Today we’re excited to unveil highlights from our 5th annual Freelance Professional Skills Report! In spite of economic uncertainty, a global pandemic, and global unrest, we’ve seen an extraordinary spike in the growth of freelancing. Join us as we unpack the report and discuss exciting things happening in the freelance space in 2022. Results indicate this is a great time to start or grow your freelance or virtual assistant business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the 2022 Freelance Professional Skills Report - how to access the link and download the report. [1:00] How 2022 is a great year for you to grow your freelance or virtual assistant business - reasons why the freelance industry has grown. [2:39] The basis for the Freelance Professional Skills Report and how it’s generated   Highlights from the Report [3:20] Why people chose to pursue freelancing during the global pandemic - examples of compelling responses. [5:27] The percentage of freelance or VA survey respondents who are currently working either a full-time or part-time job while building their business - the challenges this presents and encouragement to persevere. [6:43] Top motivations for starting a business - examples of benefits experienced by freelancers and virtual assistants. [7:43] The percentage of respondents whose business either stayed the same or grew during the global pandemic - how this is a win for the freelance industry. [8:25] The top five most important hard skills that contribute to the growth of a freelance business - examples of top skills and how they benefit businesses. [10:49] The top three soft skills - examples of soft skills that are invaluable to a freelance business. [11:06] The best ways to find clients - examples of the most effective sources and strategies, according to respondents. [12:34] The #1 preferred social network for building a freelance business - how the result changed this year, compared to previous surveys. [13:49] In light of our current economic climate, the percentage of people who are encouraged that their businesses are going to grow - how the results indicate this is a great time to be a freelancer. [14:39] How to download the Freelance Professional Skills Report   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Download the 2022 Freelance Professional Skills Report   Marketing in 60 Minutes a Day course The Freelancer’s Toolbox course  iTunes  Facebook Facebook Groups  LinkedIn  Instagram