MBO Partners by Beeline

10/02/2026

The 2026 State of Independence is HERE!

74.9 million people are earning income independently right now, and the data shows most of them plan to stay that way or go bigger. This is the state of independent workers and people like you: where you're headed, what's working, and what's next.

But here's the part that doesn't get talked about enough: enterprises are watching this shift too, and they're changing how they hire, manage, and compete for independent talent.

→ Perspectives from the Independent Workforce dives into how 74.9 million independent professionals are working, building businesses, and preparing for the future

→ The Enterprise Perspective breaks down exactly what companies are prioritizing when they bring on contingent talent: what skills they value, what makes them choose one independent professional over another, and where they still have blind spots

Your story, plus an inside look at how the other side of the table is thinking. Know what they want, and position yourself accordingly.

Check out both reports on our 2026 State of Independence landing page: https://hubs.li/Q04ynFVW0

09/21/2026

For 16 years MBO Partners has been releasing the annual State of Independence report to showcase how independent work is evolving.

This year, we're adding on a second report to showcase the other perspective: enterprise.

What does this mean for you? Two reports that give you a holistic view of the future of work. You'll see just how much your role as independent talent is moving the needle.

Be the first to hear about the 16th Annual SOI report when it drops: https://hubs.li/Q04xZDCz0

09/11/2026

We remember. 25 years.

07/31/2026

Quick truth for anyone working independently: nobody's HR department is managing your reputation for you. You are.

That means the small stuff matters more, not less. What shows up when someone searches your name. Whether your LinkedIn actually reflects the work you do. Whether past clients have said a word publicly about working with you.

A few places to start:
- Search your own name logged out of Google. Check a few pages deep.
- Set a Google Alert for your name and business name.
- Ask two past clients for a short testimonial this week.
- Share one thing you know that a client would find useful.

None of this is glamorous. It's just consistent. And consistency is what builds a reputation that opens doors instead of closing them.

What's one thing you'd add to this list?

Read more: https://hubs.li/Q04rt-xS0

07/21/2026

Let's talk about something every independent contractor deals with: trying to find new clients and feed your pipeline. It's not luck. You have to form a plan.

Start by getting specific about who you serve best. Then build your list: former clients who already trust your work, companies in your industry, businesses facing a problem you know how to solve, and people already in your network.

Once you've got your list, do your homework before you reach out. A little research means your pitch actually lands instead of sounding like everyone else's cold email.

Set a weekly outreach goal, even if it's just 5 people. Track what happens. And don't skip the follow-up. Most people aren't ignoring you, they're just busy.

Consistency beats intensity here. Small, steady effort adds up to a real pipeline over time.

Want more on landing your first (or next) client? Link in comments.

07/09/2026

A court just ruled livestream entertainers were independent contractors under federal law, and employees under New Jersey's ABC test. Same job, same contract, different answer depending on the state.

Your independent status isn't just about what your contract says. It depends on your state's test, and some states set a much higher bar than federal law.

Know which test applies where you live and work. It affects your rights, your taxes, and your protections.

https://hubs.li/Q04p37hX0

07/04/2026

This Fourth of July, we're celebrating America's 250th birthday, a milestone that reflects the strength and resilience of our country.

MBO and Beeline just celebrated one year as a united team, and we still have a lot to look forward to in the future. But whether it's one year or 250 years, building something great only works when we're building it together.

Only 249 more years until we get to throw a celebration like this! 🎆
Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Fourth of July!

06/22/2026

Running your own business means always thinking about where the next project comes from. Online talent marketplaces are becoming a go-to channel for independent contractors — but a strong profile makes all the difference. From keywords to work samples, here's what hiring managers are actually looking for. https://hubs.ly/Q04mb6YQ0

06/10/2026

Are you having issues growing and maintaining steady work as your own boss?

Finding new clients takes a significant amount of time and energy. Between prospecting, pitching, onboarding, and building trust from scratch, the process can pull you away from the work itself. That’s why having more clients isn’t always better than having fewer, higher-quality ones. A smaller roster of strong, reliable client relationships is often more valuable—and more sustainable—than constantly chasing new business.

Read about how to win repeat business as an independent contractor:

Learn five ways to retain clients. Sustain your company with repeat business by keeping your best clients happy.

06/03/2026

We're halfway through 2026. Scary.

Which means Q2 reports are due. This is your moment to show clients exactly where things stand, what's working, and what's next. The best reports don't try to impress with length. They earn trust with clarity. Lead with the data, skip the jargon, and make it easy for your client to say "yes, let's keep going."

See our tips for writing a successful client report and download a sample!

https://hubs.ly/Q04jYP9V0