As you spend time in the freelance world, you quickly realize that there's a limit to how much you can achieve working solo.
Maybe it's time to think about expanding your capacity by bringing subcontractors into the fold?
I know, subcontracting can be a scary word, but trust me, it can be a game changer for your business, like it’s been for mine…
The problem:
You’re only one person, so there's a limit to how much work you can take on before the quality of the work suffers.
And your income quickly becomes controlled by how much you ALONE are willing to work.
The benefit of solving it:
Boost your income and business growth without working more hours or sacrificing quality (OR compensation, when you price right!).
Why what you’ve tried has failed:
You feel your clients are hiring you for your unique skills so you’re hesitant to invest the time finding and managing subcontractors.
It feels like more trouble than it's worth.
Here’s how to solve it:
Just as an excellent fine dining experience relies on a team and not just the head chef, your freelance business can thrive on collaboration…
If you go about it the right way.
Here are the most common Qs I get asked about subcontracting:
Q: How do I get an idea of what subcontractors in my industry will charge?
A: Start by networking with potential subcontractors and asking them for ballpark budgets and services for potential future work.
Remember it’s better to have a deep bench, as they won't always be available on demand.
Q: How should I talk to clients about using subcontractors?
A: Shift the focus from who does the work to the quality and results you deliver. Use terms like "my team and I" to introduce the concept of a broader support network behind you.
If a client asks directly, be honest about your collaborative approach (but believe me, this is rarer than you think!).
Q: How do I prevent subcontractors from stealing my clients?
A: This is another thing that happens less often than you think, but regardless you should be the ONLY point of contact between clients and subcontractors so you maintain control over the relationship and the project.
Make sure you and your subcontractor are on the same page, and everything goes through you.
Q: How should I price my services when working with a subcontractor?
A: Here’s how I suggest you calculate your minimum project fee:
(The income you need to generate annually / The amount of projects you average annually) + How much it would cost you to responsibly subcontract the job
So for instance, if you’re goal is to take home $100k per year, and you average 10 jobs a year, and it would take a subcontractor $5k to do the job.
Your “fee” should be $15,000 →
$100,000 / 10 = $10,000 + $5,000 = $15,000
I know taking on subcontractors in your business can seem risky, but with the right approach it's an incredible opportunity for your growth.
Best,
Jamie
For freelancers that want to fill their client pipeline & earn more consistently:
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