A Time To Shine for Freelancers & Indy Pros

There’s more than a load of doom and gloom in the news these days. Recession. Depression. Bailouts. Credit crunch. Foreclosures. Layoffs. The list of nasty statistics goes on and on. I’m sure you’ve heard it all.

But, if you’re a freelancer, or independent professional, this might just be the time for you to shine. The “layoffs” entry in the previous paragraph is key. Many companies are laying off staff or completely dissolving positions. And therein lies the opportunity. Just because the staff goes away, doesn’t mean the work goes with them. Somebody has to get it all done.

Layoffs often mean smaller staffs are having to do much more with much less. Tie that to the fact that smart businesses know it’s wise to step up marketing and promotion activities during slow times. Why? Because many of their competitors are cutting back. It’s a time when those who crank up the marketing machine can overtake market share and be in a sweet position when the turnaround comes (and it will).

Savvy businesses know that freelancers can be their saving grace. They take some of the load off of in-house staff, companies don’t have to pay benefits, payroll taxes, buy new equipment and other employee related expenses. Plus, freelancers are usually easier to find and hire for a gig than a full-time employee. They’re in, do the job and out, until needed again.

In a nutshell, it simply makes sense during times like these. But, don’t take my word for it. Check out what CNN has to say. There’s also some good advice in the article about, as a freelancer or independent contractor, covering yourself when it comes to taxes and such.

Ireland-based designer, David Airey, also has some great insights on his blog, along with a few excellent resources.