From the Editor
Freelancer, Entrepreneur: The Same or Different?
I had a discussion recently with another freelancer about the difference between an entrepreneur and a freelancer. He said it was semantics. My opinion differed.
In my view, an entrepreneur is someone who wants to build and grow a company — read that as making millions, having employees, etc. On the other hand, a freelancer is a person who works independently providing services to said entrepreneurs and business owners. (In the spirit of camaraderie, we compromised on the term solopreneur.)
Some years ago, I tried the company-building route and nearly lost my shirt. It took months to recoup my investment. Now, I wear the freelancer moniker happily. It's the suit that fits best.
However, there is one clear similarity between the two — both need tenacity, the ability to hang in there when times get tough.
Clients come and go, income ebbs and flows. You have to be able to not lose faith in your vision during the hard times, regardless of which term you label yourself.
Such is the case with me. I wrapped up a couple of freelance projects and had nothing in the queue to take their place, not immediately, at least. I knew work was coming, I just didn't know when. As a result, the coffers were bear.
In the past, I might have given up and started job hunting. No longer. I've been at this long enough to read the tides, so to speak. And as I suspected, new projects and clients are coming my way.
So, how do you see yourself? As an entrepreneur or freelancer? One is not better than the other, just different... or not. (Reply to this email to let me know your thoughts.)
Top Pick

3 Ways to Grow Your Freelance Business into a Small Business
If you are a freelancer who is considering expanding beyond solopreneurship into the CEO role, Inc. has some tips for how to start.
Sponsored Link

Harlow: Everything You Need to Run Your Freelance Business
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Harlow, the freelance business management platform. I'm an even bigger fan of the founders, Samantha Anderl and Andrea Wildt. These women truly have a heart for freelancers, having served in that role themselves. That's why I have signed on as an affiliate to promote the platform. I hope you'll check it out.
Podcast

FA50 Podcast: Talkin' Taxes
As a freelancer, does the idea of paying taxes make you queasy? It does me. That's one reason I asked a bona fide tax expert to be my guest in this episode of the Freelancing After 50 podcast. Robert provides insights to make paying taxes less, um, taxing.
PS: Here are 23 tax deductions you can take as a freelancer, according to Harlow.
Resources
Title Case Converter: A Smart Title Capitalization Tool
As a freelance business writer, I'm always on the lookout for anything that will help me hone my craft. The other day, I came across this handy title capitalization tool, Title Case Converter. Just input your title, hit "Convert," and voila! Title case created.
It works with different styles (e.g., AP, AMA, Chicago, etc.) and offers options to use sentence case, lower case, and upper case. The page has some ads on it, but you can easily ignore those.
Opportunity
Big Companies are Hiring Freelancers. That’s Good News for Folks Like Us
The average enterprise company reported that “contingent” labor now makes up 28% of its workforce, according to The Contingent Labor Imperative: How Agile Enterprises Succeed in a Modern Workforce Model. And most firms that are using continent labor plan to step up the pace. Read more...
More Americans are Ditching the 9-to-5
For those with the right skills, contract work can offer flexibility — and even six-figure incomes.
Jobs
Top 30 In-Demand Freelance Skills to Learn in 2022
I admit that it's a bit late to start learning a new set of skills with just two months of 2022 remaining, but it is never too late to start learning regardless of the date. And as a freelancer, you need a very particular set of skills to succeed. Here are 30 to choose from .
Trivia

Don't Want a Recession? Root Against the Phillies in the World Series
The World Series is in full swing, and you may want to bet against the Phillies — if you don't want a recession, that is. It turns out that Philadelphia’s last four World Series titles all came during or shortly before major U.S. recessions.
Quick Hits
What Else I'm Reading
Here are links to a random selection of stories of interest:
- Why Are So Many People Freelancing? - Fast Company
- Taking the Leap: Freelancing in Your 50s and Beyond - Freelancers Union
- Handcuffing Freelancers Is Bad for the Economy and Small Business - Forbes
And Finally...
I would love to connect with you via social media. LinkedIn is my social network of choice. Also, visit the Freelancing After 50 website, podcast, and online store featuring "greypreneur" products like t-shirts, caps, and tote bags.
If there's a topic you would like to see covered in the newsletter or podcast, reply to this email and let me know.
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