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)

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.

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