When Bola Olatunji set out to build BeFit, an all-in-one fitness app offering personalized workouts, meal plans, challenges, and rewards, he knew he wouldn’t be hiring a full in-house team from day one.
Instead, like many early-stage founders, he turned to freelancers to bring his product to life.
In the first part of our conversation with Bola, he shared how he’s grown BeFit using freelance talent—smartly, strategically, and sustainably. But in today’s follow-up interview, we went even deeper into the reality of hiring freelancers in Nigeria, what he wishes more freelancers knew, and what makes him say yes to one over another.
If you're a freelancer looking to work with startup founders (or wondering why your pitches aren't landing), then there’s something in here for you.
What Founders Want Most (But Rarely Say Out Loud)¶
When asked what he’d change about the current freelance landscape in Nigeria, Bola didn’t hesitate:
“I wish it was easier to trust that freelancers are who they say they are and that they can actually deliver what they promise.”
This is a recurring pain point for founders: the gap between how freelancers present themselves and what they actually deliver. Bola emphasized how valuable it would be to simply have confidence that when a task is assigned, it gets done well and on time, without excuses or hand-holding.
That’s not just a complaint; it’s a call for professionalism.
What Freelancers Still Don’t Understand About Founders¶
A lot of freelancers think founders like to micromanage.
Bola says otherwise.
“We don’t enjoy micromanaging. We want you to be proactive, respect timelines, and follow through without needing constant reminders.”
To him, a great freelancer isn’t just someone who “does the job.” It’s someone who makes things easier for the client. They communicate clearly, understand the business goals, and manage their own time and progress effectively.
And here's the real kicker:
“The best freelancers are the ones who do the job better than the person who hired them could.”
The One Thing That Instantly Increases Your Chances of Getting Hired¶
Bola was clear on this, too: have a portfolio.
“I want to see what you’ve done. A clear track record of past work makes all the difference.”
Whether you’re a designer, developer, writer, or strategist, your work should speak before you do.
The Red Flags That Send Founders Running¶
According to Bola, two red flags stand out immediately:
- Overpromising: Claiming you can do things you can’t.
- Time issues: Missing meetings or deadlines, especially in the first week.
“If someone already has excuses in the first meeting, I know they’re not going to take the work seriously.”
His advice? Show up early. Keep your word. And let your professionalism speak before your pricing does.
What Sets the Great Freelancers Apart¶
So what makes Bola return to certain freelancers again and again?
Two things:
- Referrals: If someone he trusts vouches for you, you’re already ahead.
- Passion > Paycheck: Early-stage startups may not have the biggest budgets, but they value freelancers who believe in the project and are willing to grow with it.
“Some of the best freelancers I’ve worked with took slightly lower pay just to join a project they believed in, and their value was rewarded over time.”
The One Skill Every Freelancer Needs in 2025 and Beyond¶
If you take away one thing from this conversation, let it be this:
Be proactive.
Bola calls it an “underrated but game-changing habit.” Proactive freelancers:
- Don’t wait to be told what to do
- Think ahead
- Offer solutions
- Align with the vision of the business
“It’s like having a second brain on the team. Someone who sees what’s coming, not just what’s assigned.”
Want the Full Story?¶
This was just a highlight reel. Bola dropped even more gold in our full conversation. This would be a great listen, especially if you’re a Nigerian freelancer looking to land better gigs and work with founders who actually value your time and talent.
Listen to the full podcast now!
And if you're building your freelance business with intention this year, follow for more founder interviews, playbooks, and smart gig leads.
