Three Ways to Hire Experts
Overview
Helios gives manufacturing businesses three structured ways to access expert support, each designed for a different type of need. Whether you need a ready-made solution, want to define your own project and receive proposals, or need fast help right now, Helios connects you with qualified manufacturing professionals in days, not months. No long-term hiring commitments. No staffing agencies. Just the right expertise, when you need it.
Way 1: Request Expert Services
What it is
Services are pre-packaged expert offerings created and published directly by manufacturing professionals. Each listing has a defined scope, clear deliverables, and upfront pricing so you can evaluate exactly what you're getting before you commit.
When to use it
Use Services when you know what kind of help you need and want to skip the proposal process. A safety audit, a lean assessment, a CAD review, an SOP write-up. If it's already packaged and priced, you can request it directly.
How it works
- Browse the Services marketplace under Hire Help → Services
- Review the listing: Overview, Why Hire Me, Process for Satisfaction, What You'll Get, and Work Samples
- Click Request Service to initiate the engagement
- The expert responds with a formal proposal, both parties sign a contract, and work begins
- Track all active requests under Services → Requests
Related guide: Request Expert Services →
Way 2: Post a Custom Gig
What it is
Gig Postings let you define your own project and invite the market to respond. You set the scope, the budget, and the requirements. Qualified experts review your posting and submit tailored proposals. You compare, select, and move forward with the best fit.
When to use it
Use Gig Postings when your need is custom, complex, or high-value enough that you want to evaluate multiple proposals before committing. Multi-week projects, specialized technical engagements, process redesigns, and compliance initiatives are all strong candidates for a Gig.
How it works
- Go to Hire Help → Gig Postings and click Create Gig
- Fill in the project title, category, budget, work site, and scope details including requirements, timeline, risks, and preferred skills
- Publish your posting. It's immediately visible to qualified experts on the platform
- Review applications in the Applications tab, communicate with candidates, and select the best fit
- The engagement moves through Hiring → Offering → Contracted as you finalize the selection
- Use Share Gig or Invite to Gig from an expert's profile to target specific professionals
Related guide: Custom Gig Posting →
Way 3: Launch a Quick Task
What it is
Quick Tasks are short, focused, fast-turnaround requests, targeted expert input without the structure of a full project. Post a Quick Task when something breaks, a deadline moves, or you need a quick review, a troubleshooting call, or a short deliverable fast.
When to use it
Use Quick Tasks when the scope is narrow, the deliverable is clearly defined, and you need a response quickly. A one-time safety walkthrough, a quick fixture review, a document edit, or a targeted technical recommendation are all ideal Quick Tasks.
How it works
- Go to Hire Help → Quick Tasks and click Create Quick Task
- Fill in the task title, category, budget, scope, and preferred skills and attach any reference files in Additional Files
- Publish the task. It's live and visible to experts immediately
- Review responses in the Applications tab and select the right expert fast
- The engagement moves through Hiring → Offering → Contracted
- Use Share Quick Task to send your posting directly to specific experts
Related guide: Launch Quick Tasks →
Which One Should You Use?
| Services | Gig Postings | Quick Tasks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Created by | Expert | You | You |
| Best for | Packaged, repeatable help | Custom, complex projects | Fast, focused, one-time needs |
| Pricing | Set by expert | You define the budget | You define the budget |
| Selection process | Browse and request | Post and receive proposals | Post and fill quickly |
| Typical timeline | Flexible | Multi-day to multi-week | Fast turnaround |
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips
- The more specific your scope, the better your results across all three methods. Vague requests attract vague responses.
- Services are the fastest path to getting started when the help you need is already packaged. Browse the marketplace first before posting a Gig.
- Use Quick Tasks to test a working relationship with an expert before engaging them on a larger Gig. It's a low-commitment way to evaluate fit.
- After hiring, keep all engagement communication inside Helios through Message Hub and the Messaging tab. Off-platform communication for platform engagements is a policy violation and removes your protections.
