Yesterday I launched *Hire<http://densitycoworking.com/new-service-hire-a-freelancer-through-creative-density/> * on Creative Density's site where local Denver companies can submit projects to the freelancers that cowork at Creative Density. I'm branding it as a personal recommendation service for freelancers versus a straight jobs connector because so many of those already exist and this is a more curated service. How it works is pretty simple, companies say what type of project they want to work on, the budget, and further details. I then respond to the company with three or less recommendations of people that I know would be interested and meet the job requirements. This process will change as membership increases and the community will be asked for input into the process because I want to avoid favoring people and creating politics. I simply want to give honest feedback to companies on freelancers that I work with on a daily basis and understand their strengths and passions.
I take no cut of work and it is a service and benefit to the coworkers. The need CD is trying to solve: Companies don't know where to go to find talent. They often just post on Craigslist or go through their current networks. This is a long process or the company is limited to how many freelancers they actually know. *Hire *becomes a hub for local talent. Freelancers have a new opportunity to work with local companies and get discovered. They get more work, able to spend more time coworking, we build a stronger community. Creative Density benefits by becoming a hub and support system for freelancers. As Tony would say, we'd help fix this stupid job crisis. In addition, I'm starting to see more work passed between members and I'm getting approached by companies looking for talent already. *Hire *will provide a formal outlet for outside companies and to encourage them to use coworking members for gigs. What I don't want is for people to join Creative Density just because of job leads, but I'm going to react versus worry too much about it up front because I think good community management and culture can overcome this problem. I'm not sure if any other coworking spaces are launching services like this but I would love to know your reactions or how you'd change it. This is a beta and will be adjusted as need. Craig Creative Density Denver, CO -- Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com
