Independent Professionals Are Better Prepared For Recession Than Most Full-Time Workers

Self-employment is an important source of jobs in the U.S. Association of Solo Professionals on the Web is helping the self-employed build their business, providing them with training, support and networking opportunities.

YORK, PA (PRWEB) April 3, 2003 - During the mass layouts in 2001-2002, thousands of corporate and factory workers were in panic and fear of losing their jobs. But this was nothing new to self-employed business owners. They were already used to income fluctuations. In fact, someone with a "regular" job may have had less income security than a successful self-employed professional.

Solo professionals are better prepared for the recession, because they know what it takes to give their revenue a boost. While 2,496,784 people were standing in line to file for unemployment benefits in 2001, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, self-employed professionals didn't waste any time. They vigorously promoted their services, expanded their network of contacts, created more sources of income, and invested into new courses.

Self-employment is a very important source of jobs in the U.S., accounting for roughly 1 out of every 9 employed people, according to Monthly Labor Review. In fact, the number of self-employed people is projected to increase from 10.5 million workers in 1999, to 11.6 million by the year 2006.

"With this obvious trend, many professionals want to become independent, but are too scared and have no idea where to start," says Milana Leshinsky, founder and Executive Director of Association of Solo Professionals on the Web.

"We meet people like this every day - smart, hard-working professionals with years of experience, who are either too tired of working for another company, want to make more money, or simply wish to stay home with their children."

Leshinsky saw the need for educating and supporting such professionals, and launched her association in February of 2003.

"ASPOW.ORG exists to provide knowledgeable professionals with training, support and promotional opportunities for growing a business of their own. Getting your first client is hard, but no harder than getting a first job," says Leshinsky.

So what makes ASPOW.ORG different from any other business association? There are literally hundreds of organizations that assist their members in starting a home-based business. But according to Leshinsky, her members get training in practically every aspect of marketing on the Internet.

"ASPOW is the only business association for professionals that puts such a heavy emphasis on Internet marketing. It is the most cost-efficient and convenient way to build a professional practice today, and we make sure that every member is comfortable with their online activities."

Monthly classes conducted over the telephone, tutorials with instant access, resources and a discussion forum are available to all members.

"I think that making $100 an hour in your pajamas is a great luxury that every professional can afford," Leshinsky says.

New members can join for $97 per year by going to http://www.aspow.com.