Most people think freelancers work alone, handling everything from taxes to client work by themselves. But the freelance world is changing. Recent data from Upwork shows that 47% of successful freelancers (those earning over $75,000 yearly) regularly work with other professionals.
Why Should Freelancers Build a Team?
The numbers make it clear. FreshBooks found that freelancers who work with others make 32% more money than those working alone. But it's not just about earning more - it's about building something that lasts. A typical freelancer spends 36 hours every month - almost a full week - on tasks that aren't their main job. This includes 12 hours on accounting and invoicing, 10 hours talking to clients, 8 hours on marketing and social media, and 6 hours on paperwork. This valuable time could be better spent on actual client work or growing the business.
How to Start Building Your Team
The numbers make it quite evident. Working with others, freelancers make 32% more money than those working alone, according FreshBooks. Still, it's about creating something that will last rather than only about making more. Usually working on projects unrelated to their primary employment, a freelancer spends 36 hours a month, almost a whole week. This covers 12 hours on accounting and invoicing, 10 hours client contact, 8 hours on marketing and social media, and six hours on documentation. One could better use this precious time on real customer work or expansion of the company.
Knowing what you need help with comes first. Track your time for two weeks, noting which chores you detest, which take too much time, and what someone else would have done better. This basic practice typically reveals unexpected trends about where your time truly spends and which areas require most help.
Research by the Freelancers Union reveals three main experts who most assist independent contractors. First, a bookkeeper or accountant can save 10 to 15 hours a month and usually discovers tax savings that pay for themselves. Second, 15 to 20 hours a month can be freed by a virtual assistant handling emails, scheduling, and simple client communications. Third, a marketing person maintains your social media presence active and helps identify new customers.
Identifying Excellent Team Members
Building your team calls for quality over mere quantity. Search for project-based assistants, part-time experts, or other freelancers that grasp your task. The secret is to surround yourself with others that value your work ethic and company vision.
Developing a sustainable team depends on smart money planning. Start modest by saving 5–10% for basic needs, 10–15% for professionals like lawyers and accountants, and 15–20% for marketing. Though initially large, these percentages are investments in the expansion of your company.
Maintaining organization becomes especially crucial while collaborating with others. Keep everyone on the same page with Asana or Trello. Clearly state your needs; schedule frequent team meetings; and document your preferred methods of doing things. Good systems help to prevent misinterpretation and enable everything to flow more smoothly.
Think Like a Business Owner
Success comes when you stop thinking like a solo freelancer and start thinking like a business owner. The most successful freelance businesses spend 60% of their time on client work, 20% on finding new clients, and 20% on managing the team. This balanced approach helps create sustainable growth.
Watch out for common problems like hiring too fast, unclear job descriptions, poor communication, or inconsistent quality. These issues can quickly derail your progress and cost more than just money - they can damage your reputation and client relationships.
Getting Started: Your 3-Month Plan
Starting small and growing steadily works best. Spend the first two weeks tracking where your time goes. Use weeks 3-4 to plan your budget and research potential team members. Month 2 should focus on setting up your work systems. By month 3, you'll be ready to hire your first team member and start delegating tasks.
The Future is Working Together
The old image of the lonely freelancer is outdated. Today's successful freelancers are building small agencies and support networks. This lets them focus on what they do best while keeping the freedom of freelance life. As the freelance economy continues to grow, those who learn to build and manage effective teams will have a significant advantage.
Need help managing your growing freelance business? Juuli offers easy-to-use freelance finance solutions for who want to grow. We help with invoicing, team management, and more.
