How Business Owners Can Better Utilize Freelance Work

Published on: 28 May 2020 Last Updated on: 06 November 2024

Small businesses don’t always have a ton of cash or room to make costly mistakes, so every penny, every asset, every minute, counts.

Often, small businesses will turn to freelancers for certain projects where they need expert help, but that can also take a hit on your bank account, so ensuring the freelancer does good work is crucial.

Sometimes though, the freelance work falls short, leaving the small business low on funds with a deliverable that is unusable. So how do you avoid that? Let’s talk about a better way of finding freelance workers for your business.

Each freelancer can be paid differently. Some are paid upfront or given equity, others are paid a percentage of the final revenue, and some are paid when the job gets done.

Here’s the best thing a small business that is low on upstart funds can do when it comes to hiring a freelancer:

Adopt a revenue-sharing model.

What that means is the freelancer gets paid when you do. They’ll complete the project, deliver all final assets to the business owner, but they’ll only get paid if and when you start making money. There will be a percentage that is agreed upon by both parties before the project begins, and if your business starts bringing in revenue, you’ll then pay off the percentage owed to the freelancer. If your business never makes money, you do not have to pay the freelancer a dime.

Why is this a good idea?

First of all, it decreases the risk for the business by waiting to pay the freelancer until there is secure revenue coming in.

Second, with this idea in mind, freelancers can do some of their best work. They aren’t just getting paid to finish a job, there’s a higher expectation of their work. They understand that if their work is mediocre, there’s a lower chance of them getting paid. It’s in their best interest to do the best work they can, not only to help you as a business owner but to help themselves as well.

Develop a Relationship

Far too often, businesses pay freelancers for work only to be unsatisfied with the end product. Many times this is due to a lack of communication on one or both sides. To ensure that you are getting quality service delivered from a freelance worker, it’s important to have an understanding relationship. Here are a few tips on how to accomplish that:

Describe Your Communication Style

If you’re not sure what your communication style is, it’s not a bad idea to find out or develop a system that works for you. Some people have very blunt ways of communicating while others are timider. Talking about your preferred communication style with the freelancer you hired will help to avoid conflict, assumptions, and hard feelings.

Explain Your Needs

Don’t be afraid to express where there are gaps in understanding. The freelancer is there to be an expert in an area that you may not be familiar with. It’s okay to say things like, “I’m not sure I understand that, could you explain how that works?” The more you can understand the process, the better you’ll be able to communicate and get an end product you’re happy with.

Do Your Part

If you feel there are gaps in understanding, take a step back, and see if there is anything you might have left out in communication with the freelancer. Sometimes we get in our own bubble and assume other people understand what we are talking about when in reality we need to explain certain things in more depth.

Good Luck!

Some of these tips may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often business owners fail to communicate well with the freelancers they hire. If you can adopt these practices into your business model, your freelancers’ work will improve significantly and you won’t have to worry about an unfortunate loss of precious funds.

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Choosing The Best Lifting Gantry For Your Factory Needs

If you are working in a factory or the construction business, having the proper equipment is key to the efficiency of the business and the safety of your employees. Not only will having the right lifting equipment help you with the speed of your daily tasks, but it will help keep yourself and your workers safe. Just think about it - if you are taking your workers lifting heavy objects repeatedly, there is a higher chance of injury to their muscles, repetitive joint injuries, accident possibilities, and physical stress. Not to mention, some loads are just too heavy for workers to carry and lift off of the ground - if you find that you are having trouble completing your daily tasks in a factory due to the inability to lift heavy items, then you might find it beneficial to use a lifting gantry. But how can you choose the best lifting gantry for factories? What is the best lifting gantry to lift heavy objects from your factory? By understanding the different types of lifting gantries, how you can choose the best one, and the different characteristics of lifting gantries, you can choose the top option for your factory. Let's see more information about what a lifting gantry is, why you need one, and how to choose! Need help with your factory? Use a lifting gantry to lift heavy objects! If you are new to the factory or construction world, then finding out how to choose the best lifting gantry is key to being able to safely and effectively complete your daily factory tasks. Portable lifting gantry (adjustable) - If you need to move the lifting gantry between various spots in your factory, using an adjustable lifting gantry is an absolute must! If you are using your portable lifting gantry in a workshop, factory, or business and you frequently need to lift heavy objects in multiple places, then using the adjustable lifting gantry is a must. Use the adjustable lifting gantry to change the height so you can accommodate various shapes and weights of objects! Adjustable lifting gantry with a thicker beam - If you are looking to lift heavier objects and need a less portable lifting gantry, using one that has a thicker middle beam is a must to lift weights that are between 120kg and 175kg. Using the stronger aluminum lifting gantry is the best way that you can avoid using multiple workers in your business to lift excessively heavy objects. External trolley - Another way that you can choose the lifting gantry for your needs is to be able to accessorize and customize the gantry. For some factories, you might need to use an external trolley to work in tandem with your aluminum lifting gantry to add extra versatility, movability, and transportability. Parking jacks - Another accessory that you can use with your lifting gantry is parking jacks - these stabilizers are ideal for helping keep your loads steady and avoid any mishaps. Bigger gantry cranes Another option you can consider using for your factory is a bigger gantry crane. Although these are typically used in a shipyard and outdoor spaces, if you have a big factory you can use the oversized gantry cranes to lift heavy and unwieldy objects, like big shipping containers and multi-ton objects. Full gantry crane - If you need to use a gantry crane to lift extremely heavy objects, consider using a full gantry crane to lift ships, big pieces of equipment, and heavy objects that cannot be moved with portable lifting gantries. Some of the biggest gantry cranes are as long as 140 meters! Rubber tired gantry crane - Smaller gantry cranes are another option for smaller factories that still need to lift heavy objects in outdoor spaces, such as containers and big pieces of equipment. Typically, you'll find that small rubber tire gantry cranes are straddle cranes that can effectively lift containers with ease. Portable gantry crane - As we mentioned before, portable gantry cranes are usually the best idea for those who are running factories. These portable gantry cranes are used to move small items that are usually less than 10 tons in weight. Used frequently in the construction and machinery businesses, you will find that using a portable gantry crane is the best way that you can lift heavy objects with the added versatility of being portable and customizable Benefits of lifting gantry So why should you use a lifting gantry crane for your business? There are many reasons why it will help your effectiveness, flexibility, and safety in the workplace. Mobility - Lifting gantries are more movable and contain more flexibility than other options. Instead of being stuck in one place where you cannot move the loads, or being tied down in one location, the flexible moving gantry lets you wheel the apparatus around your factory. This way, you can lift various objects between locations without having to worry about the safety of your workers or other equipment Capacity - The majority of mobile lifting gantries are very sturdy and durable. Typically, you will find that the lifting gantry options that are used for factories can lift up to 5 tons with ease. If you need stronger lifting gantries for your factory, consider using a full gantry crane for your outdoor spaces. Custom height and accessories - The last reason that you should consider using a lifting gantry for your factory is that you can customize the height of the gantry to work with various shapes of boats that you are lifting. Not to mention, you can add accessories to make your lifting gantry more versatile, easier to maneuver, and more stable. Conclusion Are you working in the faucet or construction industry? If so, using a construction lifting gantry crane is ideal to be able to lift heavy loads, keep your workers safe, and increase the flexibility of your workplace. By having portable lifting gantries, you can lift heavy objects between locations in your factory without worrying about the safety and health of your employees - not to mention, you will increase the efficiency and productivity of your workplace! Read Also: How To Operate A High Lift Jack Safely And Effectively All You Must Know About Construction Business Management Software 5 Ways Construction Businesses Can Gain New Clients Having Business in Foreigner Country, Advantages and Disadvantages Commercial Construction After COVID-19: How Developers Can Adapt

How To Enhance Stakeholder Management In Projects With Agile Integration

Agile methodology has revolutionized the way projects are executed, focusing on iterative development, flexibility, and continuous feedback. However, its significance goes beyond just development processes; it also brings a fresh perspective to stakeholder management. Integrating agile principles with stakeholder management practices can lead to improved collaboration, enhanced communication, and ultimately, more successful project outcomes. In this article, we'll delve into the nuances of Agile Stakeholder Management and how it can be effectively implemented. Agile Principles And Stakeholder Management Alignment Agile principles are rooted in customer collaboration, responding to change, and delivering value quickly. These principles align closely with stakeholder management, where understanding and meeting stakeholders' evolving needs is crucial. In traditional project management, stakeholders are often engaged only during predefined phases, while Agile involves stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle. This continuous engagement allows project managers to gather real-time feedback and ensure that the project aligns with stakeholder expectations. Some Of The Key Features And Characteristics Of Agile Management Agile management has some of the key features that put it before other approaches to managing projects. Let us try to understand them here. Continuous Adaptation Agile project management, as the name suggests, favors change. It embraces persistent adaptation. The businesses that use this approach work on the subsequent project better than the previous one. While these organizations create a plan ahead of them, they often focus throughout the process. Transparency You already know that the consumers were the key elements of the Agile approach. This is the reason they need transparency throughout the process of development. If the stakeholders use the particular approach, it can win the customers’ confidence. The process is quite transparent so that even the customers can point out the mistakes. This transparency makes sure that the stakeholder delivers their expectations. Establishing Collaboration Another key feature of the Agile management process is its collaborative nature. During the development of the process, the team members share their inputs to improve the product. Working together allows the member associated with the project to learn from each others’ skill sets. In the present workplace, most projects are team games. In this case, this feature can benefit. Efficient Communication Efficient communication and then sharing the nitty-gritty of the project idea is one of the characteristics associated with the project. It involves making use of the most efficient communication technology. Customer Satisfaction The main feature or, say, priority of agile management is customer satisfaction. It is significant to procure feedback from them. Customers, being the king in the market, have expectations from the company. The Mode or approach is successful because it involves receiving feedback from the customers. What Are The Benefits Of Agile Technology As we discussed, some of the key features of agile technology are highly beneficial in catering to the needs of the customers. Below, we discuss some of the benefits that you can reap from agile project management. Frequent And Transparent Communication One of the core tenets of Agile is constant communication among team members. This principle can be extended to stakeholders, fostering an environment of transparency and shared ownership. Regular communication updates, such as sprint reviews or stand-up meetings, provide stakeholders with insights into project progress, enabling them to raise concerns or provide feedback promptly. This iterative feedback loop minimizes the risk of misalignment and ensures that stakeholder input is valued and incorporated. Empowered Stakeholders Agile emphasizes the importance of self-organizing teams. Similarly, stakeholders can be empowered to take an active role in the project. This empowerment includes involving them in decision-making processes, prioritization discussions, and even encouraging them to participate in sprint planning. When stakeholders are actively engaged, they develop a sense of ownership and are more invested in the project's success. Adaptive Requirements Management Traditional project management often treats requirements as fixed and defined upfront. Agile, however, recognizes that requirements evolve as the project progresses. Stakeholders play a critical role in this aspect by clarifying requirements, providing input on changes, and validating interim deliverables. By keeping stakeholders closely involved in requirements management, projects are better equipped to adapt to shifting priorities and emerging opportunities. Building Trust Through Collaboration Stakeholder trust is vital for project success. Agile methodologies encourage collaboration and collaboration builds trust. Inviting stakeholders to participate in collaborative sessions, such as user story mapping or sprint planning, fosters a sense of partnership rather than a client-vendor relationship. This approach creates an environment where stakeholders feel valued and are more likely to offer their expertise and support. Effective Feedback Incorporation Agile projects thrive on continuous improvement, and feedback is at the heart of this process. Stakeholders' feedback provides insights into what is working well and where adjustments are needed. This feedback can be incorporated into subsequent iterations, leading to a refined end product that aligns closely with stakeholder expectations. Challenges And Considerations While the integration of Agile principles with stakeholder management offers numerous benefits, challenges can arise. Because of this, stakeholder management software is often used to help adhere to Agile principles to avoid challenges. Balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, managing expectations, and ensuring that continuous engagement does not lead to scope creep are some challenges to navigate. Clear communication and a well-defined governance structure can help mitigate these challenges. Emphasizing Flexibility Agile methodologies have brought about a paradigm shift in project management, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and delivering value iteratively. When these principles are integrated with stakeholder management practices, the results can be transformative. Continuous Engagement Agile Stakeholder Management promotes continuous engagement, transparent communication, and empowered stakeholders, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. Create An Environment Where Stakeholders Are Partners By adopting an Agile mindset in stakeholder management, project managers can create an environment where stakeholders are partners in success, rather than distant observers. As projects continue to evolve and the needs of stakeholders become increasingly dynamic, the fusion of Agile and stakeholder management will play an instrumental role in shaping the projects of the future. Conclusion The Agile approach to project management is highly effective as it involves effective collaboration and communication of the stakeholders directly and indirectly with the project. Most importantly, the clients or the consumers are a part of this management, which brings in attaining transparency. 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The Evolution Of Butter Packaging: A Dive Into Modern Machinery

Have you ever paused to consider the journey of a simple butter stick from the dairy farm to your breakfast table? The unsung hero of this journey is the packaging - a critical phase that ensures freshness and quality. In this post, we will slice through the history of butter packaging, spread out the advancements in modern machinery, and churn out insights on how these changes have made buttered toast possible for you every morning. From Hand-Wrapping To Automation: A Brief History Early Beginnings Butter packaging began humbly with tiny, cloth-wrapped pats or rolls, generally handcrafted by local farmers’ wives, transitioning over time to barrels and bulk tubs manufactured in factory creameries. These packaging methods allowed butter to be shipped over increasingly huge distances before reverting back to the separately wrapped sticks we are purchasing today. Packing And Molding By 1870 in California, butter used to travel to market in half-barrels, two-pound rolls, and barrels packaged in boxes. These rolls were molded into a specific size for packaging and shipping. The Transition To Mechanical Packaging The transition to mechanical packaging started around the turn of the 20th century. The invention of machines like the shell carton machine in 1900 by the E. G. Staude Manufacturing Company significantly impacted the packaging of butter, among other products. By 1909, advancements had been made to cut and crease stock from a web at a rate of two hundred box blanks per minute, facilitating the mass production of cartooned butter. Sealing Freshness: Modern Packaging Techniques Vacuum Packaging One of the modern packaging techniques includes vacuum packaging, which has significantly enhanced the shelf life of butter. For instance, the shelf life of a certain type of butter was increased by 30% when packaged using modified techniques. Material Innovations The choice of packaging material has evolved to meet consumer preferences and requirements. Modern packaging utilizes materials that prevent butter from contamination, weight loss, and flavor deterioration, ensuring the product reaches the consumer in perfect condition. Machinery Mastery: The Rise Of High-Speed Packaging High-Speed Packaging Machines Modern butter packaging machines have significantly improved the efficiency and speed of butter packaging. For example, the steps involved in butter packaging, such as container preparation, butter loading, dosing, sealing, and cartoning, are now executed with a high degree of precision and synchronicity through automated machines. Brand Differentiation With the advent of modern machinery, brand owners have leveraged innovative packaging to differentiate their products on retail shelves. Packaging has become an integral part of product marketing and communication, allowing brands to catch the eye of customers at first glance. In each of these transformations, what stands out is the interplay between consumer demands, technological innovations, and the butter industry's response to these elements. The evolution of butter packaging is a testament to the industry's adaptability and the continuous quest for efficiency and consumer satisfaction. Your morning butter toast isn't just a tasty breakfast item; it's a product of years of innovation in packaging technology, brought to you courtesy of modern machinery. Customization Craze: Meeting Consumer Demands Diverse Packaging Styles Modern machinery facilitates a range of packaging styles to cater to diverse market demands. For instance, the packaging of butter in a dish or tub has become a practical choice for consumers, offering easy storage and daily use options. This packaging trend is particularly popular for reduced-fat, spreadable, and healthy (Omega 3) butter options. Consumer Feedback Packaging innovations often emerge by consumer feedback. Brands are increasingly attentive to consumers' preferences regarding packaging, which in turn drives the demand for modern machinery capable of producing diverse packaging styles. Innovative packaging not only serves a functional purpose but also acts as a tool for brand differentiation and marketing communication. Sustainability Shift: Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions Sustainable Packaging With the growing global emphasis on sustainability, the dairy industry is making strides toward eco-friendly packaging solutions. Modern machinery is being adapted to produce packaging that's not only protective and attractive but also environmentally friendly. Material Innovations The industry is exploring new materials and designs to reduce the environmental impact of butter packaging. This includes the use of recyclable materials, reduced packaging materials, and innovative designs that minimize waste. The Future Buttered Up: What Lies Ahead? Robotics And AI Emerging technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) might have a brighter future when it comes to revolutionizing butter packaging. These technologies promise to enhance automation, improve efficiency, and meet the growing demands for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. Consumer-Driven Innovations The evolving consumer preferences will continue to shape packaging trends. With a focus on sustainability, convenience, and brand differentiation, the future holds a realm of possibilities for butter packaging. Conclusion The art of butter packaging has come a long way from simplistic hand-wrapping to the high-speed, eco-friendly packaging solutions we witness today. This evolution not only narrates a tale of technological innovation but reflects the changing tastes and preferences of consumers. With a future geared towards sustainability and efficiency, who knows what delightful packaging innovations await us? Your morning butter toast is not just a tale of culinary delight but a slice of history and a testament to human ingenuity. Now, as you spread that golden goodness on your toast, you carry forward a tradition enriched by modern machinery and a promise of a better, buttered tomorrow. Read Also: Top Ways Video Marketing Will Help Your Business Grow What Is The Future Of Digital Marketing In Regards To Shaping Up Small And Large Businesses? Benefits of Pay Per Click Services to Your Business

How Business Owners Can Better Utilize Freelance Work