INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance recently released its 2019 Independent Business Survey. The key finding is small independent businesses see large corporations - and especially Amazon - as their main competitive threat. They also feel government policies have not helped. MORE
The trend towards desiring greater levels independence - and the autonomy, control and flexibility that comes with it - takes many forms. MORE
The Washington Post's ‘This doesn’t look like the best economy ever’: 40% of Americans say they still struggle to pay bills covers the fact that despite a strong job market and a 10 year long economic recovery, a lot of Americans still struggle financially. MORE
Two companies that connect artisan makers with retailers and customers announced large funding rounds last week. The wholesale marketplace Faire raised $100 million while the wholesale and licensing business Minted said they raised $208 million. MORE
One of the biggest shifts uncovered by the MBO Partners State of Independence study series is the increased use of online marketplaces to find work by freelancers and other independent workers. MORE
Quartz's Life coaches are the new personal trainer highlights a trend we've been tracking since 2008 , the growth of personal services. These are what noted labor economist David Autor calls "wealth work" A good example is the growth are personal trainers. MORE
The term disruptive innovation was coined by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen and popularized by his classic 1997 book The Innovator’s Dilemma. MORE
There's a mini controversy going on around whether or not coworking needs a new name. The recent Allwork article Why Coworking Needs a New Definition covers the new name side. MORE
"Risk shift" is the trend towards economic and other risks - and the responsibility for risk management - being shifted from institutions to individuals. MORE
According to data from the U.S, Census 2016 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs (the most recent data available), the median U.S. employer small business (those with paid traditional employees) generated less than $400k in revenue in 2016. MORE
WeWork released its S-1 this week, which is the legal document a company files prior to going public. WeWork going public is a bit of a watershed moment for the coworking industry. It's the first of the new wave of coworking spaces to do so. MORE
Regular readers know we like Pet Trends here at Small Business Labs. So we had to cover the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's article The Pet Economy Kicks Into Overdrive. The article covers the growth of the pet economy. MORE
Last week the Big 3 strategy consulting firm BCG released THE NEW FREELANCERS: TAPPING TALENT IN THE GIG ECONOMY , a study on "those who find temporary work through digital labor-sharing platforms." MORE
According to a recent Intuit survey , about 60% of small businesses with fewer than 20 employees use outside accountants to help them with their taxes. And as the study chart below shows, this saves the vast majority of them time, money and stress. MORE
The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy recently released A Look at Non-Employer Businesses , a one-page summary of key data on non-employers businesses. "Non-employer" MORE
That side gigs - part-time or occasional work to supplement income - have become more common is hardly new news. Nor are the reasons behind the growing number of Americans with side gigs. MORE
The Forbes article Breaking The Faustian Pact: What Motivates Professionals In A Gig Economy World? covers a study comparing the motivations of independent consultants with consultants working at big consulting firms. As the article chart below shows (click to enlarge), there are big differences. MORE
194 According to the U.S. Census, the number of nonemployer businesses in 2017 increased to 25,701,671, up 3.6% from 2016. Nonemployers are businesses that have an owner, but don't have paid traditional full or part-time employees (W2 employees). MORE
The Brookings Institute's Who’s employed by the lifestyles of the rich and famous? covers the growth of the personal care and services jobs, which has been one of the fastest growing job segments over the past decade. MORE
The 2019 U.S. version of the Global Coworking Unconference Conference Series (GCUC) happened last week in Denver. Over 500 attendees showed up to discuss the state of the coworking industry and learn from one another. MORE
As we pointed out earlier this week , firms of all sizes and types are increasing their use of freelancers and other forms of non-employee labor. MORE
It's been a busy couple of weeks for gig economy studies. Below is a list of 4 of the recently released studies. MORE
Deloitte has become, in our opinion, one of the key go-to sources of information and analysis on the future of work. Their recent article Redefining work, workforces, and workplaces is a good example. In a relatively short article, it nicely synthesizes and explains "multiple converging trends and how they are already fundamentally changing all aspects of work." MORE
According to a recent Job Creators Network Foundation survey , "Sixteen-percent of Americans say they are likely to start a new business in 2019." " This works out to about 32 million Americans. Most won't. MORE
The BBC's The 101 people, ideas and things changing how we work today really does cover 101 different trends, shifts, people and things impacting the future of work. The long list includes a brief description of each item. MORE
CreditUnions.com's article 3 Ways to Connect Through Coworking Spaces provides an excellent example of how coworking is spreading across industry verticals and niche markets. The article highlights 3 credit unions that have opened coworking spaces. MORE
A recent academic study found that self-employed gig workers in the UK score higher across a range of psychological well-being measures than workers in the mainstream economy. MORE
Despite trade wars, tariffs, and the erection of other barriers to cross-border commerce, independent workers, freelancers and solopreneurs are increasingly finding customers outside U.S. borders. MORE
The Federal Reserve recently released its 2019 Small Business Credit Survey. A key finding is the use of online lending sources by small businesses is rapidly expanding. MORE
We're often asked what the most popular professions are for freelancers and independent workers. This is not as easy a question to answer as it seems. Independent workers serve all industries, work with both businesses and consumers and participate in pretty much every job type and profession. MORE
Several papers related to the gig economy presented last week at the American Economic Association annual meeting caught our eye. MORE
SafetyPIN Technologies is a startup that has created a background check system and trust badge that lets people see at a glance if someone they met online - or elsewhere - is safe to meet offline. MORE
McKinsey's The overlooked essentials of employee well-being focuses on how companies can improve the well-being of their employees. MORE
Predicting the Next Tech Disruption from Big 3 Strategy Consulting firm Bain and Company discusses 4 forecasting tools (shown below) Bain uses to predict when disruptive technologies will be widely adopted. MORE
In case you hadn't heard, podcasting is booming. According to The Infinite Dial 2019 , an annual survey conducted by Edison Research and Triton Digital, more than half of all adult Americans have listened to one. MORE
MBO Partners released their 2019 State of Independence study this week. This is the 9th year of this ongoing study, which provides an in-depth look at American's independent workers (freelancers, independent contractors, self-employed, etc.). MORE
Fiverr this week announced a new service offering called "Studios" This service gives freelancers the ability to easily join forces to sell and tackle larger and more complex client assignments than a freelancer could do on their own. MORE
Last week Facebook announced Libra , a new cryptocurrency. It's designed for use in transactions and as an easy and cheap way to transfer money. MORE
ProPublica's If You’re Over 50, Chances Are the Decision to Leave a Job Won’t be Yours covers a fascinating study looking at the job paths of workers aged 50 or older. The study used data from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study. MORE
Fast Company's Social clubs died out in America. Now, venture capital is bringing them back provides an interesting look at the changing landscape of American social clubs. The article starts by pointing out the long decline in the membership of traditional clubs. Key quote: "Over the last few decades, sociologists and political scientists have found that American clubs of all stripes–from youth service clubs to bowling leagues–have experienced steep declines in their memberships. MORE
Purpose and a Paycheck is a new book from Chris Farrell, a leading expert on retirement and workforce issues facing people over the age of 50. MORE
Small Business Labs
AUGUST 19, 2019
A recent academic study found that self-employed gig workers in the UK score higher across a range of psychological well-being measures than workers in the mainstream economy.
Small Business Labs
JULY 9, 2019
Despite trade wars, tariffs, and the erection of other barriers to cross-border commerce, independent workers, freelancers and solopreneurs are increasingly finding customers outside U.S. borders.
Small Business Labs
AUGUST 5, 2019
Fiverr this week announced a new service offering called "Studios" This service gives freelancers the ability to easily join forces to sell and tackle larger and more complex client assignments than a freelancer could do on their own.
Small Business Labs
JULY 8, 2019
According to the U.S. Census, the number of nonemployer businesses in 2017 increased to 25,701,671, up 3.6% from 2016. Nonemployers are businesses that have an owner, but don't have paid traditional full or part-time employees (W2 employees).
Small Business Labs
AUGUST 13, 2019
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance recently released its 2019 Independent Business Survey. The key finding is small independent businesses see large corporations - and especially Amazon - as their main competitive threat. They also feel government policies have not helped.
Small Business Labs
APRIL 9, 2019
According to MetLife's 2019 U.S. Employee Benefits Study, 23% of Americans with full-time traditional jobs intend to switch to gig work over the next 5 years. Another 14% say they are considering it.
Small Business Labs
AUGUST 15, 2019
WeWork released its S-1 this week, which is the legal document a company files prior to going public. WeWork going public is a bit of a watershed moment for the coworking industry. It's the first of the new wave of coworking spaces to do so.
Small Business Labs
AUGUST 12, 2019
The BBC's The 101 people, ideas and things changing how we work today really does cover 101 different trends, shifts, people and things impacting the future of work. The long list includes a brief description of each item.
Small Business Labs
MARCH 14, 2019
As we pointed out earlier this week , firms of all sizes and types are increasing their use of freelancers and other forms of non-employee labor.
Small Business Labs
MAY 28, 2019
"Risk shift" is the trend towards economic and other risks - and the responsibility for risk management - being shifted from institutions to individuals.
Small Business Labs
APRIL 23, 2019
The Federal Reserve recently released its 2019 Small Business Credit Survey. A key finding is the use of online lending sources by small businesses is rapidly expanding.
Small Business Labs
APRIL 22, 2019
The 2019 U.S. version of the Global Coworking Unconference Conference Series (GCUC) happened last week in Denver. Over 500 attendees showed up to discuss the state of the coworking industry and learn from one another.
Small Business Labs
JULY 15, 2019
The Washington Post's ‘This doesn’t look like the best economy ever’: 40% of Americans say they still struggle to pay bills covers the fact that despite a strong job market and a 10 year long economic recovery, a lot of Americans still struggle financially.
Small Business Labs
APRIL 1, 2019
CreditUnions.com's article 3 Ways to Connect Through Coworking Spaces provides an excellent example of how coworking is spreading across industry verticals and niche markets. The article highlights 3 credit unions that have opened coworking spaces.
Small Business Labs
FEBRUARY 19, 2019
Purpose and a Paycheck is a new book from Chris Farrell, a leading expert on retirement and workforce issues facing people over the age of 50.
Small Business Labs
JULY 1, 2019
It's been a busy couple of weeks for gig economy studies. Below is a list of 4 of the recently released studies.
Small Business Labs
JUNE 20, 2019
MBO Partners released their 2019 State of Independence study this week. This is the 9th year of this ongoing study, which provides an in-depth look at American's independent workers (freelancers, independent contractors, self-employed, etc.).
Small Business Labs
JUNE 4, 2019
Fast Company's Social clubs died out in America. Now, venture capital is bringing them back provides an interesting look at the changing landscape of American social clubs. The article starts by pointing out the long decline in the membership of traditional clubs. Key quote: "Over the last few decades, sociologists and political scientists have found that American clubs of all stripes–from youth service clubs to bowling leagues–have experienced steep declines in their memberships.
Small Business Labs
JANUARY 28, 2019
Last week the Big 3 strategy consulting firm BCG released THE NEW FREELANCERS: TAPPING TALENT IN THE GIG ECONOMY , a study on "those who find temporary work through digital labor-sharing platforms."
Small Business Labs
JUNE 18, 2019
According to data from the U.S, Census 2016 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs (the most recent data available), the median U.S. employer small business (those with paid traditional employees) generated less than $400k in revenue in 2016.
Small Business Labs
AUGUST 6, 2019
The Brookings Institute's Who’s employed by the lifestyles of the rich and famous? covers the growth of the personal care and services jobs, which has been one of the fastest growing job segments over the past decade.
Small Business Labs
MAY 13, 2019
Deloitte has become, in our opinion, one of the key go-to sources of information and analysis on the future of work. Their recent article Redefining work, workforces, and workplaces is a good example. In a relatively short article, it nicely synthesizes and explains "multiple converging trends and how they are already fundamentally changing all aspects of work."
Small Business Labs
FEBRUARY 7, 2019
The trend towards desiring greater levels independence - and the autonomy, control and flexibility that comes with it - takes many forms.
Small Business Labs
AUGUST 8, 2019
SafetyPIN Technologies is a startup that has created a background check system and trust badge that lets people see at a glance if someone they met online - or elsewhere - is safe to meet offline.
Small Business Labs
APRIL 11, 2019
In case you hadn't heard, podcasting is booming. According to The Infinite Dial 2019 , an annual survey conducted by Edison Research and Triton Digital, more than half of all adult Americans have listened to one.
Small Business Labs
MARCH 19, 2019
We're often asked what the most popular professions are for freelancers and independent workers. This is not as easy a question to answer as it seems. Independent workers serve all industries, work with both businesses and consumers and participate in pretty much every job type and profession.
Small Business Labs
NOVEMBER 27, 2018
The term disruptive innovation was coined by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen and popularized by his classic 1997 book The Innovator’s Dilemma.
Small Business Labs
OCTOBER 16, 2018
McKinsey's The overlooked essentials of employee well-being focuses on how companies can improve the well-being of their employees.
Small Business Labs
NOVEMBER 20, 2018
The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy recently released A Look at Non-Employer Businesses , a one-page summary of key data on non-employers businesses. "Non-employer"
Small Business Labs
APRIL 30, 2019
The Forbes article Breaking The Faustian Pact: What Motivates Professionals In A Gig Economy World? covers a study comparing the motivations of independent consultants with consultants working at big consulting firms. As the article chart below shows (click to enlarge), there are big differences.
Small Business Labs
NOVEMBER 26, 2018
There's a mini controversy going on around whether or not coworking needs a new name. The recent Allwork article Why Coworking Needs a New Definition covers the new name side.
Small Business Labs
DECEMBER 17, 2018
Two companies that connect artisan makers with retailers and customers announced large funding rounds last week. The wholesale marketplace Faire raised $100 million while the wholesale and licensing business Minted said they raised $208 million.
Small Business Labs
JULY 23, 2019
That side gigs - part-time or occasional work to supplement income - have become more common is hardly new news. Nor are the reasons behind the growing number of Americans with side gigs.
Small Business Labs
JULY 16, 2019
One of the clear findings from the MBO Partners State of Independence study series is that, on average, independent workers (freelancers, independent contractors, the self-employed, etc.) and those with traditional jobs have different risk profiles.
Small Business Labs
JANUARY 7, 2019
Several papers related to the gig economy presented last week at the American Economic Association annual meeting caught our eye.
Small Business Labs
JANUARY 8, 2019
ProPublica's If You’re Over 50, Chances Are the Decision to Leave a Job Won’t be Yours covers a fascinating study looking at the job paths of workers aged 50 or older. The study used data from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study.
Small Business Labs
JUNE 25, 2019
One of the biggest shifts uncovered by the MBO Partners State of Independence study series is the increased use of online marketplaces to find work by freelancers and other independent workers.
Small Business Labs
FEBRUARY 26, 2019
The European online talent marketplace Malt and the European Forum for Independent Professionals recently released Freelancing in Europe , a study based on a survey of close to 1,000 European freelancers. The results are generally consistent with studies of U.S. freelancers.
Small Business Labs
JULY 22, 2019
Predicting the Next Tech Disruption from Big 3 Strategy Consulting firm Bain and Company discusses 4 forecasting tools (shown below) Bain uses to predict when disruptive technologies will be widely adopted.
Small Business Labs
JUNE 24, 2019
Last week Facebook announced Libra , a new cryptocurrency. It's designed for use in transactions and as an easy and cheap way to transfer money.
Small Business Labs
JANUARY 24, 2019
According to a recent Intuit survey , about 60% of small businesses with fewer than 20 employees use outside accountants to help them with their taxes. And as the study chart below shows, this saves the vast majority of them time, money and stress.
Small Business Labs
MARCH 11, 2019
Quartz's Life coaches are the new personal trainer highlights a trend we've been tracking since 2008 , the growth of personal services. These are what noted labor economist David Autor calls "wealth work" A good example is the growth are personal trainers.
Small Business Labs
JANUARY 3, 2019
According to a recent Job Creators Network Foundation survey , "Sixteen-percent of Americans say they are likely to start a new business in 2019." " This works out to about 32 million Americans. Most won't.
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