The Freelance Centre was set up to help freelancers, free agents and self-employed consultants to become more effective at marketing themselves to existing and prospective customers and clients. In order to lobby Government and attract media attention to this growing sector of the workforce, we commissioned the first in-depth, qualitative research into the attitudes and behaviours of 400 freelancers in different industries. It included the opinions and views of self-employed therapists, accountants, carpenters, plumbers, writers, researchers, TV producers, directors and advisory consultants. But what is surprising is that a large proportion of these respondents choose to rely upon the contacts and referrals as their sole 'marketing' tool. Survey Summary Freelancers are talented, resourceful flexible individuals, not deadwood that has been chopped off the corporate tree.
Most individuals choose to be freelance.
For the majority becoming freelance is a conscious act of free will, a rebellion against the limitations of salaried employment or a path way to improving their quality of life. Unlike freelancers who become self-employed following redundancy or through choice, contract workers are less likely to see the change in their contractual relationships as an opportunity to improve or diversify. To achieve independence - becoming ones own boss 2. Dissatisfaction with salaried employment 3. Freedom to select whom to work with, when and where 4.Perceived as the best way to develop career 5.