Blog

About the Independent Consulting Blog

On these pages, we’ll be exploring the complex and rapidly evolving business and regulatory conditions surrounding the use or independent contractors, consultants, and 1099s. Companies of all sizes that engage independent contractors are subject to myriad risks and responsibilities for using 1099s.

Blog

Pages

The Most Important Consideration When Working Independent

by MBO Partners

Whether you identify as an independent contractor, self-employed or you're venturing out to start your own company, there's plenty of gratification in knowing that ultimately, you work for yourself. You're your own boss, you call the shots and you own your financial destiny.

Defining and Drawing Boundaries for Your Work as an Independent Contractor

by MBO Partners

Defining and Drawing Boundaries for Your Work as an Independent Contractor

Tips for Negotiating Your Contract

by MBO Partners

In any business agreement, the use of a well-written contract is highly recommended; they provide clarity, establish the relationship, and offer protection to all parties involved. For these reasons, many independent consultants wisely insist on using written contracts for every client project.

Tags: contracts

The Importance of Contingency Plans for Independent Consultants

by MBO Partners

“If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.”  This saying, in various forms, has become a motto for many in the business world. For independent consultants, who often have to carefully balance each aspect of their business, this saying rings particularly true – especially in the case of emergencies or unforeseen situations that impact your consultancy or your ability to work.

Tags: finances

Presenting to Executives: Webinar Q&A with Dave Underhill

by MBO Partners

On April 25th, MBO Partners held a webinar titled, "Powerful Proposal Presentations: How to Influence Executives and Win the Project" with presentation expert Dave Underhill.

Tags: webinar

How to Hire Your First Employees Without Risking Your Consultancy

by MBO Partners

Often, independent consultants are drawn to their career path partially because of the ability to work on their own, enjoying complete control over growing their own business and helping it reach its full potential.

Making The Independent Decision: How To Respond To A Full-Time Job Offer

by MBO Partners

Sara Conde, a Consultant Services Advisor for MBO Partners, discusses how a lifelong traditional worker decided to go independent, and how he explained it to a Fortune 100 client.

"There is a temptation to take that W-2 offer when it comes across, but think that decision out carefully. There are ways to negotiate your way into working on a contract basis that benefits both you and your client.”

Soft Skills: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Improve Yours

by MBO Partners

While “hard skills” include technical skills, experience, and proficiency and are generally quantifiable, “soft skills” are more subjective – yet are arguably equally important in running a successful consultancy. Soft skills (also sometimes referred to as “people skills” or emotional intelligence) refer to abilities and proficiencies in interacting with others, including interpersonal relationships, communication, and behaviors that affect others.

Meet the Speaker: Presentation Expert Dave Underhill

by MBO Partners

When it comes to closing the deal and landing the contract, first impressions can make all the difference. Whether pitching to potential clients, confirming your value with progress updates to current clients, or presenting your new start-up company to potential investors or partners, the pressure that comes with presentations to be immense: you may only have one chance to connect with and impress your audience.

What Role Does Intuition Play in Independent Consulting?

by MBO Partners

Running a successful business as an independent consultant often requires relying on a number of resources. A strong business network, sound financial data, and established business management skills are all essential elements. But could feelings or hunches have a place in managing your consultancy?

Pages