Manage a Small Business

consultant working

Useful AI Tools for the Independent Professional and How to Make a Selection

By MBO Partners

It may seem like the AI tool floodgates have opened. And it’s just the beginning of what promises to be a fast evolution to increasingly sophisticated offerings. While it may be tempting to wait until that evolution is further along, independent professionals need to dive in now. There is a learning curve, not just for…

Read More...
AI

4 Must-Have AI Skill Areas for Any Independent Professional

By MBO Partners

To a greater or lesser extent, AI permeates every function in an enterprise. As an independent professional, even if your services are not specific to AI you must master relevant tools and stay current as they evolve. This can allow you to achieve and retain a favorable competitive position and expand your offerings to clients…

Read More...
robot with consultant

6 Steps to Incorporate Gen AI into Your Independent Business  

By MBO Partners

Embracing AI is a business imperative for independent professionals, and many have moved to incorporate it into their businesses. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents for our report on Gen AI and its impacts on the independent workforce reported familiarity with the technology. Nearly 60% of that group reported using Gen AI in multiple workflows. Independent…

Read More...

12 Must Have Productivity Apps for Self Employed

By MBO Partners

While your favorite apps might involve watching viral videos, scrolling through beautiful pictures, or zoning out while playing a game, you don’t always have the luxury of getting sucked into the vortex of your phone when you run your own business. Luckily, there’s another category of apps that are equally engaging—and can help you maximize…

Read More...

4 Ways AI Can Make Your Life Easier an Independent Professional

By MBO Partners

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has been growing buzzword over the past few years. Most recently, AI is being talked about with Chat GPT—a natural language processing chatbot that uses generative AI technology. AI promises a more innovative and growth-spurred future, so it’s no wonder that so many people believe AI will revolutionize the way we…

Read More...
consultants working together

Client Relationships Guide: 13 Ways to Build Strong Relationships with Clients

By MBO Partners

Effective client management is important when running a small business, and building and maintaining strong relationships with clients play a key role.  If you have built a strong relationship with your client, they are more likely to engage with you on future projects and refer you to others. Once onboarded, it’s easier for companies to…

Read More...

4 “Off the Beaten Track” Tips to Create Financial Security as an Independent Professional

By MBO Partners

Every worker has at least some degree of concern about job security, and independent professionals are very concerned. The challenge cited most frequently by nearly half of the respondents (49%) to our 2023 State of Independence survey was insufficient predictable income. Coming in second, 33% of respondents were worried about the state of their project…

Read More...

How Fluent Are You in “Digital?” 4 Areas that Independent Professionals Need to Master

By MBO Partners

On-the-job technology has come a long way since Netscape days. As hardware and software have steadily evolved since then, workers and companies have had to keep up. Web browsers, email platforms, and phone apps are just a few of the technology tools that are embedded in the workplace. Now there are clouds, web-based collaboration spaces,…

Read More...

Time Management Hacks for Independent Contractors: Balancing Work and Personal Life

By MBO Partners

As an independent contractor, finding ways to effectively manage your time can be a constant challenge. Many people decide to go independent for greater control over their work and personal life. They enjoy being their own boss, setting their own hours, and deciding who they work for and when. Maintaining this balance can take some…

Read More...
consultant working

How to Stay Organized as a Consultant

By MBO Partners

Boosting your productivity as a small business owner is never a bad thing. Two of the most valued benefits to being an independent contractor are the flexibility to work where want and the ability to work how you want. Whether you work out of a home office, leased space, or coworking facility, you’ve likely spent…

Read More...