What type of person do you need to help you in your business? People use a lot of different terms to describe themselves and there is a lot of overlap in these categories, but here are some guidelines to help you identify where to focus your search:
1. Is the work largely
administrative?
Most likely you need a virtual assistant.
2. Can you provide detailed
instructions explaining what you want done?
Again, most likely a virtual assistant. When you use a freelancer
or consultant you are drawing on their expertise and expect them to know
what to do. You may not even know the exact sequence of steps, and you
certainly should not have to spell it out for them.
3. Does it require a particular
skill or knowledge that you don't have?
This is probably a freelancer or consultant; it might be a partner.
4. Does it require software, tools
or resources you don't have?
This might be a freelancer, consultant or partner. For example, a freelancer
might have graphics software like Photoshop or Quark; a consultant might
have access to industry-specific software, a database or methodology; and a
partner might have a sizeable mailing list.
5. Do you want advice about
strategy or tactics?
Advice is generally provided by consultants, although you can get good
advice from freelancers or a partner.
6. Does it require experience in
your industry?
If you want someone who can give advice or make decisions based on in-depth
industry expertise, you are probably looking for a consultant or partner.
But for certain types of work, the answer might be a freelancer who
specializes in your industry.
7. Do you want to make all the
important decisions?
If you are making the decisions, you want a virtual assistant, freelancer or
consultant.
8. Do you want someone who accepts
responsibility for the outcome?
Most likely you want a partner who will share risk and reward with you.
9. Do you want to pay by the hour
or by the project?
Most virtual assistants are paid by the hour. Freelancers and consultants
generally are paid by the hour or by the project, although you can sometimes
find people who are willing to be paid based on results.
10. Are you willing to share revenue?
If you are willing to share revenue, you are looking for a partner.