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Make 2026 Your Gold Medal Year

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Independently employed Freelance professionals remain one of the most robust segments of the global labor market, powered by a still growing number of U.S. workers. The San Francisco, CA based Grandview Market Research projects the 2030 Freelance economy market size will reach $14.39 Billion (USD), up from $7.65 billion in 2025. According to the Upwork Research Institute, currently 28% of skilled knowledge workers operate as Freelancers or independent professionals here in America. In 2024, those Freelance workers generated $1.5 Trillion in earnings.

Freelancers recognize that the outcome of a growing number of talented and ambitious colleagues leads to the inevitable presence of increased competition for work assignments. As a result, Freelance professionals are aware that you’ve gotta hustle on many levels, from consistent marketing that demonstrates thought leadership in tandem with other inbound marketing formats designed to appeal to your most promising prospects. Continual upskilling of your core knowledge base is yet another tactic that can help to strategically position a one-person empire in ways that are sustainable and push you ahead of hungry competitors.

If that’s not enough, savvy Freelancers must always keep eyes and ears open to consider how you might improve the quality or delivery of your services. The five SMART business development goals listed below—-Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely—should be on every Freelancer’s business strategy list, for they constitute a reliable roadmap that’s capable of taking you to the top and helping you grab your gold medal in 2026.

To further enhance the impact of the goals, think of them collectively as potential focus points in the storytelling narrative you’ll present when in discussion with prospects. Incorporating into those conversations benefits derived from implementing the goals that you know or surmise would be of interest to them bolsters your ability to structure a more compelling in the conversation. You can weave into the story narrative that frames the conversation why and how your capabilities, experience, ability to collaborate and education make you especially well-suited for the role you seek, whether it’s an exciting client project or new W-2 job. Your mastery of the goals presented here will enable you to “paint a picture” that helps search committee members, hiring manager and other influential parties on the prospect’s team to clearly envision how you and the competencies you bring to the table will get the job done, meet or exceed expectations and (best of all!) make them look good to superiors, direct reports and colleagues.

  1. Update your online presence and portfolio

Type your business entity name and your own name into two or three prominent search engines to conduct a review of your online presence. What does the internet reveal about you? Is the information accurate? Does it portray you in ways that highlight your strengths? According to MBO Partners, 42% of Freelance professionals rely on digital platforms for finding clients; that means the sum total of your digital presence, from your website, to your social media presence, to postings of your appearances on podcasts, webinars, magazine articles and notices for your speaking engagements or other public appearances constitute what you might call your digital “storefront.”

Your collective online presence informs interested parties, that is, prospective clients, that your entity is open for business and ready to deliver valuable services. The vault for your professional credentials and capabilities is online in the cloud, so it’s imperative that your bona fides up-to-date and presented in visual and text language that inspires confidence and interest, so that the online story of you, the Freelance professional, works hard and smart to generate leads for your business. Update your portfolio with descriptions or examples of recent project work that makes you proud and will convince clients that you can be trusted to produce the outcomes they need. Convincing client testimonials and case studies will further help you make your case. Don’t forget to review your profiles that appear in Freelancer directories and third-party websites that are viewed and trusted by prospects, as well.

2. Consistent engagement on the right social media platforms

A persuasive LinkedIn profile is a powerful communication channel that will communicate the capabilities of your Freelance business entity to potential prospects; 40% of B2B marketers say LinkedIn is the most effective channel for driving high-quality leads. You now have significant motivation to regularly share your unique thought leadership, valuable insights and opinions on industry news and updates that will heighten your professional visible and enhance your status as a go-to expert in your niche.

In 2026, make a point is to become a consistent LinkedIn participant and more than someone who just gives “likes.” When you feel able to make a relevant contribution to a conversation thread be brave and speak up! Even if your opinion or advice is expressed in a mere sentence or two, remember that succinctly delivered info is always appreciated. Moreover, your participation helps to build a respected reputation on the platform and will increase your LinkedIn Social Selling Index (SSI)— a metric that LinkedIn says pays demonstrable professional benefits on the platform.

Along with LinkedIn, research and follow-up may lead you to discover that Facebook, Instagram and/or TikTok also have significant marketing potential for your venture. What are the norms for your industry? If those who hire for your service or product categories consider certain social media platforms are good hunting grounds for talented professionals, that’s where you hang out your digital shingle.

 3. Increase PR activity

Public relations and media mentions help build name recognition and credibility for your brand and make you and your business entity a known and trusted quantity. Moreover, PR features are posted online, so PR adds to your digital presence. Noteworthy media mentions should be uploaded to your website (you can add a “press” tab to your website and upload media mentions there) for review by interested parties. Freelance professionals should aim to earn valuable media opportunities (that is, unpaid media exposure) and leverage that exposure to grow trust and credibility.

Favorable PR is an important ingredient in a comprehensive inbound marketing strategy—-PR is soft sell leadgen and should not be overlooked. An effective and achievable PR strategy for Freelancers might include two or more of the activities listed below. Be sure to leverage your PR opportunities by sharing them on your website, email list and social media channels. Published articles that you’ve authored will be published online by the media outlets. Videos of your participation in podcasts and webinars will be posted online by the hosts. Sponsors of any awards you’ve received will be delighted when you share news of your victory with members of your email list, post to your online platforms and send a press release to local media outlets—because it also creates good PR for the sponsoring organization and encourages more candidates for the next round of awards (for which the sponsoring organization collects entry fees). Charity organizations will likewise be delighted when you distribute your participation to media outlets as well as your digital platforms and email list.

  • Be a guest on three or four industry-relevant podcasts or webinars
  • Write four or five industry-relevant posts (or guest posts) for blogs, newsletters, or other publications
  • Be a guest speaker, or introduce the guest speaker, at a business association meeting
  • Moderate an industry-relevant panel of experts, or be a panelist yourself
  • Campaign for a local business award and if you win so much as a bronze participation trophy, send a press release to announce your victory to local media and also post to your website, social media platforms and send to your email list (include a photo of you accepting the award with your press release)
  • Become a sponsor of a local charity event, for example, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League, or social services organizations. You might have an event-day volunteer presence and be able to take a few photos that document your participation. Feature your volunteerism on all of your digital platforms plus your email list with two or three photos plus information about the role the organization plays in the community and the impact of the event.

 4. Create meaningful client case studies

Use your storyteller’s perspective—a competency that you utilized while polishing your overall online presence and portfolio in the first goal and becoming more strategic and active in your use of PR initiatives in the third goal—to review and decide which of your most successful client projects could make compelling case studies that you can share on your website and social media channels? Case studies are powerful stories that provide irrefutable proof that you can deliver what clients need. They are the ultimate testimonial.

The marketing gurus at HubSpot report that businesses that publish case studies generate +45% more qualified leads than those that don’t. By illustrating a sampling of the real-world work and results you’ve created for clients, you’ll stimulate more trust in your brand and add positive influence to purchase decisions. This year, aim to create and strategically post data-driven case studies that showcase your expertise are housed in your portfolio or on your website.

Hubspot marketing experts go on to recommend that when writing your case study, whose purpose is to showcase your problem-solving expertise, ability to collaborate and the customer experience and support you offer, include the following information:

  • Define the problem you were hired to solve. Furthermore, succinctly explain its relevance to the client and the client’s definition of desirable benefits that will result from its resolution
  • Describe the solution you provided to resolve the problem. Explain why proposed that solution and also your process for delivering the solution and the results produced by implementing that solution.
  • Describe the beneficial collaboration between you and the client. Make clear how the trust and respect between you and the client enabled and supported the choice, implementation and favorable outcomes of the solution you provided.
  • Client testimonial. Invite one or more representatives of the client’s team to describe the problem and explain why an effective solution was a priority. A brief overview of ineffective attempts at resolution that produced unsatisfactory outcomes will shine a flattering light on you. Encourage the client to discuss how members of his/her team initially felt about your proposed solution and what gave them the confidence to hire you, instead of a competitor. Likewise, encourage the client to celebrate the benefits that were derived from the solution that you provided—saving money, saving time, simplifying workflow processes, for example.

5. Explore and implement AI tools to improve your annual earning potential

According to PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer, workers with Artificial Intelligence skills command a +56% wage premium, meaning that Freelancers who add AI-related skills or services to their offerings may increase their earning power. Address this goal in 2026 to both learn new and in-demand AI tools and then use your valuable new competencies to both create operational efficiencies in your own business and offer and offer desirable premium services to clients.

LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher attests that candidates who demonstrate their fluency in artificial intelligence are much more likely to pique the interest of hiring managers and I’m sure it’s safe to assume that that her recommendation refers to both Freelance professionals and W-2 employees. Her top tip for job seekers is to emphasize their AI literacy and highlight how they use different AI tools in their day-to-day work. Specifically, Fisher urges job candidates to come to interviews prepared to discuss how AI makes them more productive in completing their work responsibilities. “Make sure you have some examples, because you know you’re probably going to get asked, ‘How have you used AI in your work?'” she said,” but keep in mind that you don’t have to be a computer programmer to demonstrate your competence with AI tools.”

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: © Getty Images 2022. Chinese skater Wu Dajing wins the short track speed skating gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

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Why Upskilling Matters

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A study that polled more than 5,670 global executives in 48 countries and was published in September 2019 by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) found that as many as 120 million workers in the world’s 12 largest economies may need to be either retrained or upskilled as a result of the increasing use of AI and intelligent automation in workplaces. No surprise, study respondents indicated that new skills requirements are rapidly emerging, as other skills become obsolete.

For example in the 2016 IBV study, participating executives ranked STEM technical core capabilities and basic computer and software/application competency as the top two most critical skills for employees. But in 2018, the most valued skills were behavioral, not technical– willingness to be flexible/ agile and adaptable to change, as well as time management skills and the ability to prioritize.

Because you are a small fish Freelance consultant or small business owner, it would be wise to acknowledge that in order to successfully compete and sustain your venture, the quality of the solutions and value your company delivers is intimately dependent on the quality of your expertise. To maintain the efficacy and viability of your skills, continuing education is required.

Sometimes, Freelancers aren’t sure of which new skills it makes sense to acquire, especially when looking ahead to emerging technologies and the evolving priorities of clients. What might be a passing fad and what will probably be a keeper that calls for a pivot or retooling? You may not subscribe to the (sometimes costly) data that provides insights and analyses of market trends.

The advantage gained through digital marketing techniques is but one example of where many small operations should strive to catch-up. Many Freelancers and small business owners and leaders are not fully aware that their marketing tactics are behind the curve. Marketers at small ventures often haven’t seen how bigger, better-funded companies use digital tools and tactics to generate leads and move prospects through the sales funnel by using social media. They haven’t seen the evidence that shows how SEO key words and phrases can drive traffic to websites and social media accounts.

Unfortunately, upskilling education can be expensive. The good news is that obtaining professional education has never been more accessible than it is today, thanks to the pandemic-fueled explosion of online learning. In September 2020, I used a federal stimulus check to finance a 2-day remotely presented workshop (total 14 hours) to improve my ability to present remote workshops (or run online meetings, for that matter) and optimize the experience for those who attend.

For 12+ years I’ve taught business plan writing courses and other business-themed workshops at an incubator that for 26 years has provided coaching and other assistance to aspiring and current female entrepreneurs. It was easy to see that if I wanted to continue working with the organization, I had to master the subtle differences between in-person and remote instruction and communication dynamics.

In January the incubator, which operates 5 locations in 4 New England states, offered the rare opportunity of providing teacher training (at no charge to affiliated instructors). Last week, I completed the second installment of a 3-part (total 9 hours) remote workshop that’s teaching my colleagues and I the rationale for and fundamentals of an innovative business model canvasing technique that borrows from the lean start-up method. In the third session, we’ll learn how to present the business modeling method in our classes.

How can you find upskilling education that will be useful and reasonably affordable, as well as convenient? Once again, I’ll recommend the usually well-designed and presented professional development programs and resources available at chambers of commerce and other business or professional associations. Explore community colleges as well; they’ll mostly offer semester long courses but many now also offer day-long and half-day workshops that appeal to business owners and leaders. The available courses seem to have become more sophisticated and varied over the years, apparently in response to demand.

Visit websites and join mailing lists to receive advance notice of what might benefit you. Also, pay attention to thought leaders and analysts by listening to business-themed podcasts every once in a while, and reading the business section of your local newspaper. Do a search to locate articles and even studies that address your industry and customer groups and please, keep reading my posts. I’m here for you.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: John Houseman (1902-1988) as the redoubtable law professor Charles W. Kingsfield in The Paper Chase (1973, directed by James Bridges), for which he won the 1974 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Houseman reprised the role in the television series that was inspired by the film and broadcast 1978-1979 on CBS-TV and then on Showtime 1983-1986.

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Pandemic Era Businesses to Launch in 2020 – 2021

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It appears that the pandemic era is settling in to become our nightmare new normal. Working from home will continue in many companies. Public schools and universities will not open their classrooms and will offer virtual instruction once again. Musicians, dancers, actors and singers cannot take to the stage and perform. Baseball teams are competing in empty stadiums, with no fans to cheer them on.

Billions of dollars have been lost and there’s no end in sight. Yet parallel to the turmoil, business continues to be done where permitted and plenty of money is being made, admittedly by a much smaller cohort than in pre- pandemic times. Whether the economy is expanding or shrinking; whether the stock market is up or the bond market is down; no matter if war breaks out or peace reigns, someone will make money. Maybe this time it will be you?

Please look over the short list of new business opportunities that I’ve put together. Business experts have identified these ventures as being able to either largely escape losses associated with the pandemic or directly benefit from its presence. The barriers to entry for these businesses are comparatively low, aside from the time and money invested to attain the necessary educational and certification requirements. Just one option requires a significant financial outlay to start the business.

Should you decide to open a business or become a Freelance independent expert, make the most of your entrepreneurial aspirations by writing a business plan. Include in your plan a business model, to give yourself hyper-focus on how to find customers and make sales.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that when a business fails, 82% of the time it is because of inadequate financial resources. Examine your expenses and spending habits and take steps to pay off debts and accumulate savings, to prepare for either self-financing or bank financing. Be advised that customer acquisition and pricing are the top two elements a business owner or Freelancer must get right. Making sales and pricing correctly are the principal money-making enablers. Create a thorough and realistic financial plan for your business, with the guidance of a business accountant.

Skilled trades

The skilled trades have long been a professional path that paid off, in particular if there are a good deal of building and infrastructure projects planned in your area. Home renovations can also be a very lucrative avenue, spurred on by popular television shows.

Most college educated people are unfamiliar with the depth of training that blue collar tradesmen must earn. They may earn a 2-year degree in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, for example, in addition to completing the intensive training/ apprenticeship and certification/ licensing required to enter their particular field.

Many in the trades will eventually launch a business that may be small or grow to employ dozens. Other tradesmen prefer to be Freelance solopreneurs. Start-up costs are relatively low: the tools of the trade, business cards, website and a small truck or van.

Among the lucrative specialties are plumbing, welding, carpentry/ general construction (the profession of both of my grandfathers), electrician, masonry, HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) and steel working.

Bicycle sales, services, rental

The League of American Bicyclists reported that in the period 2010-2017, commuting by bicycle grew by 43%. The health benefits derived from the vigorous exercise involved, the incremental lowering of air pollution and the modest easing of rush hour traffic has inspired numerous city and state officials to invest in bike lanes to make the practice safer for peddlers, pedestrians and drivers.

If you, or you and a friend or two, are cycling enthusiasts and at least one of you knows bike repair basics and maintenance servicing, then owning a bike shop will allow you to monetize your passion. Online bike sales are robust, so be sure to budget for a well-designed and high- functioning e-commerce website.

In terms of product diversification, there is a niche market for electronic bikes (good for those who live in a hilly geography), which have a small battery powered motor that makes pedaling much easier. E-bikes are also useful for those who’d like to bike to work but face a long commute. Bike rentals are also popular.

Self storage units

As real estate prices escalated, the ability to afford a home that could house all of our treasured possessions became a challenge, if not impossible. In the mid-1980s, the basement storage space that nearly every apartment building provided as a standard benefit disappeared, as landlords began to create basement apartments. With increasing frequency, people who lose a job also, tragically, lose their home. They may be forced to give up their apartment and move in with family.

The growing demand for storage space has outstripped supply in some locations and prices per square foot are rising in many metro areas. The start-up costs for this venture are hefty because storage space entrepreneurs must either construct a new building or rehab an existing structure, and parking is a must (except in very high- density cities). But there is money to be made.

If the high-end appeals to you, then build a high-security, climate controlled facility that customers will use for fine furniture and art. Otherwise, minimal temperature control and a bring your own padlock system will suffice (and that is the norm). Commercial enterprises also rent storage units to hold merchandise and supplies. Tradesmen sometimes keep their tools in a self-storage unit. Whatever you can afford to invest, the rental income you’ll be able to command will quickly guide this enterprise to break-even and into robust profitability.

Videoconference and webinar tech support

The newest tech support career has arrived, born of the COVID-19 work from home craze. Many thousands of organizations have switched over to virtual communication to maintain contact with their team and with their clients. Videoconferences are mostly straightforward, but webinars and classroom instruction are more complicated.

Organization leaders, including school administrators, are mostly out of their depth with the technology and know that they have only one chance to make a good first impression now that they’ve persuaded a client or prospect to participate in a video sales call. A knowledgeable video tech support professional can be much in demand.

IT pros who pursue this avenue must be proficient in cloud computing, Windows (including Power Point), IoT and Linux (CentOS).

Videoconference and webinar support is part technology, part show biz. In advance, an assessment of the client’s tech equipment, including the webcam, audio quality (headset mic, or lavalier [mini-mic] could be needed). Identifying flattering lighting for the speaker’s face is another critical duty, as is recommending the right visual scene behind the speaker: the company logo or a bookcase are good choices. The lighting behind the speaker is another important aspect when setting the webinar or videoconference stage.

Private Tutor

If you are a certified teacher with classroom experience and hold at least a master’s degree in the subject that you’d like to teach, your services will be much in demand right now in the affluent communities of America for the duration of pandemic-related school closings and perhaps beyond. Zoom may be helpful to keep education going in a crisis, but it is not equivalent to face2face instruction.

There is at present a free-for-all patchwork of teaching solutions that worried parents are exploring, including home schooling and “pods,” which are small group training. Parents may hire a tutor to buttress the child’s understanding of what the school lessons cover, or add subjects that have been dropped in the transition from classroom to video.

Tutoring can cover any subject taught in a classroom—-geometry, English grammar, American history, biology—-and enrichment subjects—-music lessons, physical fitness, art, foreign language. There are tutors for special needs children as well.

Requests for tutors are trending on social media and educators will find many opportunities to evaluate, from becoming part of a pandemic pod teaching team to traditional private tutoring.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Photograph: Kim Clark. Bike shop on Tremont Street in Boston’s South End neighborhood.