Leveraging Freelancers for Smoother Personnel Transitions

 
Freelance designer in co-working office space

Photo by Moxie Design

 

Cultivating a relationship with a freelance professional, such as a graphic designer, can benefit your business in a multitude of ways. One hidden advantage is that this partnership can be key to smooth transitions during personnel changes. By having a consistent relationship established with a freelancer, you can minimize the disruptions caused by a team in flux.


 
Group of adults in workflow meeting
 

1. Maintain Workflow Stability

When your internal team is going through transitions, maintaining a steady workflow can be challenging. However, with a trusted freelancer on board, you can:

  • Skip the Lag Time of Hiring/Onboarding: A freelancer who is already familiar with your brand and processes can step in to fill the gaps immediately, eliminating the downtime typically associated with hiring and onboarding new employees. This can be particularly beneficial if the hiring process is lengthy or if the available talent pool is limited.

  • Take advantage of a Freelancer’s Flexibility: Freelancers offer a level of flexibility that permanent staff cannot. They can scale their efforts up or down based on your needs, which is invaluable during times of transition. Whether you need them for a few extra hours a week or full-time for a short period, freelancers can adjust their schedules to accommodate your requirements.


 
 

2. Ensure Brand Consistency

Consistency in your brand identity and voice is crucial, especially during times of change. A freelancer who regularly works with your business will:

  • Know Your Brand Inside Out: A trusted freelancer will understand your brand’s history, vision and goals, and will have a firm grasp on your established brand guidelines. Their familiarity with your brand ensures that every piece of content they create supports your overall branding strategy, and provides a seamless experience for your clients and customers.

  • Provide Proactive Brand Management: Periods of transition can be a great time to review bigger picture goals and strategies. Experienced freelancers can offer proactive suggestions for maintaining or even enhancing your brand’s image. They can identify areas for improvement and recommend updates to keep your brand fresh and relevant, helping you stay ahead of industry trends.


 
 

3. Serve as a Training Partner for New Hires

When your freelancer has a strong relationship with your business, they can be an invaluable asset in onboarding new team members. They can:

  • Provide Insight and Training: Freelancers familiar with your brand can share important insights about your processes and standards, helping new hires get up to speed faster. They can offer practical training or mentorship sessions that cover the nuances of your brand, which might not be immediately apparent to new employees.

  • Preserve Institutional Knowledge: Freelancers can share institutional knowledge that might be lost during transitions. By maintaining continuity in workflows and brand standards, they ensure that the knowledge and practices developed over time are not lost, but rather passed on to new team members.


Ready to Add a Freelance Graphic Designer to Your Team?

Are you ready to add a freelance graphic designer to your team? Contact me today to see if we’re a good fit! By establishing a reliable partnership with a freelance professional, you can navigate periods of transition smoothly and maintain the high standards your business is known for.

 
Chelsea Liske