How to become an IT Contractor - Becoming an IT Contractor

Dan Pink has studied contractors and freelancers (more commonly referred to as "free agents" in his native America) and the world of work for the last 14 years ever since he gave up his career as chief speech writer for Al Gore.

In the headline freelance webinar for National Freelancers Day 2011, he describes the "intensification" of freelance working in both the UK and the US, and explores the changing relationship between individuals and organisations.

Freelancers are indeed at the cutting edge of what Dan calls the "efficient economy" where specialist talent can be sourced more precisely than ever before through the Internet.

A large number of contractors, in particular, have developed this particular way of working that is increasingly gaining recognition in business but that, sadly, is still considered by many people in many organisations to be an "aberration" and still lacks substantial support from policy makers; although, it was interesting to note a prominent endorsement from the Prime Minister, David Cameron, for National Freelancers Day 2011, which could herald an increasing level of awareness at senior political levels within the UK.

What is unequivocally clear, as Dan says, is that "...[previously] in Western Europe [...] there was a social contract of work in which the individual would give the organisation loyalty, and the organisation would give the individual security [but] that bargain is kaput." He argues that there has been a fundamental shift over the last few years and there is now a "new bargain where people exchange talent for opportunity". This should come as welcome news for the thousands of contractors and freelancers who invest huge amounts of their own time and money developing valuable expertise and gaining sought-after qualifications.

How can freelancers get ahead?

Finally, Dan offered the following practical advice for freelancers in the UK who want to really get ahead:

"...I think what's really important is to make a concerted effort to talk to people within your profession. One of the ways that people are finding gigs, [and] one of the ways that people are getting better at what they do, is through professional associations either online, ad hoc, [or in] small groups of people. That is, this idea that somebody is a freelancer or free agent means they're entirely isolated and solo is completely wrong. It's very important to plug yourself into other kinds of networks, whether it's through social media or whether it's through face to face or, ideally, both. That's a good way to keep your skills sharp, to keep your connections up there..."

He went on to add that, "...It's also very important that you have the business 'chops' and know that you're also a business person... You have to wear multiple hats when you're working for yourself [and] you're going to get rained on if you don't wear the business hat..."

More from Dan Pink

Dan Pink has written several bestselling books about the changing world of work that can be found on Amazon.

- Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
- A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future
- The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need
- Free Agent Nation: The Future of Working for Yourself

Find the full recording of the freelance webinar at nationalfreelancersday.org.uk.

This article was written by Peter Roy, a freelance project manager and productivity consultant.