Consulting / Freelance: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Retainer
Definition of retainer fee.
Definition of retainer fee.
Creative Freelancing Careers
Start your own business and follow your passion working for yourself in one of these top 10 creative twists on freelance career opportunities.
Start your own business and follow your passion working for yourself in one of these top 10 creative twists on freelance career opportunities.
Franchise Fees
View the definition of royalty fee.
View the definition of royalty fee.
How to Approach New Clients
Grow your consulting business by targeting new clients, using these top six most-effective ways to approach your prospective customer.
Grow your consulting business by targeting new clients, using these top six most-effective ways to approach your prospective customer.
Consulting vs. Freelance
There are subtle differences between being a consultant and being a freelancer. Learn why the differences matter and then decide whether consulting or freelance is better for your business model.
There are subtle differences between being a consultant and being a freelancer. Learn why the differences matter and then decide whether consulting or freelance is better for your business model.
Setting Up A Home Office
Before you can enjoy the perks of working from home, you need to set up a home office that is functional and efficient and that works for your home-based business.
Before you can enjoy the perks of working from home, you need to set up a home office that is functional and efficient and that works for your home-based business.
Benefits of Certification
Project Management Professional PMP, Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM are among project management certifications offered by the Project Management Institute. Find out the benefits of becoming certified and why it is important to your career as a consultant.
Project Management Professional PMP, Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM are among project management certifications offered by the Project Management Institute. Find out the benefits of becoming certified and why it is important to your career as a consultant.
Writing a Proposal
Writing a strong proposal is the final step in closing the sale with a client. Learn the most important components to include when writing a proposal.
Writing a strong proposal is the final step in closing the sale with a client. Learn the most important components to include when writing a proposal.
First Consulting Job
Making the transition from a full time job to a consulting career can seem like a risky financial move. By converting your former boss into your first client you can start your business with a paying customer.
Making the transition from a full time job to a consulting career can seem like a risky financial move. By converting your former boss into your first client you can start your business with a paying customer.
Developing a Contract
A written contract is more than a binding legal agreement. Among the many benefits of a signed document, it is an opportunity to define the client-consultant relationship. Learn more about the advantages of putting your terms in writing.
A written contract is more than a binding legal agreement. Among the many benefits of a signed document, it is an opportunity to define the client-consultant relationship. Learn more about the advantages of putting your terms in writing.
1099
Learn what forms are required by the IRS to show earnings as a freelancer.
Learn what forms are required by the IRS to show earnings as a freelancer.
Hot Trends
Discover if your expertise could be put to use providing professional guidance in one of these trendy new areas for consulting and freelancing.
Discover if your expertise could be put to use providing professional guidance in one of these trendy new areas for consulting and freelancing.
10 Niche Markets
Niche markets are proving to be lucrative for consultants who are interested in specializing in a highly-focused area of expertise. Explore 10 of the fastest-growing trends and niche markets currently offering untapped opportunity for forward-thinking consultants.
Niche markets are proving to be lucrative for consultants who are interested in specializing in a highly-focused area of expertise. Explore 10 of the fastest-growing trends and niche markets currently offering untapped opportunity for forward-thinking consultants.
Factors for Hourly Rate
One of the challenges in starting a freelance or consulting business is determining a billing rate for your clients. Use these common factors to help decide how much you should charge for your work.
One of the challenges in starting a freelance or consulting business is determining a billing rate for your clients. Use these common factors to help decide how much you should charge for your work.
Balanced Scorecard
Find the definition of Balanced Scorecard, a popular measurement system used in consulting.
Find the definition of Balanced Scorecard, a popular measurement system used in consulting.
LOU
Find the defintion of LOU or Letter of Understanding.
Find the defintion of LOU or Letter of Understanding.
KPI
Find the definition for KPI.
Find the definition for KPI.
Ways to Justify Price Increase
As a service provider, consultants sometimes hesitate to increase fees as they would if selling a product. When it's warranted, an increase is easy to justify to clients.
As a service provider, consultants sometimes hesitate to increase fees as they would if selling a product. When it's warranted, an increase is easy to justify to clients.
Value of Project Management
Successful project management is crucial in any organization but it can still be a hard sell to key decision makers. Understanding and realizing the value of project management is the first step to bringing project management into a business.
Successful project management is crucial in any organization but it can still be a hard sell to key decision makers. Understanding and realizing the value of project management is the first step to bringing project management into a business.
Project Management Resources
List of leading project management organizations and resources for professional development and certification for project managers.
List of leading project management organizations and resources for professional development and certification for project managers.
Finding Freelance Jobs
The Internet provides easy access to freelance job opportunities, but it can also lead to many scams, or clients who are simply looking to get something for nothing. How do you protect yourself? Finding legitimate freelance work online is easy, if you follow these basic tips.
The Internet provides easy access to freelance job opportunities, but it can also lead to many scams, or clients who are simply looking to get something for nothing. How do you protect yourself? Finding legitimate freelance work online is easy, if you follow these basic tips.
Homebased Insurance
Many times, consultants working from a home office assume that a standard homeowners policy will cover losses related to a home-based business. Unfortunately, that is not the case. To mitigate your risks, make sure you understand these three important insurance poilicies for home-based business professionals.
Many times, consultants working from a home office assume that a standard homeowners policy will cover losses related to a home-based business. Unfortunately, that is not the case. To mitigate your risks, make sure you understand these three important insurance poilicies for home-based business professionals.
Creative Capital
When financing a new business, it pays to be creative. Traditional lending sources, such as banks, can be an option for those with good credit and collateral. For other entrepreneurs, alternative funding sources are also available.
When financing a new business, it pays to be creative. Traditional lending sources, such as banks, can be an option for those with good credit and collateral. For other entrepreneurs, alternative funding sources are also available.
Client Concerns
When a client takes issue with the results of a project or how your company handled the process, it's up to you to smooth things over again. There are basic actions you can take to work toward successful conflict resolution.
When a client takes issue with the results of a project or how your company handled the process, it's up to you to smooth things over again. There are basic actions you can take to work toward successful conflict resolution.
Top Franchises
Looking for a consulting business? Consider franchising with one of these top business consulting franchises to provide products and services for small and midsize businesses (SMB). Franchising is an easy alternative to starting your own consulting firm from scratch.
Looking for a consulting business? Consider franchising with one of these top business consulting franchises to provide products and services for small and midsize businesses (SMB). Franchising is an easy alternative to starting your own consulting firm from scratch.
Royalties
Find the definition for royalties.
Find the definition for royalties.
Guerilla Marketing
Increase results of your marketing efforts by learning what it means to use guerilla marketing techniques.
Increase results of your marketing efforts by learning what it means to use guerilla marketing techniques.
Qualifying for IRS Form 8919
Are you an independent contractor or an employee? The company you work for may be paying you as an independent contractor but treating you like a regular employee. If so, the IRS has issued Form 8919 for misclassified workers. Find out if you should file one for tax year 2007.
Are you an independent contractor or an employee? The company you work for may be paying you as an independent contractor but treating you like a regular employee. If so, the IRS has issued Form 8919 for misclassified workers. Find out if you should file one for tax year 2007.
Freelancers Union
Working for yourself holds many benefits, but even freelancers and other self-employed workers occasionally need additional support. Becoming a member of a freelancers union, or other professional associations within your industry, can provide access to some important benefits.
Working for yourself holds many benefits, but even freelancers and other self-employed workers occasionally need additional support. Becoming a member of a freelancers union, or other professional associations within your industry, can provide access to some important benefits.
Consulting Agreement
Find the definition for consulting agreement.
Find the definition for consulting agreement.
Zoning for Homebased Business
When starting a homebased business you first need to determine if you can legally operate a business from your house. Zoning laws restrict the type of homebased business, if any, you can operate in a neighborhood. Are you at risk? These guidelines help determine if your business will qualify for a variance.
When starting a homebased business you first need to determine if you can legally operate a business from your house. Zoning laws restrict the type of homebased business, if any, you can operate in a neighborhood. Are you at risk? These guidelines help determine if your business will qualify for a variance.
Follow up Strategies
Use these quick tips for effective follow-up with prospective clients.
Use these quick tips for effective follow-up with prospective clients.
Purchase Orders
Find the definition of Purchase Order.
Find the definition of Purchase Order.
Create a Testimonial
When your customer is willing to give you glowing remarks for a job well-done, make sure these key points are covered for a truly effective customer testimonial.
When your customer is willing to give you glowing remarks for a job well-done, make sure these key points are covered for a truly effective customer testimonial.
Consulting Franchises
Buying a franchise can be a good way to start a consulting business. Before you sign the contract, consider all the factors that determine whether or not franchising is the right decision for you.
Buying a franchise can be a good way to start a consulting business. Before you sign the contract, consider all the factors that determine whether or not franchising is the right decision for you.
Spotting Freelance Niche
Freelancers serving a niche market can be a competitive advantage if the hot concept proves to be a trend with staying power.
Freelancers serving a niche market can be a competitive advantage if the hot concept proves to be a trend with staying power.
Life Cycle
Find the definition for Product Life Cycle model.
Find the definition for Product Life Cycle model.
Five Quick Tips for Exercising
Finding time to run a business and stay fit is easy with these simple and quick exercises you can do at work.
Finding time to run a business and stay fit is easy with these simple and quick exercises you can do at work.
Spyware Risks
Protect your business from cyber thieves by learning the top threats spyware poses to your consulting business and your clients.
Protect your business from cyber thieves by learning the top threats spyware poses to your consulting business and your clients.
Outsource
Find the definition for outsourcing.
Find the definition for outsourcing.
Freelance Jobs Part Two
Finding legitimate freelance opportunities online is easy if you know what to look for and where to search. Find your next legitimate freelance job by following this list of Do Nots, in part two of this article series.
Finding legitimate freelance opportunities online is easy if you know what to look for and where to search. Find your next legitimate freelance job by following this list of Do Nots, in part two of this article series.
Price Increase
As a service provider, consultants sometimes hesitate to increase fees as they would if selling a product. When it's warranted, an increase is easy to justify to clients.
As a service provider, consultants sometimes hesitate to increase fees as they would if selling a product. When it's warranted, an increase is easy to justify to clients.
Land Your First Clients
Making the transition from a full time job to a consulting career can seem like a risky financial move. By converting your former boss into your first client you can start your business with a paying customer.
Making the transition from a full time job to a consulting career can seem like a risky financial move. By converting your former boss into your first client you can start your business with a paying customer.
Bail-out Clause
Find the definition for bail-out clause.
Find the definition for bail-out clause.
Common Freelance Hurdles
Get the top tips to overcome the most common challenges of freelancing.
Get the top tips to overcome the most common challenges of freelancing.
Tips for Working Pro Bono
Providing pro bono service is a popular way to build a business, but knowing the most common traps to avoid when giving away your service could save your business.
Providing pro bono service is a popular way to build a business, but knowing the most common traps to avoid when giving away your service could save your business.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
What is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act? Learn more about Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
What is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act? Learn more about Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
Non-disclosure Agreement
Definition of a Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)or confidentiality agreement.
Definition of a Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)or confidentiality agreement.
Permalancer
Learn the difference between a freelancer and a permalancer.
Learn the difference between a freelancer and a permalancer.
Spotting a Niche
Freelancers serving a niche market can be a competitive advantage if the hot concept proves to be a trend with staying power.
Freelancers serving a niche market can be a competitive advantage if the hot concept proves to be a trend with staying power.
Benchmarking
What is benchmarking? Get the definition and how benchmarking is used by consultants.
What is benchmarking? Get the definition and how benchmarking is used by consultants.
SEO Consultant
What is an SEO Consultant? Find out what an SEO Consultant does.
What is an SEO Consultant? Find out what an SEO Consultant does.
SWOT
Find the definition of SWOT analysis.
Find the definition of SWOT analysis.
Independent Contractor
Distinguishing between an employee and an independent contractor is essential. The IRS can tack on steep fees if you don't know the difference between the two.
Distinguishing between an employee and an independent contractor is essential. The IRS can tack on steep fees if you don't know the difference between the two.
RBP
Find out how relationships impact pricing.
Find out how relationships impact pricing.
Getting PR
A quick tip to getting PR for your consulting business.
A quick tip to getting PR for your consulting business.
RFQ
Find the definition of RFQ, or Request for Quotes
Find the definition of RFQ, or Request for Quotes
Force Majeure
Definition of force majeure.
Definition of force majeure.
Collaboration Rules
You may have the opportunity to work with other consultants and freelancers but is it necessary? Is it advantageous to you? Learn how to decide when it's in your best interest to collaborate.
You may have the opportunity to work with other consultants and freelancers but is it necessary? Is it advantageous to you? Learn how to decide when it's in your best interest to collaborate.
SE Tax Tip
Don't get caught off guard when tax time rolls around. Follow this tip to make sure Self-employment taxes don't drain your business bank account.
Don't get caught off guard when tax time rolls around. Follow this tip to make sure Self-employment taxes don't drain your business bank account.
Referrals Gain New Clients
Customer referrals are an important tool for gaining new business. Existing clients can be the best resource for an unending pool of quality referrals.
Customer referrals are an important tool for gaining new business. Existing clients can be the best resource for an unending pool of quality referrals.
ID theft
What is identity theft? You may be at risk.
What is identity theft? You may be at risk.
Fees
Should you accept work on contingency? Learn what contingency fees means.
Should you accept work on contingency? Learn what contingency fees means.
Gain Two Hours
By following these quick strategy tips, you can easily gain an extra two hours of billable time in your normal consulting workday by controlling those pesky administrative tasks.
By following these quick strategy tips, you can easily gain an extra two hours of billable time in your normal consulting workday by controlling those pesky administrative tasks.
Scope Creep
Find the definition of scope creep.
Find the definition of scope creep.
KPO
Definition of Knowledge Process Outsourcing or KPO.
Definition of Knowledge Process Outsourcing or KPO.
Upgrading Casual Dressing
Be prepared for the last-minute meeting with this dressing for success tip.
Be prepared for the last-minute meeting with this dressing for success tip.
RFP
RFP
RFP
Barriers to Entry
Definition for Barriers to Entry
Definition for Barriers to Entry
SE Tax
Learn whether or not you should pay SE taxes on your freelance earnings.
Learn whether or not you should pay SE taxes on your freelance earnings.