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Contractor Consultant Freelancer

contractor consultant freelancer

The term freelancer is often misused.

This isn’t too surprising with terms such as independent contractor, consultant or, indeed, freelancer mostly lacking clear definitions.

Here we look at some of the differences you may find when hiring a consultant, contractor or freelancer.

Consultant

A consultant is generally referred to as an ‘experienced professional’ and will provide expert knowledge in return for a fee. They tend to work in an advisory capacity only and are usually not accountable for the outcome of a consulting exercise. Some consultants have introduced dramatic shifts in management thinking and improvements in the performance of organisations. Consultants can command a very high fee due to their experience and are some of the most knowledgeable people in their chosen field.
 

Contractor

A contractor is also an experienced professional, but one who provides a specialist service in return for a fee. Unlike a consultant, in most cases, a contractor will carry out the work. In some instances, they may also advise on what the work should be. Contractors are used by organisations that wish to acquire a given skill set for a period of time but do not wish to employ somebody on a permanent basis. As such, a contract is for a set period only, which can be amended if both parties agree. Within the UK a contractor within the IT sector would attract work via agencies

Freelancer

The terms ‘freelancer’ and ‘contractor’ are often interchanged, but these are two different things. Whilst a contractor will work full-time for one client, a freelancer usually has their own premises and has multiple clients. Freelancers generally command similar rates of pay to contractors but will only earn the same as a contractor if they bring in enough business across all of their clients, to enable them to work a similar number of hours as a full-time contractor does.
 
Regardless of what a person or company markets themselves as what really matters is the following:
 
  1. Who will the work be work
  2. What work is required
  3. Where will the work happen?
  4. When will the work happen?
  5. Why will the work happen?

 

The 5 W’s is the building blocks to any agreement and work. At Millsit we take this approach to every single project or task. To find out more get in touch

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