10x exclusively represents top tech freelancers and matches them with forward thinking companies that need rapid access to the best and brightest.
Understanding how to manage freelancers (sometimes referred to as agile talent, 1099s, consultants, contractors, etc.) will not only make you a better manager, it will also maximize your productivity if your organization takes advantage of the on-demand workforce.
At 10x Management, the first tech talent agency, we have been pioneers at fitting companies with the proper tools they need to manage agile talent.
Freelancers are NOT Employees
Here are a few tips from LegalZoom regarding how to know if you are treating freelancers as freelancers:
- The worker should supply his or her own equipment, materials and tools.
- The worker can be discharged at anytime and can choose whether or not to come to work without fear of losing employment.
- The worker controls the hours of employment.
Have One Point of Contact
Good managers establish a system of reporting.Great managers establish a single point of contact.
One of the most important anchors in your management process is making sure each freelancer reports to, and receives direction from, a single person of contact. Assign one person in the company to communicate with the freelancer.
Establish a Detailed Scope of Work
Good managers estimate the work required to achieve set goals.Great managers provide a detailed scope of work, timeline and budget.
Providing as much specificity as possible is so important to the success of a project.
Good managers have a set style of management that works for them.
Great managers understand that each freelancer has their own style and are willing to adapt their approach.
Some freelancers are open communicators who prefer frequent contact via discussion, feedback and direction. Others produce best in a vacuum, with only occasional check-ins.
Manage Both the Project and the Talent
Good managers oversee the project.Great managers oversee the project and the talent.
Great managers maintain a positive and professional relationship with the freelancer. They monitor progress and find the delicate balance between oversight and micromanagement. Good freelancers are very self sufficient.
Good managers control the project.
Great managers know when to delegate tasks to others.
There’s no need to control every aspect of a project. Trust others. Project management expertise might be necessary to help everyone work efficiently and creatively together.
Good managers review the final project and evaluate the outcome.
Great managers provide valuable feedback to the freelancer upon project completion.
There is nothing more powerful than mutual respect and admiration.
The Difference Between Good and Great
Managing freelancers is a different task than managing full-time employees. Managers must adapt their management approach based on the project and personnel. With the right set of skills and know-how, learning how to manage agile talent can drastically improve productivity at your company. We put the above tips into practice everyday, and the results are more than worth the effort.
Michael Solomon is an established entrepreneur and the founder of 10x Management, a prominent tech talent agency. He remains a sought-after voice in the business technology world and makes frequent appearances on Bloomberg Television, MSNBC, and BBC. Michael's sharp eye for business has helped 10x Management revolutionize the technology sphere.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.