7 strategies for attracting and retaining top freelance consultants

Attracting and retaining top independent consultants is a tough task in a competitive landscape. 

These skilled individuals are in high demand due to their ability to significantly contribute to a project’s success. They seek engagements that offer not just fair compensation, but also a good work culture, professional growth, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions. 

The challenge lies in nofinding these consultants andreating a working environment that encourages them to stay for the long term.

We asked the experts what companies can do to attract and retain skilled freelance consultants.  

From personalizing consultant relationships to fostering transparency and respectful collaboration, 7 specialists in talent acquisition and HR share their top tips. 

Build a personal connection

Building a personal connection with the consultant has been my go-to strategy. We don’t just look at contracts and numbers; we dive into understanding the unique needs, goals, and values of each consultant. 

Aligning these with the opportunities and culture within our organization creates a tailored approach. It resonates with the individual’s expertise and aspirations. This method attracts top talent and fosters loyalty. 

A personal connection builds more than a contractual agreement. Whether short or long-term, it encourages collaboration. They’re a resource and valued team member. We show that we’re invested in their success and that investment pays dividends in commitment and collaboration.

Ester Puleo, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Energy Casino

Equip consultants with the right tools

Drawing from my experience, I’ve realized the magic lies in equipping consultants with the right set of tools and support. This doesn’t merely introduce them to the heart of your business, but it also illuminates the results you’re striving for. 

Consultants, with their independent streak, bring a unique blend of outcome-driven focus. They’re not just here to clock in hours; they thrive on wielding their expertise to amplify their client’s success. 

While they aren’t molded like regular employees and often come with their own seasoned approach, it’s crucial to pave their path with the precise tools that resonate with your brand’s rhythm.

Colette Kemp, Accredited Small Business Consultant

Treat consultants as business partners

Remember that consultants are, in themselves, businesses or business owners with whom you’re working, and need to be compensated for their time in the same way that an internal employee would. 

Many businesses attempt to treat independent consultants as internal employees without providing the same security or perks, so aim to integrate any independent consultants with whom you may work into your organization as much as you can.

Tracey Beveridge, HR Director, Personnel Checks

Nurture a collaborative ecosystem

Things have become super-competitive. Therefore, keeping top independent consultants in a competitive landscape is difficult. You should nurture a collaborative ecosystem to deal with it. Since it’s the nature of human beings to like places where they are valued, the collaborative ecosystem can work effectively to meet the same.

Offer them support and make them feel they are an integral part of a community or agency. Set up a platform where they can connect and share experiences effectively. They can collaborate on projects with no barriers.

By offering them a sense of belonging, recognizing their expertise, and providing them with opportunities for skill growth, you are more likely to keep top independent consultants. Keep things simple and genuine so that no conflict can take away the best talent from your company. It is the best way to make consultants feel like an integral part of the company.

Saikat Ghosh, Associate Director of HR and Business, Technource

Maintain flexibility with consultants

In order to attract and retain top-tier independent consultants in a competitive market, you must be flexible. Allow for leeway in scheduling and avoid demanding hard deadlines with work products or reports. 

Independent consultants, by nature, are confident and ambitious, so if you push them too much or they feel as if you are becoming too demanding, they will leave and not look back, especially in a competitive market in which demand is high. 

Therefore, by being flexible and understanding, you will probably retain the individual for longer, even if that means a few reports here and there are delivered later than expected.

Janelle Owens, HR Director, Guide2Fluency

Include consultants in internal teams

One of the best approaches an HR team can take to assist with retaining consultant talent is to treat them like internal teams by providing company updates and even extending invitations to company events. 

Ultimately, whether they’re a contractor, it’s always nice for them to feel part of a team. These small gestures can go a long way in helping with retention in the long term.

Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll

Foster transparency and respectful collaboration

Treat consultants as valued partners, not just assets. Openness about project details cultivates belonging and aligns expertise seamlessly. Regular updates and inclusion in decisions build trust and commitment. Collaboration, not just delegation, fosters lasting partnerships.

Maintain clear communication. Regular check-ins and responsiveness show their importance, fueling loyalty. Transparency is key. Share milestones and challenges for alignment. This shared journey nurtures ownership.

Respect goes beyond finances. Acknowledge expertise and value time, shaping success collaboratively. In a competitive realm, respect and involvement matter. This strategy isn’t just business; it shapes collaboration for mutual growth. Top talent will always be attentive to these threats, including accountability. They aim for your success, so walk the talk.

Cristina Imre, Executive Coach, Business Strategist for Tech Founders, CEOs, and Entrepreneurs, Quantum Wins

Conclusion

Building a loyal and collaborative working environment is crucial to attracting and retaining the best freelance consultants. To do this, companies must form personal connections, provide the right tools, treat consultants as business partners, cultivate a collaborative ecosystem, maintain flexibility, include them in internal teams, and promote transparency and respectful collaboration.

What’s your take? Let us know in the comments!