How to Market a Small Business

Designed for the independent professional workforce

JOIN OUR NETWORK

Looking for talent?

TOP COMPANIES HIRING NOW

Work with top companies

Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3

Share key information such as your skills, experience, and hourly bill rate to showcase to enterprise clients as they review profiles.

On MBO, you choose your own clients and opportunities. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll do the rest.

Express interest in projects that meet your business growth strategy. Work with managers to finalize your rate and contract terms.

JOIN THE MARKETPLACE

The platform designed for the
independent professional workforce

MBO offers a customizable suite of business solutions to fit the specific needs of premier talent.
Build your business with the leading platform for the independent professional workforce.

Join the MBO Platform

Marketplace

Find your
next project

Find opportunities with top companies
looking for elite independent talent.

Explore marketplace

Crowdsourcing & Open Innovation

Share innovative ideas
& earn cash

Share your ideas and earn cash.
Apply skills and get recognized.

View active challenges

Communities

Team with others and
grow your practice

Deliver enterprise-scale projects
with communities.

Scale your
business

Join a network
of domain experts

Real people, real solutions

Learn how MBO is powering their businesses.

Independents Across America tells the real stories of real independent professionals and microbusiness owners and offers insight into the motivations and passions of the nation's 38+ million independent workers.

Learn More

{"slide_to_show":"2","slide_to_column":"1","pagination":"true","pagination_type":"bullets","speed":"300","autoplay":"false","autoplay_speed":"3000","auto_stop":"false","space_between":"0","centermode":"true","loop":"true","depth":"20","modifier":"20"}

"The benefits to seeing your ideas and conversations come to life are endless..."

Wade Forbes

Corporate Artist

Empowering enterprises to engage
premier independent professionals

A deep job platform for enterprise organizations

Discover enterprise solutions

Access Top Independent Talent

Engage with more than 70,000 of the nation's top independent professionals and microbusinesses currently leveraging the MBO platform.

Go Beyond Payroll and Compliance

Transform how you manage the entire independent talent engagement lifecycle — increasing the ROI of our independent workforce program.

Build An Agile Workforce

Accelerate time to productivity and increase flexibility with an independent workforce that adapts to the rapid pace of change to drive outcomes.

Discover enterprise solutions

Insights

Access a wide range of tips, research and tools designed to support the growth and innovation
of the independent workforce and enterprises who engage independent professionals.

Talent
Enterprise

View all

Weekly Independent
| 2 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: September 20, 2021

Being a successful independent contractor or a Client of Choice isn’t just about doing the best work or having the best perks. It also means staying one step ahead of the curve. That’s why each week we bring you The Weekly Independent, a quick-hit digest of news of note from around the web. Value Penguin…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Manage a Small Business
| 2 MIN READ

5 Books for Remote Workers

If you’re one of the many independent professionals who work remotely, you know how great the flexibility can be. The ability to personalize your work space, take ownership over how you complete your work, and finding routines that work for you are great perks. But all benefits aside, it can still be a challenge to…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Manage a Small Business
| 2 MIN READ

Community Spotlight: 1 Million Cups – A National Non-Profit Of Business Founders Giving Back To The Freelance Community

We all know starting a business can be exciting, but at times a lonely and intimidating journey. Since you are not part of typical employee organization and culture, you must work that much harder to find a trusted colleague to bounce ideas off, get candid feedback, or find encouragement. Hiring a professional coach for your…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Weekly Independent
| < 1 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: September 13, 2021

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Manage a Small Business
| 9 MIN READ

#ThinkLikeABoss: The 5 Key Differences Between Searching for a New Job and Searching for Your Next Consulting Engagement

The 5 Adjustments to Make, To Maximize How Much You’re Paid as an Independent Consultant Today in the Think Like a Boss series, we’re talking about the differences between searching for a new full-time job versus searching for your next consulting engagement. This topic is important because understanding the nuances between a traditional job search…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Weekly Independent
| 2 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: September 6, 2021

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Misclassification & Compliance
| 3 MIN READ

Pros and Cons of Hiring a 1099 vs W2 Employee

The differences between 1099 and W-2 tax forms, and considerations to take into account when making hiring decisions for your organization.

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Manage a Small Business
| 3 MIN READ

How to Stay Organized as a Consultant

Two of the most valued benefits to being an independent contractor are the flexibility to work where want and the ability to work how you want. Whether you work out of a home office, leased space, or coworking facility, you’ve likely spent time tailoring this space to best fit your needs. If not, you’ll quickly…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Weekly Independent
| 2 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: August 30, 2021

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Manage a Small Business
| 3 MIN READ

5 Self-Care Tips for Independent Professionals

Running your own business requires a lot of time and energy. And because you love what you do, it can be easy to put in hours of work without taking time to think about your own needs. But self-care is worth taking time for. The last thing you want is for motivation to wane due…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Grow a Small Business
| 3 MIN READ

6 Tips for Leading a Successful Client Meeting

Seeing your time and effort pay off by finding that perfect project feels good, but nothing is finalized until a contract is signed. Whether you’re meeting with an existing client to review opportunities for additional work or speaking to a potential prospect about a proposal, it is important to create a solid business case and present…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Market a Small Business
| 2 MIN READ

Five Blogging Tips for Your Small Business

In order to successfully market the services you offer, you need to position yourself as an expert in your field or industry. An easy way to establish this credibility is to write and publish your own industry-related blog. Follow these five tips to make the most out of your blog. 1. Keep Content Simple A quick…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Weekly Independent
| 2 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: August 23, 2021

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Manage a Small Business
| 3 MIN READ

3 Ways Self Employed Track Time and Billable Hours

When you run your own business, time tracking and billing are essential parts of your job. Whether you charge clients by the hour or by the project, knowing how and where you spend your time will keep your business both productive and profitable. How you manage your billable and non-billable hours as an independent determines…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

View all

Misclassification & Compliance
| 3 MIN READ

3 Business Benefits of a Contractor Compliance Program

Compliance programs minimize an organization’s exposure to misclassification liability when engaging independent contractors. Learn three key benefits a compliance program can offer your organization.

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Weekly Independent
| 2 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: September 20, 2021

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Workforce Management
| 3 MIN READ

Improve Workforce Management with a Chief Freelance Officer

Freelancers, independent contractors, gig workers, entrepreneurs, etc. create the independent workforce and are changing the way we view and understand work. Today, millions of Americans report working full-time providing professional services. The large majority of these workers have chosen this path of independence and are happy with their choice. From the perspective of enterprises, there…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Workforce Management
| 2 MIN READ

Top 4 Reasons Companies Use Independent Professionals

Today’s workforce ecosystem is incredibly diverse. Enterprises are building dynamic teams with a mix of salaried employees and contract or freelance talent. And the contingent worker side of this equation is quickly growing as companies embrace the skills, expertise, and flexibility of on-demand talent. The external workforce has become key to organizations increasing their agility,…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Workforce Management
| 3 MIN READ

3 Ways to Retain High-Quality Independent Consultants

Contingent workers offer enterprises many benefits including on-demand expertise, staffing flexibility, and better control over employment costs. Today, an increasing number of Americans are choosing to work independently for the many lifestyle and professional benefits it offers. At the same time, businesses are having a hard time finding the skilled professionals that they need. That’s…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Weekly Independent
| < 1 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: September 13, 2021

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Direct Sourcing
| 2 MIN READ

Why Use a Direct Sourcing Strategy for Talent Acquisition

Organizations today are increasingly relying on the growing pool of people working as independent contractors, freelancers, self-employed professionals. Independent talent provide access to the specialized skills managers struggle to find. Furthermore, businesses can realize significant cost savings as well as increased output by engaging independent talent on a project-basis. But how do managers find and…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Misclassification & Compliance
| 3 MIN READ

The Cost of Worker Misclassification: Independent Contractors

As the 38-million-strong independent workforce continues to grow, so does the issue of employee misclassification. The IRS estimates that millions of workers have been misclassified, and according to state-level studies, 10-30% of employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors. While some misclassification is unintentional due to lack of understanding about laws regarding worker classification, sometimes it is done deliberately to…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Misclassification & Compliance
| 3 MIN READ

Should I Hire a Contractor or Employee? 6 Questions to Ask

By engaging independent contractors, organizations can realize many benefits—from significant financial savings and staffing flexibility, to access to specialized skills and expertise. Independent talent can be a great way to test out new services, lay the foundation for a new business unit, or implement a new technology system. But in order to avoid risk, ensure…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Weekly Independent
| 2 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: September 6, 2021

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

MBO Partners
| 4 MIN READ

From Great Resignation to Great Realization: Independent Work Numbers Surge in the Wake of COVID-19

In 2021, the number of independent workers grew to 51.1 million, up 34% from 2020. Welcome to the Great Realization. Let’s face it, times are changing and the American workforce is rampantly becoming less and less like what you see in old 80’s and 90’s movies. You know, the ones where people drudge themselves to…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Misclassification & Compliance
| 3 MIN READ

Independent Contractor Misclassification and Compliance News August 2021

As the independent workforce continues to grow, so do the issues of worker compliance and misclassification. It is important for enterprises to remain informed about the latest laws, regulations, and developments surrounding these topics. Each month, we’ll bring you the latest news stories from around the web. 1. CA Court says Ballot Measure that Made…

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Weekly Independent
| 2 MIN READ

The Weekly Independent: August 30, 2021

Facebook0 Twitter0 Linkedin0 Email0 0
X

Misclassification & Compliance
| 3 MIN READ

What Does Independent Contractor Compliance Mean?

When engaging independent contractors, businesses must abide by laws and regulations specific to these workers. Learn the importance of independent contractor compliance, and how to minimize risk for your company.