Tag Archives: sustainability

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Making It As A Freelancer 2024-2025

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Whatever your motivation for entering the Freelance workforce, whether you saw a pathway to more money and/or autonomy or maybe you couldn’t get hired at a W2 job, you should be aware that the number of Freelance professionals and gig workers is growing at a fast clip and market saturation could be on the horizon. In 2023, there were 64 million Americans working independently and we are on track to become the largest share of the workforce, with a 2027 projected number a staggering 50%.

Freelancers who look to marketplaces such as Fiverr and Upwork have already seen evidence of competitors flooding the market and bidding (or under-bidding) as everyone competes for projects. It’s an uncomfortable thought, but you’ll fare better if you start taking steps now to stand out from the crowd. Intensifying competition increases the necessity to identify and promote your unique voice and personal brand. How can you differentiate?

You already know the answer—keep up your inbound marketing and focus on the services you provide and the results you deliver. Focus on your ability to give clients what they value most and communicate your value proposition and make it clear at every touchpoint. Optimize your website and LinkedIn profile to establish your online presence and digital footprint to attract clients. Furthermore, position yourself as a thought leader in your field by using Google’s algorithm guidelines as your recipe—Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness (EEAT).

Remember also the value of outbound marketing and identify useful tactics to source (and retain) clients and give yourself viable alternatives to the increasingly competitive, and sometimes frustrating, Freelance marketplaces. It will never hurt you to get some face time with potential prospects and those who might be able to refer you. Networking can be effective in any number of settings, business and personal, but be sensitive to pushing yourself onto people, which is a turn-off. If you can figure out where decision-makers for your skill set can be found, then that’s where you set your sights. It’s not only who you know, but who knows you, and that’s how you get contracts.

Top 10 Freelance jobs 2024

The trend toward Freelancing is impactful for all professionals, self-employed Freelancers and traditionally employed, and our reconfigured workforce has already disrupted the workplace we once knew. Freelancers especially need to know what is happening within this new workplace environment, so that you can respond in a way that makes sense—upgrading your skills or adjusting your services and marketing strategies and tactics, for example. Below is a review of the typical hourly billable rate you can expect to earn in one of the top 10 Freelance jobs, as reported on Salary.com, ZipRecruiter and Payscale:

  1. Freelance writer—$23.27/hour
  2. Editor—$32/hour
  3. Photographer—$37/hour
  4. Producer—$39.71/hour
  5. Freelance Director—$55/hour
  6. Translator—$20/hour
  7. Copywriter—$29/hour
  8. Graphic designer—$32.64/hour
  9. Creative director—$62.18/hour
  10. Camera operator—$36/hour

Emerging Freelance jobs 2024-2025

Impacted by mass layoffs, ghost job postings and the corrosive effect of inflation, the 2024-2025 job market is expected to remain challenging, a condition that’s predicted to lead increasing numbers of employers to hire Freelancers and workers to resort to Freelancing. Below are skill sets poised to dominate the Freelance marketplace in 2024 and beyond.

1. Virtual Assistant

The global virtual assistant market is growing fast and is expected to reach $15.7 billion by 2028.  VAs have become an important resource to drive business growth. The strategic use of VAs can produce heightened levels of efficiency and innovation for businesses, from streamlining operations to enhancing the customer experience. Furthermore, hiring VAs is significantly less expensive than hiring full or part-time employees.

The vast majority of Freelance VAs work from home, performing tasks such as coordinating calendars, responding to emails on behalf of clients, and/or performing other administrative work that enables the client to focus on work that only s/he can do. VAs often work with small businesses and even Freelance colleagues who need assistance handling administrative work, social media posting, or invoicing, for example.

Tech-savvy VAs are also in high demand and those skilled in technology and automation can earn $50-$75 per hour. Many businesses, schools or other organizations host online groups for customers or students and need VAs to keep these communities active, relevant and helpful. Businesses need help setting up and managing their digital tools and community management has become a growing niche.

2. AI Prompt Engineers

AI prompt engineering will continue to be a fast-growing specialty in 2024-2025 and as AI is further integrated into business processes, the skills of prompt engineers will become increasingly valuable. This emerging opportunity entails both technical expertise and creativity. Prompt engineers write instructions that guide AI systems to generate accurate and useful outputs. The job is about designing and refining input for text generators like ChatGPT, Bing, or Notion and text-to-image generators like DALLE-E, Designer’s Image Creator, or DreamStudio. Freelancers who’d like to enter the field must understand how these AI models work and how to communicate with them effectively.

Prompt engineering plays a critical role in guiding AI models, like Large Language Models, to produce desired outcomes based on specific inputs or requests. These professionals facilitate effective communication between the user and AI technology and the prompt engineer must develop the art of crafting targeted questions or instructions that direct AI to find and share the top on-point responses in real-time conversations. Companies are aggressively seeking prompt engineers to help perfect the functioning of their AI systems and they are offering high salaries, with some positions paying six figures.

To succeed as an AI prompt engineer, you’ll need excellent communication skills and a good grasp of natural language processing. Knowledge of programming can be helpful, but is not always required. Because the technology is new, to get started, you can take courses in AI prompt engineering to gain familiarity with and proficiency in the different AI tools. Building a portfolio of successful prompts is a great way to showcase your skills for potential clients.

3. AI Ethics Consultants

Artificial Intelligence Ethics specialists are in quite high demand as more companies use AI systems. Companies need experts to guide them through ethical challenges and the AI Ethics Consultant role is to promote the responsible use of AI and ensure that AI systems comply with established ethical policies and guidelines. You’ll conduct ethical impact assessments to identify potential bias and evaluate AI systems for fairness, transparency and potential harm. The AI Ethics Consultant also advises other team members on ethical implications and works with the legal department to guarantee that laws and regulations are followed. Furthermore, the AI Ethics Consultant develops guidelines for AI use, assists with company policy development and trains teams on ethical AI practices.

AI ethics is gaining attention and creating a positive employment outlook for AI Ethics Consultants. This specialty requires both technical expertise and ethical knowledge. You should understand AI systems and be able to recognize and remedy potential issues. To succeed in the field, stay updated on AI trends and ethical debates. Develop a strong network in the tech and ethics communities. Opportunities are available in consulting firms, research organizations, technology companies, government agencies and enterprise companies.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, ethics, or philosophy and most employers will prefer a graduate degree. It is recommended that you obtain certifications in AI ethics to boost your credibility. Showcase your knowledge and status as a thought leader by writing articles or scheduling speaking engagements. The pay for this role can be substantial and AI Ethics Consultants typically charge premium hourly rates for their expertise.

4. Sustainability Engineers

Sustainability engineering will offer numerous opportunities to Freelancers in 2024 – 2025 and Freelance sustainability experts are in high demand in many industries. As businesses face pressure to become more eco-friendly, sustainability engineering skills will become increasingly valuable.

Companies are looking for experts to help them reduce their environmental impact and meet new regulations. This could include designing energy-efficient systems, developing waste reduction plans, or creating sustainable supply chains. Green building Freelance projects are available at architecture and construction firms and projects that help manufacturers switch to renewable energy sources are also expected to be plentiful. The services you provide will likely include carbon footprint assessments, environmental impact studies and sustainability strategy development.

To succeed in this field, a background in engineering and environmental science is required and being up-to-date on cutting-edge green technologies and sustainability practices is a must. Certifications in areas like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) will help you market yourself to potential clients and earn a respectable hourly rate. Up-to-date familiarity of environmental regulations and reporting standards is also valuable.

5. Online Course Creators

Education is becoming increasingly important in the Freelance industry and online is the preferred format, making online course creation a promising niche for Freelance work in 2024- 2025 and beyond. Freelancers need the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in a rapidly changing workplace that makes them feel compelled to update skill sets or learn new skills altogether. Experts are needed to create the courses they’ll enroll in.

Online course creators design educational content that typically includes videos, slide presentations, quizzes and other interactive materials and activities that make online learning more engaging. It is not required for online course creators to also be teachers; if you have expertise in a subject, consider leveraging your knowledge and developing a course. Popular topics include business, digital marketing and wellness. Maybe you could create a course on stress management or becoming more creative?

Many course platforms offer user-friendly tools to build courses. You’ll need strong writing skills to simplify complex ideas and make them understandable. To succeed, stay up-to-date with learning trends and technology. Networking with other course creators can help you discover where and how to find work opportunities. Payment for online course creation services can be per course or hourly and it may be possible for creators to also earn ongoing royalties from their courses. Still, it may make sense to use this opportunity as your Freelance side hustle.

6. Cybersecurity

Today, we share more information digitally than ever before and in ways that continue to evolve. Moreover the arrival of new technologies can open the door to cyber attacks and snafus reminiscent of the Crowdstrike incident. Remote and hybrid work are becoming the new standard in the U.S., as employees rebel against coming into the office. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 11.1% of companies offer a fully remote work environment and 27.5% of companies offer a hybrid work environment. With so many employees who WFH for some portion of the work week, the chance of a data breach increases and that means cybersecurity must be a priority. As a Freelance cybersecurity consultant, your primary responsibility will be to provide expert advice and solutions to clients in order to secure their digital assets from cyber threats.

Becoming a successful Freelance cybersecurity consultant requires that you gain work experience in a variety of cybersecurity roles such as network security, incident response and systems analysis to become exceptionally proficient in analyzing and managing serious security threats that may include threat hunting, compliance and cybersecurity architecture. Obtaining credentials such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is essential, as these qualifications confirm your knowledge and increase your credibility in the cybersecurity industry. In addition to earning the right qualifications, accumulating practical experience and building a strong professional network are also must-dos.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: © Photo by Megan Jamerson/KCRW March 15, 2024. Remote workers use Open Market in Koreatown as a shared office space during an event hosted by LA in Common. https://www.laincommon.com/

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A Capital Campaign for Your Enterprise

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Businesses are powered by capital and the “capital” includes all resources that contribute to the success of the business.  The emerging field of corporate sustainability, which translates the goal of long-term business growth that is simultaneously respectful of stakeholders inside and outside of the business venture into pragmatic action items and encourages business owners and leaders to recognize and quantify forms of capital, in addition to financial capital, on its own terms.

Mark W. McElroy, PhD, consultant, author and educator in the field of corporate sustainability and founder of the not-for-profit Center for Sustainable Organizations in Vermont and Martin Thomas, former head of global strategic planning at Unilever, recently developed the MultiCapital Scorecard, the first and only context- and capital-based integrated measurement, management and reporting system. Using the Scorecard, business leaders and owners of any size organization can assess company performance in terms of impact on all types of capital used.  Which resources is your organization maxing out, which are under-utilized and how do these practices impact prospects for sustainable growth?

1.  Economic capital

All financial resources, including access to investment capital,  credit and loans and also the value of the brand the business possesses.

2.  Human capital

The combined expertise, experience, knowledge, motivation, focus and discipline that you and your employees and consulting specialists possess and your shared intellectual capital.

3.  Relationship capital

The extended team you work with, including any networks, strategic partners, your informal business advisory board, referral sources and in addition, your reputation as a professional.

4.  Constructed capital

The infrastructure that we depend upon, including transportation, electricity, heating and air conditioning, the internet, effective and appropriate laws and regulations, public safety and available places where business commerce might take place.

McElroy and Thomas advocate for the MultiCapital Scorecard to be used to create a sustainable vision, mission, goals, management and business practices for organizations. They recommend that the organization first identify its internal and external stakeholders and the duties and obligations owed to them. Next, define the ideal standards of performance and apply context-based metrics to measure your organization against those standards.

Small businesses and self-employed Freelancers can make use of the Scorecard to account for the various types of capital that is available,  measure the use of each form of capital and better understand how to manage and nurture resources.  Goal-setting will become more obvious as priorities surface and opportunities and weaknesses emerge. The stage will then be set making plans that usher in sustainable growth and profits.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

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Green Sustainable Freelancing

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It is always necessary for us Freelancers to stay on top of trends and work to create conditions that generate billable hours.  If you haven’t done so already,  prepare to investigate how your skills can be advantageously applied to green economy and sustainability movements that are hatching in your locale.

President Obama has made the encouragement of green and sustainable business practices a priority of his administration.   Throughout the country there is much talk and some tangible actions that could possibly achieve his goal. 

The time is ripe to position yourself to grab some of the dollars that are being allocated to the cause by taking courses,  obtaining certifications and of course networking,  to let prospects know that when green and sustainability projects are in the budget,  you are the right person to call.

The first thing you’ll need is information.  Pay attention to green business and sustainability conferences in your area and search your local business press for relevant articles.   Get current with the names and goals of key players,  and think about how you can contribute.   Refine your elevator pitch to promote your new emphasis.

Visit the GreenBiz website http://greenbiz.com.  The site is an excellent resource for Freelancers who are trying to figure out ways to cash in on the green phenomenon.   GreenBiz.com features numerous useful articles that discuss subjects such as the role of  IT in helping businesses go green,  how to create a marketing strategy that incorporates green values into a brand and how to devise clever advertising strategies that communicate green benefits to a target audience.

Green For All  http://greenforall.org  is an Oakland, CA based not-for-profit organization that identifies green and sustainability themed jobs,  business and investment opportunities and works to build bridges within the various sectors of the green economy.   For specific info,  you’ll have to join their mailing list.

There is also a green business chamber of commerce,  EcoChamber http://ecochamber.com.  The Miami based group is the first and only chamber of commerce with the mission of promoting the green and sustainability movement.  EcoChamber is dedicated to helping businesses create and implement sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices while maintaining,  or improving,  profitability.  EcoChamber claims to be global,  but I could find no evidence of activity outside of Miami.  Perhaps as funding becomes available,  the group will expand its reach.

How you tap into the sustainability/green economy will,  obviously,  depend upon your specialty,  experience,  and relationships.  Here are a few sectors to explore:

Banking and finance

We all know that banks are not lending a lot of money these days,  but  they are favorably disposed toward financing green economy businesses.  Venture capitalists are likewise interested in entertaining a good pitch from an entrepreneur with a promising concept for a green business.  The NASDAQ stock exchange provided serious validation for the movement when it recently launched an index to track green economy businesses.  There are even a couple of hedge funds that focus on green and sustainable industries.

Energy efficiency / renewable energy

Major public investment and the growing availability of financing are driving the renewable energy and energy efficiency market.  Some of the money floating around is earmarked for training not only workers but also entrepreneurs.  Pay attention to local government info and nonprofit groups.  Maybe you can obtain a certification for free,  or at a reduced cost.

Health and wellness

Human Resource  specialists are convincing company directors that a healthy workforce is  more productive and easier on health insurance premiums.  Employee wellness programs are a growing phenomenon in businesses large and small.

Information technology

Reducing the carbon footprint of  IT and incorporating energy efficiency are on the to-do list of most companies.  That Chief  Information Officers and others in IT should partner with other departments across an organization as sustainability and green business best practices are being formulated is gaining traction.

Manufacturing

Former manufacturing centers across the country are  evaluating the possibility of using green businesses to ameliorate the  exploding unemployment that led to poverty,  decay, crime and eroding populations.   Detroit is taking the lead in the revitalization process.

Thanks for reading,

Kim