Searching for the right site to engage blockchain advisors can seem overwhelming, so we researched a list of the top 15 online places for finding the right freelancers for your team and created a comprehensive guide for selecting the perfect fit.
Often, it helps to start with obtaining background knowledge. Here are answers to typical questions you may have when looking to find experienced blockchain consultants.
Blockchain has become a buzzword over the last couple of years. Many companies are looking into using a blockchain solution to improve their operations. This is because they see its potential benefits. The question now is whether or not you should hire a consultant to advise you on how to implement a blockchain network in your organization.
What Are Blockchain and Cryptocurrency?
Blockchain technology, conceived in the early 1990s, is a database system that stores information in blocks distributed on a decentralized network. Each node on the network authenticates each piece of information entered into the blockchain, creating a secure transaction method without a third-party verifying authority. In addition, blockchain uses complex cryptography algorithms to anonymize all data, making the system virtually hack-proof.
The recent rise in prominence and popularity of cryptocurrency has sparked new interest in blockchain, since it is the technology that makes digital money a possibility. Cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies that run on exchanges powered by blockchain systems. Thanks to these unique systems, cryptocurrency has received widespread acceptance from the public, but it is still uncertain how societies will use virtual money in the future.
Popular blockchain applications include public ledgers, distributed ledgers, and smart contracts.
What Do Blockchain Consultants Do?
The role of the blockchain developer continues to expand as business leaders see how a blockchain project can transform current practices across many different sectors. These professionals examine current business operations, look for ways blockchain systems could improve processes, develop a proof of concept, and plan strategies for blockchain implementation.
The realization of the power of blockchain for transforming major industries—finance, healthcare, legal—has brought an increased awareness of the importance of the blockchain consultant role. Company prognosticators peering into the future see the need for professionals who can help guide their organization into totally new ways of doing things while mitigating disruptions in day-to-day operations.
How Quickly Can I Find a Blockchain Consultant?
Businesses in many industries and offering various types of jobs need blockchain consultants. As a result, many talented individuals enter the field and quickly fill the necessary roles. Still, finding the right person to meet your specific need may prove challenging, with skilled consultants usually fielding multiple offers with higher-range professional salaries.
The length of time you can expect to hire will vary greatly depending on the type of project and how it will use blockchain. One significant benefit of using a high-quality platform with a large talent network is the ability to rapidly identify individuals who possess the precise skills you need. Using Toptal, for example, you could start working with a blockchain consultant in as little as 48 hours.
How To Hire a Blockchain Expert
You must also consider the best strategy for hiring a blockchain consultant. For example, do you want to hire someone onsite part time or full time? Depending on your situation, hiring full-time, salaried staff may make sense. However, many companies are opting for the flexibility of using freelance professional staff.
Using freelance, preferably remote, blockchain advisors offers several significant benefits. First, issues surrounding employed staff—benefits, vacation, sick time, company fidelity—are absent when dealing with independent contractors who essentially work for themselves. Additionally, remote freelance talent eliminates the need for increased office space and related expenses. Finally, and most significantly, businesses can bring in freelance blockchain pros to work on specific projects directly related to their expertise when needed. When blockchain is not at the forefront, freelance consultants are free to pursue other projects and come back on board when needed.
What Skills Do I Need To Identify in a Blockchain Consultant Before Hiring?
In-demand blockchain consultants are multifaceted individuals with a wide range of skills. Some of the essential attributes to look for include:
Broad knowledge of business practices.
Strong programming skills.
Extensive experience with software development.
Ability to embrace new technology.
Demonstrable understanding of blockchain's specific implications in different industries.
Understanding of blockchain technology.
Called on to lead significant transformations into unknown territory, successful blockchain consultants tend to possess skills that blend aspects of business leaders with those of advanced technology implementation specialists.
What Is the Salary of a Blockchain Consultant?
Blockchain consultants do not come cheaply. A recent report stated that the average salary for blockchain professionals reached an average of $136,000 per year.
Many factors will affect how much you pay for a blockchain consultant. The most prominent are:
Scope of the project.
Level of technical expertise required.
Size of your organization.
Team structure: salaried staff, hourly employees, or freelance contractors.
Where To Hire the Right Blockchain Consultant for Your Project
Your first step in hiring a blockchain consultant is determining how specific skill sets will benefit your project. Will you need someone strong in business skills with deep technical understanding but not necessarily hard coding skills, or do your requirements call for someone more experienced in the technical implementation of new network systems?
Consider aspects of the sites covered in this guide for help deciding on where to find blockchain consultants. Lean toward sites in the list that:
Pertain specifically to your industry.
Have candidates willing to work within your project budget.
Screen for specific skills pertinent to your project success.
Blockchain consultants help businesses understand how new technologies will impact their operational procedures. Consequently, they must quickly grasp complex business, government, and socio psychological issues. Locating these talented professionals is not always easy, but using this guide should help you get a good start on finding someone to fill your project needs.
