Entrepreneurship is more alluring than ever, and today’s technology makes this type of professionalism easier than you might imagine. The siren call of the independent businessperson is getting stronger, with a wealth of compelling reasons for you to consider.
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Flexible Jobs Cater to Core Abilities
The job marketplace has never been more welcoming for entrepreneurs who want to work for themselves. Within a matter of days, you can launch yourself as a successful Uber driver, for example. Dozens of direct sales companies offer the opportunity to sell products that you’re passionate about, whether you’re interested in bold nail designs, upscale cookware, or supplements and health products. Get on eBay, Amazon, or Etsy, and you have a vast platform for selling anything from books to handmade soaps.
You don’t need a master’s degree, a thick portfolio, or an impressive resume to excel at any of these jobs. They offer a powerful way to turn basic abilities and sheer grit into a hefty paycheck. The tools for becoming a successful entrepreneur are more accessible and affordable than ever.
Talent Matching Platforms Aid Independent Contractors
The internet offers a wealth of talent matching sites that make it easier for independent contractors and companies to find one another. Sites such as Work Market streamline freelancing from first contact to finished project, providing a platform for finding talent, verifying credentials, managing projects, and making payments.
Upwork, which owns both Elance and oDesk, has a network of 9 million freelancers and 1.5 million clients, demonstrating the widespread popularity of this approach to work. Enterprising freelancers will find it surprisingly easy to find people who need their services, make essential connections, and set themselves up for successful entrepreneurship.
Coworking Spaces Are Increasingly Available
Every entrepreneur needs a workspace that’s conducive to productivity. For many, their home environment simply can’t cut it. The expense of renting a commercial business location was once a barrier to building your own business. In fact, the 2015 Amway Global Entrepreneurship Report identified financial burdens as the top barrier to starting a business.
Fortunately, coworking facilities are eliminating a significant part of the financial expense associated with working for yourself. For a moderate fee, you can sign up for a membership to a coworking space. These facilities can offer everything from a quiet desk with fast internet access to meeting rooms, break areas, and business equipment such as copiers and fax machines. These coworking environments are also an ideal place to meet and mingle with other entrepreneurs who might prove to be valuable contacts in future endeavors.
Outsourced Assistance Makes It Easy to Achieve Independence
As an entrepreneur, you’re in charge of every aspect of your business operation, but this doesn’t mean you have to master the functionality of every department. There are a growing number of service providers that will allow you to outsource essential functions. If you’re starting a small business, you can turn to a professional employer organization for support services such as payroll administration, recruiting support, customer support, and performance management. The cloud offers access to powerful programs that would have once required a dedicated IT department. In-house assistance is no longer necessary.
Flexible Schedules Open a World of Opportunities
One of the most alluring aspects of entrepreneurship is the ability to set your own schedule. Although this doesn’t always mean long weekends and short work days, it does mean that you can adjust your daily duties to suit your personal strengths. If you’re at your best in the evening, you can tackle major projects after the sun sets. If you prefer a 16-hour day with frequent breaks to eight hours with your nose to the grindstone, you can make the switch.
Today’s entrepreneurs can also look to widespread internet access and cloud computing to help them take their business on the road. Although you might not get a weeks-long beach vacation work-free, you can still take your work with you to the beach.
Entrepreneurship has a very different face today than it once wore. If you’re interested in becoming your own boss and launching an innovative new business, the time has never been better.
About Carson Derrow
