Obligation vs. Opportunity
Each task a client assigns to you is both an obligation and an opportunity. Successful freelancers understand this fact, and they make a concerted effort to keep both in balance.…Read more →
How to Compete with Robots
The economy is changing at a rapid pace. As has been well-documented, workers are facing dramatic changes in how their careers are shaped. No longer do most people graduate from…Read more →
When Is Personal Life Chatter Okay?
Congratulations on being a freelancer! Welcome to the life of setting your own hours and charting your own destiny. With this freedom however, comes additional responsibilities that a typical employee…Read more →
Breaking Bad Freelance Habits
As someone who is both a freelancer and client on the Upwork marketplace, I have worked with dozens (if not hundreds) of freelancers over the years. Some have been excellent…Read more →
Freelancer’s Guide to Visiting Clients
I don’t have to travel much. And, as someone who makes a living off of billable hours, that’s probably a good thing. It goes without saying that I usually prefer…Read more →
The “Do Not Hire” List
Editor's note: This article was last updated on September 22, 2017. Originally published January 13, 2013. Hiring decisions are difficult enough when made in a "traditional" work environment. Hiring online…Read more →
What is Upwork?
So, you've been browsing the web, hoping to find a way to do some online consulting. You've stumbled upon the Upwork marketplace, and you're asking yourself this question: What exactly…Read more →
A Web Developer’s Guide to Working with Matt (& Other Picky Clients)
As a marketing consultant, I am frequently in the position of recommending web developers. This article is an open letter to all present, past, and future web developers that I work…Read more →
5 Secrets No One Told Me When I Became a Consultant
It’s been almost a decade since I left Corporate America to pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations. Most of that time has been spent as a consultant. Among the many ups and…Read more →
Shout Out from Tommy John
It seems like I've been talking a lot about comfort while freelancing. In fact, my last two posts have been about business casual attire and freelancer shoes. Anyway, all this…Read more →