On Demand Platform
- 2. WHAT ARE ON-DEMAND PLATFORMS OR ODP'S? On-demand platforms (ODP's) allow you to hire resources immediately upon requirement, enabling customers to access goods and services at short notice. ODP's provide a convenient means to getting something done quickly, and they usually help fill a skill, knowledge or talent gap. Uber and Airbnb are good representative examples of the on-demand economy. Online platforms such as Toptal and Upwork host freelancers, who are available for hire, on demand.
- 3. CROSS-BORDER COLLABORATION With the growth of ODP's, talent is no longer restricted to the lines on a map. The Harvard Business Review reports that the on-demand economy is "attracting more than 22.4 million consumers annually and $57.6 billion in spending." As more and more workers choose to offer their services online, it is up to organizations to tap into the enormous resources at their disposal.
- 4. ON-DEMAND ECONOMY Online marketplaces form a huge part of the on-demand economy (Source: Harvard Business Review)
- 5. WHY ON-DEMAND PLATFORMS? ACCESS GLOBAL TALENT FIND SOMEONE AT SHORT NOTICE & GET WORK DONE QUICKLY WORK AROUND RESTRICTIVE POLICIES SET YOUR OWN BUDGET/DEADLINE SUPPLEMENT YOUR COMPANY'S CORE CAPABILITIES SCALE UP TEAMS EASILY TO MANAGE WORKLOAD PEAKS
- 6. The world is becoming increasingly collaborative. We can no longer work in isolation: startups need data science experts, doctors need translators, scientists need writers, and more. ODP's provide a means for interdisciplinary collaboration to take place, which can pave the way for surprising and relevant innovations.
- 7. TYPES OF ON-DEMAND PLATFORMS 99 DESIGNS HAS GREAT DESIGNERS UPWORK IS GREAT FOR LOW-COST RESOURCES TASKRABBIT IS FOR FINDING FREELANCE LOCAL LABOUR OPD'S ARE USUALLY CATEGORIZED ACCORDING TO THE SPECIALITY OF THE FREELANCER BASE THEY HOST. TOPTAL HAS GREAT DEVELOPERS
- 8. OVERALL PROCESS FLOW Post your project details Freelancer bids on it proposing a fee and deadline Shortlist, interview and pick the best-suited freelancer Collaborate with the freelancer Pay the freelancer once you approve the output HOW ODP'S WORK
- 9. HOW IT WORKS: AN EXAMPLE TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT FREELANCER FOR YOUR PROJECT MICHELLE IS AN AUTHOR BASED IN THE US WHO NEEDS HELP EDITING HER MANUSCRIPT. TANYA IS AN EXPERIENCED EDITOR AND WRITER BASED IN THE UK. MICHELLE CONTINUES TO WORK WITH AMY FOR ALL HER EDITING NEEDS, AND THE BOTH OF THEM COLLABORATE SUCCESSFULLY. MICHELLE HIRES AMY THROUGH AN ODP FOR AN IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENT AND IS HAPPY WITH THE OUTPUT.
- 10. TIPS ON DEFINING REQUIREMENTS KEEP YOUR PROJECT DESCRIPTION CLEAR AND CONCISE WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE POSTING YOUR PROJECT REQUIREMENTS A well-written project description is half the problems solved, as it can greatly help filter out irrelevant bids and increase your chances of finding the right freelancer. Eg.: Looking for a freelance graphic designer, experienced in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, to create a 10-page booklet within a week.
- 11. TIPS ON DEFINING REQUIREMENTS DEFINE THE MAIN CHALLENGE BUT DO NOT DISCLOSE CONFIDENTIAL DETAILS WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE POSTING YOUR PROJECT REQUIREMENTS MAKE SURE THAT THE PROJECT IS VISIBLE ONLY TO THE SIGNED-IN USER BASE AND IS NOT PUBLICLY VIEWABLE TO ENSURE SECURITY This is especially relevant in projects where there is a need to protect IP, where there is a patent pending, or there is other sensitive information that needs to be disclosed to the freelancer.
- 12. CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXPERT VERIFY THE EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE FREELANCER TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT FREELANCER FOR YOUR PROJECT This can be done by using external validators like Orcid, or by verifying freelancers' profiles on academic and business websites. On platforms like Freelancer and Upwork you may receive a lot of bids, but they may be highly inconsistent in quality and you have to vet them carefully.
- 13. TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT FREELANCER FOR YOUR PROJECT TRY OUT A FREELANCER FOR A SMALL TEST PROJECT If a freelancer seems like a good fit but you're not entirely convinced, you can work with the freelancer on a small project first. Once you're confident, you can then increase the scope of the project. CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXPERT In platforms like Kolabtree, you can increase the scope and budget as you go along. This is one of the biggest advantages offered by ODP's: better security and flexibility.
- 14. CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXPERT MAKE SURE THE FREELANCER UNDERSTANDS THE SCOPE OF PROJECT Explain your objectives clearly at the beginning and set specific goals. Most platforms allow uploading and sharing of files that can provide an in-depth description of the project. Make sure the platform allows unlimited discussion with the freelancer so that you have enough time to understand each other. TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT FREELANCER FOR YOUR PROJECT
- 15. CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXPERT AGREE ON THE FEE AND DEADLINES Discuss the budget and schedule with the expert and set a buffer in case of any delays. Also make sure that the freelancer is happy with the agreed budget and will not deliver low-quality work. In some platforms, you can increase the budget subject to the approval of both parties as the project progresses. TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT FREELANCER FOR YOUR PROJECT
- 16. CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXPERT SIGN AN NDA Protect your information with the relevant documentation. Most ODP's Terms of Service usually include confidentiality terms by default, that both parties have to sign. However, externals agreement may also be uploaded by the client for additional security. Kolabtree's interface allows clients to choose from an NDA template or upload their own. TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT FREELANCER FOR YOUR PROJECT
- 17. CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXPERT SPEAK WITH THE EXPERT OVER PHONE/SKYPE A face-to-face conversation can make an immediate connect and greatly improve the collaboration process. It can also help you assess not only how accessible but also how interested the freelancer is. TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT FREELANCER FOR YOUR PROJECT
- 18. PAYMENT MODELS The fee through an ODP is typically paid on a fixed, hourly or retainer basis. Fixed price system: The client pays an agreed amount to the freelancer for a specific deliverable/project milestone. Hourly pay: The client is billed according to the hours put in by the freelancer. Platforms like Upwork have an in-built timesheet to keep track of the hours. Retainership: The freelancer is paid an amount on a regular basis, which can be billed against the final amount due.
- 19. PAYMENT PROCESS Most platforms offer fixed-price protection, in which a fee (an escrow amount) is paid by the client to the platform in advance The amount is held by the platform and is paid to the freelancer once the client is satisfied with the output If the client finds the work unsatisfactory, the amount is refunded This system protects both the client and freelancer, and is one of the biggest advantages of using an ODP.
- 20. PAYMENT MODELS ODP's typically charge a fixed commission on the freelancer's earnings. Upwork offers a system where the commission fee is reduced progressively between the client and freelancer as they continue to work together. CLIENT PLATFORM FREELANCER PAYMENT PAYMENT - COMMISSION Make sure that the ODP is using a safe and secure payment system.
- 21. COMMUNICATE COLLABORATING SET GOALS REVIEW COLLABORATING TIPS ON EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION Break up the goal into smaller ones with fixed timelines in case the project is spread out. Regularly review work in progress so that you can provide feedback. This also helps save time and energy. Frequently communicate with the freelancer to make sure you're on the same page.
- 22. GOING OFFLINE: THE RISKS NO SECURITY Both freelancers and clients can be tempted to take the project offline and work independently of the platform (called "platform leakage"). However, the risks are far more than the perks, some of which are outlined below. An ODP guarantees protection of payment, both on paper as well as in practice. Without this security, there is no guarantee that either party will provide what it promises to. LACK OF TIME TRACKING SYSTEMS The lack of a reliable third-party platform for tracking hours and making payments accordingly can create confusion and disagreements for both the client and the freelancer.
- 23. GOING OFFLINE: THE RISKS NO DOCUMENTATION Both parties using an ODP are bound by the platform's terms and conditions which protects their information and confidentiality. Without this paperwork in place, disputes can arise between the client and freelancer, and sensitive information may be leaked.
- 24. SUMMARY OPD'S ARE A GREAT WAY OF GETTING QUICK HELP ON SHORT-TERM PROJECTS AT A BUDGET OF YOUR CHOICE. WHILE HIRING, VERIFY THE FREELANCER'S DETAILS AND TRY OUT A SAMPLE PROJECT IF UNSURE. PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION BY HAVING THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SIGNED BY BOTH PARTIES. MAKE SURE THAT PAYMENTS ARE MADE SECURELY. DO NOT TAKE THE PROJECT OFFLINE; YOU LOSE THE SECURITY THE ODP OFFERS.
- 25. GO AHEAD AND TAP IN TO THE POWER OF ON-DEMAND PLATFORMS. www.kolabtree.com blog.kolabtree.com WE'RE SOCIAL. contact@kolabtree.com