The art of “freelancing” has grown rapidly online, where people from all over the world can access the skills and talents of independent contractors for hire. A freelancer is an individual that is not under the employment of a company, but instead is contracted out by clients for work in their specific area of expertise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about 10.3 million US workers are freelancers (equating to about 7.4% of the workforce). Freelancers enjoy the freedom of setting their own hours and choosing the work they desire, as they are essentially a one person business.

In recent years the online revolution has also helped to spur the growth of this freelancing market. Many websites now serve as a hub to facilitate freelancers and those looking to hire them. Some of those websites include:
- www.getafreelancer.com
- www.ifreelance.com
- www.guru.com

A quick registration on any of these sites would enable you to either setup your own profile as a freelancer or post a job listing of your own for freelancers to bid on. It’s an online job marketplace where individuals are being contracted out every day for their skills. Some of the popular skill areas for freelancers include: writing, software development, website design, marketing & advertising, graphic design, and many others. Posting a listing in its appropriate skill category will allow individuals fitting the job description to place bids on the project and provide an estimated time to complete.

After reviewing the bids and experience levels of each of the freelancers, a more formal agreement can be setup to begin contracting of the work needed. Often after an initial project is completed, the freelancer is offered additional work by the original contractor, having shown the ability to accomplish the task efficiently.

To really understand the beauty of what freelancing can enable lies in the ability to access the skills and experience of others, who more than likely live hundreds of miles away. For a startup business venture, bringing in experienced persons to build aspects of your business can be extremely difficult. Hiring can be a daunting task for a small startup strapped for cash and the limited reach they have in acquiring qualified employees. The playing field is leveled now that startups can hire the experience they need through the online marketplace of freelancing. Creation of a website detailing the aspects of their business can be contracted out on the freelance hub sites. This saves valuable time and money that normally would be exerted in scouting out a local web developer or corporate web design entity.

Similar scenarios can be seen across many different business opportunities. Looking for a writer to contribute articles to your site? Hire a freelancer. Looking to create an iPhone app for that great game idea? Hire a freelancer. If you need an advertising specialist to promote your online presence on the web, you’ll find great freelance talent out there ready to work and ready to bid on the opportunity to work with you. They say jobs are scarce in this marketplace, but you might disagree after spending some time on these sites.

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Article Extras:

Here is a short PowerPoint presentation I did highlighting the uses of Freelancing:
- Freelance (PowerPoint 2007)
- Freelance (PowerPoint 2003)

If you have an idea that you might be pursuing as a possible business venture, it would be a good idea to check this out as it details every aspect of what you need to come with in advance.

It’s very important to have these things fledged out and planned ahead if possible.

Guide to Writing a Business Plan

Guide To Writing A Business Plan
by Jerry Glen,

1. Name of Firm. State the legal name of the business.

2. Owner or Owner-To-Be. State owner(s) name(s), as well as the form and percent of ownership.

3. Information on the Business

a. Type of Business and Product or Service.

• State the general and specific nature of the business (i.e.,general -energy-, specific – oil, solar, wind: or general – food; specific restaurant, catering, farming, ice cream parlor, bakery).
• State the type of…

Read the rest of the article

Give it a look:

I attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. I am going into my 4th year.

I major in Computer Engineering – Software Emphasis. I am also pursuing a minor in Sales Engineering. First, a brief history on my selections, and then a overview of each program, its associated class listing, and a more elaborated reason for selecting these to pursue as an undergrad.

I have been working with computers since a very young age (5-6 years old). I am very adept at computer systems, software, programming and electronics in general. Although I  have taken on many roles pursuing a career in software engineering and IT related positions, it is not my most sought after ambition. Instead, I wish to combine my skills and knowledge in computers and electronics with business. More specifically, I aim to start-up a tech business that deals in either computer systems, software development, electronic devices or web-based services. I believe that as an undergraduate, building a sound foundation of understanding in a particular technical field will be more useful  than just a business degree.

Computer Engineering (Software) – From the UF Engineering Website:

The objectives of the program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is to provide students with a strong theorectical and practical background in computer hardware and software, along with the engineering analysis, design, and implementation skills necessary to work between the two. A computer engineer is someone with the ability to design a complete computer system from its circuits to the algorithms that run on it. Although one can consider hardware and software separately, a computer engineer must take a more holistic approach. If an electronic device is to be called a computer it must produce mathematically meaningful results. Similarly, any useful theory of computing must be physically realizable. The synthesis of the theory and algorithm which must take place before any useful computing can be achieved is the job of the computer engineer, and to produce such engineers is the mission of the program.

A computer engineer will:

• Be adept at the fundamental theory and practice of computer science and electrical engineering, as it applies to computer hardware and software
• Understand all the elements required to design a complete computer system (hardware and software)
• Understand the interaction between hardware and software
• Have the analysis, design, and implementation skills necessary to solve problems using computer engineering principles and techniques
• Understand the ethical, legal, and social issues in the computing discipline, and in the engineering discipline in general.

This program is accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)

- Computer Engineering (Software) Class Listing

The Sales Engineering minor is meant to supplement my engineering knowledge in computers with a set of skills in business, sales and entrepreneurship. Providing fundamentals for business operation and setup. I’m using it as a foundation into future formal business education. It is very similar to other minors such as the Business minor and Entrepreneurship minor.

Sales Engineering – From the UF Engineering Website:

Graduates with the Sales Engineering minor are regarded highly by recruiters for industries seeking sales engineering staff. The minor provides the academic background for careers in sales, managerial and entrepreneurial pursuits. Graduates are more effective communicators. They are trained to promote and market new technologies and related products.

- Sales Engineering Class Listing

Let me elaborate more on my mindset in studying these topics.

Of course, my main interest is to start up a tech business. So why choose a somewhat grueling and technical major such as Computer Engineering? Why not a standard business degree? Well, business majors do learn sound fundamentals of running a business, including current practices and theories. They seem poised to start up a business in a particular market with familiarity and ease. I have a problem with this assumption, because usually this important question should be considered: are you knowledgeable enough about a particular field to create a business around it? You need insight and knowledge in a product’s technical aspects to develop and design successfully. You also need insight into what skills and human resources will be essential to your business. If you don’t possess the technical background needed to develop your particular idea from a technical standpoint, you might be dead in your tracks for a while. Even worse, you could end up investing all your time and money into a business with the wrong ideas and organizational structure; you could leave customers unsatisfied or uninterested.

My mind never stops thinking of new ideas to pursue in the future. Business ideas, products and innovations circle my thoughts on a constant basis. My ambition since before I could even remember is to bring together  the right people with the right resources to create a successful enterprise. Aiming to inspire others with  ideas and pursue their development. Each step I take in life propels me toward that goal.

Specializing in computer hardware and software system, I have designed websites, built computer systems, and coded various software applications for research projects. Aside from technical knowledge in my field, I am a highly motivated entrepreneur. I have done freelance work, served as a brand rep for a major corporation, dealt with several start-ups, and pursued various venture opportunities. I look forward to ultimately starting and running my own business in the tech/software market utilizing my technical knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset.

About Carson Critique:
This site serves as a resource and discussion of business, computers/technology, college life, and insight into the mindset of an entrepreneur. It also serves to critique the decisions and path taken along the way. I have also provided a look into my current projects, educational endeavors, and job opportunities.

For Prospective Employers/Interested Persons:

• View my Resume (Updated for Spring 2009)
• View my Portfolio (Updated for Spring 2009)