Starting a consulting business? You’re in the right place.
If you’re new to the world of freelance and project-based work, or are looking to explore new horizons in your professional development, these articles and simple how-to guides will give you the information you need to “push go” and get yourself on the map.
We know starting fresh as a consultant or solo professional can have many challenges — we’ve done it ourselves and we’re here to help. You’ll also find straightforward explainers on important subjects like freelance tax code, insurance, and business planning.
Starting a consulting business doesn’t have to be a headache — take it step by step with the 1099 crew.
How to Make The Best Online Portfolio for Freelance Marketplaces
What kind of online portfolios grab a clients attention when they are searching freelance marketplaces? The experts at Skyword’s creative team share their guide for posting the best online portfolio to get more clients.
Conquer Freelance Taxes & Independent Contractor Tax Deductions
Self-employment tax? Estimated taxes? Freelance taxes and tax write offs can be a little tricky for first-time freelancers. We’ll clear it all up here.
The SEP-IRA explained — Retirement Planning For the SoloPrenueur
Freelancers and consultants do have access to tax-advantaged retirement accounts to replace their old workplace 401k plan. The SEP-IRA is one of the best ways to make sure you are building long-term financial security while enjoying the independence of freelance work. Check out this basic explainer.
How Better Initial Consultation Skills Get You Better Freelance Clients
The initial consultation with your freelance clients sets the tone of your relationship and sets the conditions for success. Long-term business growth depends providing a lot of value to your clients now. This outline of strong consultation practices will get your projects off on the right foot.
Career Prep for Independent Work: A Q&A With MBA Prof Diane Mulcahy
Independent work that is built around freelancing or consulting has become more attractive to professionals. But how do you prepare for a freelance career? Babson College MBA prof Diane Mulcahy discusses her course Entrepreneurship and The Gig Economy and her book The Gig Economy.
When Do I Begin Freelancing Full-Time?
Can’t wait to begin freelancing full-time? Make sure you’ve thought through these essential points before you quit your 9-to-5 in dramatic fashion!
Self Promotion 101 for Shy Freelancers
Does the gig economy have room for introverts? Yes! But shy freelancers still face some big challenges. An introvert offers his thoughts.
Getting the Freelance Rate You Deserve
Don’t allow anxiety to keep you from getting the freelance rate you deserve. Understand your worth and let your pricing reflect it. This article is going to walk you through the negotiating script you need to increase your freelance fees and make more money.
Establish Yourself and Get Jobs on Upwork
We recently covered the best job websites for freelancers and gig economy workers and weighed their individual strengths and weaknesses. Now we’re providing a tutorial for getting jobs on one of the biggest freelance marketplaces available online. This guidance will...
You Can Do It! Get Freelance Writing Jobs For Beginners In Just Weeks
Hear from experts who help you make money as a writer. These tips focus on landing great freelance writing jobs for beginners. If you are new to the gig economy and just getting your freelance career started, start here.
Semi-retirement Jobs In the Gig Economy: Interview With Career Expert Nancy Collamer
Nancy Collamer, author of Second-Act Careers, talks about how the gig economy opens up more semi-retirement jobs and how she built her consulting business.
How Many Different Freelance Careers Do You Know Of? We’ve Found Over 130 So Far
We wanted to create the most comprehensive list of freelance careers that show how the gig economy is growing. Check out 130+ types of freelance jobs.
How to Start a Freelance Business In One Step? Why Reckless Is Best
Many gig economy novices think starting their freelance career involves a ton of planning and investment in office supplies and logos. Huge mistake! It really starts with a mindset and a single step.
How To Get Clients Fast With a Client Profile Strategy
You want to “push go,” but aren’t sure how to get clients. A client profile will help you pinpoint your ideal prospects and win them over strategically.
Health Insurance for Freelancers — The No-Nonsense Primer
Health insurance for freelancers is one of the most common concerns in surveys of independent workers and their career satisfaction. The solo life is great except for the anxiety about financial security, and health insurance is huge part of that. In this primer we’ll give you the info you need to make a smart choice.
How To Write A Business Plan For Your Consulting Career
When you sit down to write a business plan for your freelance work, does your mind freeze? In this explainer we’ll explore 5 tips that will help you get unstuck and figure out what your solo business needs.
Advice for My Younger Self: Independent Contractors Share What They Wish They Knew Starting Out
You’re sick of 9 to 5, so you take a few contracts as an independent contractor. Suddenly you have a business. What do you do now? Veteran consultants and freelancers share here what they’ve learned and what they would have done differently at the start of their freelance careers.
