How To Build A Productive Team of International Freelancers

If you want your business to be the best it can be, you will search far and wide for the most talented individuals to hire. Studies show that companies in just about every industry are increasingly hiring freelancers, particularly in the technology and writing fields. You can build an effective group of freelancers that are able to consolidate their skills into your team from all over the world. Before you begin your team-building effort in earnest, consider these tips from FM Consulting Group on how to find the best freelancers internationally and how to manage your up-and-coming team.

Find the Best Talent for Hire

The first stop for any entrepreneur seeking to hire freelancers is an online job board. For example, you could hire remote freelancers from Brazil using an online job board like Guru. You can also catch the attention of international job-seekers by posting about the position on social platforms, such as Linkedin, and spreading the word through a network of like-minded professionals.

Prepare Your Business for Growth

Before you actually finalize any hires for your freelancer team, there are some administrative tasks you may want to tend to first. You should build a brand for your business if you haven't already, which includes establishing a "brand voice" and a recognizable logo. If you intend to onboard any freelance copywriters or graphic designers, it's important that they produce work consistent with the established brand.

One other task to consider before hiring freelancers is forming a limited liability company. An LLC enjoys certain benefits including tax advantages and reduced paperwork. Utilizing a formation service will save you money that you would otherwise spend on hefty lawyer fees when forming an LLC. Be aware that states have different regulations around LLC formation, so you should check the rules in your area.

Allow for Effective Communication

Communication is key to productivity, but it can be difficult when working with freelancers across massively different time zones. Tools like Slack can be used to share project details and keep team members on the same page. If you're communicating with a web designer or graphic designer, you may want to compress JPG files to make images easier to send back and forth. Since compression can affect image quality, you can use a JPG-to-PDF converter to compile multiple images into one convenient PDF while preserving quality.

Also, if you’re going to be holding lots of calls and video meetings, you’ll need an office! Set aside a room that’s comfortable and free of distractions, with great wifi access, and preferably as much natural light as possible. If it turns out you need to make some renovations to build the space you require, there’s an added benefit: these types of renovations also raise your home’s appraisal value.

Manage Progress and Happiness for Everyone

Managing a team of workers remotely seems like an impossible task, but finding a way to keep your freelancers on track is vital to your business's productivity. Using a time-tracking tool can help, especially if you are paying your contractors by the hour. Time-tracking is in everyone's best interest for ensuring accurate payments. Keeping freelancers happy is also crucial for productivity, so avoid being overbearing when tracking progress.

Scouting the best freelancers from across the globe is only the first step toward building an all-star remote team. Knowing how to manage, communicate, and maintain morale within a group of international workers is essential. When everyone on the team feels that their work is valued and treated professionally, your business can begin to truly flourish.

FM Consulting Group understands that change is not always easy. Since 2016, we’ve been helping companies of all sizes respond to industry transitions in order to stay competitive. Call (800) 928-0525.