Freelancing and Self Employment

I earned ₹35 Lakhs in over 12 months freelancing alongside my MBA. Here’s the exact breakdown of how I got clients, delivered work, and built systems. I didn’t have a personal brand. I didn’t post daily on LinkedIn. I didn’t pitch “content strategy” or growth hacks. What I did have - was clarity on the value I could offer. I worked with founders, funds, and early-stage ventures across the US, UAE, and India. Helping them with pitch decks, founder stories, research reports, ghostwriting, and financial models. I didn’t chase 10 skills - I picked 3-4 that solved real problems. Then I built strong, specific offerings around them. Most of my clients were in that messy middle - Post-ideation, pre-scale. Not ready to hire full-time, but needing fast, sharp support. I reached out after startup pitch days, fundraises, or founder podcasts. Tracked warm leads in a simple Excel sheet. Sent personalized cold DMs. No spam. No fluff. I learned fast that delivery matters more than outreach. So I built clear scope of work docs, streamlined SOPs, and onboarding templates. No back-and-forth confusion. Just clarity, timelines, and outcomes. By Month 3, I wasn’t selling. I was just sending links and letting the work speak. And yes - I charged what I knew I was worth. Because I had done the research, benchmarked my pricing, and stuck to my lane. This isn’t some overnight success story. But it’s proof that freelancing isn’t just “extra income” - it can be real work, if you treat it like one. Comment your email ID and I’ll send you: - My actual lead gen Excel tracker - Cold DM templates that worked - My service breakdown sheet (what I offered, how I priced it) If you’re in B-school or just figuring your way around freelancing, this will help you start smarter. No gas. Just real systems that worked. #FreelancingJourney #SPJIMR #SideHustle #MBAAndBeyond #Ghostwriting #StartupSupport #FounderOps #PitchDecks #FinanceFreelancer #WorkSmart #LinkedIn #LinkedInCreator

Findings from the Social Mobility Foundation show people from working-class backgrounds employed in professional careers earn £6,000 less compared to those from other backgrounds in the same jobs,    Professionals from poorer upbringings face an average salary of £45,437 – 12% lower than the £51,728 for people from more affluent origins doing the same job   The 12% class pay gap could be even wider than the median gender pay gap, which according to a Guardian analysis was 9.4% in 2022-23. Unfortunately, a number of practices that are commonplace throughout the creative industry do not support socio-economic inclusion. Its high reliance on freelancers with a third of the creative industries workforce self-employed (including freelancers), double that of the UK workforce, presents a lack of financial security and stability which is not conducive to attracting individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds. We know that people from working class backgrounds are three times less likely to be able to, or to want to, move from their local area, so the fact that over half the creative organisations in the country are concentrated in London and the southeast presents a barrier to entry. Unpaid internships act as a barrier to those who cannot afford to work for free and prove inaccessible to those who do not have the social or familial networks to secure a placement informally. The importance of these networks for hiring, particularly at short notice on project-based work, means those without connections, no matter how talented, can be excluded. We need to develop better access to jobs and career progression and also: ➡ Invest in new targeted EDI programmes to address gaps in existing provision such as preparing young people for freelance work. ➡ Develop intersectional support. For example, blending pre-employment initiatives (volunteering, employability skills, work experience) with job-related training (traineeships / apprenticeships); employment support (subsidised placements or jobs, funding for childcare and transport) and mentoring. ➡ Convene an inter-employer network of businesses from across the screen and games industries to create shared standard setting and build more inclusive workplaces. https://lnkd.in/eqTBQHaJ

Stop Calling It 1099 It’s a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen Let’s be real, 1099 safety staffing is a myth once you control the worker’s schedule, require clock-ins, or direct daily tasks. That’s not subcontracting that’s employment, and the IRS and labor boards see it the same way. We’re seeing small and even large companies undercut the market by labeling their workers as “independent contractors,” avoiding payroll taxes, workers’ comp, and liability insurance. It’s dangerous, unethical, and illegal. Here’s the truth: • If you control when, where, and how someone works they’re not a contractor. • No workers’ comp? You’re leaving the worker and the client exposed. • No liability insurance? Owners, you’re personally on the hook. • And those workers accepting 1099s without setting up a proper business entity? You’re stuck with the tax bill and zero protection if you get injured. It’s time we stop turning a blind eye. Staffing companies doing this should be fined or even jailed for wage fraud and risking lives. To the workers: Don’t accept 1099 unless you’re truly INDEPENDENT and fully insured. Once you submit a time card you are no longer independent you are an EMPLOYEE and the company is responsible for payroll taxes, works comp, liabilitiy insurance etc. To the companies hiring these firms: You’re not saving money you’re buying risk. At Safe T Professionals, we follow the law, protect our people, and refuse to cut corners for a quick win. #SafetyStaffing #1099Misclassification #W2Matters #WorkersComp #LaborLaw #ConstructionSafety #ProtectWorkers #EthicalBusiness #SafeTProfessionals #FairWork #WorkplaceSafety #StopWageFraud #StaffingTruth

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal issued its long-awaited decision on the employment status of four Uber drivers. It found that they were employees of Uber. And in doing so, it clarified that to determine the employment status of a worker you must do the following: ▪ Review the contract to understand how the parties agreed the relationship would work (don't blindly accept the label of "contractor" as being the end of the matter) ▪ Consider if the way the parties actually operated their relationship differed from the contract (ie, are some parts of the contract just "window-dressing"?) ▪ Consider control - who decides how, when, and where work is done? ▪ Assess integration - is the worker part and parcel of the organisation? ▪ Apply the fundamental test - is the worker in business on their own account? Using this framework, the Court found that the contract between Uber and its drivers included plenty of “window-dressing”. Uber extensively controlled the drivers and they weren’t really working in their own business. They were employees, not contractors - despite the contract. The decision serves as a helpful reminder of the framework to determine employment status. And not only that, it may be the first judicial decision to reference “The Castle” (para 137).

5 Priceless Freelancing Growth Tips I Wish I Knew Earlier ➊ The most underrated freelancing skill is reliability. Deliver on time, keep your word, and communicate well. Clients value freelancers they can depend on more than those with the flashiest portfolios. Reliability builds trust—and trust leads to repeat business. ➋ Charge for the value you create, not the hours you spend. Early on, I undervalued my work and billed only for time. The truth is, clients care about results, not how long it takes you to deliver them. Price your services based on the impact you bring to their business. ➌ Your network is your safety net. The best freelance gigs rarely come from job boards. They come from referrals, conversations, and relationships. Make networking a regular part of your workflow—it’s just as important as your deliverables. ➍ Treat every client like your most important one. Even small projects can lead to big opportunities. Go above and beyond for every client—they’ll remember, refer, and come back for more. ➎ Invest in skills that clients pay top dollar for. Identify high-value services in your industry and master them. Whether it’s a technical skill, communication, or strategy, clients will gladly pay a premium for expertise that solves big problems. Freelancing isn’t just about finding clients—it’s about building a sustainable, thriving business. What’s the best freelancing advice you’ve ever received?

To every Salesforce Consultant thinking about going Independent in 2026. January is usually the month when Senior Consultants look at their billable rate, look at their salary, and think: "I could do this on my own and double my income." I’ve recruited in this ecosystem for 12 years. I’ve seen people make the jump and thrive. I’ve also seen them panic and go back to full-time positions in 3 months. If you are weighing the switch, here are the factors I see making the biggest difference between a stress-free transition and a struggle. 1. The "Unbillable CEO" Reality When you are full-time, you just do the work. When you are independent, you have to run the business. Incorporation, taxes, chasing invoices, and compliance. Are you okay with doing 5-10 hours of unpaid admin a week? Also, consider the cash flow. Companies often pay Net-45 or Net-60. 2. The Continuous Pipeline In a full-time role, projects are handed to you. As a contractor, you have to hunt for them constantly. It isn't just about finding the first project. The real skill is lining up the next one while you are busy delivering the current one. Balancing deep technical work with constant networking and business development is a new muscle to build. It takes getting used to, and honestly, it isn't for everyone. 3. The "Niche" Factor The contract market is strong right now, but it heavily favors specific profiles. Know your lane before you start looking. • The Industry Specialist: Do you know Nonprofit Cloud, nCino, or Financial Services Cloud inside out? • The Force Multiplier: Are you a Senior Architect who can still be hands-on? Clients love this profile because they get "Strategy" and "Delivery" in one hire (2 roles for the price of 1). The Bottom Line: Contracting isn't just a job change. It’s a business launch. If you have the network and the specific skills the market needs right now, it can be a great career move. Contractors, what’s the one thing you wish you knew before you started? #SalesforceConsultant #Contracting #Freelance #CareerStrategy

The best way to launch a business (without blowing up your life): Too many people quit too early and put themselves under massive financial pressure There’s a smarter path 1. Build a 12–18 month cash reserve from your W-2 This is your runway. It buys you time, flexibility, and confidence. No desperation = better decisions. 2. Start the business on the side Validate the idea before you go all in. Land real clients. Prove people will actually pay you. 3. Grow it to 30–50% of your current income (or to cover at least 50% of your expenses)  This is the sweet spot. At this point, you know the business works and you’ve reduced the downside risk significantly. 4. Go full-time when you feel ready (not when Twitter says you should) Cash reserves + proven demand = optionality. You’re stepping into growth, not survival mode. 5. Grind and grow Now you scale intentionally: - Raise prices - Refine your offer - Build systems and a team - Protect your time This approach dramatically increases your odds of success and keeps your personal finances intact while you build something meaningful

Thinking about contracting but unsure if you’re ready? The transition from employee to contractor isn’t just about the money; it’s about mindset, strategy, and execution. When I made the leap into contracting in 2021, I had the same concerns many employees do today: Am I really ready for this? The truth is, preparation is everything. Contracting is not just about securing high day rates; it’s about taking control of your career, your finances, and your future. Here’s what you need to consider before you take the plunge: ✅ Adopt the contractor mindset: Contracting gives you the flexibility to build a Portfolio Career and future-proof your income if you treat the journey with respect. ✅ Develop a marketable niche: What skills, experience, and qualifications set you apart? Your industry, sector, and specialisms will determine your success whether you recognise it or not. ✅ Build a financial safety net: Contracting comes with gaps between contracts. Having 4+ months of expenses covered gives you breathing room. ✅ Optimize your presence: Update your LinkedIn, refine your CV, and start networking with contractors, recruiters, and accountants. Visibility is key. If you’re serious about transitioning into contracting, preparation is non-negotiable. The market is shifting. Those who position themselves well will thrive. Are you considering contracting? What’s your biggest hesitation? Let me know in the comments below! P.S. If you want help with your CV or LinkedIn and you’re within the project space, send me a message. #Contracting #PortfolioCareer #CareerGrowth #Leadership

After founding and scaling a women's organization to 15,000+ members, I know one truth: 89% of women's networks fail to deliver real value. This one won't. As the founder and former CEO of the National Association of Women Sales Professionals (NAWSP), I built a community that transformed careers, not just conversations. Three critical elements I learned about building powerful women's networks: • Success depends on curation, not collection. The right 20 connections outperform 2,000 random ones every time. • Women leaders need spaces designed for their actual lives, not idealized versions. Your calendar is already full. • Networks that drive results focus on action and visibility, not just talk and theory. This is why I immediately recognized the power of the Wednesday Women Membership that just launched today. It's not another crowded Slack group with performative networking. It's built for exec-level women who lead with conviction, value authentic connection, and want every woman to rise. No Instagram-perfect corporate masks. No status symbol price tags. No time-wasting activities. Instead: ✅ Hand-curated and AI-powered network connections that actually matter ✅ Value that fits into your actual life ✅ A community rooted in action, generosity, authenticity, and visibility I've built and led organizations that changed the trajectory of women's careers for over a decade. The Wednesday Women approach aligns with everything I know works. Power doesn't come from larger networks. It comes from strategic ones. What would change if you stopped collecting connections and started cultivating the right ones? P.S. For women executives tired of networks that take more than they give: This is your community. https://lnkd.in/epHyq42c #WednesdayWomen #ExecutiveWomen

The hardest thing about stepping into entrepreneurship is starting—especially when you’re still holding onto your day job. Here’s how I made it easy for myself: 👇 1. I started by using my network → I reached out to five people I already knew to ask how I could support them. → I offered simple services that aligned with my skills. → This helped me make my first $100 while still working my 9-to-5. 2. I studied where my clients were hanging out → LinkedIn became my go-to because my ideal clients were already here. → I began sharing short posts about what I was doing and the problems I could solve. → People started noticing, and I began getting messages asking how I could help them. 3. I stayed consistent → I started posting once a week—this felt manageable while working full-time. → I commented on 5+ posts daily, sharing thoughtful insights. → Soon, I built a small but engaged community, which turned that first $100 into $100,000 in my side hustle. 4. I invested back into my growth → I used the money I earned to upskill, hire support, and expand my reach. → I reinvested in my business instead of spending it all, focusing on long-term growth. → This momentum is now helping me build my first $4 million. 5. I stopped worrying about judgment → Yes, some of my colleagues noticed my posts. → Yes, I felt nervous about what they’d think. → But I reminded myself that my vision mattered more—and those who believed in me started cheering me on. If you’re waiting for the perfect time to leave your day job, let this be your reminder: Start small, start scared, but just start. Your clients are here on LinkedIn, waiting for you. 💪