Member Article

Hiring through the human cloud

In part one of his series, Kjetil Olsen, VP Europe with Elance, the leading platform for online work, discusses the first hires an SME should make in the human cloud.

Today, you might be a start-up business getting your brand new company launched, but it’s never too soon to think about the future. Hard working entrepreneurs are no strangers to wearing many hats but the danger is you’ll be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. So, what are the jobs you should outsource?

1) Lawyer

At some stage or another, you’ll need to work with a legal professional, even if it’s just to sort out some essential paper work. It’s important to have an ongoing relationship with a qualified legal professional, but by hiring one online on a pay-as-you-go basis, you’re likely to save a lot of money.

2) Website Developer

It’s essential to have a website that is both functional and well designed. Elance contractors can complete projects from a basic WordPress blog right up to a highly sophisticated e- commerce website. And, don’t forget, you’ll want a mobile version for easy browsing on tablets and smartphones.

3) Graphic Designer

Every business needs a flashy brand image, including your logo, business cards as well as other printed and online materials. A talented graphic designer will take your company’s core values and translate that into a tangible, visible brand.

4) Content Writer

No matter what industry you are in, writing is important, but it’s not a skill every entrepreneur has themselves. Even if it’s something you are comfortable with, it can help to get someone else’s perspective and hiring a copywriter for a project can be a great time saver.

5) Market Researcher

Hiring a market researcher will help you gather valuable information, provides insights you need to understand the trends shaping your industry and enables you to make informed decisions. What’s more, it can help shape future plans so that you are always ahead of the competition.

I’d love to know what freelancers you have hired to help shape your business. Let me know in the comments below.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kjetil Olsen .