How to Stay Connected with Independent Contractors Between Projects

Many companies today rely on independent contractors as a key part of their talent strategy. Independents provide specialized expertise, flexibility, and fresh perspectives. But once a project concludes, it’s easy for businesses to lose touch with their top talent, leaving hiring managers to scramble to reconnect when a new project need arises.   

Maintaining relationships with top independent contractors between project engagements isn’t just courteous—it’s strategic. Here are 8 ways your business can stay meaningfully connected with independent talent, ensuring they are available and eager to work when you need them. 

1. Create a Communication Strategy for Independent Contractors

Effective contractor relationship management doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention and strong systems. Consider designating specific team members to maintain communication with independent contractors you are interested in working with again.  

To manage these relationships effectively, consider using your existing CRM or creating a dedicated system to track contractor information, skills, availability, and relationship touchpoints. This systematic approach prevents valuable relationships from falling through the cracks when staff changes occur or business priorities shift.

2. Share Valuable Information

One of the most effective ways to stay connected is by providing genuine value between projects. Consider sharing relevant industry insights, research, or trends that might interest contractors. Keeping contractors informed about major organizational changes or achievements they’d find meaningful helps them feel like part of your extended team. 

When appropriate, invite contractors to relevant webinars, training sessions, or company events that align with their professional interests. These invitations not only provide value but also signal your interest in their continued growth and development. 

3. Provide Business Development Support

Independent contractors appreciate clients who are willing to help grow their businesses. Providing this support creates powerful loyalty. If a contractor has done a particularly good job, you can support their career by providing testimonials for their website or serving as a reference for other potential clients.  

Another good way to provide professional development support is to collaborate on case studies highlighting successful project outcomes (with appropriate confidentiality measures). These materials benefit both parties—contractors gain valuable marketing materials while you demonstrate your organization’s innovative approaches. 

4. Create Lightweight Engagement Opportunities

Not every contractor engagement needs to be a major project. Try scheduling occasional consulting calls to tap their expertise on emerging challenges your team is facing. These advisory sessions keep contractors engaged while providing your team with a valuable outside perspective. Similarly, inviting their input on plans or ideas related to their area of expertise signals that you value their thinking beyond just task execution.

5. Plan for Future Engagements

Proactive planning helps maintain continuity in contractor relationships. When appropriate, share information about potential future needs to help contractors plan their availability. Periodic check-ins about their upcoming schedule and capacity demonstrate your interest in continued collaboration while giving you valuable information for resource planning.

6. Leverage Technology to Stay Connected

Digital tools can help maintain relationships efficiently across a portfolio of contractors. Connect professionally on platforms like LinkedIn and engage meaningfully with their content so that you demonstrate genuine interest in their professional growth. Internal tools such as MBO’s Source of Talent solution offer convenient access to top independent contractors who have previously worked with your company. Quickly fill projects with trusted talent by building your own talent communities within MBO’s marketplace. 

7. Personalize Your Approach

Not all contractor relationships warrant the same investment of time and attention. We recommend categorizing contractors by strategic importance and customizing your connection strategy accordingly. Pay attention to individual communication preferences—some contractors appreciate frequent contact, while others prefer more space between engagements.

8. Measure Relationship Success

To ensure your contractor relationship efforts deliver value, track key indicators of success. For example, you can monitor how often top contractors are available when needed. An increase in their availability rate may indicate a strengthening relationship. Also, track response rates to communications and invitations as an early indicator of engagement levels. 

Organizations that master the art of maintaining meaningful connections with contractors between projects stand to gain a significant competitive advantage. Rather than treating contractor relationships as transactional, view them as valuable extensions of your talent ecosystem. The modest investment required to maintain these connections typically yields substantial returns in continuity, quality, and access to expertise when you need it most.