Managing Freelancers and Contractors

I’ve had 4 legal battles since starting my business. Could I have avoided them? Probably. But I didn’t have the funds for a proper lawyer. I didn’t have the founder network to ask the right questions. I was figuring it out as I went - like most of us do. So, let me help you not learn the hard way. Here are 5 clauses I now include in every contract to protect my work, my business, and my sanity: 1. Non-cancellable, non-refundable agreements If you’ve qualified your clients properly, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if someone signs, onboards, and then disappears? We still get paid. And so should you. 2. Immediate or short payment terms We don’t do 30- to 90-day terms. You wouldn’t work for 3 months without pay - so why should your business? Cash flow isn’t just admin. It’s survival. 3. Enforceable payment protection Your contract should include: Interest on late invoices A “stop work” clause if payment isn’t made A clause that guarantees you still get paid even if the client delays the project Your time is not free. Put it in writing. 4. Intellectual Property stays yours Anything we bring to the table = ours. Anything we create for you = yours. Clear. Simple. No grey area. We once had a client record a training session… and try to resell it behind a paywall. Now our contract includes a £10,000 fine per breach. And in that case, per breach = per view. 5. Don’t work with d*ckheads. Not a legal clause - more like legal wisdom... 😂 🚩 If they’re pushing for discounts before asking about outcomes 🚩 If they want to start work before signing or paying 🚩 If they delay, ghost, or act shady in the first 10 days… Walk away. Trust me. Yes, contracts are important. But court is expensive, stressful, and slow. The best legal advice I can give you; - Protect your business. - Trust your gut. - And don’t work with d*ckheads. Learning from someone else’s mistakes is a hell of a lot cheaper than learning from your own. You’re welcome 💜 😉 P.S - Want to finally get the confidence to start building your personal brand online? This is your sign. I’m hosting a FREE Zoom masterclass SEPT 10th. Join here: https://lnkd.in/gMwytmS3 and I'll show you exactly how to build your personal brand (and the life you want!).

When I started drafting contracts for international clients, I made a checklist that I still rely on today. Sharing it with you because it truly saves time, errors, and embarrassment: 1️⃣ Title Make it clear, industry-recognized, and aligned with the relationship. 2️⃣ Recitals This is the story behind the contract. When written well, it removes 80% of future confusion. 3️⃣ Definitions Your in-house glossary. One well-defined term can prevent an entire dispute. 4️⃣ Scope of Work (SOW) Who will do what, how, when, and with what deliverables. If something goes wrong, this is the first clause everyone opens. 5️⃣ Term & Termination Start date, end date, renewal, and exit routes—because no contract should trap either party. 6️⃣ Payment Terms Amount, timeline, taxes, milestones, late fees. Include everything. 7️⃣ Confidentiality Protect what must not be shared. Especially in founder–freelancer or startup–consultant relationships. 8️⃣ IP Rights Don’t assume ownership. Write it. Highlight it. Reconfirm it. 9️⃣ Liability & Indemnity Your risk-management heartbeat. Saves clients from unnecessary surprises. 🔟 Governing Law & Dispute Resolution Because knowing where a fight will happen is half the battle. If not structured properly, you might end up losing more in travel than in litigation fees. I hope this helps you draft with more confidence and fewer mistakes. I am attaching a more detailed document with this post that is downloadable. Happy learning! --------------------------- Hi, I'm Arshita, your legal mentor and compliance partner. I guide law students and legal professionals through mentorship and practical training, and I work with founders and startups to simplify contracts, compliance, and legal issues. If you are a law student or legal professional who needs guidance with internships, jobs, freelancing, or legal consultation, you can book a consultation call here: topmate.io/arshita_anand

I'm seeing multiple posts today from full-time staffers at PEOPLE Magazine | PEOPLE.com promoting freelance jobs that require 35-40 hours/week and set hours of 9:30am-5pm. Many freelancers, including me, are rightly pointing out that these requirements are for a W-2 employee, not a freelancer. This is an example of a company misclassifying workers – basically hiring a FT employee without offering any benefits or protections and putting the tax burden on the freelancer. It's great that many of us recognize the difference and avoid these job listings, but there are also MANY writers in the comments excited for the opportunity and expressing interest. Freelancers are taken advantage of far too often by companies (sometimes unintentionally!) and pushed too far into the requirements of an employee. If you're new to freelancing, please take time to educate yourself on employee status.

Despite significant investments in AI, many organizations may be missing out on its full productivity potential. According to a new study by The Upwork Research Institute, 96% of C-suite leaders expect AI to boost productivity. However, an alarming 77% of full-time employees report AI has added to their workload, with nearly half (47%) struggling to achieve the expected productivity gains. Our research highlights that freelance professionals are crucial in helping companies unlock productivity through AI and drive business success: ✨ While many full-time employees are struggling with rising productivity demands, freelancers are excelling with AI: Nearly half (48%) of freelancers are skilled at using AI, regularly using these tools to enhance their work. They are not only meeting productivity demands but often exceeding them, demonstrating the unique advantage they bring to the table. 🙌 C-suite leaders who integrate freelancers into their workforce report remarkable benefits: More than a third (35%) report doubling the level of well-being and engagement among their full-time employees as a result of bringing in freelancers. They also say they have at least doubled organizational agility and efficiency, quality of work produced, innovation, and even revenue and bottom line. Freelancers are proving indispensable in maximizing AI’s potential. It’s no wonder that 80% of leaders who leverage freelancers say it’s essential to their business. Even more telling, 38% of leaders who don’t already leverage this talent pool plan to start within the next year. Freelancers bring agility, expertise, and the ability to harness AI tools effectively, driving significant productivity and business success. #FutureOfWork #AI #Innovation #Productivity https://lnkd.in/gnmUQZSe

Early Stage founder: “We need help NOW but can't afford full-time hires." Finding and managing the right freelancers is a common challenge at that stage. But after helping 50+ startups, I've identified a systematic way to de-risk it: 🎯 Start with strategy, not hiring: → Map your desired outcomes clearly → Document the specific steps needed to get there → Identify which skills are truly core vs. supportable → Leverage your network for referrals (still the best source) → If no referrals, go to platforms like Upwork and Fiverr ✅ Vet and validate: → Review portfolios and past startup work → Ask exactly how they might use LLMs in their workflow → Set crystal-clear deliverables and success metrics → Cap initial test assignments at £500 → Track which freelancers consistently deliver quality work → Document detailed feedback to improve collaboration 📈 Scale thoughtfully: → Begin with high-impact, low-product-knowledge tasks → Create repeatable processes for successful projects → Develop freelancers' understanding of your business → Focus your core team on strategic innovation → Build your trusted talent network gradually If you can't identify the right freelancers because your path to success isn't clear, a senior advisor or fractional C-level pro can help map your execution plan first. Savvy founders don't gamble on freelancers. They build clarity first, then choose the right experts. ♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to share with your network. ⚡️ Want more content like this? Hit follow Maya Moufarek.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a global Nigerian freelancer is thinking in Naira. When I first started freelancing, I used to charge based on how much I felt something was worth not based on the actual value I was offering. I’d say things like, "Ah, $50 is a lot in Naira. Let me not overcharge them." Meanwhile, the client I was trying to “help” was probably paying someone else $500 for the same work. The aha moment for me was when a foreign client paid me x5 of what I charged cause he liked my work and told me I was charging too little lol. That’s when I knew I had to stop pricing like a Nigerian trying to survive, and start pricing like someone who brings value, no matter where they live. So if you’re a freelancer in Nigeria with global clients (or who wants), here’s how to price smart: ✅ 1. Stop converting USD to Naira in your head If you keep thinking, “$100 is ₦150,000 oh!”, you’ll end up undercharging. The truth is: people abroad don’t think like that. They’re comparing your rate with other global freelancers, not your local cost of living. So price in dollars, based on the value you’re bringing , not your location. ✅ 2. Create different packages (I was a little late💀) Not every client has the same budget, & that’s fine. Create options: •Tier one gets the basic package •Tier two gets the mid-tier •Tier three gets premium That way, you can confidently say, “Here are your options,” instead of struggling to hack one “safe” price. ✅ 3. Price based on results, and effort—not effort alone. Don’t just say: “I’ll write 5 posts in a month.” Say: “I’ll extensively research into your industry and prepare 5 optimally written posts that help you build consistency and attract more of your target audience online over the next 30 days.” The more outcome-focused your offer sounds, the more valuable you become in the client’s eyes. ✅ 4. Say your price with your full chest If you quote and then immediately explain or apologize, they’ll smell the uncertainty. Instead, be calm and clear: “This project starts at $750. I can explain what that covers.” Say it like you’re ordering food, not begging for approval. ✅ 5. Factor in your real costs Let’s be honest, working from Nigeria has its own challenges: •Internet wahala •Generator or inverter bills •VPN subscriptions •Payment delays or charges All of that should reflect in your pricing. Don’t shortchange yourself. ✅ 6. Ask for a deposit. Always. At least 50% upfront. Use platforms like Payoneer, Wise, Deel, or even Chipper if needed. You’re running a business, not doing “please help me” work. ✅ 7. Make your brand look global If your social media, website, or portfolio is looking too “local,” some foreign clients will assume you’re cheap. Polish your look. Show testimonials. Speak the language of impact and results. Bottom line: You’re not just a Nigerian doing remote work. You’re a global talent solving real problems from Nigeria. Start acting (and pricing) like it.🦋

$100 vs $1000 freelancer Spoiler: It’s not just the skill. Sure, the $100 freelancer might be a 3/5 in terms of skill. And the $1,000 freelancer? Maybe a 4/5. But that 1-point gap in skill doesn’t explain a 10x price tag. So what actually does? Let’s break it down 👇 🎯 Personal Brand $100 Freelancer: 1/5 : Struggling with visibility, barely showing up online. $1,000 Freelancer: 5/5 : Shows up like a brand, builds trust even before the first call. 🎯 Presentation $100 Freelancer: 2/5 : Focuses only on deliverables, not the client experience. $1,000 Freelancer: 5/5 : From pitch decks to emails, everything feels premium. 🎯 Upskilling $100 Freelancer: 2.5/5 : Thinks one course or a few YouTube videos are enough. $1,000 Freelancer: 4.5/5 : Always learning, investing in mentors, staying ahead. 🎯 Network $100 Freelancer: 2/5 : Surrounded by people earning the same or less. $1,000 Freelancer: 5/5 : Spends time with high-performing individuals and grows through osmosis. 🎯 Pricing Strategy $100 Freelancer: 1.5/5 : Struggles to justify value, often undercharges. $1,000 Freelancer: 4.5/5 : Packages outcomes, not hours. Positions instead of pitching. After managing 300+ clients through my agency and working with freelancers at every stage - Here’s what I’ve realized: The $1,000 freelancer doesn’t just deliver more. They position better, present better, and think bigger. So next time you wonder why someone is charging more than you — Don’t default to “they’re overpriced.” Instead ask: What do they know that I’m not doing yet? Because pricing isn’t just about skill. It’s about strategy, visibility, and self-worth. Hope this helps!

I ignored 3 red flags in one single client call. And I paid the price. ❌ “There’s no budget right now, but prove yourself and maybe…” ❌ Several phone calls during our video meeting. ❌ A vague briefing with even vaguer expectations. I stayed polite. I hoped for the best. Result? Nada. In another tender we gave away our complete social selling program and step-by-step implementation process. And paid the price ❌ It was given to their preferred supplier ❌ We were never told based on what decisions were made ❌ Our contact person removed the connection on LinkedIn with us. Thanks for the free stuff. We passed it on to someone we already knew. Their mistake. Inappropriate? Sure, but above all my own mistake. And I’m not alone. Here are 4 other classic traps I know many entrepreneurs will recognize: 1. Do they say “We’re talking to a few other providers.” You need to hear “We’re fishing for free ideas.” Please ask: “What will help you decide who to work with?” If they can’t give a clear answer, it’s not a process — it’s a shopping spree. 2. Do they say “Can you just do this small thing first?” They are really telling you “We need some free work with no commitment.” Please respond: “Happy to do that — here’s a paid starter package.” If they ghost you after this? You just saved yourself 10 hours of unpaid labour. 3. Do they say “We want to collaborate, not hire.” Your BS radar should say: “You’ll be doing unpaid work while they ‘test synergies.’” Please ask “What does each of us commit to in this collaboration — in time and money?” If the commitment is one-sided, the door’s over there. Or a classic one They say  “We’ll pay after we see the results.” It means “All risks for you, your provide leads, we don’t convert, you still don’t get paid” Please respond: “Results come after partnership — not before payment.” If they don’t trust you enough to invest, they won’t trust you to deliver either. ✅ Follow your intuition. ✅ Act on it. Saying “Thanks, but I don’t think we’re a match” is more productive than wasting an hour hoping the red flags disappear. Save yourself: ⏳ Time 💭 False expectations 🤯 Frustration What’s a red flag YOU ignored that still haunts you a bit? Let’s help others dodge the same bullet in the comments

When engaging with a vendor/product solution on project work, here are things I appreciate working in a high-demand, quick turn time area of a business: 1. Clear, timely, direct communication - whether it's a project plan, updates, collab materials, or coordination, emphasis on good communication is the key to the relationship. 2. Visibility and clear expectations around capacity and bandwidth - the intent is never to burnout our vendor partners, that's no good for anyone. On the client side, it's our responsibility to advocate for the business requirements and get the value we paid for out of the engagement. Sometimes, this means we may ask for a lot, and we don't have visibility to the capacity and bandwidth management of the resources doing the work. We do not manage the workload and resources for the vendor, we rely on them to take care of their people. If the ask exceeds capacity, please tell us. Please help us manage expectations and timelines on our side. You can tell me, "that's not possible," as long as you tell me why and when it will be. That gives us something to work with if reprioritization or securing more resources is necessary. 3. Accuracy and expertise - I assume that no one knows their area of expertise more than the vendor/solution. And I deeply appreciate when that level of knowledge is proactively brought to the table through the lens of our unique business application. 4. Accountability - when mistakes happen or things fall through the cracks, as they do, I will always ask for an after action review and hold partners accountable by requesting a plan for mitigation of future mistakes. Especially, because in my line of work, mistakes are often public and with a high level of business risk. Proactively providing this after action review is always a positive to building credibility and trust.

If you are a freelancer, do you think delivering good work is enough? But that’s what we’re taught, right? You need to deliver, impress and repeat. But you can be insanely talented and still be overworked or stuck with the wrong clients. So if you’re a freelancer, here are 5 things you need to take seriously from day 1. 1/ Keep a proper client database: You need to know where they came from, what they paid and what service they opted for. This will help you expand in the long run. 2/ Clarity of deliverables in a written form: I have seen designers overworking due to the client's never-ending demands and this is not how a business works. 3/ Check your revenue-to-time ratio: If you quoted a project for one month but it's dragging into its third, you're not getting paid more and you’re losing money. 4/ Use proper invoicing software instead of a template because it helps you track down payments and taxes. 5/ Contract: You should always send contracts in written terms and conditions using an e-stamp or online software. Being a freelancer means you’re the designer, accountant, project manager, legal advisor, and sales team, too. Delivering good work is only 50% of the job. The rest is what keeps you sustainable in the long run. What's the one thing that has helped you as a freelancer? #brandidentity