Why Working Abroad Makes You a Better Person (and Entrepreneur)

Are you hearing the call of working and living abroad? It might be a smart career move if you want to be an entrepreneur.

I was a speaker at an event last Saturday in Dublin for the EXATEC community. The room was full of bright minds; many of them leading research on their fields; others bringing to life their business ideas or pursuing their passion to change the world. The one thing all of us shared was the fact that we boldly moved away from our homes to start over in a foreign land: a new life away from the support of our friends and families.

Living and working abroad is one of the most rewarding personal and professional experiences anyone can have.

It is challenging and it can be lonely but living and working abroad is one of the most rewarding personal and professional experiences anyone can have. I believe it molds a person to conquer anything they choose to. It makes you resilient.

 Working in another country also has multiple proven benefits for those who want to start their own business ventures or if you are looking to progress quickly on your career.  From your ability to adapt to boosting your potential to be more creative, here’s why working abroad makes you a better entrepreneur.

I believe it molds a person to conquer anything they choose to. It makes you resilient.

 You become a more complex problem solver. When you go abroad, you’re surrounded by new experiences and your brain wants to adapt as quickly as possible. Try to cross a street in Vietnam and you will know what I am talking about! According to research from INSEAD, students in international MBA programs who sought out new cultural experiences were more likely to have “integratively complex” thinking patterns. The head researcher explains that people who have experience internationally are not only better problem solvers, but that they are more likely to create new businesses and products. 

 You develop valuable language skills. When you work abroad, don’t hang out with other expats! Immerse yourself in the culture and learn the language. Bilingualism is associated with being a top performer and it can also make you smarter. Over 31% of executives speak two languages, and another 20 percent speak three languages. There are also studies that show that bilingualism makes you better at solving complex problems.

 You build confidence. It’s not easy to leave everything that you’ve known behind and do something completely new. It’s a big undertaking and it’s one that deserves a pat on the back. By looking for opportunities to work abroad, you build your confidence and become a better leader. Tackling the challenges of entrepreneurship are a lot easier when you know you’ve successfully navigated a cross-cultural move. The confidence you build working abroad can help you become a better entrepreneur.

 You foster your creativity. By setting out on a new adventure, you experience things that you never dreamed possible, some tough and some wonderful. You get exposure to new ideas and myriads of new ways of solving problems. Your brain re-wires, it kicks into high gear and starts trying to find patterns that can make you a more creative thinker. A study from the University of Florida compared three groups in their performance on creative problem solving tasks. The students who had studied abroad performed better than those who were planning to study abroad and those that had no plans. Living abroad had a direct correlation to being able to adapt to challenges and think creatively, which is essential for entrepreneurial success.

 You get exposure to new ideas and myriads of new ways of solving problems.

You can develop a network for global contacts. We live in a connected world. Although it’s easier than ever to reach out and connect with someone half a world away via Skype, there’s something special about building relationships in person. When you work abroad, you can make connections with people who may become lifelong friends, integral parts of your business or both. By working in another country you can expand your network and create stronger connections that you can leverage as you grow your business.

You can make connections with people who may become lifelong friends, integral parts of your business or both.

Traveling is inspiring, but staying longer and working abroad can increase and improve skills that directly correlate to your success as an entrepreneur. Look for opportunities to expand your horizons and have fun along the way!

This post was first published on my LinkedIn profile

Why A Lack Of Women Role Models Hurts Women In Business

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” — Ryunosuke Satoro

Did you know that more women than men start small businesses?

It’s true. In fact, not only are the number of women-owned firms steadily increasing at nearly 2X the national average, these businesses are also leading growth in eight of the top 13 industries in the United States. Inspiring statistics, to be sure; they speak both to the ingenuity and resolve of female entrepreneurs, as well as the immense potential for success that they possess.

Which is all the more reason why this next set of figures is so disheartening: while women-owned businesses are growing faster than ever, they contribute just fewer than four percent of the total national revenue (about the same amount contributed in 1997) and are 5.6 percent more likely to fail than businesses owned by men.

So why—despite the overwhelming strides that female business owners have made in the last decade—do these entrepreneurial powerhouses face such harrowing odds? The answer (at least in part) is one you might not expect. Although things like gender bias and lack of funding are pervasive barriers for women in business, there’s one key element holding women back that is within our control to change now.

The answer is: women. That’s right—I’m talking about us.

Now, I’m not saying that women are actively keeping other women from flourishing throughout the business world. But a serious lack of purposeful support systems is keeping many businesswomen from the integral networks of female professionals they need to learn, grow, and advance.

It is my experience that women do not have access to the same extended (and rich!) support networks of mentors and peers that men enjoy. Because of this, their businesses and opportunities for professional growth are less likely to thrive and prosper. While much has been made about the lack of opportunities for women in STEM, the struggle is real for all women in virtually every industry and in every kind of business capacity—from entrepreneurs to those in the corporate space and beyond.

Today, only 14.2 percent of the top five leadership positions at the companies in the S&P 500 are held by women; out of those 500 companies, there are only 24 female CEOs. Worse still, only 21 percent of senior business roles in all of the United States today are occupied by women—a one percent decrease since last year! The alarmingly low number of high-ranking professional women isn’t just a sad commentary on the workforce of today; it also has far-reaching (and potentially detrimental) implications for bridging the gap between growth in the corporate space and success at the entrepreneurial level.

Corporate women can successfully lead new startups, start their own ventures, or support other entrepreneurial women by connecting them with the corporate world. In addition, key relationships established within the corporate setting help to provide a network of support, insight, and access that strengthens entrepreneurial clout. In the tech space where I work, this support ecosystem is an essential pathway for learning about and introducing new kinds of solutions to organizations.

Men, I’ve found, find it easy to reach out to these networks for support. For example, I frequently have male contacts asking for referrals and new business opportunities, whereas women that I know (whose abilities and ideas are amazing) seldom reach out to me to sell their ideas/products or get introductions to people in my network. I’m also constantly approached by men with new startups looking for opportunities to connect and establish key partnerships—I’m NEVER approached for similar inquiries by women entrepreneurs.

It certainly makes me wonder how much of that is my doing. Why am I waiting to hear from female entrepreneurs instead of proactively reaching out, building connections, and spotlighting these opportunities for women in the industry?

Indeed, why aren’t more women stepping into these critical sponsorship roles? After all, we’ve all been there—we know how hard it can be for women to grow, thrive, and succeed in business. Many of us even have first-hand knowledge of how beneficial role models, mentors, and sponsors can be. And yet, the numbers at both ends of the pipeline continue to dwindle.

The gender gap—in corporations, small businesses, or otherwise—isn’t going away, nor will it get better without our continued effort. It’s time for all women (especially those who are finding success in business and can use their experience to support others) to pay attention and actively create opportunities for positive change. It’s something that can make a huge difference. In a recent study, researchers found that the increased presences of local female leaders helped to raise the career aspirations and educational performance of young women—effectively erasing the gender gap for both.

The simple truth is, no successful business person ever found success on their own. Every Zuckerberg or Branson owes some part of their accomplishments to someone who helped them gain new perspectives, reach higher, and learn what it takes to “make it.” Fortunately for these visionary men—and all the ones waiting in the wings behind them—they often have a plethora of successful role models to choose from. It’s time for women to step up and be there for each other in the same way. We need to realize that success for all women starts with establishing connections, nurturing relationships, supporting each other’s dreams, and proactively changing the conversation about how women approach success.

It’s time to be fearless.

It’s time to stand proud and kick ass on our own terms.

It’s time to shout out loud that more women in businesses is a win-win for everyone.

And while the potential for failure is something we all understand, it’s the potential for success that we all need to share with unyielding determination. What are we waiting for?

This article has appeared on Business2Community where Fabiola is a Contributing Writer
 

What Type of Entrepreneur are You?

Today we are seeing more and more people jump-start their career dreams by building their own businesses from the ground up. In fact, 2015 showed the largest year-over-year increase from the past two decades for startups. It’s no wonder, given today’s technology and resources, that 67 percent of Millennials surveyed in the U.S. said their goals involve starting their own businesses.

Entrepreneurs are naturally inclined to take chances and seize opportunities, making a path where others are too weary to tread. It’s a game of high risk and high reward that has often resulted in life-changing products and services—think Uber, PayPal, eBay or Spanx. When it comes to identifying entrepreneurs, one size certainly does not fit all, but here are a few types you might identify with along with some business insights to keep in mind when launching your big idea. Go for it, the opportunity is yours for the taking!

Type 1: The Niche Products Entrepreneur

Likes: Pebble watches and exotic pets (think sugar gliders and Tibetan mastiffs)

Drinks: Black coffee or oolong tea sourced straight from China via their local Chinese market

Startup Idea: Pet-friendly bookstore that only sells self-published novels

Business Insight: If you’re a product-driven entrepreneur then you know inventory rules your business. You may spend most of your time managing how to bring down your costs, maximize profits, move product and pay your vendors. From selling travel bags made of organic cotton to handmade jewelry on Etsy or your own e-commerce website, you need to stay on top of your cash flow. Whether you’re receiving or making payments, you can’t afford to let your business fall behind.

Type 2: The Experiential Entrepreneur

Wears: Skirt-and-heels combo or a Hugo Boss suit (even at a barbecue)

Reads: The Startup Playbook by David S. Kidder

Startup Idea: Service firm—consulting/producing events /marketing/social media

Business Insight: If you’re thinking of starting a service-based business, presentation is everything. Being able to answer questions on the spot and offer estimates and quotes can provide a real advantage. Making adjustments to a quote in real time is not only efficient, but also makes a great impression. Clients will see that you’ve got a process in place and that you’re running a solid operation, this translates to greater trust, which often turns into repeat business and referrals. Now that’s time and money and well spent.

Type 3: The Practical Entrepreneur

Never Tires Of: Thinking of ways to make life more efficient. This entrepreneur asks “Wouldn’t it be great if there were an app to request a cab?” and then Uber was born

Favorite Hashtags: #DIY, #AllDayEveryDay, #Innovate

Startup Idea: Which one?

Business Insight: As a practical entrepreneur, you know what you want to do and look for tools to make it happen in an easier, faster and more cost-effective way. Your keywords are streamline and efficiency. Multi-tasking is your first, middle and last name, so you’d appreciate being able to receive payments, create an invoice, and check your balance sheet all in one sitting so you can get back to nurturing the eureka! moments of your day.

Type 4: The All-in-One Entrepreneur

Skillset: Writer, Designer, Programmer, Marketer…name it, this entrepreneur does it

Startup Idea: An online collection of fashion stores built by users for other users

Business Insight: Finished the business plan? Check. Polished the mission statement?

Check. Secured investors? Wait, who is working on the numbers? As much fun as doing everything yourself can be, being the all-in-one entrepreneur shouldn’t mean you’re a one-man team. It’s smart to offload work, and having a financial tool that allows someone else to take the reins with easy, multi-person access will free up a precious little thing called time. Bonus tip: When you’re ready to take your passion to a global level, be ready to say “merci” or “gracias” with the ability to invoice in multiple currencies. Trust me, less time with your bookkeeping lets you have more face-time building out ideas with your amazing team.

Type 5: The Already-Funded Entrepreneur

Friends With: Visionaries and people with deep pockets

Startup Idea: To build the next cool startup

Business Insight: Does this sound like you? Well, then you’re already ahead of the pack. You know how hard it is to get funded and how important it is to keep your investors happy and well informed. If you’re this lucky entrepreneur you’ll want to make sure you can provide accurate financial reports on demand. They need a Profit & Loss report? Done. Aging receivables? Done. They want to invest more? Thank you!

Regardless of the type, there is one thing that connects all entrepreneurs, and that is the desire to make a living doing what they love. With so many tools and resources readily available, this is an amazing time for a self-starter, like you, to breathe life into your dream and make it your career reality. Let your passion be your purpose.

This article first appeared on smallbizdaily as a guest writer

4 messaging takeaways from Oxford's 'word' of the Year

Oxford Dictionaries has named its annual Word of the Year. While this announcement tends to create some noise on social media every year, this year’s word is even more buzzworthy because it’s not actually a word — it’s a pictograph. That’s right, an emoji — specifically, the “face with tears of joy emoji.”

The reveal resulted in many very real tears of joy, laughter, and eventually confusion after folks realized it wasn’t a joke.

What does this mean for businesses that are constantly trying to stay up to date with new ways to communicate with their target audience? Should they throw out the dictionary and try to get their message across in a stream of emojis?

Not exactly, but they can revisit the ways they are currently communicating with customers, and reassess how their messages come across.

Below are four messaging takeaways businesses can glean from the new “word” of the year.

1. Be relatable

In today’s competitive business landscape, consumers looking for a particular product or service have multiple options and access to product reviews that might sway their purchase decision. With so many choices out there, brands need to stand out and make an impact, and a great way to achieve flair is to be a brand that customers can relate to and support.

Relating to customers and building loyalty can be as simple as speaking their language. Let’s be honest: No one enjoys feeling sold to, and the language you use when speaking to a friend is often different than how you might speak to a customer. Changing your messaging to be more friendly and relatable is a way to express that your brand values a customer’s relationship as well as their money. In some cases, that language can look like a GIF, meme, hashtag, or—you got it—even an emoji.

2. Keep it simple

Research has shown us that the average person sees over 5,000 brands or advertisements per day! That’s a lot—in fact, more than a lot. With so much brand clutter out there, businesses need to keep messaging simple, short, and to the point. This applies across the board of external messaging, from marketing to sales to social and PR. The tears of joy emoji uses one image to display a single, powerful feeling. It doesn’t get more simple than that. Businesses who use too many words to get their message across will struggle to make an impression. It’s not easy to convey every message with an emoji, but if it can be done in a few words or one word or an image, go for it.

3. Have a little fun!

Life's too short for boring, corporate-sounding customer transactions and stale engagement. Throw out the stiff, cold e-newsletters and have a little fun with photos, videos, and fun phrases. If a business doesn’t have the resources to create authentic video or graphic content, the Internet is crawling with usable content. Which leads us to...

4. Maintain professionalism

An emoji being the Word of the Year for the well-respected Oxford Dictionaries might leave some businesses wondering how to walk the fine line between casual messaging and professionalism. Companies have been facing this issue for years as they assess how to position their social media pages. But while messaging may be getting less “sales-y” or “corporate” and more casual, it’s imperative for businesses to not lose sight of professionalism. They must ensure messaging is still on brand and in line with their product and service. Add a little flair, simplicity, and relatability into your message, but don't get too caught up in being trendy and lose sight of your brand.

Adjusting messaging to make a lasting impression may mean a shift in brand guidelines and focus—and maybe a few tears of joy. However, through messaging that is relatable, simple, fun and professional, businesses can continue to drive ahead toward growth, success, and exceptional customer experiences. ;-)

This article has also been published on The Business Journals where Fabiola is a Contributing Writer

The Optimistic Side of the Robotic Revolution

Imagine a world where every object you interact with can communicate back—a world where robots, technology, and automation are omnipresent in our daily lives. This science fiction utopia is becoming less fantasy and more reality with each passing day. However, some people are fighting to keep AI at bay. In fact, some of the biggest minds in the world (including Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking) have raised concerns about artificial intelligent, a technology they feel is a serious threat to mankind. This fear has a long-stemming pop culture history with traitorous robots in everything from popular video games like Portal to amazing films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Ex Machina.

But there is another brighter side to consider. It’s not that we should ignore the possibility of danger, but we should keep in mind that people were just as worried about things like the printing press, an invention that democratized the written word, brought books to the masses, and completely changed the world in a very positive way. Just because AI is approaching at lightning speed, doesn’t mean it’s going to bring about the apocalypse. So let’s talk about the positive side of Artificial Intelligence—the benefits AI might bring and the type of world it could unlock for all of us.

To see where things might go, let’s take a look at where they already are. On the tech side, robots are building bridges and starting kickstarters to find a new robot member for their robot band. Google is treating Wi-Fi as a necessary resource and bringing the Internet to developing countries all over the world. In Japan, robots are even caring for the elderly, helping patients in and out of bed, and helping stroke victims to regain control of their arms and legs. On the Artificial Intelligence front, even the most pessimistic experts agree that robots will likely never replace humans in jobs where empathy and face-to-face human interaction are key components. And if you’re still afraid of a Terminator-like future, maybe it will help to know that there are organizations of very smart people that have been formed specifically to steer Artificial Intelligence in the right direction and prevent robots from bringing about the downfall of all mankind.

I’ve found that for each negative Nostradamus out there, there’s another visionary who believes things will turn out quite the opposite, including people like Peter H. Diamandis, who has written a book called Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think, where he describes in detail how robots and AI will lead to “a world of nine billion people with clean water, nutritious food, affordable housing, personalized education, top-tier medical care, and non-polluting, ubiquitous energy” and Ray Kurzweil, who is currently working to incorporate AI into Google and argues that humans and robots will merge in the next 15 years. And for every GLaDOS and Samantha, you can find a startup that’s working towards creating much nicer robots like The Jetsons’ sassy Rosie, Kevin Spacey’s GERTY in the movie Moon, and of course the classic Robot “Danger, Will Robinson!” B-9 from the TV series Lost in Space.

Our lives are already transforming to resemble those fictional worlds. The next time you take a vacation, you could have an AI assistant give you some options and schedule the best flight. Instead of comparing prices and flight times, you can spend your time choosing which beach has the bluest water. Or maybe you’d prefer to take a road trip with an AI-driven car, spending more time looking out the window instead of driving. The point is, AI is already automating all the parts of travel that we find tedious. It’s simply removing the aspects of travel that we hate and instead, giving us more time to do the things we love. And that’s just the beginning. We’re seeing rapid advancements in organ replacement and biology, and slowly working towards a future where our very thinking is enhanced by AI. But why are people worried about this? I see it the same as when someone asks you a question and you hop on Wikipedia or Google to find the answer, only the search would take a fraction of the time. For all the mystery surrounding AI, it’s much like every other technology: a natural extension of human progression and an improvement over things that were once tedious and time-consuming.

So don’t be afraid of robots or their artificial brains. They’re no different from the smartphone in your pocket or the algorithms behind your favorite website. Technology is expanding and improving at breakneck speed, but that’s a good thing! It’s a chance to strive forward with an entrepreneurial spirit and embrace new opportunities and innovations to make the world a better place for everyone.

Article first published on Business2Community.com as a contributor writer
 

6 TED Talks All Entrepreneurs Should Tune In To

It’s a hectic Tuesday morning—you’re scheduling meetings with investors, emailing the new marketing assistant, and trying to figure out how to improve the way you run your business. Being an entrepreneur means you’re on top of everything your startup needs—even though at times it may not feel like it—but are you taking the time to learn new things so you can recharge and grow, too?

Before you say “I don’t have time for that!” consider tuning in to TED Talks as an easy and edutaining way to inject a little guidance into your personal and professional development. From 11-year-old jazz prodigies to business advice based on New York City trash, TED Talks present a range of topics based on the concept that great ideas can be shared in an average of 18 minutes or less; ideal for busy entrepreneurs.

Here’s a list of my favorite TED Talks for you to add to your personal 2015 “lesson plan.” You may be surprised by what you can learn from a 13-year-old, an Aussie, a couple of failures, and a guy named Simon!

Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are (20:55)

Take note of the way you’re sitting right now—it says a lot about who you are. Amy Cuddy is an expert in nonverbal behavior, and her TED Talk demonstrates how confident posture can positively affect your brain and increases your chances for success. Heed her advice, “fake it until you become it,” and that goes for your body language as well. Take a few minutes to be mindful of your body language right before your next big investor or pitch meeting. Maybe even test Cuddy’s advice by striking a “Wonder Woman” pose before the meeting to boost your confidence. Give her nonverbal behavior suggestions a try and notice how your guests respond to your more poised approach.

How Leaders Inspire Action (17:57)

There’s good reason why Simon Sinek’s speech is the third most watched video on TED: he demonstrates the power of “why.” Sinek shows how the most influential leaders have achieved great success by connecting their message to a purpose. Using examples like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Steve Jobs, Sinek explains, “People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Chances are you have been more focused on “what” you do then “why.” Making a shift to identifying your brand’s purpose is a great way to create a more meaningful connection with your consumer.

How to Make Work-Life Balance Work (9:57)

Nigel Marsh asks a very important question that, as an entrepreneur, you need to be able to answer: “What does a life well-lived look like?” Starting your own business is everything you’ve dreamed of, and it’s far too easy to let your other passions disappear because of it. Marsh argues that focusing on business success while neglecting other meaningful relationships and aspects of your life is an unbalanced measure of success. He instead suggests a more balanced approach to work-life balance and offers some ideas worth every businessperson’s time.

The Fringe Benefits of Failure (20:58)

When J.K. Rowling began to write the story of a magical, orphaned boy who lived in a broom closet, she had no idea of the success that would follow. In this speech, she opens up about the heartbreak of failure as a means for learning how to push ourselves to succeed. True success takes risks, and as the owner of a company you know that because you took a chance and followed your passion in hopes of a more rewarding career. Facing and embracing failure as opposed to fearing it will offer you an opportunity, and your reward will be the knowledge of how to react to adversity.

What Adults Can Learn From Kids (8:05)

Would you ever take advice from a 13-year-old? Well, Adora Svitak encourages you to. In this piece, Svitak schools adults everywhere while debunking the myth that adults always know better. She effectively argues that age and experience often hinder creativity and limit ideation. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to identify with the child-like spirit of daring and risk-taking; however, as you immerse yourself into your business and the stresses of success and fears of failure kick in, chances are you’ll be playing the role of the responsible adult sooner than you thought. To keep your inner child alive, turn to your team for fresh ideas and input; they don’t carry the burden you do, so tap into their imagination in order to explore ideas and opportunities that benefit your growth.

Success, Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating (7:14)

Eat, pray, love and create! Like J.K. Rowling, Elizabeth Gilbert passionately reinforces the idea that we learn best from our failure. When you experience great failure or even great success, it is important to remember your “home” so that you can return to it and stay focused on your goal. In this case, home is your passion, your craft, and your service. When faced with challenges, avoid paralysis by forging ahead and focusing on creating and producing. The actionable and creative energy will often help you work through the obstacles. If you’re wondering where that passion comes from, Gilbert has some ideas on the source of creativity.

The above links are just a few nuggets of inspiration available, and if you’re like me you’ll quickly realize investing a few minutes to explore nearly any subject in the TED Talks library can pay off big in your business and personal development. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be inspiring others and presenting ideas worth sharing with your very own TED Talk!

This article first appeared on Idea Cafe

The Keys To A Shared Economy Business: Control & Collaboration

Just a few short years ago the “shared economy” business was a term that no one truly understood. Since then it has bloomed past being just a trend to one that keeps gaining in popularity so much so that 68 percent of people around the globe are willing to share assets with others. Millennials like the do-it-yourself business model not because of a nostalgic need for bartering, but because it creates and strengthens a sense of community.

You should be picking up on the shared economy way of getting a job done, and if you’re looking to jump into a revolution, I want to give you some keys about accessing the shared economy business through control and collaboration.

Be a control freak, in a good way.

Where is your phone? I bet you can answer that question in .3 seconds, and if you can’t you might be freaking out. Taking a look at the most popular shared economy businesses means unlocking your screen and visiting the app store on your phone. So, if you’re looking to be a part of the community, what should you already have? Well, having a good calendar is probably a number one must-have since 78 percent of consumers said they would be working multiple jobs in the next 30 years. That means working your own hours, so keep track of that time in a schedule management app like Sunrise; it’s free and connects with other major calendar services so you can see what you’ve RSVP’d to. That way, you can get that project done and sent and have time to binge-watch Game of Thrones.

Also, I know waiting isn’t your forte, but if you want the capabilities of a personal assistant but don’t trust anyone to schedule your meetings or get the right consistency for your coffee you should check out x.ai. Amy or Andrew will keep track of your schedule and respond to anyone looking to meet up with you. You have to join the waitlist, but it looks like a great app worthy of getting to know. Note: he/she won’t actually get you coffee, but she will make your life easier.

Looking for even more time to walk your dog or actually make one of those “home-cooked meals” you keep hearing about? Being a part of the shared economy and gaining a little more control for free-time means utilizing some of the cool new businesses that are popping up like shyp, which will package and send any and all of your items. We all evaluate new tech pretty quickly, so try out a bunch of new, free things like invoicing software or dogtastic day care services. You’ll be able to fill out invoice templates while taking your pup to a friendly getaway so you can get to your own getaway, hopefully.

It’s called collaborative consumption for a reason.

You’re probably ready to go solo with this shared economy thing, but when your business starts to grow or you become a part of a bigger project you’ll want everything in place for stress-free collaboration. Some of the popular software and online know-hows are Google Drive and—of course—Dropbox, but you can also use Trello. Trello is designed to keep you in touch with everyone you need during a project like a designer, a writer or that awkward but super intelligent Uber driver you met one time. You might want to keep an accountant around, too, since it’s possible you didn’t graduate with a degree in Mathematics from MIT, so look for software that makes cash management easy.

Whether you’re working for shared economy or a customer of it, we’re all a part of the same community. It’s a business that 89 percent of consumers agree makes life easier, and it saves money. Take a bit of control and mix it with collaboration and you’ll unlock a market that’s got everyone involved.

This article first appeared on Young Upstarts posted as a contributor writer.