7 Freelancing Tips to Become an Essential Team Member

It’s important to understand as a contractor, especially if you are in a day-to-day operations role, how to create a space of teamwork and partnership with the clients you are working with.

Many companies are now using blended teams that mix full-time employees with long-term contractors, as well as pull in freelancers for one-off projects. It’s not uncommon for contractors to grow in their role with companies and many times become essential to their client’s daily operations.

Here are seven key ways to ensure success and longevity as a contractor, including vetting and matching yourself well from the beginning of a project or role.

Table of contents: 7 freelancing tips to become an essential team member

1. Screen a new client or role to ensure fit
2. Ask details about your role and work expectations
3. Learn team and brand culture
4. Communicate effectively and consistently
5. Expand your skills to add value
6. Grow with your client
7. Participate in team building events and meetings

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1. Screen a new client or role to ensure fit

It’s natural to want to take on a new client or opportunity, especially if you’re first starting out and there’s a fit with your skills. Quickly accepting a new contract position without close review can present unexpected surprises, however.  

Part of the freedom of freelancing is being able to decide how and when you’d like to work. Creating a set process to determine if the client fits the situation you want to be in is important, especially if your goal is to shift into an essential role on the team.

Consider preparing a checklist or set list of questions to determine if the client fits how you want to work versus you having to fit into the client’s opportunity. Here are three questions to ask:

1. Is your skill set a fit?
2. Do your working styles sync up?
3. Are you aligned on availability?

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Is your skill set a fit?

Here are some questions to ask, when reading client job descriptions and applying for opportunities, to ensure your skill sets match:

1. Is the position in scope with what you usually do or would it be a learning curve for you?
2. Are you someone that likes to be challenged learning new responsibilities on the fly or do you prefer to have a perfect match with your skills?

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Do your working styles sync up?

Another important factor to consider is whether your working style matches with the client’s preferences for its team members. Here are some questions to ask related to working styles:

1. Are you structured or laid back when it comes to communication?
2. Do you prefer to work alone or within a team environment where you are in constant communication?
3. Do you prefer a remote environment that is super corporate or small team?

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Are you aligned on availability?

Also keep in mind your current schedule and availability. Most clients will post a general guideline for hours worked or project time scope but it is important to confirm the details while speaking with potential clients to determine if the work requirements are ideal for you. Here are some questions to ask related to availability:

1. What hours do you like to work or do you find that you are most energized?
2. Do you prefer to work throughout the day a couple of hours at a time or prefer a set schedule to log in and out?  

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2. Ask details about your role and work expectations

The client will typically have an onboarding or training process for new team members. This is the time to learn your role and responsibilities. Continue to ask questions as you ease into your new role when information is unclear or you do not fully understand a process or procedure you’re responsible for. Here are some areas to cover:

• Detail about work expectations and what is required in the daily operations of your role
• Which team members you’ll be in contact with regularly
• Your working days and times (and add them to your calendar to avoid double bookings and potential for miscommunications)

3. Learn team and brand culture

Get to know the tone of the environment the team is working in. Understanding the company culture will help you adjust into your role and become an essential member of the team.

I’m sure you’ve walked into various cafes, restaurants or retail spaces and noticed differences in environment and how people are working. How people interact can easily be seen in physical working spaces.

This tip may sound strange if you are on a team that is working remotely, but even when virtual, there are differences in the way people communicate within the organization and to their clients or customers. Here’s what to know so you can adjust into your role and fit into day-to-day work:

• How does the team communicate?
• How are meetings conducted?
• What is the overall temperament of the company culture? For example, formal or casual?

4. Communicate effectively and consistently

Effective communication is key when supporting clients in their daily operations. Good communication shows you are handling your role professionally and ensures a client will be more likely to consider you for long-term opportunities. Be sure to communicate if you have a schedule shift or how your progress is going on delegated tasks or responsibilities.

I once took on a daily support role for a digital product company where the client was not always available during my shifts. Several essential team members had recently left and they were spread thin. I was quickly able to pick up tasks, due to my skill sets, and made sure I consistently communicated updates to the client so they knew what was done and what remained outstanding.

During our next meeting they expressed gratitude that I had been proactive about communicating the status of things and asked me to continue to work with them as new team members and management came aboard. Team communication had been a pain point in the past and they were seeking to improve this part of their business.

5. Expand your skills to add value

Companies in various phases of scale or growth are constantly changing, depending on the needs of the business. You never know when a new department or role will be added, or new resources needed for operations, sales or other client-facing activities.

Adding to your toolbelt of skills and capabilities can be of great value to clients. Being in the know about new software tools, strategies, or management techniques can help clients implement the changes without seeking outside help.

I’ve noticed that Upwork offers workshops from time-to-time to support upskilling. There may be local professional or career events in your area that offer training. Look for free courses on platforms like LinkedIn or Coursera, and virtual events or professional retreats that offer courses to enhance your skill set.

6. Find opportunities to grow with your client

In the previous tip I suggested developing or acquiring skills that can add value in the event the client has tasks or projects that may be a match. Along the same lines, you may also want to keep an eye out for new opportunities to grow with the client as their business changes.

This could be a shift from your initial role into larger responsibility such as management of teams or bigger projects. This could also be a shift from your initial role into another area of the business. Taking on new opportunities with clients strengthens your relationship with them and displays your ability to add value. Here are some to keep an eye on:

• Notices of expanded business hours
• Opening of new markets where there is potential for transition projects
• New team members that may need assistance and/or training in roles
• New business departments where the client will be looking to fill positions  

7. Participate in team building events and meetings

Clients may, from time-to-time, host team building events, company meetings, retreats, virtual happy hours, or other activities. As a freelancer with flexible time, adjust your schedule to prioritize the chance to participate with the larger group and interact with members of the team you may not get to work with in your daily activities.  

These events provide a good time to get to know team members in a different setting and exchange ideas on how daily operations are going for everyone. It’s also a great opportunity to simply share a moment outside of the usual office activities.

Keep an eye out for the light-bulb moments that come from team discussion, feedback on company pain points, or new ideas to implement in the work you do. Depending on the event, there may be a chance to contribute value by providing feedback or insight on your experience as a team member.

Learn how to ensure success and longevity as a contractor

Remote work and freelance roles are now an integral part of blended workforce talent teams. If you are an independent contractor seeking long-term growth opportunities with your company, keep these seven tips in mind to become an essential team member:

1. Screen a new client or role to ensure fit
2. Ask details about your role and work expectations
3. Learn team and brand culture
4. Communicate effectively and consistently
5. Expand your skills to add value
6. Grow with your client
7. Participate in team building events and meetings

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Are you ready to find the right client with which to become a valued team member? Check out the opportunities that are available through Upwork.