Ask HN: How do you extract professionalism out of your freelancers,lawyers, etc?

1 points by goingbananas 4 years ago | 3 comments

I'm a one man show on a startup for a SaaS I'm about to launch. I'm having the most trouble not with any of the technologies I'm delaing with, but with the work I can't do myself. I am not sure in other countries but in Spain, someone will adevrtise himself as master of its craft. Then he is hired to do 10, he will deliver 5 and not even with enough quality. This applies for lawyers, graphic designers, tax attorneys, etc. Then I will need to find another lawyer, to go after the initial lawyer for not delivering quality work, and the cycle could go on and on. Professionalism is totally lacking everywhere, and it is very difficult to draw the line and get serious about anything because no one expects that the work to be done should have better quality. It is gotten so bad that I delay reading new incoming emails from these kind of freelancers since I know it will be crap and will ruin my mood for the day. Anyone has similar issues, any advice?

mooreds 4 years ago |

I don't think you can extract professionalism, it's a matter of finding folks who already have it.

If possible, start with small tasks, and even things you could do yourself. That way you can truly judge if someone acts professionally and does a good job.

I have found some really good professional advisors through referrals, as that means both sides have more at stake (their reputation).

Also, don't stint on paying folks. Pay them before the due date if at all possible.

If using a freelancer who is good and dependable, nothing will surprise them more and move your work to the front of the line than an unexpected raise in rates. (Do this after 6 months or so of good work.)

topicseed 4 years ago |

For me, the freelancer's rate has had a serious correlation with quality of deliverables and professionalism.

It's obviously not surefire but with decent screening, it's been cost saving to spend more money on freelancers of all kinds.

goingbananas 4 years ago | |

In my case, the freelances and lawyers are actually not the cheap ones, that's why it is so frustrating...