Many freelancers and small business owners simply outsource their taxes to an accountant. But when it comes to taxes for the self-employed, a DIY approach can have exponential benefits.

Then again, perhaps I’m biased. In doing my own taxes, I’ve learned how to keep better records and how to maximize methods to reduce the amount of taxes I pay. And it’s not as hard as you might think. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or just earned a little extra income on the side this year, follow these tips to master your own taxes. (more…)

Meeting new people is one of my favorite pastimes. If I could get paid simply to chat with strangers, I would. It’s not that I love small talk or am on a quest to hear my own voice. It’s that I am genuinely interested in other people’s stories, and intrigued by each person’s unique life experience. Which perhaps explains why I’ve been told more times than I can count, “I can’t believe I just shared that with you. I’ve never told anyone that story before.” I learn a lot by doing, but I also learn a lot by listening.

Professionally, this tendency could be called networking. (It could also be called being that person in the office who distracts everyone else from actually doing work.) But, like it or hate it, building a successful career truly does depend on who you know. (more…)