If you work with freelancers who are not in your country, it can be a challenge. The time difference is merely one of the obstacles to overcome. However, I’ve got a few tips that can make working with an off-shore freelancer successful:
- Get to know the freelancer personally. I always ask if there are days the freelancer can’t work and what’s important to them personally. Following my advice in this area, will allow you to understand if your new team member needs certain days off for religious or personal reasons and you can plan the work flow accordingly. As a side note, you can set a desktop clock that will display the time of the off-shore freelancer. This will prevent you from getting the days or times mixed up.
- Require accountability. When working with someone off-shore, it’s important that they don’t feel like “Out of sight (country), Out of mind”. Make sure you require a daily or weekly update on what is being done. Also touch base with them, to ensure they understand assignments; as cultural and language differences can sometimes be a hindrance to getting assignments handled properly.
- Consult an expert. If you want to do something well, it’s advantageous to consult with someone who has already “been there, done that”. If you’re a new business owner and are a bit nervous about hiring your first off-shore team member, book a Business Consultation with me and I’ll walk you through the process. I’ll tell you what I’ve done to make successful hires in this area.
Once you’ve made the hire, my interview with Yael Zofi will help you. She has more tips on managing a virtual team. Click here to listen to her management tips.
This is Shilonda Downing, signing out for Virtual Work Team LLC!