Research shows increase in digital workers choosing to go freelance

Recruiter Magazine reported that On Pointe Marketing, Gabriele Skeleton and Fairly & Associates conducted the research which revealed an increase in the number of people choosing to freelance over the last year.

Last year figures showed most workers were in permenant employement, with a 95 – 5 split, but figures for 2010 showed an increase in freelance workers to 26 percent, with just 69 percent holding permenant contracts and 5 percent out of work altogether.

Over the coming months some 56 percent of those who surveyed said they will be seeking change, compared with 38 percent who said the same thing last year, according to the study. 

UK tops European smartphone take-up as mobile communication becomes ‘part of our culture’

Unlimited and value-for-money data packages are fuelling increased online mobile communication, with mobile marketing asserting itself as one of the most effective mediums for reaching consumers.

Communication through mobile devices has become commonplace according to top technology expert Zara Rabinowicz.

"The fact that the UK tops the polls in terms of using mobile technology demonstrates the extent that mobile communication has become integrated into our culture," she added. "The rise of the application market ensures seamless delivery of content to the source."

The physical and online journey of the user can be enhanced through maps and shopping according to Ms Rabinowicz.

Smartphone take-up in the UK is the highest in Europe according to a report from Ofcom released earlier this year. Subscriber numbers rose by 70 percent from January 2009 to January 2010, compared with just 11 percent in Italy, which has the highest overall take-up.

Anti-social networking

You’d be a fool to publicly seek advice on why exactly you need a Twitter account, unless of course you wish to be relentlessly mocked and accused of being an anti-digital, analogue-fascist curmudgeon.

While there’s nothing wrong with flinging your CD’s in the bin after a decade of gathering dust alongside your now retro six-disc CD changer, much can be gained from not retiring all ‘ancient’ mediums.

When I reminisce over two university stints within a decade, I find the first course I attended was a much more interactive, sociable experience. There was no Facebook, MySpace was only just taking off in the US and broadband was a distant dream. Texting was the new talking and cheap mobile deals were finally a reality. The human race appeared to better connected in ‘real life’.

There were over a hundred contacts in my mobile (probably around the same number of people I’m ‘friends’ with on Facebook now), but the difference was I actually met up with these people, we went to gigs, the cinema, for coffee, it was a real life experience. Sure, hundreds (possibly thousands) of texts were exchanged, but the impersonal brevity of text language encouraged real life meetings for the purpose of real life conversations, free of 140 character limits. 

But as the (anti?) social networking age beckoned, real life networking dwindled and I found myself communicating online more and more, and my circle of good friends slowly shrinking. Thinking of all the friends I have on Facebook, there are a few I chat to now and again and fewer still that I ever see in ‘real life’.

That said, I can’t deny the existence and daily use of my Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin accounts. They are an excellent way to communicate with people who you otherwise might lose contact with, or indeed never meet in the first place.

But purely virtual relationships held over social networks are inherently anti-social so making a lasting first impression online is much more difficult than in the ‘real’ world - it’s no surprise that out of all the digital nattering, the Tweetup was born.

The Tweetup is the perfect way to materialise virtual relationships, and strengthen them. As a freelancer or contractor it is particularly important to be able to put a name to a face as the entire premise of freelance relationships is trust.

But don’t restrict real life social activity to Tweetups; fairs and events are becoming increasingly popular with new meetup sites popping up everyday encouraging niche groups to form solely for the purpose of making real life contacts.

So when it comes to making new business contacts, and indeed friends, broaden your social horizons with a few simple moves: join a local freelancers or industry network, get some old school business cards made up and above all, leave your Blackberry at home!

Angry birds to make PC debut in early 2011

The Monday morning skyve will never be quite the same following the announcement that Angry Birds is to make its console – and PC - debut in 2011. 

The official version of the game is reportedly under development for PC, Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox and PlayStation 3 release in early 2011 as confirmed by the Finnish mobile company Elisa, who were partners with Rovio for the announcement.

The form of distribution for PC is yet to be announced, but regardless of whether its direct download, CD or USB there will doubtless be an army of users itching to ease the Monday morning blues with a PC version in the workplace.

Microsoft had reported that a version of the game was in development for the Windows phone, although Rovio denied that they had committed to creating a Windows version with Microsoft having since removed all references to the game from their site.

Initially designed for iOS, Angry Birds has since been released to WebOS, Symbian and Android, and boasts in excess of 42 million users who have downloaded the game over the various platforms.

And for those of you really can’t wait to launch wingless birds into thieving pigs on a marginally bigger screen, why not track down one of these vintage bad boys to get you through to Spring. 

Brands using social media must listen to consumer feedback

Industry analyst Ilana Fox has urged brands using social media channels to reach out to consumers taking feedback on board.

Fox noted that social media has changed the relationship dynamic between brands and consumers; she said "We're no longer in a world where a person writes a letter of complaint and it's dealt with behind closed doors”

"The web ensures these gripes affect companies' reputations. Those that manage these situations well understand their social media response in how they're perceived."

According to Fox companies who maintain fluid and meaningful dialogue with customers will be able to gauge better what they want and are likely to be more successful.

Fox purported that conversing with consumers is just good practice, in which sense the communication social media demands is nothing new. Fox also suggested that ignoring feedback - both positive and negative - can cause catastrophic damage to a brand’s image and customer loyalty. 

Creativity focus for marketers aids industry growth

Markman OTW managing director Mark Batchelor has cited greater creativity as a necessity for advertising professionals hoping to maximise the potential of online channels.

The UK’s creative industries will grow at double the rate of the economy as a whole for at least the next five years, according to the Creative Clusters and Innovation report, released by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts in November.

The report outlined that creative industries grew by 5.2 percent in the decade up to 2007, compared with 2.9 percent in the economy overall.

Agreeing with its emphasis of the necessity of creativity, marketing agencies have welcomed the report, with Batchelor adding that “Anything that tries to capture the actual creative resources situated in the UK and unpacks them has got to be good news really.

“Agencies are being asked to come up with solutions to use these channels, and thre’s the chance that they have to revisit how they do things. That’s definitely positive.”

Going freelance - a few handy hints

Leaving the security of a contracted position to go it alone and freelance takes a lot of courage. Even if you’re unemployed, giving up the job hunt to start your own business is a huge commitment.

But turning yourself into a serious freelancer needn’t be a headache, with some serious preparation you’ll be well on your way in no time, and to help you out we’ve listed some top tips for freelancers starting out.

Your first full-time project will be turning yourself into a desirable contractor on paper with a top notch CV and portfolio.

• Your CV is your sales pitch, so make sure it’s working for you, not against you.  If you’ve never created a CV before, or your CV is somewhat dated, there’s no shortage of folks waiting sort it for you - for a fee, of course. However, if you’re looking for work, chances are you don’t have cash to waste on something you could easily do yourself. Instead, why not invest in CV guide book? A few quid from Amazon and you’re set.
• CV’s should ideally be not more than two pages, with a clear and simple layout – try using a Word template, or download one free from directgov.
• File types – Ensure you have your CV and digital portfolio are in PDF and .doc format, and don’t forget to give your files simple names ‘CV0943643’ won’t mean anything to anyone, probably not even you!

If you’re a recent graduate you may think you’ve nothing to create a portfolio with, but chances are you’ve done at least a few uni projects that demonstrate your skills. If you feel you really have nothing to start with, try undertaking a few pro-bono projects.

Once you’ve compiled your best work, get your portfolio online; if you don’t have a site, consider finding a place on your blog for contractors to view or download it from. And if you don't have a blog...streuth! Get a Wordpress account!

Now that your CV and portfolio are done, it’s time for the dreaded covering letter.

Covering letters are a nightmare, but they’re the best way to set you apart from other freelancers. The sole function of a covering letter is to encourage potential employers and contractors to actually look at your CV, so take time to really distinguish yourself from other candidates; otherwise you’re just another piece of paper in the pile. And yes, while putting together a covering letter is painstakingly dull, it is a necessary evil, and half-heartedly throwing some bumf down simply won’t get you a job.

A good covering letter will:

• Be succinct and colloquial in tone while maintaining professionalism.
• List a few interesting experiences you’ve had, such as significant achievements or important skills you’ve gained.
• Convey your personality and individuality.
• Build an element of trust by humanising you.

Now that you've got the essentials down get out there! Start creating an on and offline presence (why not start with our very own CreativesRus).

It's important to make yourself known in the offline world as well as online. Exhibitions, trade fairs and events are an excellent way to build up your contacts – excellent networking skills are paramount to building your client and colleague database.

Friends and former colleagues are part of your networking circle too, so when it comes to dishing out your business card, be sure not to forget them!

Once you’ve got the basics sorted and clients start coming in, make sure you can sell yourself in just a few short sentences; in other words, get your elevator pitch prepared. When a potential client calls they want to establish two things; your experience and your price. Your elevator pitch should assure the client that regardless of cost you are the best candidate because your experience and ability trump the competition.

After you've wowed them with your elevator pitch and you've landed the job, negotiate your contract so that you’re under-promising, allowing plenty of room to over-deliver.

Avoid the urge to promise the earth in order to secure a contract and instead under-promise as far possible. 

Many freelance contracts lead to follow up jobs; exceeding expectations will impress clients and increase the likelihood of more work being sent in your direction.

OK, so you’ve just wrapped up your first project, and you know your invoices need filed somewhere, but you’re not sure where to start. Now would be the time to consider getting tax advice. If maths freaks you out and the thought of tackling your own tax affairs sends you into a strung-out frenzy, relax. The Inland Revenue can provide a lot of useful information from tax issues, to useful tax-related contacts. Despite the bad rap, they’re not all bad.

If the phone hasn’t been ringing off the hook with work and you’re worried about not having the cash to keep yourself fed while you get your business going, avoid the issue by creating a savings plan. If you’re in the unfortunate position that your job has ended unexpectedly, visit your local job centre, which will be able to offer you advice about benefits you can survive on until you have a steady stream of work. Often there are schemes available for start-up businesses to help them through the most difficult first year.