Some thoughts on the real world by one who glimpsed it and fled

Here’s the text of a speech Bill Watterson gave at Kenyon College, Gambier Ohio, to the 1990 graduating class. SOME THOUGHTS ON THE REAL WORLD BY ONE WHO GLIMPSED IT AND FLEDBill WattersonKenyon College CommencementMay 20, 1990 I have a recurring dream about Kenyon. In it, I’m walking to the post office on the way to … Read more

Business Black Holes

Business black holes, the cycles between them and how to jump your business into greater growth. The predictable problem of business black holes Some 20 years ago I interviewed around 700 small businesses to discover whether the growth and stall trends I’d previously been analysing in big business still occurred in the small business market. They certainly … Read more

Agency Worker Regulations (AWR): What is AWR?

Agency Workers Regulations aim to combat discrimination of people who work for employment agencies, by stating that agency workers should be no less favourably treated in pay and working time than their full-time counterparts, who do the same work. Similar to IR35, the guidance is designed to ensure fair treatment of contractors and freelancers, and ensure that … Read more

Rules for good leadership

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work directly with a number of leaders. I define these as people who lead their own teams and organisations. What makes some of them good leaders? My answer is personal and subjective. Note the “some of them” reference. Being good at your profession does not necessarily … Read more

4 ways to make Your Business More Sustainable

Businesses of all sizes are becoming more aware of their impact on the world. Business sustainability is now a primary focus for organisations across industries, as companies focus on long-term profitability and cut their carbon footprints. Additionally, consumers are becoming more aware of how businesses treat the environment, which has forced businesses to take action. … Read more

Challenges in growing an agency

Once upon a time, marketing agencies were profitable businesses.  They were tough to get into and get the first few accounts, but  competition was reasonable and the business model provided  sufficient profit margins.  Today, that is no longer the case. It is very easy to get into the  business, but it’s very hard to grow … Read more

Freelance in 30 Days Book: Get the confidence and knowledge to succeed at going freelance

The freelance book that helps you get the confidence and knowledge to thrive in your new freelance career. Do you want to build the confidence to finally go freelance? Do you want the freedom and flexibility that comes from being your own boss? Do you want to be a creative and productive freelancer? Answer "Yes" to these … Read more

Women freelancers surge in the UK, with 63% rise in highly-skilled female freelancers

A 334,000 (63 percent) rise in highly-skilled women freelancers has driven the UK’s increasingly female freelance landscape over the last 10 years according to new research from IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. The increase takes the number of senior-level women freelancing in the UK to 863,000. The professions that saw the … Read more

How freelancers win clients and beat the competition

Being a freelancer is interesting and exciting; it provides an excellent opportunity to work as you wish and earn a handful of income. But, the tight competition makes it tough to succeed in the freelance market. Good numbers of newcomers are really worried about expert freelancers stealing all of the good jobs from the platform. … Read more