Once you’ve found a reliable independent contractor, building and maintaining a healthy, mutually-beneficial relationship is your next step. Managing and engaging with an independent contractor is quite different than supervising your regular employees.
An important thing to remember is that independent contractors are just that: independent. That means that they can work where they want, they can work with who they want, and they can work when and for as long as they want. That’s why it’s important to maintain friendly and open channels of communication at all times. Here are a few things to consider when hiring an independent contractor.
Define the Scope of Work Clearly
Make sure that you set boundaries, define tasks in a detailed but easily-digestible way, and provide full, comprehensive guidelines that include the metrics used to gauge their performance. When working with independent contractors make sure to have a well-made scope of work, statement of work, and/or a written agreement which clearly outlines the project and includes all relevant information.
Commit to Communication
Before the project even starts, establish a process for communicating with your contractor. Especially at the beginning of a long-lasting professional relationship, you need to create a system for letting the contractor know he or she is competing the tasks you need completed in the proper way. Also, make sure to have an “open door” policy with the contractor in which they can communicate positive or negative feedback to you.
Follow these simple rules, and you’re sure to get and keep the contractors you need.
