Cybersecurity Tips for Upwork Users

Malware isn’t new, but that doesn’t make it any less of a problem for anyone. It’s the weapon of choice for cyber criminals, and it can be frustrating and expensive for its victims. Here’s a look at the stats:

• According to Symantec and Verizon, nearly one million new threats are released every day—a number that always trends upward.
• In the U.S. alone, the FBI reported that ransomware—a particular type of malware that locks down a computer until a fee has been paid—cost victims $209 million in the first three months of 2016 alone. The total for 2015 was $24 million.

Spotting a threat can be tricky at the best of times; cyber criminals are always finding new ways to target organizations and individuals like you. It’s even more complicated when the success of your business requires you to interact regularly, even daily, with people you may not have an existing relationship with.

Here are some ways to help keep your computer, and your Upwork account, more secure.

Tips on How to Help Keep Your Information Safe

As explained in “Trends in Cyber Security Threats & How to Prevent Them,” malware is “malicious software [that] can monitor activity, access personal data, and create ‘backdoors’ into networks that can be accessed by unauthorized users.”

There are essentially two best practices when it comes to cutting your risk of a malware infection: Keep your software up-to-date and avoid online interactions that seem suspicious.

Here’s a look at more specific tips that can help you protect yourself and your business.

First, download reputable antivirus software and put it to good use. There are many different programs—at different price points—available to help keep your IT setup secure. AV-TEST has evaluated some of the most popular programs. Use your antivirus software to scan your email as well as external drives you’ve received or used with other computers.

In many cases, a good antivirus can also help you get rid of malware if you’ve already been infected.

Your next line of defense: Keep your browser and operating system up-to-date. “In nearly 90% of cases, hackers relied on computer bugs that have been around since 2002,” CNN reported in a story about malware. Keep your operating system (i.e. Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android) up to date, and install new security patches as soon as they become available. Waiting to update can leave your system vulnerable, since developers close gaps and shore up weaknesses with each new release.

This is particularly true for Mac users, who may have a false sense of security that their Apple devices are effectively walled off: The Bit9 and Carbon Black Research Team reported that “five times more OS X malware appears in 2015 than during the previous five years combined.”

Question anything unexpected. Email, pop-up ads, prompts by websites to install software, even inconspicuous USB drives that arrive in your mailbox—there are many ways you can inadvertently introduce a virus to your computer. Here are a couple of ways you can stay cautious before you click:

• While some sites require software, like Adobe Flash, to display properly, verify it before downloading it to your computer. Or look for other options; Google Chrome, for example, has a built-in Flash player.
• If a pop-up ad prompts you to call the FBI or Windows Security, or another reputable organization, ignore the alert or confirm appropriate contact numbers by verifying through their website.

Beware of phishing emails. Sometimes emails aren’t necessarily unexpected, but they might still seem off. Here are some tips to help you spot an email scam:

• Look at the email address: does the sender look legitimate? Are there odd typos in the email address or alias?
• Does the content of the email make sense?

If you still feel unsure about an email you’ve received from someone you know, contact that individual — although not by replying to the suspicious email! — to confirm.

Protect yourself with a solid backup process. Malware can sneak through the defenses of even the smartest and most careful Internet user. If you regularly back your computer up using an external device, you can help ensure you have a “clean copy” to help recover your information if the worst happens.

Don’t share your contact information until your working relationship is protected by a contract. Using the Upwork platform during the interview and negotiation process is one way to help keep your information secure. Upwork Messages organizes project details, communication (voice/video/screenshare), and shared files within one shared room. This means you can discuss a project without sharing your personal information, and if you decide not to work together you can block the other person from accessing the room in future. It also helps us learn about issues, get more complete details, and remove users who abuse the system.

Get the right help with network and IT security. Protecting your systems takes an ongoing effort—one that can take a very specific set of skills. Who do you need to have on your team, and where should you start your network security efforts?

Wondering whether you’ve already been infected? Here are a few symptoms to help you detect malware and how to secure a compromised Upwork account >>

But Why Would Someone Target Me?

Why would a criminal target you instead of a bigger company with hundreds of employees and much juicier data to steal?

Because it’s easier.

Bigger companies with what we might think of as better information—such as large user databases and credit card information—also tend to have a better IT security chain. In fact, small businesses are a big attraction; according to Internet security company Symantec, 43 percent of businesses attacked in 2015 had between one and 250 employees.

You may not have a goldmine of information on your hard drive, but that doesn’t mean your data doesn’t have value.

Keeping your systems current, being proactive with your cyber security, and staying alert for suspicious activity online can go a long way to help you and your information stay secure. Learn more best practices to safeguard yourself and your business against these and other threats >>

To help keep Upwork secure:

• Report suspected site vulnerabilities to Upwork as soon as possible. Publicly disclosing a vulnerability can put the entire community at risk, so we urge those reporting vulnerabilities to keep matters private until we can resolve the issue.
• Flag the offending message in Upwork Messages, or
• Flag the job post, client profile, or freelancer profile (get more information about reporting suspicious user activity).

Learn more about how Upwork helps keep you safe with our Trust & Safety policies on privacy and protection >>

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Trust? Upwork Has Your Back.

“One of the biggest things for any online marketplace is trust,” said Elizabeth Tse, SVP of operations at Upwork. “How do you know that person? How do you know they will deliver what you need?”

When you post a project to Upwork, you want to connect with strong freelancers and have the information you need to make a decision and get started. You don’t want to worry whether they have the skills and experience they claim or if they will do the work.

“Trust at Upwork means you have confidence that you will connect with someone in another part of the world, whom you’ve never met, and know they will deliver a great work product that you can easily pay them for, with little-to-no hassle.”
— Elizabeth Tse, SVP of Operations, Upwork

Why go it alone? Three ways the Upwork marketplace lightens your load >>

Previously an executive with eBay, Tse says trust is the key to success for any online marketplace. “Giving money to someone you’ve never met before and having that item show up on your doorstep—in 1999, that was revolutionary. Upwork brings a similarly revolutionary concept to work, one that can be extraordinarily successful if you have the right systems in place.”

Those systems include profile information about a freelancer’s history on the Upwork platform, Upwork Payment Protection for projects that qualify, and a dispute resolution process.

“Trust is something users shouldn’t have to think about,” said Jeff Chen, VP of trust & safety. “People inherently have confidence in the web, and it’s maintained as long as the marketplace you’re using continues to provide the experience you expect.”

Protecting that experience with an ecosystem of checks and balances at every step of the process is the core of Upwork’s marketplace. “There are many different signals—such as information security, a ratings system, and a feedback loop—that combine to help clients feel confident.”

High Expectations and Transparency Keep Users Accountable

Upwork is an open marketplace that allows clients and freelancers to network and collaborate. Through Upwork’s Terms of Service, all users agree to a level of professionalism and responsibility that they’re held accountable for.

“We don’t expect people to be perfect, but we do expect professionalism—the same high standards you’d have if you were working together in the same office.”
— Jeff Chen, VP of Trust & Safety, Upwork

One way the Upwork community monitors itself is through transparency—not just what someone says about themselves but other signals that reveal some of a freelancer’s history:

• Their introduction and self-assessed skills,
• Feedback from previous clients,
• Metrics like skill tests, per-project hours, and earnings.

Another metric is Upwork’s Job Success Score, a ratings system designed to provide more balanced insight into a freelancer’s past performance by accounting for factors, including both public and private feedback from clients.

If you want to easily find some of the highest rated freelancers on Upwork, look for indicators like Rising Talent and Top Rated, which are indicated by a badge on a freelancer’s profile.

These details can help you identify the best professional for your project and move on to the next step: The interview.

“Don’t just start to work with someone. You aren’t buying a camera, you’re looking for someone who can help your business grow,” Tse said. “Schedule a video chat using Upwork Messages. Ask about their portfolio, learn about who they are, and find out whether they’re the right fit for your project.”

Payment Protection Has You Covered

Upwork is the world’s largest freelancer marketplace by transaction volume, enabling more than $1 billion of work annually. In any given week, more than one million hours are billed through our website.

To help bring security and peace of mind through all these transactions, Upwork offers Payment Protection for two payment structures: hourly and fixed-price projects. With Payment Protection, freelancers can expect to be paid quickly for work they’ve done, while you can make sure you’re satisfied with the work you’re billed for.

“For hourly jobs, information collected using the team app can help you verify that people are working on your project—and if freelancers use them, their payment is protected,” Tse said. Using a combination of screenshots and memos from the freelancer, you can confirm what’s been worked on by reviewing the Work Diary as part of the billing process.

“With a fixed-price project, the client has an opportunity to review the work at each milestone, and can release the payment when they’re satisfied with the work. The freelancer is protected by clients putting the money in escrow in advance,” Tse said. “They can start the work once they see the money has already been set aside.”

On occasion, projects don’t go as planned. However, fewer than half a percent of ended contracts go through Upwork’s dispute resolution process, a service that’s available to help resolve disagreements.

“A good or bad experience can be easier to measure when you’re dealing with goods. For example, if you order a camera, you know whether it arrived as described and in working order,” Tse said. “It’s a little bit harder when you’re talking about services. ‘Did the logo meet the expectations you agreed to?’ It’s more complex. There can also be tension and personality differences. It rarely happens, but if it does, we’re here to help.”

As Tse explains, we make it easier for people who’ve never met to set clear expectations and work together safely. “The Upwork marketplace in and of itself provides trust, and it’s the safest place for people to get things done.”

Get your project started on Upwork now >>

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Upwork Newswire: Nearly 40% of U.S. Workers Prefer Gig Work

This biweekly column features the latest freelancing trends and Upwork’s role within them.

SHRM | Nearly 40% of U.S. Workers Prefer Gig Work

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), a staffing advisory firm, released their research results on the size and scope of the contingent workforce in the United States. They found 37 percent of U.S. workers would prefer to work outside of the traditional, salaried 40-hour workweek.

For many, contingent work is a popular option. Currently, close to one-third of America’s workforce freelances, which total nearly $1 trillion in earnings.

SIA defined contingent work as anyone working on a temporary basis, including workers identified as:

• Temporary workers assigned through a staffing agency.
• Workers managed through an online platform.
• Independent contractors.
• Self-employed workers.
• Temporary employees sourced directly, including summer interns and seasonal workers.
• Statement of work consultants employed by consulting firms.

“At close to $800 billion, gig and contingent work is a very large sector of the economy, on par with areas that get much more scrutiny and understanding,” said Barry Asin, president of SIA.

About 6.4 percent of the U.S. workforce find contract work through web or app-based platforms such as Uber, Upwork or Freelancer. Nearly seven in 10 surveyed said they moonlight (perform work outside of their primary work) to supplement their income.

Click here for a breakdown of contingent workers per category >>

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Hawthorne by Pennyfarthing – An Elite Collection of 44 Luxury Cambie Condos

At a Glance

• 7-storey residential concrete building
• 44 1- to 3-bedroom condominiums
• 3 levels of underground parking
• prime Queen Elizabeth Park location
• minutes from Oakridge Centre shopping
• easy access to Canada Line
• goal of LEED gold rating

Above All Else
Pennyfarthing Homes rises to new heights on Vancouver’s West Side with the introduction of Hawthorne, an elite collection of 1- to 3-bedroom residences adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Park on Cambie Street. Hawthorne redefines modern luxury living through progressive architecture, finely crafted interiors, and exceptionally sized floor plans. Rising seven storeys, above all else, Hawthorne will be home to a limited few.

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Hawthorne’s superb Westside location provides you with convenient access to all your daily needs. Just a short walk along Cambie at Oakridge, find grocery shopping at Kin’s Farmers Market and Safeway, banks, a pharmacy, post office, public library, telecom providers, medical centre, cafes, restaurants, Hudson’s Bay department store, home decor stores, travel agencies, boutique shopping, and specialty shops. For your recreational needs, there’s skating, swimming, and a gym at Hillcrest Community Centre. Steps away at Queen Elizabeth Park, enjoy a stroll through its lush gardens, exercise your pet at the dog park, play a game of tennis, or hit the links for a round of golf. At Hawthorne, live the high life.

Pricing for Hawthorne
As this project is in pre-construction, Pennyfarthing has not yet released pricing information. However, given the success of Pennyfarthing’s other Cambie Corridor projects, we expect Hawthorne will sell out quickly. Don’t miss out! Sign up to our VIP list above.

Floor Plans for Hawthorne
Final floor plans have not yet been made public. Nevertheless, we know there will be a family-friendly mix of 11 1-bedroom, 21 2-bedroom, and 12 3-bedroom homes. Ground floor residences will all have private patios and the three top floor homes have private rooftop decks. Average home sizes range from 680 to 1,433 sq ft.

Amenities at Hawthorne
Residents will have shared use of a ground floor amenity room with a patio, small kitchen, and washroom. There will also be a shared rooftop deck.

Parking and Storage
Hawthorne will offer three levels of underground parking accessed from the lane. There will be 51 vehicle spaces with two handicapped spots and space for 61 bicycles with 11 lockers and 12 vertical stalls. Thirty-four homes will have in-suite storage, while 13 will have in-room storage.

Maintenance Fees at Hawthorne
Will be released with pricing information.

Developer Team for Hawthorne
Since its formation in 1980, Pennyfarthing Homes has fulfilled the home ownership dreams of nearly 3,000 home buyers throughout the Lower Mainland, Washington State, and California, all the while setting exacting standards of integrity, reliability and professionalism. Following on Bennington House and Grayson, this is Pennyfarthing’s third development in the Cambie Corridor.

To design Hawthorne, Pennyfarthing has chosen Shift Architecture. Shift is a high-performance practice with a track record of respected, inspired projects throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. With proven expertise in multi-family housing, Shift boasts a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, healthcare, and mixed-use developments. Renowned for its collaborative design process, Shift’s team of core personnel draws upon a deep collective well of experience spanning decades.

Cristina Oberti, a respected interior designer whose name is well-known in Vancouver, will be applying her extensive knowledge and systematic design process to create a unified look and coherent design for Hawthorne that conveys a unique and coherent, yet stylish message.

Expected Completion for Hawthorne
To be announced. Sales start in early 2017.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in the Cambie Corridor, Kerrisdale, or Southeast False Creek?

Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!

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Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park – Spacious Cambie Corridor Presale Luxury Condos

At a Glance

• exceptional Cambie Corridor location
• 3 laneway townhouses
• 45 1- to 3-bedroom condominiums
• short walk to Queen Elizabeth Park
• upscale Oakridge Centre shopping
• Signature BC Liquor Store
• Hillcrest Community Centre
• Canada Line rapid transit station

Spacious Luxury on the Westside
Pure West Property Investments, in partnership with GBL Architects, bring you Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park, the latest luxury development in the hot Cambie Corridor district. With roomy condominium and townhouse residences ranging from one to three bedrooms, Contessa is ideally suited to families that appreciate the advantages and conveniences of modern urban living. Nearby schools, recreation, and shopping mean you can enjoy a healthier lifestyle from walking and cycling to meet your everyday needs.

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Situated on the corner of West 37th Avenue and Cambie Street, Contessa’s outstanding location allows you to easily enjoy the lush beauty of Queen Elizabeth Park’s manicured gardens and its numerous leisure activities, such as golf, disc golf, tennis, lawn bowling, and tai chi; or bring your children to Hillcrest Community Centre for baseball, skating, soccer, swimming, and more! Just two blocks away, take care of your grocery shopping at Kin’s Farmers Market and Safeway in Oakridge Centre, then stop off on the way home at Vancouver’s largest Signature BC Liquor Store for the perfect wine to pair with dinner. For endless shopping and dining options, the Oakridge Canada Line station is your express ticket to Vancouver city centre and downtown Richmond. At Contessa, experience the quality of life from human-centred urban design.

Pricing for Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
Pure West Property has not yet published pricing information. We recommend interested buyers sign up to our VIP list above to ensure priority notification of new developments. We expect Contessa to be very attractive with buyers due to its liveability and prime location.

Floor Plans for Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
As this project is in pre-construction, floor plans have not yet been released. However, we do know there will be three laneway townhomes with private patios, courtyard main entrances, and rooftop terraces with green privacy buffers. The six-storey mid-rise consists of 18 1-bedroom, 19 2-bedroom, and eight 3-bedroom condominiums. A variety of expansive floor plans, with or without dens, range from 608 to 1,177 sq ft. Ground floor homes each have their own private, landscaped patios, while top floor homes have individual rooftop terraces.

Amenities at Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
Contessa residents will enjoy a lushly-landscaped outdoor plaza with shaded seating and a children’s play area. At the southern end are community plots for urban agriculture that take advantage of exposure to the sun. A shared rooftop patio offers a warming fire pit with comfortable lounge seating and a communal dining area with all the necessary outdoor cooking amenities.

Parking and Storage
Contessa will provide residents with 51 vehicle stalls and 60 bicycle lockers in two levels of underground parking. Bicycle racks in front of the main building entrance will also be available to visitors. Each townhouse will have its own private underground parking space with direct entry into each residence. Most homes have in-suite storage; five have their own secure storage in the parkade.

Maintenance Fees at Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
Will be included with pricing information when available.

Developer Team for Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
Pure West Property Investments chose acclaimed GBL Architects to design Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park. GBL is a progressive Vancouver-based firm of 38 architects, project managers and technicians with a 25-year reputation of providing a full range of architectural services to the private and public sector. GBL design with the belief that form plays a vital role in defining experience through an ever-changing dynamic between sculptural artistry and social responsibility. No stranger to the Cambie Corridor, GBL’s other projects in the neighbourhood include Homei Properties’ Henry at 5389 Cambie, Transca Development’s Primrose, and The Regent at 523 West King Edward.

Expected Completion for Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
To be determined.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in the Cambie Corridor, Mount Pleasant, or Kerrisdale?

Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!

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Useful Android Updates for Mobile Developers

You can’t venture far without finding someone glued to their phone or tablet. This is great news for mobile developers across the board, given the widespread popularity of mobile apps and games and messaging.

Apple’s iOS isn’t the only platform of choice, however, and many mobile users are seeking more affordable smartphone alternatives. With its massive install base, Google’s Android is a compelling and constantly expanding platform to develop for.

If you’re an Android developer, it’s worth keeping up with the latest changes and development tips for the platform. These articles from the Hiring Headquarters—Upwork’s resource for businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs—offer some of the latest.

Exploring Android’s new Nougat operating system

Much like death and taxes, the arrival of major operating system updates are all but a given for developers. While adapting to the latest updates can be tricky at times, they often introduce new features that savvy developers can take advantage of.

Android’s Nougat 7.0 OS is here, and it improves the platform’s mobile experience for users and developers alike.

“What’s New with Nougat: A Look at the Latest Android Operating System” looks at the notable additions in Nougat 7.0, with a focus on the impact these have on existing apps and how developers can best incorporate them into new apps. The piece offers a helpful at-a-glance view of what the more interesting features bring to the mix for users and Android developers alike.

Here are three updates in particular that can help you make a positive impact on your app designs and user experience.

1) Improved performance, storage, and battery life. More juice for processing everyday tasks and smoother performance is always a good thing. The newly added “just-in-time” (JIT) compiler reportedly makes apps run faster and burn less RAM.

2) Users can run two apps at once on-screen. Multi-window app support, which lets you run two apps simultaneously side-by-side or vertically stacked, is a fascinating feature that comes with drag-and-drop functionality between apps.

3) Direct reply notifications. You can now directly reply to notifications from the app you’re using, without having to switch apps.

Use AsyncTask to free up app overhead

Stability is vital for a successful app. Users tend to get quickly frustrated if your app crashes or doesn’t perform smoothly, but there are many developer tricks to help boost performance and avoid issues that might cause someone to abandon your app.

Every Android app has a main thread, called the UI Thread, that handles the most important tasks. To avoid blocking this thread, which can cause issues ranging from lag to full-on app crashes, many mobile developers recommend using AsyncTask.

“Why You Should Use AsyncTask in Android Development” explains how tapping into the power of background threads can improve app performance and help developers steer clear of potential trouble spots.

The main benefit of AsyncTask is the way it lets you move heavier, long-processing operations to the background to run asynchronously without leaving users hanging. Beyond the technical explanation of the UI Thread and how it affects your apps, this article also provides useful snippets of sample code to help implement AsyncTask in your app.

For more helpful tips, have a look at the mobile development category on the Hiring Headquarters, or learn about seven common mistakes that could affect your android app’s performance >>

Feature image by Asif Islam / Shutterstock.com

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Avoiding Legal Headaches and Confusion When Working With Freelancers

The #1 Reason You Can’t Sell Your Product Or Service

 

 

 

Ever wonder why you can’t sell your product or service?

Wondering which training program or seminar would help?

Wanna learn the world’s simplest way to improve your sales ability?

 

 

Let’s start with the problem that is hindering your ability to sell.

YOU DON’T TRULY BELIEVE IN YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE

If you did, it’d show through how you speak and how you act.  The charisma and passion would show.  But most people don’t show passion when they are trying to sell a product.  Most people aren’t even sure about the product themselves and so it shows.  

You say, 

 

But Gary, I do believe in my product…

 

Ok, maybe you do believe in your product but for some reason you’re not able to convey your passion to the other person.  Why is that?  

Maybe you believe in the product but you don’t believe in yourself which is the bigger problem.  

 

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

I’m a Christian and I believe that you were created by God.  I believe God sees greatness in every one of us.  I don’t believe God thinks we’re meant to be in inferior.  I’m not saying that you’re supposed to be suddenly competent in anything you touch.  

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Perspectives on the Future of Work: October 24

Upwork’s biweekly column brings you the latest news on the future of work, including trends, freelancing, and other shifts in the way we work.

This week’s roundup highlights:

• Freelancers are working longer workweeks than full-time employees—and they’re happy about it.
• The use of freelancers is on the rise, but at a recent HR conference, one attendee felt the contingent workforce was being overlooked.
• The freelance talent pool is growing, but labor protections haven’t caught up

Yahoo Finance | Freelancers Work More Hours than the Average American Does

The number of freelancers grew from 53 million in 2014 to 55 million in 2016, which comprises nearly 35 percent of the U.S. workforce. Not only have their numbers grown, so has their workweek. In the U.S., full-time employees work an average of 34 hours per week, whereas full-time freelancers work an average of 36 hours per week.

Bankrate.com’s senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick said, “It’s generally a good sign that there is sufficient demand to need workers to work a longer week because it shows employers are meeting demand for services.”

According to the Freelancing in America: 2016 study, over half of full-time freelancers believe their workweek is just right. What’s more, 54 percent say they make more than they did in their traditional job. And 86 percent expect more project opportunities in the future.

Spend Matters | HR Tech Post-Mortem: Was the Elephant in the Room?

Although the expanded engagement of freelancers affects HR professionals greatly, very little was mentioned about this large workforce during HR Tech 2016. Business/technology consultant Andrew Karpie attended the recent conference and found most of the over 400 exhibitors focused on traditional employees.

Karpie observed most attendees didn’t give contingent workers a high priority on their list of interests. And most HR professionals were not concerned with learning more about the workers or related technology solutions, such as digital work platforms that reduce the administrative processes involved in sourcing, engaging, and utilizing contingent workers.

With more organizations turning to contingent workers, Karpie says he found this oversight surprising. Numerous studies support the benefits of freelance expertise, such as an IBM study that found independent contractors are so much more engaged than average workers, they nearly matched the level of the companies’ highest performers.

In spite of this, HR Tech 2016 attendees, exhibitors, and speakers seemed to ignore what Karpie refers to as the “elephant in the room.” Perhaps they’ll face the elephant in 2017.

Forbes | McKinsey Study: Gig-Economy Workforce is Bigger than Official Data Shows in U.S., Europe

The independent workforce is growing, but the McKinsey Global Institute says labor policies are still stuck in the Industrial Era. “A lot of our labor market policies have been developed with the idea of a traditional nine to five job in mind. That no longer applies. There is a lot of catch-up we need to do,” said Susan Lund, a partner at McKinsey.

Current labor laws don’t apply to the new and growing freelance workforce who take projects on the side, or freelance full-time. As a result, many independent workers lack access to traditional protections such as unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and disability insurance.

This is a growing concern now that 20-30 percent of the U.S. and EU-15 labor forces freelance either part-time or full-time. And this trend is predicted to grow.

According to the McKinsey report, “The Industrial Revolution moved much of the workforce from self-employment to structured payroll jobs. Now the digital revolution may be creating a shift in the opposite direction.” Of the workers surveyed, this shift is driven by a combination of technology, employers, and workers who seek greater control over their income and work schedules.

“What I can imagine in the future is not only that government policy is more realistic about different ways of working but there is a whole ecosystem of players catering to the needs of independent workers,” said Lund. But until that happens, this large workforce remains on its own.

What else should industries or policymakers address that would make it easier for you to freelance full-time? Share your thoughts or in the comments below.

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How to select the best wood to build your Timber Frame Home

What wood will create the look I want for my timber frame home? Which tree species is most durable to build with? How much will it cost? These are the most common questions we get asked by clients as they decide on the right timber for their home.

We previously wrote an article on the best type of wood to build a log home, you can read the article here. Timber frame and log homes are different, so wood selection may vary for each.  

When it comes to building a timber frame home, you’ll want to consider three things: the type of wood, how the timber is processed, and what finished look you desire.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Most common wood species used for building a timber frame home

It all starts with the species of wood you decide to use. Timber frame homes can been made from a variety of wood species. Choosing the right type of wood comes down to personal preference, climate, structure, and price point.

Below is a rundown of the most common wood species used for building timber frames.

Oak:
This is the strongest and hardest species of wood available. It’s commonly used in Europe and eastern Canada for building timber frames as it’s readily available. Oak timbers are becoming used less frequently due to increased difficulty in finding high quality pieces in suitable sizes

Douglas Fir:
This is the most popular species of wood used in timber frame homes due to its strength and beauty. Most timber frames built in western Canada and in B.C. are made with Douglas Fir. This wood gets a high grade for its structural strength, which makes it an engineer’s favourite to build with.

Western Red Cedar: 
This is the premium choice for exposed timber homes since it can handle weather conditions better than any other species. One design consideration: Cedar is a softer and lighter wood, so beam sizes have to be larger compared to other species.

Pine and Spruce:
These are strong softwoods that are mostly used in eastern Canada. The name “softwood” does not mean that the wood is weak. In fact, softwood species (including Douglas Fir) are known for their structural strength and flexibility for design. Pine and spruce are some of the most economical varieties of timber available.

Deciding how the timbers are processed

How wood is processed isn’t actually related to which part of the tree that it comes from. Below are some options that you can mix and match to choose the best timber processing methods for your home’s needs.

Free of heart centers (FOH): 
These timbers come without the center (or heart) of the tree trunk. This makes the timber more stable, straight, and more resilient to cracks, checking and twisting.

Boxed heart:
Boxed heart timbers are sawn or milled so that the center of a tree remains intact. These beams have more movement and are therefore more prone to cracking.

Green timbers: 
When a tree is first cut it’s considered green. The wood has not been dried and its moisture content is high. This means the timbers will shrink over time, causing movement along the way. To ensure your home doesn’t shift or twist in the years to come, we don’t recommend that you use green timbers.

Kiln dried timbers: 
Kiln drying is a process that carefully dries the wood at a very slow rate so that it doesn’t cause damage to the beams. Timbers that undergo kiln drying will typically have a consistent moisture content of 12-16%. The kiln drying process helps make the timber more stable, less likely to crack, and keeps shrinkage to a minimum.

Choosing the right finished look for your timber framed home

There are two main options for the finished look of your home: smooth and rustic. This breakdown will help you decide which finish matches your style.

Smooth finish:
If you want a modern and sleek look for your timber frame, you’ll want a smooth finish. All four sides of each beam will be planed, which results in a consistent size and shape. This is the ideal look that many timber frame home owners want.

A rustic look:
If you are looking for a more natural feel, you might want to consider a rustic look. These timbers are not planed, so they have more character and a more unprocessed appearance. This is also the more economical finishing option.

So, which wood is best for your timber frame home?

At the end of the day, selecting the right wood species, processing, and finishing comes down to your own personal style and budget. We encourage you to discuss these options with your designer or log home company. They may have valuable suggestions based on your location, climate, and the species of wood that they have readily available.  

If you are considering building a timber frame home and are wondering which species of wood are available, please feel free to contact us at info@artisanlog.com

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Finding Top Freelancers Through Better Job Descriptions

Specialized work often requires experts with specific skillsets and experience, and a well-crafted project description is a key ingredient if you want to attract the best freelancer to fit your project needs.

To attract the right freelancer for the task at hand, it helps to know how to tailor your project descriptions. These articles from the Hiring Headquarters—Upwork’s resource for businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs—will help you get the most effective reach with your project descriptions.

Track Down Terrific Technical Writers

Writing is a freelance field that covers a tremendously broad range of styles, disciplines, and skillsets. While it’s often seen as a creative and artistic endeavor, the process of transforming highly technical information into digestible, easy-to-understand prose is no simple task for the common wordsmith. The best technical writers are adept at the different approaches required to excel in this role.

“How to Create the Optimal Technical Writing Job Description” explains the types of work technical writers most frequently handle, from whitepapers and product packaging to websites and training manuals. Explore how to align your project description to attract ideal talent, with a sample project description you can use as a guide to craft your own.

Here are three questions to consider when looking at a technical writer’s portfolio and evaluating whether they’re a good fit.

1. How well does the writer understand your industry? Familiarity with your industry overall, as well as your company’s unique brand, can make for an ideal match.
2. How do they gather and organize information for a project? Working with a resourceful, organized technical writer can ensure a project moves along smoothly.
3. What other clients has the writer worked with before? Seeing specific examples of technical writing work, particularly projects for an audience similar to your own, can give you an immediate sense of what the finished results will look like.

Get Better Insights with a Data Scientist

Buried deep within the data generated by your company, team members, and customers lie many valuable insights. Without an expert who’s capable of analyzing and deciphering important trends within that vast sea of information, it’s hard to put that data to good use. That’s where a data scientist comes in.

“How to Compose the Ideal Data Scientist Job Description” explains how this newer specialization can be used to benefit your business. In addition to outlining the most valuable traits to look for in a freelance data scientist, it poses a number of questions to consider as you craft your project description.

1. What do you aim to learn from the data? Setting a specific focus for what you aim to learn from the data will give potential talent a clearer sense of how to tackle the project.
2. What is the expected time commitment? How long do you anticipate it’ll take to go through your data and glean the insights you seek? Are there any time constraints or other considerations to factor in?
3. How large is your budget? Skilled and experienced data scientists expect adequate compensation, and the best of the best will be more inclined to submit a proposal if it seems financially worth their while.

Get help writing stellar job descriptions for your next project by checking out other skill-specific tips in the Hiring Headquarters.

The post Finding Top Freelancers Through Better Job Descriptions appeared first on Upwork Blog.

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Upwork Newswire: Freelancers Now Make Up 35% of the Workforce

Forbes | Freelancers Now Make Up 35% of the Workforce

The “Freelancing in America: 2016″ survey shows the freelance economy is still growing at a strong clip—and politicians may want to pay attention. The study, commissioned by Upwork in partnership with Freelancers Union, show freelancers now total 55 million people, and make up 35 percent of the U.S. workforce. Collectively, they earned $1 trillion in the past year.

Despite making up one-third of the workforce, both presidential candidates have paid little attention to freelancers. The candidates may be missing a significant opportunity as the survey found many freelancers would respond to someone who acknowledged their needs. Many don’t have unemployment insurance, affordable healthcare, or other traditional social safety nets.

“They are expressing a lot of their pain points in this election. Episodic income is a huge pain point,” says Sara Horowitz, Freelancers Union Founder and Executive Director.

However, unsteady income and other challenges aren’t deterring workers from freelancing. The survey found 63 percent voluntarily chose freelancing over traditional jobs, partly because of the flexible hours and other benefits of being their own boss.

Read the full article on Forbes >

See the full “Freelancing in America: 2016” survey results >

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Holistic Hair Stylist Spotlight: Kat Cline

Kat Cline

As our Holistic Hair Tribe continues to thrive, we can’t but notice some standout stylists! In the spotlight this month is Kat Cline. She’s a Managing Stylist at TMAC’s Hair Studio in Mobile, AL. She specializes in hair color, highlights, cuts, and styling, but also men’s grooming and barbering services.

She’s no stranger to educating others on health, beauty and wellness, and has been able to combine her love for all three behind the chair.

Get to know Kat!

Tell us a little about yourself! What brought you to working with a holistic hair line?

Although I haven’t been in the hair industry for very long, I’ve been very involved in the holistic and health/wellness world. I started a food blog The Primordial Table in 2012 that was geared towards ancestral health. In the last several years, I have transformed the blog into mostly recipes and support for those who are hoping to control/maintain/reverse autoimmune conditions.

I have a very large Instagram following, where I also share my dedication towards finding all natural and less toxic cleaning supplies, makeup, skin care, hair care, and so on. To me, holistic wellness is a lifestyle, and I want to incorporate it into all aspects of life including my job and career.

 

What is one of your favorite looks to create and which products do you use to create them?

My favorite looks right now are the balayaged/ombre styles that are soft and blended. I love the reverse application process – that’s where you take a previously highlighted or blonde client and transition their base into a soft, blended, more low maintenance style.

I’ve been using Oway’s Hnectar color almost exclusively for these looks because the color line is so natural and almost flawless in the blending process. My clients are also loving the shine and silkiness of their hair post-color.

What is your favorite client story?

My favorite client story recently is probably my brother’s story. I don’t regularly cut his hair, but he’s had fine, thinning hair for almost the last decade. He’d tried everything and resigned himself to no hair within the next five years. We’ve talked and argued a lot about different products. I’ve given him samples, and so on.

On my last trip to Tampa to get Oway Certified, I met him for dinner since he lived in the area. We talked and argued about him trying Oway, and he was stubborn that he wasn’t going to try it. But he shared that he was almost out of the usual stuff he had so I bought a bottle of the Micro-stimulating hair bath and left it with my mom to give it to him. When he ran out, he decided to try the Oway since it was “laying around”.

He called two months after my visit to share with amazement that the shampoo was making his hair feel the strongest he’s felt it in years. And he also shared that he was no longer afraid to touch his hair because it used to fall out in his hands when he did.

He also wanted to remedy to go with the hair bath. Sure, this story makes me feel great because my older brother finally admitted I was right for the first time ever, but it’s also a reminder to not give up on a situation just because a client has! There’s always going to be new information or new products, and you never know what might work!

How do you relax after a long day at work?

I’m a huge foodie, and I LOVE to cook so my favorite way to relax after a long day is usually to cook a simple dish or enjoy a delicious meal from one of my batch cook sessions. Enjoying a meal with a glass of wine and a friend are always a bonus.

If you had one wish what would it be?

My one wish is for a more eco and environmentally aware society.

I love being a part of a community like Oway, and others that desire environmentally-friendly, sustainable products, that desire better farming and agriculture practices, that desire fair trade and sustainability, but I wish that more of society as a whole felt the same way. I’m happy with the revolution that is underway, but I can’t wait for it to continue to grow and become a very big thing that will change the world.

What would you like to see change in our industry?

The biggest thing I would love the see change in our industry are higher standards to continue to educate ourselves as hairstylists. I’m fortunate enough to work with coworkers who are always looking for new classes and information, but I know this isn’t always the case.

I think the industry is only as strong as our weakest link, and I would love to see more hairstylists working together to find new ways or better ways to do hair instead of being so competitive. I think the sharing of information is a beautiful thing that not only creates great hairstylists, but also creates happy clients and a world full of beautiful people with great hair.

What sort of trends do you see on the horizon for the beginning of 2017?

As for upcoming trends, I still see the “lived in” looks reigning supreme for most clients. With the 80s and 90s making some comebacks in the fashion world, embracing natural texture or enhancing tousled, bed-head texture for ease of styling seems to be the go to. I think texture, low maintenance, easy styling are going to be the key words for a while.

Check out Kat's work with Oway!

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Join Kat and other like-minded stylists in our Organic Way Holistic Hair Colorist Group here!

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3 Web Development Trends To Watch

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in your field is vital for delivering maximum value to your clients. For web developers in particular, trends in key areas like cloud computing, information security, and the way people browse online can have a major impact on your work.

These articles from the Hiring Headquarters—Upwork’s resource for businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs—will help you stay abreast of several noteworthy shifts.

Navigating the Shift To HTTP/2

Late last year, HTTP saw its first update in over two decades, and adoption of HTTP/2 has grown steadily in 2016 as many websites are making the jump. With ample time to kick the tires since its debut, industry experts now have a stronger sense of the perks and pitfalls of this significant overhaul.

“The HTTP/2 Protocol: Its Pros & Cons and How to Start Using It” explores some of the core differences between HTTP 1.1 and HTTP/2, while looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the main changes to the protocols.

Overall, HTTP/2 is seen as a big improvement over the web’s older outdated protocols, although the article highlights a few deficiencies to be aware of and work around when implementing it into your systems. Additionally, the article features helpful graphs and offers detailed tips for how to get starting using HTTP/2—on both the client and the server sides.

Software Stacks Headed To The Cloud

The tried-and-true LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) has long been the stack of choice for many designers of dynamic websites and apps, due in large part to its free, open-source nature. Some developers, however, are now favoring a modern ecosystem-style stack approach that encompasses a broader range of modular, open-source tools, cloud-based infrastructure, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers.

“How Cloud Computing Is Changing the Software Stack” looks at how the advent of the cloud has impacted software stack preferences in recent years and what this means for developers. The article explores many of the different factors driving this shift and takes a look at the main platforms emerging as the go-to for this new cloud-centric stack landscape.

Here are three big factors cited as heavy influences on this migration over to the cloud.

1. Easier tool integration. Modern APIs are designed with modularity in mind, and many easily interface with one another with minimal effort or hassle.
2. Affordably scale faster. Cloud-based infrastructure makes the process of scaling to meet current needs a far smoother and more flexible process.
3. Greater reliance on distributed teams. More companies are relying on remote workers and distributed teams for web-based projects, which makes cloud-friendly options a strong fit.

Increased Need for Tighter Security

As the online world expands and evolves, so do the countless ways that hackers harness the Internet in an attempt to cause damage and mayhem. Keeping clients’ systems safe and secure should be a top priority for any developer, and designing your code and infrastructure with security in mind from the ground up is always a good idea.

Of course, it also helps to have a strong understanding of the latest threats to watch for.

“Trends in Cyber Security Threats & How to Prevent Them” is an exhaustive discussion of many types of potential cyber attacks you’ll want to guard against—from classics like viruses and phishing scams to newer threats like ransomware.

The article offers helpful definitions to classify attack types, and also explores how hackers use these tools to damage systems, steal information, and wreak havoc. It’s an excellent source for anyone eager to tighten their security.

Want to stay up-to-date on the latest tips, tools, and trends for developers? The Hiring Headquarters has lots of in-depth articles that explore the latest developments.

The post 3 Web Development Trends To Watch appeared first on Upwork Blog.

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