MBO Blog

Innovation is a critical part of any firm’s strategy. From continuous improvement initiatives to go-to-market tactics to rebranding and beyond, a company must evolve in the right direction to compete successfully. Achieving sustained innovation has been a leadership quest for many years, with mixed results. As the traditional system of secrecy and locked doors that…

When you have received proposals from independent professionals in response to your project post, reviewing and assessing candidates is the next step toward engaging the best fit for your needs. Do this as a five-step process: Review the proposals Create the first shortlist Review the shortlisted candidates’ resumes Create the final shortlist Interview shortlisted candidates…

One of the biggest perks of running your own business is that you have full control—the clients you work with, the projects you take on, and how you structure your day is all up to you. By positioning your business around your strengths and skills, you can provide clients with reliable, trusted expertise. But that…

The independent professionals are highly skilled experts who can fill project roles on-demand. These individuals tend to work on medium-to long-term projects in a specific field of expertise.   By understanding the behaviors and values of independents, enterprises become more attractive to top talent and are better able to retain the workers they want for…

Despite dire recession warnings from economists, the US market currently has more job openings than labor to fill them. This doesn’t mean firms aren’t laying off talent, doing more with less, or considering scaling back on hiring. At this time, when the economy’s direction is up in the air and uncertainty prevails in the market,…

While the best approach to recruiting talent in today’s market is to hire skills rather than a particular work classification, how you attract independent talent with the skills you need differs from how you recruit employees. Because these two ways of working vary widely, your approach to job posting must change when seeking an independent…

Worker classification is an important part of managing a blended workforce composed of full-time and independent contractor talent. Misclassifying workers can be a legal headache and an expensive problem, so following proper laws, policies, and regulations is a must.  And while worker classification may sound scary and complicated, it doesn’t have to be. Today, there…

Improve independent contractor program adoption, increase talent retention rates, and mitigate misclassification risk with these three best practices for independent contractor engagement.

This guide covers best practices for a company and its managers to set up their independent talent for success in 2023. These practices are part of building an optimized workforce. It also includes self-assessments that help determine what’s working and where improvement is needed.

When you run your own business, finding new clients is an often less-than-exciting part of the job. Patience and self-promotion are important parts of the process, and each can come with a lot of frustration before you get to that coveted contract. In the past, most independent contractors found new work through word-of-mouth, but in…

The future of work is far from set. New models are nascent as the business landscape changes. Players in some industries (for example, the federal space) have consolidated, while other industries are achieving significant growth through acquisition (e.g., healthcare, technology) and new entrants (e.g., technology). We don’t know yet how these actions will ultimately affect…

Independent contractors are an important part of the talent pool for many enterprises today. MBO’s latest research finds that there are 64.6 million independent workers in 2022, a 26% increase from 2021. Professionals are making the leap from full-time employment to independence for several reasons, ranging from control of their schedule and career to increased flexibility.   …

Direct sourcing improves the ability of firms to find and engage contingent workers with the skills they need by:  Creating a curated talent pool with contingent workers.   Quickly accessing independent professionals with the skills you need.   Re-engaging contingent labor, which increases work quality, decreases time to fill roles, and improves the culture fit with the…

In common with employee talent, artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly impact independent talent—from sourcing contractors through engagement and onboarding. AI tools can effectively source prospective independent professionals, assess them without bias, and onboard them efficiently. With more and more companies drawing on contingent labor to build optimized or blended workforces, such tools can be beneficial…

Companies considering the viability of establishing or expanding a contingent labor workforce program may find excellent support in our 2022 State of Independence report. It marks the second year of forecast-breaking results in the independent professional population, perhaps indicating that the workforce disruption of the pandemic years has left a mark on the way that…

The modern independent workforce runs businesses from anywhere in the world, increasingly works together in teams, and finds new projects using online marketplaces. These workers are finding their place in America’s larger workforce, bringing skilled expertise to fill critical job openings while enjoying the flexibility and lifestyle independent work offers. Enterprises are increasingly recognizing the…

How do you calculate your consulting rate?  It’s a question most W2 employees ask themselves when they want to become a consultant. How can you maximize today and prepare for a profitable consulting business? 1. Evaluate Your Bill Rate When’s the last time you evaluated your pricing strategy? Have your bill rates remained steady for…

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. 2022 was a fascinating year for independent contractor compliance. Here’s a look at some top stories. 1. U.S. Department of Labor…

Enterprises across the globe are adapting and revising their strategic mindsets. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many companies to re-think how work gets done, and for many this has involved embracing a flexible workforce composed of a mix of fulltime, W-2 employees, and independent contractors. Independent contractors offer quick access to in-demand skills, giving organizations the…

When incorporating independent talent into your workforce, there are many steps involved. Enterprise managers must find the right talent to fit their needs. Those independent contractors must be engaged in a legally compliant manner. It’s important to manage working with independent professionals in a way that helps your business achieve its goals. By understanding this…

Open innovation can help companies solve problems that would otherwise remain left behind by any department. Whether implemented at a large or small company, crowdsourcing can help thrust productivity forward. It is important to use problem-solvers who are naturally curious, confident lifelong learners. After selecting problem solvers, a company can learn from the solutions provided….

For many independent professionals, work can be tinged with uncertainty. The top two challenges reported by respondents to our 2022 State of Independence survey were not enough predictable income and concerns about the sales pipeline, and a big part of operating an independent services business is addressing them. In addition to these challenges, many independents…

As more companies incorporate independent professional talent into their workforces, the issue of worker misclassification has also been thrown into the spotlight. But what is worker misclassification exactly? First, it’s important to understand that independent contractors—freelancers, consultants, self-employed professionals, side-giggers, etc.—represent a fundamentally different type of worker than your typical W-2 employee. ‘Independent contractor’ is…

The end of 2022 is steadily approaching. Soon we will be in January with post-holiday activities revving up across the business world. Planning for the future is an important part of business management, but it’s a task that can often get pushed to the end of the list as an “I’ll do it later” item….

Working from home seems like an ideal setup for many employees, including new moms and retirees. However, there are often “work from home” opportunities floating around that end up being fraudulent. You may ultimately waste your time or, worse, your money. We’ve compiled a list of ways to identify work from home scams so you can…

In conducting the research that informs our annual State of Independence report, we noticed a trend in the late 2010s that prompted us to include a new set of questions in our surveys. The focus of these questions is on how and why independent professionals form teams with other independents or microbusinesses. We began reporting…

Independent labor has become mainstream in the American workforce. According to MBO’s 12th Annual State of Independence Report, 2022 was another year of big growth for this market segment as the total population increased to 64.4 million, one-third of which are Full-Time Independents. As more and more companies move toward a blended or optimized workforce—a…

Today, independent work is part of the normal career portfolio and organizations are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate independent professional talent into their overall workforce strategy. Independents have a lot to offer, and with the right engagement program, they can help an organization thrive. Here are four important strategies to keep in mind if…

The holiday season is always busy and taking time to find the perfect little something for your client can be an added stress. Rather than settling for a last-minute gift card or fruit basket, take advantage of our annual holiday gift guide.  We’ve scoured the web and polled our team members to find some of…

Best practices and industry standards for engaging and paying independent contractors.

Worker classification is a topic of increasing importance as the independent workforce continues to grow in number. Workers can be classified as employees or independent contractors. Understanding the difference between these two types of classifications is very important for enterprises.  Independent Contractors vs. Employees Independent contractor is a legal term for workers who are not…

Today’s business leaders are experiencing pressure to improve service, move faster, and find new skills in their workforce. With a need to shift strategies to better meet business goals, enterprises are increasing their dependence on contract, freelance, and gig workers—adopting a flexible workforce that is comprised of both full-time and independent talent. Today, there are…

MBO’s Annual State of Independence in America Report, a yearly pulse check of the independent workforce as a part of the future of work, reveals a vast workforce whose shape and focus are constantly changing. Over 12 years of researching this labor segment, we have seen enabling factors building toward a solid support structure for…

Companies today are settling into new ways of managing their workforce. Many are relying more heavily on contingent workers, a pool of talent that has the flexibility and skillsets needed to fill key functions quickly and efficiently. Independent professionals are a growing group of talent, and their skills are in high demand. In order to…

When pursuing a career as a consultant, it can be helpful to see if have the personality traits that match most successful consultants or if you need to work on developing them. For example, networking, running a business, and managing projects are all important aspects of an independent professional’s daily life—and there are certain personality…

A blended workforce, combining full-time and independent talent, offers strategic opportunities for business growth. Staffing flexibility, the ability to compete for in-demand skills, and improved speed to market are some of the results that can be achieved with a well-integrated contingent labor program. It’s not unusual for a company to start small when integrating independent…

Realize the competitive advantage of making independent talent part of your workforce strategy by creating a program to that brings top talent to your doorstep, compliantly.

If you are an independent contractor, consultant, or solopreneur, the end of the year is a great opportunity to review results, evaluate business assets and expenses, assess relationships, and create a plan to excel in the new year. Use this handy checklist to keep yourself on track. 1. Wrap Up Financial To-Dos If you operate…

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. Minnesota and the District of Columbia Sue…

Open innovation answers all the leftover problems that companies can’t solve during even the best of times. Economic downturns flash a light on the need for these solutions. Companies are most familiar with attracting employees and contingent workers. However, problem solvers can fit into those gaps left by a traditional workforce. Large corporations are more…

There’s no getting around it—project management is a core competency for any successful solo consultant. In addition to your specialized expertise, the success of client engagements and your business requires effective results and milestone management. If this isn’t a strong skill set of yours, don’t worry. There are many ways to enhance project management capabilities through…

In our social media dominated world of today, anyone with a Twitter account or a blog can call themselves an “expert” on any given subject. And that makes it tough to rise above the noise to reach current and prospective clients with your message. However, by establishing true thought leadership and experienced-based innovative thinking, you…

There are many ways to find consulting jobs, and the secret is just knowing where and how to look for them. When you work as an independent professional, one of the biggest benefits is having the flexibility to follow your passion and choose the type of work you do. However, being smart and efficient in…

The modern workforce can consist of a variety of talent and knowing when to hire an independent contractor vs a temp or a full time employee can impact how quickly work gets done and your bottom line. Businesses are increasingly relying on the independent workforce—the millions of Americans who work as contractors, consultants, freelancers, side-giggers,…

Employee retention is an important part of maintaining a streamlined, productive workforce. Enterprises want to hold on to their top performers—the same strategy should apply to independent contractors as well.  More than ever before, companies are relying on independent talent for the in-demand skills and professionalism they provide. Independent contractors bring on-demand expertise, staffing flexibility,…

Starting and growing your own business can be a winding and difficult road. Achieving sustainable success requires grit, discipline, and stamina to deal with all of the uncertainties that come with the job. That’s why resilience is such a critical skill. When you encounter setbacks or disappointments, it is important to be able to come…

As part of our educational programs on pricing, we bring you part two of a four-part series from Reuben Swartz, who spent over a decade helping companies from Fortune 500 giants to independent consultants improve profits through better pricing. Read part 1: Stop Commodifying Yourself, if you haven’t already. He also created Mimiran, the fun,…

Building a community around independent talent is an important part of workforce optimization. independent contractors who have in-demand skills tend to be able to pick and choose the clients they work with. That means, in order to attract and engage the very best talent, organizations must place a strong focus on candidate experience when building their…

If your organization is engaging independent contractors for the first time, it may feel like navigating completely new territory. You might have fears about the quality of the final product, what it’ll cost, or the productive use of time and resources—it can be hard to trust someone you’ve never worked with before. However, in light…

Service marketing differs from product marketing in a number of ways. One is the absence, usually, of a tangible sample that a prospect can hold, inspect, or try out. Creating content to promote services is a great way to demonstrate your expertise as well as your personality and work style. Building a content library can…

Baby Boomers and GenXers, the two most seasoned generations of independent professionals, comprise nearly half of the talent pool (26% and 23% respectively). Unfortunately, many enterprises don’t effectively tap that talent demographic, often because of myths that persist about “older workers.” In addition to gaining access to a wider range of skills and expertise, creating…

Any business that engages independent talent will take precautions to minimize the risk of worker misclassification, but if you do find yourself with an IRS audit letter what do you do? Because audits can result in large fines, negative press, back-tax payments, and even class-action lawsuits, the prospect of going through one can be scary….

Even with the flexibility of self-employment, taking maternity leave as an independent professional can be a challenge—both financially and logistically. Not only do you need to plan ahead for your projects, bring in extra help if needed, and set boundaries with your clients, but it’s also important to think ahead to childcare options and set realistic goals…

Workforce optimization allows companies to access the talent they need in an agile, cost-efficient way so they can succeed in the future of work.  Finding the talent you need to effectively run your business is no easy feat. As the modern workforce environment increasingly trends towards engaging independent talent, enterprises must adjust the way they…

Leaders today need to be ready to face a range of uncertain possibilities and disruptions. This is especially true for those leading their own companies or working as independent consultants, as each day brings complex and ambiguous challenges for which no easy solution exists. Sound familiar? As an independent consultant, it is essential that you…

If your organization is one of the many building a hybrid workforce composed of fulltime, temporary, and freelance talent, you already know the myriad of benefits independent professionals can provide—staffing flexibility, access to in-demand skills, and reduced employment costs, just to name a few. As you develop your program for finding, engaging, and managing independent…

Though an increasing number of Millennials and Gen-Z members are going solo, Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers still make up nearly half of the independent workforce,  with 26% and 23% respectively. These professionals are demonstrating the value of their experience and perspectives to the companies that engage them. Seasoned independent professionals of all ages have retired,…

Contingent workers are a steady economic force, bringing in-demand skills, staffing flexibility, and cost control to many enterprises worldwide. As more businesses incorporate independent talent as part of their full-time workforce, questions about how to best manage this new population of workers is high on the list for many enterprise managers. Engaging Independent Talent Through…

Finding and engaging skilled independent contractors who work well with your company is a big accomplishment. But it’s just the first step in building a blended workforce. Developing strong relationships with independents is essential to retain this talent pool. By building a positive reputation among contingent workers, you can ensure your organization is top of mind…

The ability to manage your business expenses is not just good for your company, it’s also a good income strategy as an independent professional. As a business of one, you will incur fixed costs that cannot be billed back to clients. You’ll also need to handle expenses such as health care, retirement funds, and other…

Though contingent labor has always been part of the workforce to some extent, the Great Realization has spurred the engagement of contractors in larger numbers and in roles that were previously considered employee-only. In some cases, critical skills are only available from independent professionals, causing companies to turn to blended workforce models. As a result,…

As the 64.4 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…

Avoid a slump in business by using these tips to keep new projects coming in over the holidays.

The ability to work when and where you like, be your own boss, and turn your passion into a career make independent work broadly appealing, but that doesn’t mean it is for everyone. Running your own business can be stressful and it will require more than a few long hours. Nevertheless, people are often hesitant…

As part of our educational programs on pricing, we bring you a 4-part series from Reuben Swartz, who spent over a decade helping companies from Fortune 500 giants to independent consultants improve profits through better pricing. He also created Mimiran, the fun, “anti-CRM” for independent consultants who hate “selling”. He also hosts the Sales for…

The nature and culture of independent work is growing more complex and sophisticated. Today, millions of Americans work outside of traditional employment as independent contractors and consultants, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who provide services to all different industries on a regular basis. Companies are increasingly relying on a particular sub-sector of the independent workforce—a growing group…

The decision to start your own business as an independent professional means that you are responsible for ensuring the legal and financial wellbeing of your consultancy. Remember that you are your business—if any legal or financial problems arise that affect your company, they will also affect you directly. It’s important to protect your business against the risk…

In a highly competitive business world, independent consultants know that continuing education enhances their abilities, broadens their areas of expertise, and boosts their professional reputation. Many busy professionals are turning to online training courses to receive these benefits, thanks to their “work from anywhere” convenience and often affordable price points. However, with so many options…

Over the past few years, more people than ever before have left their payroll jobs to pursue independent work. Simultaneously, companies have realized that remaining agile is key to surviving economic ups and downs. The contingent workforce is an increasingly important part of ensuring enterprises are ready, adaptable, and competitive for whatever challenge they might…

When trying to find an independent consultant for a project, it’s important to write a job description that attracts the right talent, and the way you write this description is often different than writing one for a full time employee.  A good project description will help weed out people who don’t have the skills you’re…

Save time and money for your organization by re-engaging independent talent. When independent professionals are satisfied with their client relationship, they are more likely to return to that same client for future work. If independent professionals are already a part of your company’s workforce, re-engagement should be top of mind. If your organization is just…

Whatever the initiative that’s getting underway, a project kickoff meeting is essential to success. Putting time and energy into turning your kickoff from “just a meeting” into a motivating, action-oriented session can pay big dividends over the course of the project. Your kickoff needs to fit the type of project being launched. Examples include: Internal…

More than ever before, enterprises today need to be able to move quickly and effectively to adapt to changing businesses needs and disruptions. Building a workforce composed of a mix of full-time and contingent talent is one of the top ways savvy businesses are achieving workforce agility.  Agile enterprises are better positioned to adapt to…

Corporations see challenges that fall on the human resources floor. They try to fill skills gaps with contingent workers, freelancers and contractors; however, it falls short of all the work your organization needs. Strategizing for the future of your organization will comprise at least three different types of work: full-time employees, contingent workers, and problem…

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. U.S. Department of Labor Proposes New Rule for…

Traditional hiring models are quickly becoming a way of the past, and many companies are implementing direct sourcing strategies because of their many benefits. This strategy takes the form of sourcing from today’s valuable talent pool of self-employed professionals. The idea behind these talent management solutions is to move recruiter functions in-house to enable enterprise managers…

It’s the last quarter of the calendar year and time for 2023 planning.  As you work through your business goals and growth strategies for the coming year, consider your current rate schedule along with new ways to increase revenue. Refer to benchmark services that cover your market and skill set to compare the rates they…

A well-rounded workforce today often includes a population of independent talent. Independent contractors offer numerous benefits such as helping companies minimize employment costs through staffing flexibility. Rather than adding to company payroll by hiring an employee, enterprise managers can engage an independent contractor who can bring a specific set of skills to a project. However,…

The number of digital nomads in the American workforce grew 131% from 2019 to 2022. According to our research, this growth will continue as traditional employees as well as independent professionals embrace an “on the road” work style.   Among the 16.9 million digital nomads traveling and working in 2022, many are independent professionals with high-demand…

Meet Emily Stringer, Program Manager at MBO. Emily helps MBO continue allowing our clients to do the work they love, the way they want, each and every day. Read our exclusive interview with Emily to learn more about how her commitment to helping small business owners.

As an independent professional, your job involves it all—from running errands and scheduling meetings to engaging with new clients and attending networking events. All of these responsibilities can quickly overshadow your work-life balance. To avoid burnout, stay on top of your workload, and keep your clients happy, consider teaming up with another independent contractor. Working with another professional…

As an independent professional with your own business, you make a lot of decisions about how to work, where to work, when to work, and if it’s working. If you shift your business into digital nomad mode, these are still the decisions you must make. The difference is in the answers, and those answers are…

Worker misclassification can result in fines, penalties, lawsuits, and reputation damage. Here’s what you need to know about misclassification and compliance.

The talent management landscape is changing. Forward-thinking organizations today are turning to flexible workforce models, incorporating independent professional talent to supplement their full-time workforce with specialized skills and on-demand project availability. In this new world, it’s important for companies to take an agile approach to talent management in order to capitalize on the latest trends…

The number of American workers who describe themselves as digital nomads has steadily risen, from 7.3 million in 2019 to 16.9 million in 2022. That’s 131% growth over three years, and growth is expected to continue, though perhaps not in such impressive numbers. The steady addition of more digital nomads in the workforce logically means…

Minimize the risk of worker misclassification by understanding these three important components of independent contractor compliance.

Developing strong relationships with the independent contractors you engage is a key part of keeping those workers coming back. Over the past few years, employees have left their jobs in droves and started working independently. This group of workers provides enteprises with a highly skilled pool of talent that is well-suited to project-based work.  But…

Direct sourcing allows companies to match highly-skilled candidates with open project opportunities using their own internal resources, bypassing the use of third-party staffing agencies or consulting firms to perform recruiting functions. Many businesses today are using direct sourcing to find and engage independent talent because it provides the flexibility that companies require to be more…

Digital nomadism, the “have internet, will travel” work style that was once only a dream for many people, is becoming part of the mainstream. Our research has revealed that the population of American workers self-describing as digital nomads has steadily risen, from 7.3 million in 2019 to a whopping 16.9 million in 2022. This is…

After landing your first consulting project, take these 10 steps to set yourself up for success.

Ask yourself these important questions before starting a consulting business

Learn how to easily create a professional website, a valuable marketing tool to showcase your brand, stand out from your competition, and reach new clients.

Learn how to write and deliver proposals as a consultant.

How to overcome a common roadblock to independent consulting success

Find a step by step guide on creating a Scope of Work document that outlines the basic details of your project with a client, as well as highlights key terms, such as payments, revisions, and key deadlines.

Learn how to decide if you are ready to be self employed and the steps to take to prepare yourself to transition from full time worker to self employed.

Tips on finding and landing a contract with a large enterprise, and what you can expect to encounter throughout the process.

One of the most important questions you’ll consider as a self employed consultant is how to structure your business. One option is to form an LLC and there are five advantages to forming your business as an LLC. What is an LLC (Limited Liability Company)? An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a business structure that…

Raising your consulting rates is not as scary as it sounds. If you are at a point in your career where you have years of experience, produce high-quality work that is backed by client recommendations, and provide services that are in-demand, it might be time to consider increasing what you charge.  Clients are looking for…

Learn how to create a reputation management strategy and how to manage your professional reputation efficiently.