Learn How to Hire an Associate with Special Co-Host: Nipa Patel, NP Employment Solutions In this session we will discuss how and why to hire your first Associate by understanding the difference between a freelancer and Associate and the best place to find them for future business success. As your business grows you will be faced with making a decision to hire an Associate. Many business owners opt for hiring Associates as a cost-effective solution to fit their need, but often struggle with the process and where to start. In this session we will discuss: Why having a holistic view of your business is important Understanding your need Understanding what you are offering Where to find them The importance of having a written agreement

1. Hiring an Associate
in these
challenging times
Nipa Patel, HR Consultant
NP Employment Solutions

2. Agenda
You and your business
Your need
Your offering
Where to find them
Written agreements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

3. You and your business
Have a holistic view of your business before you start:
Products/services
Clients
Competitors
What are the gaps in your service, have an idea of how you can pivot
Collaboration opportunities with your competitor (do not discount
this)
Be clear on your brand, reputation, ethics and values

4. Your need
Difference between a freelancer and Associate
Freelancer is used as a one-off
Associate is a more longer term relationship often complementing your business
and skills
Why do you need an Associate?
Upturn in business
Skills gap that needs filling
Ability for your business to offer more services
What do you need them for - the brief
Be clear on your and client needs and expectations from the Associate

5. Your offering
Rates: consider your rate to the client and how much you will retain for
yourself (if any). This will help you determine how much you can pay
Any future collaboration opportunities i.e. this is a two way opportunity

6. Where to find them
Your existing network
Facebook groups (specifically related to your field)
LinkedIn
Instagram
Websites: people per hour, upwork (these are freelance sites however)
If you can, get to know them first. If you can't, it is best to interview them to
ensure they are the right fit for your business and the work.

7. Important to have contracts in place to protect you and the Associate.
Can be found on various sites including SimplyDocs and RocketLawyer and Koffeklatch
Main headings
Contract term: on-going or for specific project
Services
Charges/terms of payment
Records and audit
Indemnity and insurance
Intellectual property
Non-solicitation/conflict of interest
Contracts

8. Website Links
https://www.peopleperhour.com/
https://www.upwork.com/
https://www.rocketlawyer.com/gb/en
https://simply-docs.co.uk/Home
https://www.koffeeklatch.co.uk/

9. Questions?

10. About me
Over 15 years experience in corporate HR in various sectors: Higher
education, charities, finance, legal and private healthcare
Experience spanning all areas of HR however most recently specialised in
the more contentious area focusing on resolving disputes in an ethical, fair
and legal manner
Business focuses on contentious HR such as investigations, disciplinary and
grievance support, mediation and training for new and existing managers.
Favourite quote: People are your greatest investment