Perspectives on the Future of Work: June 13

Upwork’s weekly column brings you the latest news on hiring and working with freelancers, freelancing, and the future of work.

Money | 7 Habits of Highly Effective Freelancers

The most successful freelancers never forget that they’re running a business—“even if that business happens to be headquartered at the kitchen table,” noted financial writer Sarah Max.

To keep that business running smoothly, habits Max has picked up through experience and her peers include:

• Make calculated exceptions. “There are times when you should be willing to negotiate, whether it’s under the banner of employee morale (your own) or business development,” Max wrote. “If a project opens doors, takes you in a new direction that interests you, or benefits a cause you care about—think of it as your personal social giving campaign—there is additional value, beyond the fee.”
• Write a mission statement. Because “in the freelance world, it’s up to you to set goals and chart your path,” Max said.
• Give yourself a paycheck. Don’t go hog wild when you receive a large check, and you won’t have to live on ramen during slow periods.
• Network. Seek out fellow freelancers and professionals in your industry to bounce ideas off, brainstorm with, ask for advice, and commiserate with.

Fast Company | How to Test That Brilliant Idea As Soon As It Hits You

So you’ve come up with what you’re convinced is a million-dollar—make that billion-dollar—idea. Don’t invest all your resources into turning that concept into a product, service, or business just yet, however.

Brian Scordata, founder of Tacklebox Accelerator, suggests that entrepreneurs (and would-be entrepreneurs) answer these three questions first:

• What are you making? “If you can’t describe what you’re making in a sentence, it won’t work. Simple as that,” he wrote. After all, if you can’t explain it succinctly, how will anyone else understand it, let alone spread the word to others?
• Is anyone listening? If people don’t have a need or desire for your brilliant product or service, they’re not going to listen to your description of it, no matter how succinct it is.
• Where’s the water cooler? “When, where, and why do conversations between your perfect customers about the problem you’re solving occur?” Scordata asked. Knowing this will enable you to successfully market to them.

What changes have you noticed in the way we work? Tell us about them in the comments below!

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