Category

Business

Young-woman-looking-at-laptop
Business
September 19, 2018

What is a Payment Network?

The gig economy is taking over the U.S. workforce - 50 percent of millennials are already freelancing. Within the next 10 years, it's projected that freelancers will represent a majority of the workforce. But there are some important things that must be in place to make this freelancing dream a reality, including a successful payment network. An easy definition of a payment network is a way for money to move from one party to another. Unless transactions happen in cash, which is rare in the digital gig economy, a payment system is required for a smooth transaction. In this blog…
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computer-on-table
BusinessFreedom Economy
August 21, 2018

The Ins and Outs of Popular Payment Network Options and Online Invoice Software Systems

When you first began freelancing, figuring out a way to get paid by clients quickly was probably at the top of your list of important to do items. But have you revisited your payment network and online invoice software system since you first started? Have you thought about how secure your systems are? And whether or not there is a better option for your business at this point? Remember, every facet of your business that touches your clients is important. If you want your clients to take you seriously and trust your brand, then you need to present your business…
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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 Tips To Becoming A Better Freelance Manager

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…
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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…
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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…
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BusinessDigital Nomad Tips
July 12, 2018

6 Ways to Stay Focused When Working from Home

The digital nomad lifestyle offers many advantages, but there are also some drawbacks. Staying focused is one issue you may have when working from home. According to a January 2016 study, 50 percent of the U.S. workforce holds a job that is compatible with telecommuting or working remotely. This figure doesn’t include the number of workers who have left their traditional 9-to-5 jobs to pursue small-business entrepreneurship from home. With more people choosing the digital nomad lifestyle, it’s important to balance work and home while remaining focused on the job. Here are a few ways Spera recommends setting yourself up…
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10-freelancer-tools
Business
July 12, 2018

What No One Tells You: 10 Tips and Freelancer Tools for Striking Out on Your Own

No one tells you that, when you first join the freedom economy and declare yourself an independent contractor, freelancer or solopreneur, there is no magic list of freelancer tools and tips to follow. It may also come as a surprise that “freelancer” is synonymous with “business owner,” which translates to “the person who is responsible for absolutely everything in your company.” Oh, joy. Freelancing is extremely rewarding, there is no denying that. But it does come with its own challenges, risks and moments of serious struggle. On the other hand, it offers freedom, an escape from the standard 9-5 job…
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freelance-platform-make-money
BusinessUncategorized
July 11, 2018

5 Ways Using a Freelance Platform Can Make You More Money

If you’re not currently using a freelance platform in your business, you’re missing out on the opportunity to save yourself some serious time (and cash). As you dive into the world of freelancing and business ownership, you’ll quickly realize there are two types of tasks that your company requires: 1). Money-making deliverables for your clients. 2). Tasks that are necessary for your business to run properly but that aren’t billable hours. As a freelancer, it can be tempting to focus only on your client’s deliverables, but in order to really gauge where your time is being spent and accurately budget…
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social-media-collaboration-tools
Business
July 5, 2018

Social Media Collaboration Tools to Take Your Company’s Online Presence to the Next Level

As a business owner in today's online market, you're likely already aware of the power of social media. However, a new set of social media collaboration tools are beginning to emerge, and smart companies are already starting to adopt them into their daily culture. If you haven't taken advantage of social media collaboration capabilities yet, you may be running the risk of falling behind your competition. These collaboration tools are a great way to bring your team together in ways like never before while continuing to expand your company's online presence and gain additional exposure to potential customers. Below are…
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