Archive for January, 2009

More Businesses Are Using Freelancers

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

The “Secret” Is Out!

Some in our culture are talking about secrets, or The Secret. However, in these challenging economic times of 2009, with bailout after bailout, runs on bankruptcies, layoffs by the thousands, market downturns, … (okay, I’ll stop now.), I do look for and find good news! This past week, I stumbled upon freelance news at CNN.com’s Living section.

Businesses Are Hiring Freelancers!

The gems I want to pull out of the article for you are these brief points.

Businesses benefit most with freelancers when they:

  • are project-based with one-year cycles.
  • need work for a short time; it’s easier to hire a freelancer than getting an internal position approved.

Businesses who hire freelancers don’t have to:

  • purchase benefits.
  • pay payroll taxes.
  • buy new equipment or programs, nor upgrade licenses.
  • find work space for a new worker.

Click either the image or the link to read the article:

Cnn.com/living: More Businesses Using Freelancers

Looking Ahead to 2009

Businesses will be going through tumultuous times this year. One of the best things that they can do for the employees who remain (and who are doing the work of their laid-off colleagues on top of their own tasks), is to bring in a proven freelance consultant. That freelancer can help keep the business’s products and services flowing through the profit channels to their loyal customers.

I’m “Always Learning” and researching interesting topics, so I’ll share a few more links with you!

CareerBuilder.com’s 7 Hiring Trends to Follow in 2009:

“Trend No. 7: Freelance or contract hiring

To continue their cost-cutting efforts, employers are using freelance or contract workers to help support their businesses. Twenty-eight percent of hiring managers expect to utilize these workers in 2009.”

WCCO.com St. Paul Design Firm Changes Name, Expands

My Notes: Owner Renita Van Dusen says that she’s going to hire freelancers for awhile for her growing business. Why? To avoid the pain of laying off employees. I do want to emphasize that layoffs are very hard on the managers who have to give their staff the bad news:

“Despite her rising revenue, Van Dusen has decided against her earlier plan this year to expand her staff by one or two employees. The economic fallout of the past few months has her feeling nervous.

She never wants to be in the position of laying off employees because her business grew too fast, so she’s relying more on freelancers. “I’m just trying to be very careful,” she said.

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Change and Uncertainty | Video of the Month 200901

Monday, January 12th, 2009

The Learning World in 2009 and Beyond

Corporate training departments, and their leaders, face change and uncertainty in the new year. Layoffs of employees in the hundreds and thousands certainly affect training. In addition, the world around us continues to change at a rapidly increasing rate because of the marvels of technology.

Clive Shepherd posted his presentation for Online Educa 08 in Berlin at SlideShare.net, and because he raises some provocative statements that I’m still chewing on, I wanted to share this with you. Jay Cross‘ quotations about 2008 and years to come will resonate with Chief Learning Officers.

A sincere Happy New Year to all in the learning and talent development field. One day at a time, and never stop putting tools and new learning in your personal tool box.

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Happy New Year: Design e-Learning Like a Pro!

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

Life in the e-Learning Fast Lane

In honesty and full disclosure, my new year’s resolution is NOT to blog more often. I have another <secret> and more urgent professional topic. I may blog about that secret later. <evil grin>

However, that doesn’t mean that I won’t blog more often; I will. It’s just that other tasks need attention, first. My virtual or telecommuting freelance world is going well, and I’m learning a great deal. Those “learnings” will transform themselves into future blog posts!

One task I urgently need to do is Word Press housekeeping. So, for today and the new year, I want to highlight a wonderful blog post by (yet again!) Tom Kuhlmann of Articulate.

Tom, you truly inspire us with your rapid e-learning tutorials. Thanks for taking us to the edge of the envelope at the start of 2009!

Please click the image below to visit Tom’s post. I think he’s gently thrown down a friendly gauntlet, challenging us to follow in his steps!

(Or, click the link below.)

http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/now-you-can-design-e-learning-courses-like-a-pro/

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