talented freelancer (or two) in less than 48 hours!
