Access in-depth guides on workforce management
The classification of employees as independent contractors may seem like something that only happens to larger companies, the ones you read about in the news. After all, is the government really interested in the details of how, say, a small business engages freelance writers for website copy? But the truth is that because audits are private, you typically only hear about high-profile cases that involve class action lawsuits.
GATE
The bottom line: Businesses of all sizes and industries can be subject to an audit. As the independent workforce continues to grow, the issue of worker classification has been thrust into the spotlight and audit occurrences are now more frequent.
Our guide outlines the steps to take if your company is audited along with important parts of the process, including:
- General information included in an audit letter, including which records will likely be requested
- Recommendations for how to prepare for the audit, including steps that you and your legal counsel will need to take
- Details on how the audit will be conducted, including expected steps and how to submit required information
We also offer detailed information on the 15 best practices to implement to avoid a misclassification audit.
As the project-based economy continues to evolve, managing independent contractor talent effectively will be critical. If you suspect your business may be using independent contractor engagement practices that heighten your risk profile, it’s important to arm yourself with an understanding of what today’s most forward-thinking companies are doing to reduce their compliance risk. The following 10 best practices can help mitigate or even eliminate the risks associated with engaging independent talent.
GATE
As the use of independent professional labor continues to grow, so does the need for more efficient ways to find and leverage this increasingly valuable talent pool.
Source: Contingent Labor Report
GATE
Direct sourcing shifts recruiter functions in-house, enabling managers to search through a Talent Network, a group of vetted independents, to match skill sets with project opportunities and better anticipate future engagement needs. By looking beyond traditional channels of labor procurement like staffing firms, companies can streamline their process to fill their requisitions faster while saving 30-70% per engagement.
As part of a scalable multichannel agile workforce optimization plan, enterprise-grade direct sourcing platforms enable organizations to easily source, engage, and manage independent talent with mitigated compliance risk.
Direct sourcing platforms and solutions empower companies to leverage their own enterprise brand to engage contingent workers of all types in a faster, more cost-effective way that often results in an overall better experience for placed resources and engagement managers alike.
In this guide, you will get a comprehensive overview of the Direct Sourcing landscape, what to look for in a solution, and how to make it work for your organization. Remember to download the interactive checklist to help identify and define your specific needs.
Get expert tips on growing a small business
As an independent contractor, proposals are a strategic tool you can use to find and retain new clients and projects.
Whether you decide to write your own or are responding to a more formal Request for Proposal (RFP) from a client, the ability to craft a standout proposal can help you clarify your company’s mission and vision, gain a better understanding of your competitors, improve the way you approach your service offerings, and ultimately win new business.
GATE
A strong proposal offers a clear solution to a client’s problem, addresses specific questions they ask, and provides them with insight into your skills and capabilities. In this guide, you’ll learn the best practices for writing, responding to, and evaluating a proposal.
Many factors can influence your decision to grow your business, including regulatory changes or financial constraints that impact the timing of expansion. And there are many ways to grow: working with others as a team, hiring other consultants or part-time workers, or finding new work for yourself. In our guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations on how to help you grow your business effectively. Find out how to figure out if it’s the right time to grow your business and what you should keep in mind when crafting a growth strategy.
Once you secure your first consulting project, there are a few things to consider to ensure your success. This guide will walk you through how to execute your project successfully, collaborate effectively with your client, and build a strong relationship that positions you for future business opportunities.
GATE
Read our latest research on the independent workforce
Accelerating customer outcomes
From talent access to contingent workforce management, 700+ global companies trust MBO Partners to navigate the future of work.

