Contractors, Consultants, Freelancers....The Art of Scaling Your Team

As many individuals choose to step out of corporate roles to explore self-employment, it is allowing businesses the opportunity to shift how they staff. But what is the right fit, do you choose a contractor, consultant or freelance; and what do these different terms actually mean?

While each role is valuable, there is a distinct difference in what they offer and the experience that comes with them. 

We will explore these three roles and further discuss how choosing the right role can benefit an organization short and long term.

What is a Freelancer?

In the world of project based skilled service needs, freelancers are key. Freelancers have a variety of skills typically operating in the technical or artistic spaces and present quick turnaround on specific needs.

Oftentimes freelancers are engaged on task oriented projects requiring things such as a logo, article, piece of code, or something hyper focused in one area of delivery. The main thing to remember here is that a freelancer is brought in for a specific task or project and likely has several clients they are working with at the same time. This is not to be seen as a negative, but rather considered when scoping team needs and funds available. 

What is a Contractor?

Much like a freelancer, contractors are brought in to execute on the work needed, however, there are some key differences between the two.

Contractors work to establish rapport with organizations to build long term project and business relationships, they are focused on more than one off deliverables. While a short term need may be the starting point this group of self employed individuals will look to seek another role with the same organization, or to extend the assignment/engagement beyond initial discussions. Additionally, their skill set is often a bit more experienced and while they are completing tactical work they understand more of the company strategy and roadmap to better define their operations and delivery for the team. 

What is a Consultant?

Last but not least is the role of a consultant. While the previous roles are project and task focused, the work of a consultant is to evaluate and provide strategic advice and help guide the build of solutions to benefit an organization.

A consultant does not own responsibility or accountability for delivery of the solutions provided unless otherwise dictated by request of an organization. Rather they help guide the delivery team, and in some cases help add resources to current teams that fill gaps found during assessment. A consultant’s work is complex in nature, which is why most individuals in this role have vast industry experience and operate as an advisor.

How do I choose?

Asking yourself a couple questions can often lead you to the correct path.

1. What challenge(s) is the organization facing?

2. What goal are we trying to achieve?

3. What are my resource constraints if any?

While basic it allows you to better understand if you need strategic guidance, or team members to embed with your current team to push forward on a body of work. Often starting with a contractor or freelancer can help you better assess if this is a full time role your company should consider, or if project based engagement is the right fit as you grow. 

If you are considering adding a self employed resource to your team and aren’t sure where to start, Cumulus can be a partner that has access to the right resources, and can assess actual needs for success.

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