Reduce the Risk of Working with Subcontracted Marketing Consultants
For some projects, a marketing consultant may need outside expertise or
just an extra hand to get the job done. For engagements like these,
hiring a subcontracted marketing consultant to assist with the project
can help you meet your deadlines without having to bring a full-time
employee on board. But keep in mind, working with independent
contractors does bring a new level of risk to your business.
Even
if you’ve found an independent contractor that you know you can count
on, there’s always the possibility that a misunderstanding will result
in a misstep that could negatively affect your business reputation,
liability, and relationship with your client. That’s why, when working
with subcontractors, it’s important to put as much information about
the project as you can in writing.
Before you commit to a
working relationship with an independent contractor, it’s a good idea
to have both a written subcontract management plan and an independent
contractor agreement, signed by both parties. Documenting your
expectations reduces the possibility of errors and omissions, lowering
the risk for your company and client.
What’s In a Subcontract Management Plan?
A
subcontract management plan spells out the relationship between you and
the independent contractor you employ, as well as between the
contractor and your client.
First, these plans commonly include
a detailed discussion of the project, addressing any areas where you
think conflict or concerns may arise. Commonly known as a “statement of
work,” this section of the plan can clearly define the deliverables,
tasks and services the subcontractor is expected to provide, as well as
any financial or scheduling constraints related to the project. Often,
the statement of work will also establish quality measurements for the
subcontractor’s work.
Many marketing consultants include an
organizational chart in their subcontract management plans, noting all
participants who will be involved with the project and what roles they
will play. This chart may encompass your own primary consultants, your
subcontracted consultants, and your client’s own team members.
Your plan can also define processes to be used for risk management and issue resolution, and establish who will serve as:
• Primary contacts
• Major decision-makers
• Risk managers
It
may also make sense to clearly lay out how you expect to communicate
with the independent contractor during the project. For example, you
can document:
• Your preferred method of communication: videoconference, phone, e-mail or in-person
• The frequency of progress updates, and in what form you want to receive them
• The frequency of client updates, and in what form the client should receive them
• The frequency of management status meetings
• Expected costs related to long-distance travel or communications
As
most marketing consultants have discovered first-hand, not every
project turns out as planned. Sometimes, due to factors beyond your
control, a project will change course once work has already begun. For
this reason, it makes sense for a subcontractor management plan to
clearly establish:
• Processes for submitting proposed changes
• Who will make decisions about changing project requirements
• What process those decision-makers will use to evaluate proposed changes
It
may also be a good idea to put in writing a definition of when the
subcontractor’s work will be considered “done,” and to address the
possibility of him or her providing ongoing assistance to the client
once the project work is complete.
Subcontractor Agreements
With
a management plan in hand, there’s still one more important thing you
need: your subcontractor’s signature on a legally binding subcontractor
agreement that protects your business interests and reduces your
liability.
This type of agreement includes wording to:
• Prohibit your independent contractor from being hired by your client
• Establish ownership of your company’s intellectual property
• Define the project deliverables your subcontractor is responsible for
Both
the subcontractor agreement and subcontract management plan should help
your independent contractor understand what’s expected of him or her
before they report to the job. Documenting as much as you can, in as
much detail as possible, helps you steer clear of many common marketing
consulting project mistakes; keeps your client happy; and ensures a
successful, longstanding work relationship with your valued contractor.
Source: Free Guest Posting Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
About Article Author

Jim Cochran has been providing insurance for subcontractors for over a decade. This experience allows him to understand how to manage risk as a small business when working with independent contractors. To obtain a small business insurance quote, visit BusinessInsuranceNow
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