I visited the Royal College of Art last week, and picked up a research leaflet which contained the intriguing term ‘portfolio worker’. I hadn’t heard the expression before, but I quickly realised that I wanted to be one.

A portfolio worker is someone who’s income is derived from a variety of sources, such as consultancy work, teaching, and personal business interests. This arguably leads to a more fulfilling life, whereby the person has greater variety, and a more homogeneous work-life blend. The downside is that money comes in fits and starts, and can often give rise to the popular saying “I’m having cash-flow problems.”

It may seem at first that this sort of lifestyle is only suited to young, happy-go-lucky singletons for whom the inconsistent income is not too much of a problem. However, it is equally well suited to those with dependants, and people nearing retirement age.

For instance, a mother with young children at home could take on short term contractual work to supplement her income. The benefit of this is the increased visibility that it gives her amongst the business community for when she returns to work. And all that’s required to set up as a portfolio worker is a laptop, an internet connection, and a propensity for self-promotion.

But if it’s so easy, why isn’t everyone a portfolio worker? Firstly, it won’t suit everyone. Once people are used to a salary, and the trappings of a regular income, they won’t be willing to give it up. But the main problem for prospective portfolio workers is obscurity.

Even though the internet is a fantastic way to publicise oneself, there are so many people out there doing the same thing that you can often be drowned out. And the prospect of setting up a website can be daunting, or cost prohibitive for some people. So what can they do to increase their visibility?

The best way is the old fashioned way. Ring up old contacts, and get the word out there. Present the main strength that you have: your flexibility. And when looking for new contacts, don’t be afraid to pound the streets promoting your services. People are a lot more responsive to someone calling in person that receiving an email. And if you do a good job for these people then they’re likely to recommend you to other people in the community. Just don’t get bogged down with social networks. Look outside, and consider the people who are already in your geographical network.

The challenge is breaking the old habits and the old routines, and making time for the things that matter. What you’ll find is a balanced portfolio of work which guarantees a fixed income, and work which is more forward looking and concept based. The beauty of this is a returning to old values, where each person is only as good as their next idea. And in times of financial turbulence, and economic uncertainty, ideas are the best currency that a person has.
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I’m part of a group of inventors and entrepreneurs called the Elephant Collective, who whole heartedly believe in this new way of doing business. We don’t have any office space, and we don’t have any fixed costs, but me manage to make innovative products. We’re always on the look out for talented, driven individuals to partner with, no matter what their background. You can find contact details on our website, or alternatively, follow Elephant Collective on Twitter. Thanks.