I remember first leaving university and signing up for a temping agency. “Don’t build relationships with the staff” they said, “you’ll only be there for a short time.” I silently flitted in and out of each temping position, avoiding water cooler conversations and keeping my head down, ensuring that no-one really knew who it was who was doing the filing, just that it had been magically completed.
It was a lonely existence and something which I dreaded when I became a freelance copywriter. The idea of wandering in and out of businesses, facelessly completing my projects and then leaving didn’t appeal to my generally sociable nature.
Then, I met my first client! A web design agency who, on the morning of my first day, added me to their internal coms system, created me an email address and popped me on to their lunch club rota. I was welcomed as a part of the team. They understood if something had happened at home and I couldn’t make it in; regularly updated me on whether they needed milk in the office; invited me to their Christmas Party; and checked with me about my dad’s health when he was ill and in hospital. At the end of my project with them, they told me that I was their go-to copywriter and continued to update me about their lack of milk in between projects.
Feeling part of their team was important. It gave me a sense of ownership on projects and the confidence to ask questions or make suggestions. I felt valued. They took the time to learn how I take my coffee and, in return, I was far more amenable when I received emails out of the blue with last minute content requests.
When I founded Kitchen Table Creative, I decided to treat freelancers in the same way. Here are my top 5 tips:
Treat them like a team member
Welcome them into your workspace, after all it’s going to be their space too. Introduce them to the rest of the team, even better introduce them before they arrive, that way the team knows their name and there won’t be quizzical looks passed. Make sure that they have all the correct coms and access so they can get on with their work quickly and effectively too.
Be prepared for any eventuality
Freelancers get sick too. They get stuck in traffic jams and have family emergencies as well. Be prepared for a potential bout of flu or a sick child that they need to stay home with. Remember, a freelancer isn’t paid for missing work, so if they really can’t make it in, there is definitely an emergency. Give them the space they need. I remember sitting in a hospital by my dad’s bedside as a client messaged me about straplines. Those messages could have waited until the next day.
Pay them on time
You’ve finished your project and they’ve invoiced you. Hopefully the work was fabulous. Remember to pay them. Some temp workers live from one pay cheque to another. Having to chase an invoice can sour what may have previously been an excellent working relationship.
Tell them if they’ve done well
Sometimes we walk away from a project and never know the outcome. It never feels like the work is truly wrapped up, so it’s always great to hear if a project was successful or a client was pleased. It genuinely brings a smile to our faces.
Remember how many hours they’re contracted for
If you have a freelancer working on a fixed price contract, remember that they aren’t a regular, salaried member of staff. Yes, they may charge more for their services, that’s because they don’t get sick pay or paid holidays, but they will usually also go above and beyond to ensure that you, the client, are happy. Piling unexpected and unnegotiated work on them can put them in an awkward position. Speak to them first.
Heather Scott is the Director or Kitchen Table Creative C.I.C which is a not for profit copy writing and content agency.
www.kitchentablecreative.co.uk
heather@kitchentablecreative.co.uk
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