6 Ways Companies Can Build Strong Contractor Relationships

Building strong relationships with independent contractors helps ensure successful projects and long-term partnerships. Clear communication, well-defined expectations, and honesty create a solid foundation. When contractors know what’s expected and feel respected, they’re more likely to deliver great work—and want to collaborate with you again.

Creating Great Relationships With Your Independent Contractors Starts Here

To establish a successful relationship with your contingent workforce, consider these six tips:

1. Review Your Overall Project Goals

A successful client-independent contractor relationship starts with a clear Request for Proposal (RFP). Your RFP doesn’t have to be long or complicated – just clear enough to explain your project’s needs and include all the important details.

Before you write your RFP, have a chat with everyone involved in the project to make sure you cover all the requirements. Your RFP should explain the project’s scope but not be so detailed that it prevents the contractor from suggesting creative solutions.

2. Identify Key Skills and Experience in Your Ideal Candidates

When you review responses to your RFP, focus on how well each contractor can meet your project’s needs. Make sure the independent contractor you choose has the right knowledge, skills, and resources for the job. Consider whether the solution they propose fits your budget and current processes.

After you narrow down your choices, think about interviewing candidates in person and looking at samples of their work to ensure they’re a good fit for your project.

3. Use a Contract to Outline Your Relationship

Once you’ve selected the right independent contractor, it’s important to set clear expectations through a contract. A service contract is a formal agreement between you and the contractor that outlines things like start and end dates, as well as job responsibilities and requirements.

Creating the contract is also a great time to discuss any needed resources, limitations, and other partnership details. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and avoids misunderstandings later on.

4. Create a Scope of Work (SOW)

When you write a Scope of Work, include details about your responsibilities, such as providing background materials, system access, and review timelines. It’s also a good idea to clearly outline shared responsibilities to keep the project running smoothly.

A well-defined SOW sets the stage for good communication, so take the time to discuss the details with the contractor. The document should explain exactly what the contractor will and won’t do, sets deadlines for deliverables, and define final expectations. This helps protect both your business and the contractor by making sure everyone is on the same page.

5. Start With Small Projects

If you can, start by giving independent contractors smaller projects before assigning bigger ones. You’ll be able to see how they work, how they communicate, and whether they meet deadlines reliably.

Finding the right contractor can take time, so testing with smaller projects can help you choose someone who has the right skills and works well with your team. Building a good working relationship early on creates a foundation of trust and makes collaboration on larger projects much smoother.

6. Communicate Regularly With Your Independent Contractors

Since contractors work independently, you can’t manage their schedule the way you would with an employee. That makes regular check-ins even more important to keep projects on track.

Setting up consistent touchpoints—like email updates, project check-ins, or weekly Zoom calls—helps keep communication open. These regular communications ensure that expectations are clear, deadlines stay on schedule, and there’s room to address questions or make adjustments as needed.

MBO Partners Connects You With High-Value Independent Talent

If you’re looking for additional support attracting independent contractors to your organization, MBO Partners offers a wealth of tools and resources to help. We cover a wide range of topics, including employer branding, workforce compliance, contingent workforce management, and more.

Do you need help creating a successful contingent workforce management program? Contact MBO Partners and we can share how we’ve helped other companies across a variety of industries manage their independent workforce, including Employer of Record (EOR) services and more.