One of the most common fears as an independent contractor is the constant uncertainty of industry competition and how you are faring compared to other businesses. This is a legitimate concern, as what your competitors are doing can dramatically impact your ability to earn or maintain current clients. The first step in staying on top of…

To get more clients as a consultant, you not only need to know how to sell and market your business but also how to qualify clients for your particular services. Both can help you save time and lead to better outcomes, ie. closing the deal and winning new or repeat business. Your clients are an…

The future of your business and its level of success are determined by the decisions you make, both large and small. To help ensure you’re making the right decisions for your business, it’s important to not only set initial goals in your business plan, but to take the time to periodically reevaluate them. Whether you’re…

Proactive planning is the cornerstone of any successful business, especially in today’s rapidly changing market. For self-employed professionals, taking the time to strategically plan for the year ahead is not just advisable—it’s essential. Early planning can be the difference between surviving and thriving in 2025. With a well-thought-out plan, you can navigate challenges, seize opportunities,…

Networking with your peers may sound too easy to be good advice, but there are many advantages: hearing a new perspective, gaining industry advice, or obtaining an outside opinion about an idea you have, just to name a few. It can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind of running your own…

As an independent professional, properly managing your expenses is not just good business, it’s also a good income strategy. As a business-of-one, you will likely incur fixed costs that can’t be billed back to a client. You may also need to take care of expenses such as healthcare and retirement. Each of these fixed or variable costs can…

When a new initiative starts, a project kickoff meeting is essential to success. Putting time and energy into turning your kickoff from “just a meeting” into a motivating, action-oriented session can pay big dividends over the course of the project. Your kickoff needs to fit the type of project being launched. Examples include: Internal projects…

Today, many independent professionals use online marketplaces as a way to find work. Marketplaces enable a transaction between a client and a contractor directly online, allowing independents to highlight their skills and search for opportunities, while clients can evaluate candidates and engage the best person for the job. With a marketplace, you will typically fill out…

Working as an independent consultant and being your own boss offers a number of benefits including setting your own hours, determining your specialties, and choosing your clients. However, independent consulting is not without its challenges. In MBO’s State of Independence report, we surveyed independent consultants to learn about their experiences, goals, and difficulties. Here, we discuss two…

As an independent professional, prospective clients will often ask you for a proposal or a Request for Proposal (RFP)—a more formal document where you propose a solution to the client’s problem or business need. RFPs will also include information about your business such as details about your services, methodology, and estimated costs. Proposals are a great…

When you own a business, most of your work is done independently. Being your own boss, setting your own hours, and setting your own goals are just some of the major perks of working independently. But in order to be successful, you can’t do it all on your own—developing a strong network and cultivating key…

When you work with a big client, you can expect higher-value contracts, name recognition, and steady work. Once you land that coveted contract, client relationship management will become part of your daily routine. You’ll quickly learn that consistent, thorough, and open communication is the key to project success. By prioritizing communication, you can discuss and…

Continuous learning is important for any professional. For independents who operate a solo business, it’s a must. In addition to continuing to hone skills in your area of expertise, you must understand how to operate a company. That involves how to market your services, how to budget your finances, and how to find land new…

Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the white marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial. He looked out at the quarter million Americans who had traveled to the nation’s capital for the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” It was 3:00 PM on August 28, 1963. The weather was unseasonably pleasant with cooler than expected…