What do I need to watch for when bringing in a subcontractor for the first time?

Establish clear communication and expectations upfront. Use a contract to define responsibilities and deliverables to avoid misunderstandings.

Check their previous work and references carefully. It's essential to ensure they align with your values and standards.

While subcontracting is optimal for business operations in most scenarios, it can sometimes end up becoming a disaster. The most important aspect, according to me, is alignment on the organizational and project vision and core values. After that, something that will always come in handy is deeper engagement with their existing clients rather than just written references.