20 awesome websites and blogs for independent workers and professionals
Solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, temporary workers, contractors, and other types of independent workers and professionals all have at least on thing in common. They single-handedly run their own businesses-of-one, and set out to achieve successful careers by creating their own opportunities and making their own rules. But as you’ll probably already know, it’s not always easy pursuing such a non-traditional career path.
There’s no shortage of resources to educate, inspire, motivate and entertain independent workers and professionals – and they’re only a click and a Wi-Fi connection away. We’ve rounded up 20 sites and blogs from across the web that we think you’ll want to bookmark.
If you’re on a quest to do your life’s work and want annual revenue of more than $50,000, then this blog is just for you. While you do have to subscribe to access all content, there are hundreds of insightful posts across a broad range of categories that can be accessed for free.
The Self Employedtheselfemployed.com
A website created by Steve Strauss, small business columnist for USA Today and bestselling author of The Small Business Bible. The site’s impressive range of advice for small businesses is also very relevant and applicable to independent workers and professionals. Don’t miss the sections on start-ups, marketing and coffee breaks.
The Art of Non-Conformitychrisguillebeau.com
The Art of Non-Conformity is the blogging home of Chris Guillebeau, who never fails to inspire. In the battle against conventional beliefs, this blog focuses on the areas of work, life and travel, and will inspire you to change the world by achieving your personal and career goals.
Entrepreneur
entrepreneur.com
entrepreneur.com
One of the few sites on this list that needs no introduction. While it is the leading magazine for entrepreneurs, the website also has useful directories, lists, how to guides, blogs, and business ideas. You’ll probably want to head straight over to the ‘Entrepreneurs’ and ‘Starting a Business’ sections.
Careerealism was founded on the notion that every job is temporary in the new world of work. The site sets out to be a trusted resource to help people find real solutions for their career and professional challenges.
A website about all things entrepreneurship, ideas, innovation and small business. Young Upstarts is updated daily with content that showcases young professionals, and celebrates their vision and role in changing the world with their ideas, products and services.
Your Success Now
ysn.com
Your Success Now
ysn.com
Your Success Now is an online marketplace for the dreamers and the doers. Featuring blogs, resources, tools and a global network, this site helps people to achieve personal and professional development and navigate the new, global workplace.
AllBusiness.comallbusiness.com
AllBusiness.com is one of the world's largest online resources for small businesses, providing essential tools and resources to start, grow, and manage your business.
Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant or contractor, fundamentally you're still operating a small business, so much of the practical advice you’ll find here is going to be valuable. Key topics include sales, marketing, technology and finance.
Freelancers Unionfreelancersunion.org/blog
Founded by Sara Horowitz, Freelancers Union is built on the belief that all workers should have the freedom to build meaningful, connected, and independent lives – backed by a system of mutual and public support. Freelancers Union aims to support the interests of independent workers, mainly through advocacy and education. While these resources are targeted to a US-based audience, there are still many useful and relevant blog posts here for everyone.
Lifehackerlifehacker.com.au/tags/freelancing
Most of us are familiar with Lifehacker for it’s guids on hacks for getting things done and doing everything better. But with a dedicated section for independent professionals, it’s also one of our favourite places to turn for work-related resources and inspiration. They have great tips on a range of issues such as getting started on your own, finding clients, and managing your income streams.
Tuts+ Freelancebusiness.tutsplus.com/categories/freelance
Tuts+ is an online tutorials website that helps you learn creative skills and shape the life you want. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find a dedicated 'Freelance' section. Here you’ll find practical articles about marketing, blogging and using social media.
Penelope Trunkblog.penelopetrunk.com
Penelope Trunk is a founder of four start-ups and she documents her experiences and advice from her own career on this blog. Her advice is refreshingly down-to-earth and entertaining. Topics include career, management, productivity and entrepreneurship.
Brazen Lifeblog.brazencareerist.com
Brazen Life (sometimes known as Brazen Careerist) is a lifestyle and career blog for ambitious, younger professionals, featuring posts written by a knowledgeable community of contributors. There are also lots of ideas here for independent professionals who are looking for tips on how to better navigate and succeed in the changing world of work.
Independent Contractorsbusiness.gov.au
This sub-section within the Australian Government’s business.gov.au website may not seem like the most inspiring place to turn, but it provides extremely useful information for independent contractors. The resources include guides and handbooks on tax obligations, intellectual property, fair contracts, entitlements, and the range of laws affecting contractors.
Women’s Agendawomensagenda.com.au
As the name suggests, this website is targeted to women who aspire to have a rich and rewarding career, and the work/life balance that goes with it. It's a mish mash of news, advice and style – all through the filter of success. Their Future of Work section in particular also has great articles about flexible working arrangements.
Freelance Folderfreelancefolder.com/blog
Freelance Folder’s blog is chock-full of resources for contractors, freelancers, entrepreneurs, work-at-home business owners, and remote workers. Their resources include articles, information, and a community of support from likeminded independent workers.
Careerealismcareerealism.com
Careerealism was founded on the notion that every job is temporary in the new world of work. The site sets out to be a trusted resource to help people find real solutions for their career and professional challenges.
KindredHQkindredhq.com
Founded by Alex Butler, KindredHQ is a career site for freelancers, independent workers and startup entrepreneurs who have opted out of the traditional 9-5 routine, and are trying to make it on their own. Here, these professionals can discuss their struggles and successes, and make valuable connections.
Personal Branding Blogpersonalbrandingblog.com
Founded in 2007 by Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Millennial Branding, this blog offers information about how to create your personal brand. The blog includes video podcasts, interviews with experts, research reports, articles and games.
When I Grow Upwhenigrowupcoach.com
Another one for the ladies. A blog and website run by career and life coach, Michelle Ward. Michelle aims to help women transition out of soul-sucking jobs and into work that feels like play by offering blog posts, resources, and coaching services. When I Grow Up is also a Forbes’ Top 100 website for your career.
Flying Soloflyingsolo.com.au
Flying Solo is home to a micro business community of more than 65,000 solo and micro businesses. It’s a local source of information, advice and inspiration covering topics such as start-ups, marketing, technology, finance.
Nvoi’s Blognvoi.com.au/blog
Last but not least, Nvoi’s very own blog is updated regularly with posts and resources that are developed to provide independent workers and professionals with everything they need to accelerate and manage their careers. And that’s only just the beginning!
Continue the conversation: What is your favourite go-to blog or website from the list above? Which ones would you add?
(Image credit: Alejandro Escamilla)
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