WORKSHIFTER - Dispatches from the New Executive Frontier

We are beginning to see a pick up in the market.  Businesses are recognizing their need to get specific things done but not yet ready to take on additional fixed costs.  This is great news for those of you already in consulting and freelancing practices and, is also great news for those of you looking for full time employment.

Because companies traditionally engage temporary or contingent workers before beginning to hire full time, this is a great opportunity for you.  Why not consider targeting the company or companies you most want to work for and ask them to take you on as a consultant for 3-6 months?  This gives the company an opportunity to "try before they buy" and, it gives you short term work with the long term opportunity for a full time job.  If you believe in yourself and in your abilities, it's a great way to get your foot in the door and prove yourself.  If you chose this path, you will need to be sure you manage the process professionally.  You need to have a contract, you need insurance and you may even need some coaching.

As more and more people, (by choice or by circumstance), are choosing consulting and freelancing as alternatives to traditional employment, the need to have a comprehensive source of resources and tools to help them, has never been greater.

On May 1, EPOCH launched a consultant and freelance resource center to help.  Setting up, growing or managing your business can now be easy with EPOCH as you partner.  We offer over 30 products and services to help you get started and run your business.

In this very competitive job market, you need to find a way to differentiate yourself from others that will ultimately be trying for the same job.  Offering to work as a consultant may be the solution.  You will stand out, you will be helping the company drive business results and manage fixed costs, and when the full time opportunity opens up...you'll be the natural choice!  You'll already be in the middle of key projects and initiatives....you have nothing to lose!  Good Luck.