Written by Thomas Norris
The gig economy is reshaping the way we think about work and the way businesses are run. As a salesperson, you need to be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the gig economy. Leveraging freelancers and independent contractors can give you a competitive edge and help you reach your sales goals.
One of the advantages of the gig economy is the ability to access talent quickly and efficiently. You can quickly find freelance and independent contractors that can help you get the job done without having to go through the process of hiring a full-time employee. This is especially helpful when you need to fill a specific role but don’t want to commit to making a long-term hire.
Before you start working with freelancers and independent contractors, however, it’s important to do your due diligence. You want to be sure that they have the skills and experience necessary to do the job. That’s why you should always ask for references.
References can provide you with valuable insight into a freelancer or contractor’s work ethic and performance. Ask for references from previous clients or employers. This will give you an idea of how well they’ve performed in the past and how they’ve handled similar projects.
Before you reach out to a reference, make sure you have a list of questions prepared. These should be tailored to the specific skills and experience the freelancer or contractor has to offer. Ask questions like: How did the freelancer/contractor handle tasks? Did they meet deadlines? Were they easy to work with?
The answers to these questions will help you decide if the freelancer or contractor is the right fit for the job. It’s also important to ask follow-up questions if something seems off. You don’t want to end up working with someone who isn’t going to be a good fit.
When you’re talking to references, be sure to listen. Don’t be too quick to dismiss any feedback, even if it’s negative. This is your opportunity to get an honest assessment of a freelancer or contractor’s work. It’s important to get an accurate picture of their strengths and weaknesses.
Once you’ve talked to a few references, take time to evaluate the feedback. This will help you decide if the freelancer or contractor is the right fit for the job. If the feedback is positive, you can move forward with hiring them.
The gig economy is an exciting opportunity for salespeople. Leveraging freelancers and independent contractors can give you a competitive edge and help you reach your goals. Taking the time to do your due diligence and ask for references can make sure you get the right person for the job. By doing your research, you’ll be better prepared to take advantage of the opportunities the gig economy can offer.