Finding the Best Tech Contractors for your business

When it comes to small business operations, there are some tech-related tasks that are best left to agencies or freelancers, rather than having them done on-site. These areas of specialized work are not always needed in a full-time capacity in a small business, but they can be incredibly helpful to your company. Check out these outsourcing tips from the Farelli Consulting Group to help you take your company to the next level.

Basic Needs

There are a large number of business fundamentals that are best done with some assistance. It’s not just a matter of computer equipment and IT support, but of all things digital in your business. For example:

• Web design and development
• Graphic arts
• Social media development and management
• IT services
• App and software development
• Cybersecurity

While large companies may have dedicated people on staff to handle each one of these niche areas, small business owners are better served utilizing small agencies or freelancers who are experts in their fields to handle some of these high-level responsibilities. Experts like those at the Farelli Consulting Group can help you to prioritize needs, especially surrounding issues of cybersecurity, depending on your budget and needs.

Software Substitutions

In some instances, it may make more sense for you to use a software program in place of staffers, an agency or freelancers. For example, this might be relevant in areas related to:

•  Inventory management to keep your numbers on track and provide information for data analytics, which can drive your future business decisions.
• CRM software to help you stay in contact with and manage your customer relationships.
• Cybersecurity technology that ensures both your data and information, as well as that of your customers, is well protected.
• Accounting programs that streamline accounts payable and receivable, as well as payroll.

There may also be software specific to your industry that can be a worthwhile investment. Further, utilizing project management tracking software programs can provide a means for keeping your staffers and contractors connected for collaboration projects and process tracking. All of these measures led to improved efficiency, but it’s essential that all staffers are trained on new applications for them to be used effectively.

Best Practices For Outsourcing

When it comes to hiring agencies or freelancers, you want to look for people who are professional, talented, and known for exceptional work in their fields. Before hiring anyone, ask for:

• Portfolio reviews
• Recommendations from trusted sources
•  References or testimonials from satisfied customers

You can also find qualified contractors by asking colleagues in your industry for referrals – not only can they tell you who’s good, but also, who to avoid. You can also advertise and hire on job boards. Always read customer reviews and inquire about experience, turnaround time, availability, and cost. Anyone you contract with should be willing to sign a written agreement that outlines expectations and compensation. They should also be willing to sign an NDA, or non-disclosure agreement, particularly if they’ll have access to sensitive or proprietary information.

Paying Freelancers

When it comes to compensating freelancers, in particular, remember, you often get what you pay for. Cutting corners on fees may lead to sub-par work. Keep in mind, unlike employees, with freelancers, you are not responsible for paying their taxes, Social Security, vacation, sick time, or other benefits. According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, you will, however, need to issue them a 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation. Here are some other tips for working with freelancers:

• If they’re interfacing with your customers, make sure they’re personable and a good representative of your business.
•  Ask for regular project updates via a written report.
•  Check-in via teleconference or phone on a regular basis.
•  If you don’t understand a recommendation or approach, ask for clarification – someone well-versed in their field will be willing to explain as they go.

Working Across Time Zones

A great benefit of using online agencies and freelancers is that you can hire the best of the best from around the globe. If work is being done independently, time zone doesn’t matter, but when it comes to touching base or collaborating, there’s got to be a willingness on both sides to adjust schedules as necessary. This might mean you take a meeting at 5 a.m., or your contractor takes a meeting at 9 p.m.

Make sure you discuss the particulars before signing someone to a project. Your contractual agreement or memorandum of understanding should outline all of the details of the working arrangement including:

• How, where, and when work will be performed.
• The approval process – how projects are presented, feedback given, and changes implemented.
• How invoicing and payment will be handled.
• The terms of the contract, including duration and expectations.

If you have a long-term project in the works, you might want to discuss having freelancers on a retainer, or on-call for as-needed work.

Tech agencies or freelancers are typically highly skilled professionals who can help you take your business to the next level without the overhead of a regular staff member. You may eventually reach a point where it makes more sense to hire someone in-house, but for startup and specialty projects, a freelancer is the way to go.

The professionals at the Farelli Consulting Group want to help you secure your business and create maintenance procedures to keep your data – and your customers – safe. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your business.