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Archive for December 2022
How to Eat An Elephant: Open Innovation Bite-by-Bite
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.…
Read More5 Best Practices for Developing Long Term Client Relationships
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…
Read MoreWhat is Worker Misclassification?
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…
Read More10 Home Office Gifts for the Independent Professional
Many freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners call their home office—or wherever their workplace may be—their sanctuary. An office is a place that should generate creativity, promote health and well-being, and offer both a comfortable and efficient environment. We’ve compiled a list of our top home office gifts that are perfect for your wish list…
Read More5 Steps to Jump-Start Small Business Growth in 2023
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.…
Read More3 Ways to Find Ideal Consulting Clients
When you’re just starting out your independent career, there’s an initial push to land as many clients as you can to jump start your business. While it is of course important to make sure you can pay the bills, there comes a time when your strategy should shift to finding the clients who are truly…
Read More4 Ways a Consultant Can Become an Industry Thought Leader
Owning your own business means taking responsibility for every aspect of running your company. That burden will likely include tasks that are not directly related to your actual expertise but are necessary for continued growth, such as personal branding and marketing. An effective way to market yourself online is to establish yourself as an industry…
Read MoreIdentifying and Avoiding Work From Home Scams
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…
Read MoreAdvantages and Considerations for Hiring Teams of Independent Talent
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…
Read MoreHow to Create a Contingency Plan for Small Business: 4 Steps
For many in the business world, a common saying is: “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.” This saying rings particularly true for small business owners who often have to carefully balance each aspect of their business—especially in unforeseen situations. Whether you’re sidelined by a family emergency, unavailability of resources, or other…
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