The Weekly Independent: December 4, 2017

Staying on top of your field means staying ahead of the biggest news stories. That’s why each week we bring you The Weekly Independent, a quick-hit digest of news of note from around the web.

• Blockchain technology has the potential to eliminate misclassification and payment disputes between contractors and clients, but there are still many open questions, Lexology reports.

• Best practices for engaging and paying independent contractors.

• New research ranks U.S. cities with the most self-employed workers.

• An opinion piece from The Hill argues why Sen. John Thune’s NEW GIG Act should be included in future versions of the tax bill.

• How to give back on a budget as an independent contractor.

• A draft bill seeks to end the exploitation of gig workers in the UK.

• Bloomberg questions if blockchain could make freelancing the norm.

• Forbes takes a look at the seven best business books of 2017.

• How cryptocurrency may change the freelance marketplace, according to AllBusiness.

• The Wall Street Journal explores top apps for freelancers.

• Why reviewing independent contractor engagement policies should be a top priority for 2018.

• Five things to keep in mind as a new entrepreneur.

Of course, we’d love to talk virtually as well. Share your thoughts with us at MBO Partners on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, and we’ll see you again next week!