Freelancing Isn't Code For "Unemployed"

This is not your mother's recession.  It's not your grandfather's depression.  It's a whole new ballgame and the rules have changed.  The line between "unemployed" and "employed" has gotten trampled on so often it's nothing more than a blurry concept.  People are still scrambling to figure out how this ever changing, shifting and growing dynamic can exist in the business world.

One thing is for sure: advertising, marketing and IT firms are rethinking their talent acquisition strategies, which is handy because a lot of talented folks in those industries are rethinking what it means to be employed.

The gist of it is this: Many forward-thinking firms are beginning to assemble a roster of high-performing freelancers and are crafting talented teams who can work together but have no need for a brick and mortar location…or healthcare - (but that's another topic for another day).  This dynamic is picking up speed primarily because the job market sucks.  There are some really talented people out there right now who don't have "full-time employment".  What they do possess are skills that can be marketed and market those they do.  Networking has always been a "thing" in the business world.  Now it's a way to survive and thrive.

The upside?  Companies can build a crack-team of creatives who crank out incredible work.  Downside?  If you're the talent, nothing is all that stable right now, so hold on tight.

If you're a company that is considering this model, consider this:

• You need a strong project manager to tame the lions, wrangle the cats and corral the creatives.  Internal communications, client deliverables and tracking is crucial to pulling this off. 
• Hiring a knowledgeable recruiter to handle the initial talent acquisition effort and offer advice will help you create the most effective team. (hint, hint)
• You must debrief the team at the end of the project.  They aren't going to be able to develop the institutional knowledge that you traditionally find in the office, so you need to provide positive feedback and critique as needed.

If you're on the other side of this equation and think that freelancing is the way to go:

• Don't kid yourself about what you can and can't do.  Laurels will not be rested on and if you can't deliver, it can't be hidden by bureaucracy.

• Need structure and struggle with time management?  This probably isn't the gig for you.

• Become comfortable with "feast or famine".  Paychecks aren't often steady and you've got to roll with the punches and be able to at least have a vague financial plan.

• You are a professional.  If the client calls, answer.  If you have a meeting, be on time.  Fail to take this as serious as any job and you'll find yourself sucking down ramen noodles between shifts at the Burger-O-Rama.

It's a brave new world out there and in order to come out smelling like roses instead of, well...use your imagination, you need to be able to embrace what the hell is going on and make the most of what you've got.

Now, I've said my bit and I want to hear yours.  Company reps, what do you look for when you're creating a freelance team?  Do you even use freelancers at all?  Talent, would you ever trade fulltime for freelance?  Vice-versa?