Comments on: Small Businesses Say: We Want Independent Contractors

By: Dmitry

Dmitry — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:40:35 +0000

Glad to hear the economy is finally showing some signs of life. However, my question would be how sustainable would these current trends be in the long run? If the economy does continue to look bright for small business owners, what does that mean for freelancers, independent contractors and entrepreneurship in general?
For now I agree, Entrepreneurship is in! Looks like the best way to get your idea into the market, is to live, breathe and eat your ideas. What’s amazing about this current trend is that certain online services can now bridge together like-minded individuals and create a space for them to connect.

By: Brent Leary

Brent Leary — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:53:18 +0000

Anita thanks for introducing me to the Contractor Index. Very interesting findings. I think this may be a leading indicator, as many companies don’t want to hire employees until they’re absolutely sure their businesses is moving in the right direction. But I agree with you and think we’ll see more small businesses using contractors for certain needs, while hiring employees for important areas core to the business.

Thanks!

By: Dr Wright

Dr Wright — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:46:42 +0000

Getting employees to be contractors can be hard. Some employees are NOT made to be entrepreneurs and work for themselves.

Dr. Wright
The Wright Place TV Show
http://wrightplacetv.com/wright-place-cruise
http://www.twitter.com/drwright1

By: TJ McCue

TJ McCue — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:37:46 +0000

I have read a number of studies (while working on client projects) about the growing trend around hiring contingent workforces (contract workers, temps, flex workers) and many companies are doing that “try before you buy” but also many “employee” types are discovering that they can surf from shift to shift when they are in the right database of contract workers. Guru, eLance, Odesk, P2W2, and a few other major players allow you to find virtual assignments, but there are examples of these services in many metros. In Seattle, we have one called Freelance Seattle which shows local and virtual gigs. Craigslist does, too, of course.

From the employer perspective, the challenge is vetting the right candidates from hundreds of responses. Maybe one can find a virtual assistant on P2W2 and then have them help you sort the list.

By: Mary Grace Ignacio

Mary Grace Ignacio — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:57:03 +0000

Yes, Amanda. This is definitely a great news. Like you and any other entrepreneur out there, I too wish to see more positive signs in the midst of our economic situation right now.

By: Martin Lindeskog

Martin Lindeskog — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:44:19 +0000

Here in Sweden you have job form called “rent your employer”. From a site called Bolagskraft.se (“Company Power” in Swedish):

“When you are able to be booked for assignments but you are not currently employed… RENT YOUR EMPLOYER!”

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:09:31 +0000

I think this trend of hiring independent contractors also highlights the burden the gov’t has created in hiring employees. Small businesses are laden with taxes and red tape to hire employees, so they’d rather avoid that until the market is healthier. It would be great to see some reform in this area as part of a real stimulus package.

By: Independent Contractor Use Increasing | The Small Business Blog

Independent Contractor Use Increasing | The Small Business Blog — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:01:15 +0000

[...] Business Trends has an Article posted about the increased use of independent contractors: The Contractor Index for March 2009 [...]

By: Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:26:05 +0000

Well, this does sound like good news. Let’s hope we continue seeing positive improvements.

jjray, With the number of skilled employees out of work, I can understand that competition is steep right now. Good point.

By: jjray

jjray — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:49:47 +0000

“If you are an independent contractor or freelancer, the economy may be looking up for you.”
Although the demand for contractors may be going up, the number of workers in that market is going through the roof IMHO. I do occasional freelance work through elance.com to supplement my income. It’s mad the number of proposals each RFP gets from prospective contractors. And quite often these are very qualified people.