Blog

A-team-of-office-workers-work-in-the-office-together-collaborating-on-a-project.-Two-women-sit-at-a-laptop-computer-and-discuss-work.
Business
August 16, 2018

5 Ways Better Manage Freelancers

It’s no secret that managing a team of freelancers, directing multiple outside teams and independent contractors, can be challenging. First, you’ve got to figure out your contractors’ personality types, work styles and communication styles. Then, you have to navigate how those personalities will work with your internal team. Not to mention it’s also on you to keep track of impending project deadlines, and your budget. If you’re in a field like graphic design, content development, editing or website development, this probably sounds all too familiar. As someone who works with outside teams frequently, you understand the points of friction that…
Read More
Relaxed Confident Female Entrepreneur
Business
August 16, 2018

Top 5 Tips to Make Your Personal Branding More Authentic

You’ve probably heard the word “authenticity” tossed around more times than you can count lately. Be yourself, be authentic, and show your personality. The topic of personal branding has become a popular subject across all entrepreneur-centric publications in the past year — and with good reason. Personal branding is the most important part of your business. Yes, it can even be more important than getting your hands on the best project management tools you can find because it sets you apart from others within your industry and carves out a space that belongs only to you. Not to sound like…
Read More
enterprise-solutions
Enterprise Solutions
August 14, 2018

3 Ways Enterprise Collaboration is Different than Remote Work Projects

Thanks to technology, along with improved enterprise collaboration tools, more people than ever before are working from home. In fact, “the number of telecommuting workers has increased 115% in a decade,” according Global Workplace Analytics and FlexJobs. That equals almost 4 million workers (roughly 1/3 of the US workforce) working from home at least 50% of the time, per CNN. As more and more people begin experiencing flexibility in their work schedule, the line between “freelance worker” and “remote office employee” begins to get a little blurry. What’s the difference between someone who works primarily from home, setting their own…
Read More
project-management
Project Management for Companies
August 9, 2018

Making the Move: How to Dump your Old Project Management Software Without Regrets

Implementing new processes, tools and project management software into your freelance business may seem a little intimidating at first. Your mind may quickly go to the new features you’ll have to learn or the thought of transitioning all of your clients’ information into a new platform. If you’ve outgrown your current system, it’s time to face the music and begin thinking about the next best project management software option for your company to thrive. Before making the move, be sure to vet your platform systems thoroughly. Consider some of the following tips: Set yourself up for long term success by…
Read More
Scrupulous architect
Freedom Economy
August 9, 2018

When Is the Time Right to Quit Your Job and Freelance Full Time?

You’ve likely noticed a growing trend where people choose to work as freelancers rather than working full time for a company. While this decision may seem counterintuitive, the freedom economy has never been stronger, and it may be a good time for you to consider making the switch yourself.  There is a lot to think about and a lot to consider before you hand over your letter of resignation and become a part of the freedom economy. Many freelancers spend a lot of sleepless nights thinking about whether or not they should make the jump, and even once they become…
Read More
project-management-software
Project Management for Companies
August 8, 2018

Setting Up Your Project Management Software: A Step-by-Step Guide

The idea of setting up new online tools and project management software can feel challenging to some freelancers and solopreneurs, and intimidating to small business owners. Especially if you’re just getting started in the world of business ownership! First, you have to figure out which tools you need. Next, it’s a matter of budgeting (both your time and money), and then re-budgeting again, to figure out what you can afford. Finally, it’s time to implement your new systems. Thankfully, if you’re at the point where you’re ready to get started, your business is about to get a whole lot easier.…
Read More
freelancer-payment-budgeting
Freedom Economy
August 7, 2018

How Many Months of Your Freelancer Payments Should You Save Up?

As an independent contractor, properly budgeting your freelancer payments can be challenging. You’ve built the portfolio, pitched the project, closed the deal, knocked the work out of the park and even successfully got paid. Now how do you manage your business expenses, plan out future expenses and build a cushion for yourself, should an emergency arise? As it turns out, when you become a business owner, no one hands you a manual to follow on all things finance-related. So, there’s a good chance you may never have had to think about saving for retirement and navigating monthly healthcare costs while…
Read More
freelance-websites
Digital Nomad Tips
August 2, 2018

5 Things the Best Freelance Websites Have (That Yours Doesn’t)

As an independent contractor trying to find more clients you may be wondering, why do certain freelance websites stand out more than others? How can I make mine better than my competitors’? And what are some of the top attributes my website should include in order to nail my next client pitch? There is no doubt there are thousands - if not hundreds of thousands - of companies that need your specific expertise as a freelancer. But there is also a lot of competition in the digital world. I don’t have to tell you twice how important your personal website…
Read More
Young businesswoman working on desktop PC at corporate office.
Business
August 2, 2018

Collaboration Tools: How to Turn a Difficult Client into a Valuable Partner

Difficult clients don't always have to be hard to work with. In many cases, the reason your client appears to be difficult to work with is that a lack of proper communication exists between the two of you. Proper use of effective collaboration tools can go a long way toward improving communication between you and your clients and, ultimately, can turn what would otherwise be a difficult contract into a valuable business relationship that can benefit both of you in the future. The Difficult Client Every single business owner has experienced the nightmare client in some way, shape, or form. Whether…
Read More