Week of October 4, 2021
The term "Gig Economy" encompasses approximately 60 million workers in the US alone ranging from Uber drivers to interim executives. The vast majority of media and research is focused on lighter skillset gig workers often through a lens of what it means for the hiring companies.
This weekly newsletter is different for two reasons... First, it focuses on higher skillset independent workers defined as 15+ years career experience with target earnings of at least $80,000 per year. Second (and most important) it focuses on the WORKER'S perspective.
It is my firm belief that as we move into the "Future of Work" more and more control moves to the talent's side of the ledger vs. the employer or intermediate parties. I seek to empower you, the worker, with the tools, knowledge, frameworks and ideas to THRIVE in your careers as independent professionals.
Welcome to the Independent Professional Weekly!
Market News
Each week I will share relevant articles and my thoughts on why they are important for independent professionals.
HubSpot : How (and Why) to Become an Independent Consultant (click for article)
Thoughts:?I've talked about the blending of terms around independent work in the past and this article tackles the difference between and independent "consultant" and independent "contractor" very well. To simplify it, consultants are there to advise what needs to be done, contractors pick up the shovels and get it done. There is plenty of room for both in the wild world of independent work, but the market demand is WAY more concentrated on contractors who can step in and operate. If you are a independent consultant, chances are you are going to have a tougher time finding gigs since your ROI is more theoretical than someone stepping in to fill a critical role at a critical time. Overall this article gives readers a balanced outlook on what it takes to become an independent consultant with no sugar coating. A very practical read that will help perspective independents think through their future and help new/existing consultants make sure they are thinking through all the angles.
Journalists are switching to freelance. 7 things they wish they knew first (click for article)
Thoughts:?I applaud this author for being proactive with their leap to independence and love some of the strategies they employ to make sure hit the ground running. If you plan on working directly with clients (versus routing through an intermediary like a staffing firm, PR shop, agency, etc) it is imperative to have all of your ducks in a row before you get going. The simple things like hours tracking, billing, and deal management will swamp you if you are not careful on the front end of being a freelancer. This article offers two of the secrets to a successful launch into independent work which are 1) Knowing when to say "no" and 2) Having relatively deep experience. I see independents jump into the market too early in their career thinking they will just figure it out when the CORE PURPOSE of the gig/freelance economy is to match client demand with the appropriate skill level. If you don't have deep skills to sell in the market, don't expect interesting work. On the business development side, you need to know what work you want to be known for in the market (your core skillset) and works as hard as possible to find that work by saying no to random projects that come your way. Probably one of the hardest things to do on the front end of a independent career, but one that leads to deep, deep fulfillment over time.
领英推荐
Business Development Tip of the Week
The biggest fear of independent professionals is finding the?NEXT?gig. In this section I will share a tip of the week to help you find your next gig FASTER.
Your prospects/client lists should have the following mix:
Mapping your old, current, and perspective clients will help you optimize your time and revenue as an independent consultant.
Fulfilling story of the week
The world needs more positive stories and these have an independent flair...
7 Morning Rituals for a Joyful Day (click for article)
Thoughts:?Ahhhhhhh... I love a good strategy for getting the day started on a good path and this article is just wonderful. Definitely plan to incorporate this into my oatmeal routine in the morning!
See you next week!
Roger Lumpp?spends his working hours hunting opportunities for independent workers in the Chicago market. He is the creator and host of?The Next Pro Gig Podcast?which empowers independent/freelance workers of all disciplines with the tools, frameworks, knowledge and ideas to help them thrive in their careers as independent prof.?He firmly believes WORKERS will gain more and more control over the independent employment conversation as we move into the “future of work” and is fully committed to helping aspiring, new and tenured independents maximize their go to market strategies to find their next gig, FASTER.
Opinions expressed are my own, all rights reserved.