WORKSHIFTER - Dispatches from the New Executive Frontier

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!