A Newbies Intro on Branding Your Empire as a Freelancer

A freelance worker, or freelancer, is a worker who is not committed to just one company – many aren't even committed to just one industry. These people may fill a position or need for a business in virtually any capacity. A typical arrangement between a company and freelancer includes a signed contract about the nature of the work, this is why many are referred to as contract workers instead of freelancers. Some freelancers work out of the office of a company that they have assignments from, but many, like myself, are on their own completely. Regardless of the nature of their work, a good freelancer must have a plan if they want to achieve success.

A Brief History of Labor Unions in the USA

Americans have always had conflicted and varied thoughts on labor unions and their utility in the work force. Some people associate the term with mob affiliations and famous gangsters, but mostly people just envision a group of people fighting for fair pay, decent work conditions, and good benefits from employers. Legally, a labor union is the representation of United States workers in various industries. These representatives have the interest of the employee, and group of employees at heart. Labor unions have played a hugely important role in the American workforce for centuries and continue to advance labor laws in modern days.

The New Face of Business: Beautifully Deceiving

Online Social Networking has changed the way we conduct business. Our office can now be predominantly our laptop, or any other metal object that supports (Wi-fi). We are constantly “connected,” and many of us feel a nagging feeling when we’re not. Online social platforms have extended a businesses’ reach.  Between updating social statuses, checking Gmail, and tweeting the latest news, we have become disconnected from an essential part of social interaction: the physical part.

Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin- Do One Thing Well

I usually give great advice, but often have trouble following it myself. However, this subject- focusing on one thing at a time, and doing one thing well- is something I am very good at. I couldn't survive any other way (believe me, I've tried). I always have a lot of different things going on at the same time- writing for several websites, publishing other writer’s work on my sites, promoting my work, networking, consulting, marketing- it’s a never-ending, constantly growing list of things to do. So I do the only thing that makes sense, and chip away at that list, one by one. And at the end of the day, it’s amazing what one person can do.

The Insecurity of Social Security

When Social Security was first introduced in 1935 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or FDR, America’s 32^nd president, it was lauded as a social justice measure that would provide funds for those Americans who ended their working years without enough money to assure the necessities; food, shelter and clothing.

Post-World War II, a period which FDR continued to dominate until his death in 1945, was marked by one of the most unusual social attitudes ever evolved. Instead of older people being cared for by their children or relatives when they were too aged or ill to work for themselves, they were sent to homes or hospices to be cared for by strangers.

5 Things and a Prediction

I was recently invited to contribute to the series "5 Things and a Prediction" for a group called Digital Marketing Unwrapped. I thought I would share my response with everyone here. Let me know what you think.

Why Use LinkedIn?

With what seems like a new social media site popping up every day, it is sometimes hard to realize what platforms are relevant and which ones you should put your efforts (and marketing budgets) into. If you are a professional, want to be recognized in your industry, or have a service/product you are trying to get noticed,  I would HIGHLY recommend LinkedIn.