But as more and more
start-ups become reliant on freelancers and contract workers to
deliver on-demand services, a greater number of independent contractors are
starting to demand additional job benefits like financial security and career
training without being stripped of the flexibility they enjoy.
So, it's probably
safe to predict, As the on-demand industry moves forward, only those
entrepreneurs who manage to balance contractor demands with their companies'
ability to fulfil them will find the success they desire.
PROACTIVE NEGOTIATIONS:
Establishing a strong relationship with your independent contractors
and keeping them engaged with the company is vital to your business’
success in today's increasingly competitive marketplace. By remaining
open-minded about your contractors’ demands, you’ll be strengthening their
loyalty to your company and making them more likely to stay long-term.
Negotiating with
independent contractors can also strengthen your company’s recruiting
capabilities. Compensating your contractors for their time and skills will
establish your company as a destination of choice for freelance employees,
boosting your ability to attract the top talent.
PLAY BY YOUR
MARKET’S RULES: It’s easy for on-demand start-ups to run into regulatory and
political problems during expansion. For example, the rules about who qualifies
as an employee versus a contractor vary, and classification mistakes
on your part could risk your contractors’ flexibility in the future.
Before expanding your
on-demand business into new markets, do your research on that area’s labour and
property regulations and policies in advance. Your prep work will save you
headaches and ensure that your contractors can remain flexible.
APPLY KEY PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS (KPI): While it’s important to have happy and flexible contractors,
you must also ensure they’re performing well for your company. But because
you’re not regularly observing them working in an office, you’ll have to
establish other ways to monitor their performance.
Work with your
contractors to routinely track and analyze their performance so everyone can
better understand their strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize and reward
ideal qualities, like initiative, self-reliance and a desire to grow.
Establishing KPIs will motivate your freelancers to deliver the results they
need, to succeed and help you weed out workers falling short of your company’s
standards.
Right now, the
possibilities of what you can get from freelancers seem endless. But the
industry will continue to grow only if independent contractors’ demands for
engagement are acknowledged. That's why it's important to take steps to
proactively negotiate with contractors, to keep them happy and your company
thriving.