Originally published Entrepreneur.com

Booming numbers of freelancing professionals are changing the face of work. In the United States alone last year, the number of workers freelancing grew from 700,000 to 54 million, according to a Freelancers’ Union study. Each is enjoying greater freedom, flexibility and control, thanks to marketplace sites like Upwork, PeoplePerHour and Experts Exchange.

Of course, it is not just workers who are benefiting from sites powering the “gig economy.” Companies are also reaping the rewards by hiring amazing contractors who are transforming their businesses.

At ours, we have fished in freelance marketplaces a number of times for developers, copywriters and website builders. When you are facing a time crunch, hiring for a one-off project is a great way to run a self-contained job and quickly get the result out into the world.

While I have seen countless successful projects completed by professionals hired online, sometimes the relationship sours, breaks down and ends in disappointment. So, what are the typical pitfalls, and how can you avoid them?

1. Start small

You may have grand visions for a game-changing site, service or app. But don’t throw it all on to an untested freelancer’s desk at the same time. If you write a $50,000 job spec for a new app to …

It can often be challenging to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving world of technology. This can make recruiting talent difficult for companies of all sizes.

It’s an age old story, whether you’re looking for full-time employment or contract work. In order to land a job, you must have experience.

If you want to move up through the ranks in your technology career, talent and hard work are the bare necessities. But they aren’t enough to make you stand out.

Expanding your skills, actively promoting your accomplishments and using promotion strategies will help get you on the short list and into the “yes” pile.

1. Sharpen your skills

Get certified 
65% of employers take certifications into consideration when deciding between two equally qualified applicants. Commit to acquiring at least one new certificate every year if possible.

Know (and learn) what's hot
Forrester Research put end-to-end business technologies at the top of their list of emerging technology trends. Add the internet of things (IoT) and current solutions like the cloud, mobile, and data analytics and you should have enough long-term knowledge on your plate to last you the next few years.

Love what you do
You are going to spend 8-10 hours a day at your job, plus extra hours acquiring more knowledge. Make sure the direction you have chosen is one that fills you up at least as much as it drains you out.

Try new things
It’s important to know how to do one thing really well, but don’t stop there! Experiment with solutions outside your comfort zone until you develop enough general knowledge to be useful or provide cross-over support.

Follow the 80-20 rule…

Live takes Q&A to the next level, providing instant access to technology experts for those who need it. Follow these tips to make it easy for people to connect with you to receive help and to earn money online for helping others.

Follow these tips to boost your freelancing career. Soon enough you'll be enjoying the freedom of being your own boss and working from anywhere.

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