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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.
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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
In any business agreement, the use of a 
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Running a successful business as an independent consultant often requires relying on a number of resources. A