Cultivate valuable Freelancers & Self-Employed (FSE) partnerships

Today, businesses are increasingly turning to Freelancers & Self-Employed (FSE) professionals to stay nimble and innovative. Learn how to cultivate partnerships to meet the immediate needs of your projects and create strategic advantages that can propel your business forward.

With an extensive range of FSE professionals ranging from creatives to coaches, check out U FSE’s directory of professionals to hire the right talent for your project.

From injecting agility into your projects, to accessing a pool of specialised skills, FSE professionals are not usually bound by conventional work structures. This makes them ideal for tasks that require quick turnaround or niche expertise.

“More business owners are leveraging the FSE workforce which makes up close to 15% of workers here in Singapore.”*

*https://stats.mom.gov.sg/iMAS_PdfLibrary/mrsd_2020LabourForce_survey_findings.pdf

Navigate contracts and agreements
A solid contract is the backbone of a successful FSE collaboration. It should lay out the terms of the project, deliverables, deadlines, and payment schedules with clarity to avoid any misunderstandings.

As a business, adopt a contract checklist that ensures all necessary clauses are covered, including copyright, deliverables, and payment terms. 

✔ List necessary skills and project goals
✔ Define scope, deliverables, and deadlines
✔ Set payment schedules and terms
✔ Agree on communication methods and frequency
✔ Measure success with clear benchmarks

This checklist serves as a safeguard, ensuring that both the interests of your business and the FSEs are protected.

Integrate into your operations
Integrating FSEs into your existing workflows should be a smooth process. It’s about finding the right balance between giving them the freedom to work in their own style, and guiding them towards your operational standards.

Develop integration practices such as setting up common workspaces, whether virtual or physical, and standardise communications so that the relationship moves from being transactional to trusting.

Leverage feedback for continuous partnerships
Regular communication and understanding each other’s business goals can foster a relationship that benefits both parties. Establish a system for periodic progress reviews and maintain open lines of communication. This includes setting up regular meetings and ensuring both sides can freely discuss project challenges and successes.

Create a feedback loop where FSE professionals can receive and provide feedback. It's about creating a culture of continuous improvement and appreciation.

Want to know more about how we work with FSE professionals here in Singapore, or want to leave feedback on a completed job? Reach out to us.

Maximise cost-efficiency
One of the key advantages of working with FSE professionals is the potential for cost efficiency. Strategic resourcing is about deploying FSEs to augment the company’s core activities. A company that is innovative in strategic resourcing could achieve and sustain superior performance and cost-efficiency.

Deepening your partnerships with FSE professionals can bring immense strategic value to your business. By understanding how to effectively collaborate with FSEs, you can enjoy the flexibility and specialised skills they offer, leading to innovative solutions and a competitive edge for your business. 

Download our handy infographic for quick takeaways on how to cultivate valuable FSE partnerships.