Creative, advertising, marketing and web freelancers can hit the ground running on just about any project - but you can put an extra spring in their step by swiftly integrating them into the office and providing helpful information. The following strategies can help you achieve maximum benefit from your freelance professionals.

• Secure management support. Make sure you have strong management support of the project professional's role.
• Clarify project details. Define the scope of the project, identify objectives, clarify expectations, establish clear deadlines and provide specific instructions. Put these guidelines in writing if possible.
• Keep other employees informed. Introduce the freelancer to your staff and inform the office of the nature and length of his or her project. Explain to full-time employees that the project professional is being brought on-board to help lighten their workload.
• Provide an effective setting. Prepare a comfortable work area with all the materials and equipment the professional will need to complete the project.
• Perform a brief orientation. Conduct an orientation, company overview and facility tour. Explain policies, security procedures, office hours, etc.
• Assign a point person. Establish centralized leadership and better control by appointing a specific contact to whom the creative professional reports and can go to when concerns arise.
• Show your stuff. Let the project professional review existing advertising, marketing materials and web content to understand your company's creative image.
• Keep information current. Communicate interim goals, revisions and project changes in a timely manner to ensure that the project professional has the information necessary to complete the assignment within budget and on deadline.
• Offer feedback. Provide frequent input on the status of the assignment, and let the freelance professional know you value his or her expertise.