WORKSHIFTER - Dispatches from the New Executive Frontier

Kelly Services released the Kelly Global Workforce Index of 134,000 people in 29  countries. We thought this spring's survey was quite interesting and we're sharing a few highlights here. To read the full report and view the related data, head over to  http://easypr.marketwire.com/easyir/msc2.do?easyirid=95BBA2C450798961.  

"Economic uncertainty has fueled a growing trend toward self-employment and entrepreneurialism with one-in-five respondents worldwide now working outside the traditional employment relationship, and 50 percent saying that they would like to do so, according to the latest survey results from workforce solutions leader Kelly Services®."

"The rise of the self-employed, often known as independent contractors or ‘free agents,' is most pronounced in North America, with 26 percent identifying themselves in this category, compared with 19 percent in Asia Pacific, and 17 percent in Europe."

"The baby boomer generation (aged 48-65) make up the largest share of this expanding group, but the desire to move to a more flexible and independent career status is shared by both Gen X (aged 30-47) and Gen Y (aged 18-29). "The economic downturn has resulted in a new way of thinking about careers and job security. Many people have watched their jobs disappear and now want to do something that puts them in more control of their career," says Kelly Services Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, George Corona. "These are often people with many years of experience, who may have been displaced and who have taken an entrepreneurial approach to marketing their skills."

"20 percent of those surveyed are working outside the traditional employment relationship as freelancers, consultants, independent contractors or free agents, comprising 28 percent of baby boomers, 20 percent of Gen X and 18 percent of Gen Y."

"Almost half of all those surveyed (48 percent) say they feel that their current skills would be sufficient to enable them to start a business, with baby boomers and Gen X (both 54 percent) more confident than Gen Y (40 percent). There is a feeling among all groups that the market demand for their skills will remain strong over the coming year."

"Many of those who lost their jobs as a result of the global economic crisis have had to reinvent themselves as independent contractors, freelancers and consultants. This self-employment trend may continue as more people become attracted by the autonomy, independence, and flexibility of working for themselves," Corona concludes.

Again, to view the survey information in detail, see  http://easypr.marketwire.com/easyir/msc2.do?easyirid=95BBA2C450798961

Hope you have a great holiday weekend!

The interim executive space is about to explode. According to a March 15th article in Fortune Magazine, 50% of executive hiring this coming year will be on an interim basis, and there will be a 90% increase in interim executive in the coming decade!

To read the full article, click over to:

  http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/15/news/economy/executives_temps.fortune/index.htm

After a busy fall for Epoch and the usual holiday festivities, I heard that Epoch was covered in the December 10th issue of The Economist. I ran to my tall pile of "magazines to be read", since I'm usually a good two weeks behind, and near the top was the most recent issue. The article highlights the trend of organizations to utilize interim executives, originally adopted by European companies, with increasing frequency.   

I invite you to read the article, Talent on Tap, at: http://www.economist.com/businessfinance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15064293.

Happy holidays to all!

I've been talking not only with potential independent executives/new consultants for Epoch but also many people who just want some input about how to keep themselves motivated during a long period of unemployment or during long periods in between projects, usually their first, during this recession.  One theme that kept coming through was that these folks miss the camaraderie of being fully engaged on a consulting engagement or in full time employment, often not realizing that the social aspect of working was almost as important to them as their workplace accomplishments. We talk about outplacement hoteling spaces, networking meetings, checking in with colleagues on a regular schedule, working side-by-side at a location with WiFi access, getting feedback from trusted advisers on your work/resume/bio/proposal, working at a friend's house so you both can stay structured and just generally keeping connected to people even if it is via phone or skype when not physically with them. So today, while keeping up with some on line reading, I came across one of Marci Alboher's blogs titled "Tired of working alone? Try coworking" and realized that she had developed a word for one of the ideas I've been talking with executives, consultants and freelancers about for the past year - working separately but physically together. Her blog lists some ideas for coworking, and I recommend you read it if you have the chance. Coworking...I think I'll be using that term and crediting Marci often in the weeks and months ahead! 

I'm beginning to hear some real optimism in the market in the last few weeks.  It seems that businesses are beginning to recognize that despite the economy, it is time to get back to business.  And, the organizations I'm speaking to realize that they can't do it the way they used to....they just can't add back all that fixed cost. They need to find new and creative ways to deploy talent to drive business results AND reduce fixed costs.  Engaging independent professionals on a project basis to solve problems is a compelling value proposition in what will be The New Economy. 

We at EPOCH are out there advocating for all of you and encouraging companies to engage professionals and executives on site to help accelerate the completion of critical business initiatives.

In July, we will also be launching an "on-line" version, where small and mid size businesses can access our portfolio of professionals on an hourly basis.  When that is complete, we will have a service delivery model that supports small, mid-size and large companies.

So, hang in there.....I think there will be lots of work for lots of you over the next few months.  Keep working your networks and keep evangelizing the model.  As I've said in the past....engaging talent in this new way gives companies:

• Access to deep knowledge and expertise (with "done it before" resources)
• On a variable cost basis (no recruiting, benefits or severance costs)
• With goal oriented people who have no political agenda (giving business leaders the objective feedback they need to make great decisions)

Last but not least, if any of you ever get an assignment with a multinational organization, I learned of a terrific company this week called Globally Hip (www.globallyhip.com) that focuses on cultural awareness.  They offer one on one training for individuals in addition to speaking, education and broad based training for corporations.  I met the owner and I think they have a terrific model.  If you happen to be fortunate enough to work with people around the globe, having this kind of training and support will give you a tremendous advantage...check them out! 

Last week, Time magazine did a great story on the future of work and the workforce.  If you didn't get a chance to read it, let me share what I thought was the most compelling thing for those of you working as consultants and freelancers.....they said and predicted the following:

"Employment is at a 25 year high. Work will eventually return but it won't look the same.  We will see a more flexible, more freelance, more collaborative and far less secure work world.  40% of the US workforce will rent out its skill and boomers will be working as part time coaches, strategists and consultants."

I think that's terrific news for those of you workshifters out there that wonder what the future holds. 

Are you wondering how you can spend more time growing your business instead of spending time managing your business?  We can now help support your ongoing technical needs as well as your accounting and bookkeeping for a very reasonable fee.  Then, once you've gotten that off your to-do list, we can also offer you the support services you need, to help you grow your business including:

• Web site development
• Creative new marketing materials
• Public Speaking Coaching
• Business Advisory Services
• Tutoring in Twitter, Facebook and Linked In

We want to help you grow and develop your practice and so we've provided you with all the tools you need to do just that.  The big companies outsource the work that is not what they consider their "core competency"....why shouldn't you?  Visit our consultant and freelance resource center for more information or call 617.440.3087 and speak with one of our representatives about how we can help you.

It's all about making more time for yourself so you can focus on your business.  Let us be your partner in making that happen.

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.

Last Friday, the Department of Labor released its monthly unemployment report for February 2009. Though experts had predicted that it would undoubtedly rise from the 7.6 percent rate back in January, the announcement that it was at 8.1 percent stunned everyone. So, what does this mean for consultants? Opportunity! For the unexpectedly unemployed or for those of you feeling under-employed who have been looking for a change, there has never been a better time to start a consulting practice than now!! It is a trend I have been talking about for the past year and it’s something I’ve seen grown tremendously in the last 6 months. Right now, 30 percent of the workforce is made up of consultants and that number is expected to grow to over 50 percent by 2014. I’ve used this blog in the past to give tips to my readers on how to become independent consultants. Given the recent news on unemployment and the economy, I’ve decided to expand this into a full day seminar. I’ll be sponsoring an all day workshop on March 31st in Boston at the Seaport Hotel for those who are looking to launch a consulting career. We’ll have experts and professionals – from lawyers, CPA’s, web designers and behavioral experts – to help guide you through the process of becoming independently employed. You will even get the chance to start a business plan and network with other professionals. Check out www.epochseminars.com for more information. And check back here for more tips and information for consultants or to see when the seminar is coming to a town near you!