6 benefits of working with freelancers

It’s no secret - the freelance economy is on the rise. A 2015 study put the number of contract workers as high as 4.1 million (up from 3.7 million in 2014). And for the first time, less than half of all Australians employed are in permanent full-time jobs! The workforce is changing. So why are more businesses and marketing managers looking to freelance workers to get the job done? Here are 5 compelling reasons why we freelancers are the future of work.

1 We’re cost-effective

While you might initially do a double-take on the hourly rate when you get your first freelancer quote, according to research employers can expect to save 20 to 30 percent a year with a freelancer compared to a full time employee. When you factor in the absence of benefits like sick days, holiday pay, superannuation as well as the need for office space and supplies it’s easier to understand why. Plus as a client, you only pay for the time you use or the results you want - not all that time spent on coffee runs or catching up on the latest Bachie goss.

“Employers can expect to save 20 to 30 percent a year with a freelancer compared to a full-time employee”

2 We love what we do

Freelancers are passionate about what they do. The choice to go freelance doesn’t come without its challenges, you have to have grit to succeed and a passion for what you do. As freelancers, our business relies on repeat clients and great relationships. We can’t hide behind anyone else in the team - our name is all over the work. It’s in a freelancer’s best interest to do an exceptional job with every client. We’re serious professionals who genuinely care about what we do. You’ll bound to benefit from our diverse experience and expertise.

“It’s in a freelancer’s best interest to do an exceptional job with every client. ”

3 We’re flexible

You might be launching a new website, doing a rebrand, introducing a new service, or running a one-off event. Rather than hiring a full-time employee, or worse, stretching your own teams capacity to absorb the increased workload, use a freelancer. We’re on hand to fulfil project-based or short term business needs. Hiring a freelancer is a great way to inject a new skill set and expand your team for those short term needs. And just because the project ends, the relationship doesn’t have to. Many companies choose to work with the same freelancers time and time again to build out a strong and trusted support team.

4 We offer a fresh perspective

Your team might be stuck in a ‘that’s how we’ve always done it’ mentality. It’s normal to adopt business ‘norms’ when you’re engrained in a company, but when innovation is called for, those habits can be hard to shake. A freelancer offers a fresh perspective and novel ways of thinking. We can help you fulfil your vision in ways your team can’t perceive. If innovation on the agenda, a freelancer will inject creativity into the team without treading on anyone’s toes.

“If innovation on the agenda, a freelancer will inject creativity into the team without treading on anyone’s toes.”

5 We’re independent & reliable

Once your freelancer has been briefed and handed over everything they need, you can sit back and let them get on with what they do best. Freelancers are used to working independently and to a deadline. This frees you up to focus on managing other areas of your business. Another benefit with freelancers is you know what you are going to get because the terms and deliverables are clearly laid out at the start of the relationship. Hooray!

6 Working remotely is our norm

No need to set up a computer, go through a lofty onboarding process or meet Dave in accounts. We're ready to go when you are and know how to work Zoom like a pro! It doesn’t mean we are any less productive. We get on with it without the office distractions so you only pay for the time we work on your project.

Conclusion

While we’re huge fans of freelancing here at Cool Wow Collective, not all freelancer engagements are a hit. As the client, you get out what you put in. We recommend you complete a thorough brief that outlines the project goals, expectations and deliverables so you get exactly what you need the first time. If you need help creating your brief, get in touch and we’ll walk you through the process and match you with the right freelance talent to nail it.