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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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May 24 2012
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How to Land Your First Client as an Independent Consultant
When you begin a career as an independent consultant, one worry may mar your excitement: landing your first client. Without any previous clients to vouch for your expertise,you may be nervous that clients will bypass you for a more experienced consultant. Although a referral from a previous employer helps, you still may wonder how to ease a potential client’s fears about working with someone who is a new entrant into the independent consulting world.
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May 23 2012
The One Man Show: Sara’s Story
This month, we feature advisor Sara Conde, who shares the story of one recent conversation that illustrates a new rung on the corporate ladder: independence as a lifestyle choice for senior executives.
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May 17 2012
The Art of the Business Plan: 8 Things Independent Consultants Should Consider
The idea of working as an independent consultant is alluring to many. The perks of being your own boss, making your own schedule, and increasing your earning potential have a certain draw. But going out on your own as an independent consultant requires extensive planning and preparation in order to find success. Creating a solid business plan is key. As you begin to plan your new, solo business venture, consider the following:
May 17 2012
Gen Y Independents: Socially Oriented and Serving Non-Profits
Guest Blog Post by: Steve King & Carolyn Ockels of Emergent Research
One of the more interesting data points from the MBO Partners State of Independence study is 22% of Gen Y (born 1980 to 2000 and also referred to as Millennials) independent workers reported that non-profit organizations were their primary market.
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May 15 2012
Are You Ready For a Career Change?
Although some people choose one career and stick with it until retirement, others take an indirect path to employment success. In fact, many people decide to change careers at least once before they find the perfect fit. Whether you’re a consultant or a member of the traditional workforce, you may be wondering if a career change is the right move for you. Ask yourself the following questions to make sure you are making the right choice.
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May 10 2012
5 Key Questions: Do You Have What it Takes to Be Your Own Boss?
For most, a draw to the independent consulting career path is the idea of being one’s own boss. While there are many rewards to being your own boss, it is not always easy -- those that thrive as ICs often have some key traits that help them be successful. Do you have what it takes? Ask yourself the following questions to find out:
May 7 2012
Three Steps to Coping With Work-Related Stress
Although independent consulting can be rewarding for those who choose to pursue it as a career path, it, like any job, can be stressful at times. How you manage your stress will affect the success you are able to attain in the long term. Will you shine on or will you burn out? With our help, you can learn to work with minimal stress. Here’s how to do it:
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Apr 26 2012
Surprising Stats, Even For Me -- Women Independent Workers are A Silent Majority
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’ve worked full time, stayed at home with a child, launched a start-up, and run a solo consulting business, and even I was surprised to learn that there are more women independent workers in this country (8.5 million) than stay-at-home moms (5.4 million). All our society does is focus on black-and-white choices like full-time work vs. no work at all – and we’re all the weaker for it. It’s time we focus on alternate paths, and invested time and energy in making them even better options for women and families.
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Apr 25 2012
One Woman's Story: Independence as a Lifestyle Choice
This month, we feature advisor Nicolette Taylor, who shares the story of one recent conversation that illustrates a new rung on the corporate ladder: independence as a lifestyle choice for senior executives.
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Apr 25 2012
Consulting Corner: Four Clues to Weed Out Bad Clients
Let’s face it: there are good clients and bad clients, and nobody likes to work with a bad client. On those days when you’re still trying in vain to get paid for a consulting gig, or haven’t made any progress in the last six months, you may look back and wonder if there’s anything you could have done to foresee your problems. The answer is “yes,” sometimes you can recognize bad clients before you begin working with them! Here are some clues to look out for: