Freelancers are productive, creative, imaginative and determined.  Typically, freelancers embrace their independence and the advantages of freedom of expression, interesting and diverse work and income based upon performance.  These are weighty reasons to freelance for opportunity.  Perhaps this is why such a large portion of today’s employed work force adds creativity to their lives and extra income to their bank accounts with part-time freelance work.

As tempting as it appears, freelance work is not for everyone.  There is always pressure to find work and then to accomplish tasks within a profitable time frame.  While there is a certain amount of freedom, there is the usual pressure that accompanies every entrepreneurial endeavor.

Successful freelancing requires discipline, an active and creative mind and the ability to solve problems independently.  These attributes have allowed freelancers access to interesting projects with exciting possibilities and the potential for unimaginable profits.  These are also the attributes that attract other entrepreneurs who realize these qualities are hard to find in a conventional workplace.

Just as entrepreneurs are looking for exceptional freelancers, the freelancer should always be on the lookout for dynamic business opportunities.  With today’s tight credit markets and a stressed investment climate, many new-age entrepreneurs seek committed freelancers to help develop their concepts.  As consideration for work performed, these entrepreneurs are offering stock through sweat equity, investment incentive-driven programs.

And, sweat equity investment works.  The concept is a win-win strategy whereby the business founder retains necessary cash without taking on financial partners and the freelancer wins big when the company takes off.

Skeptical?  It’s understandable. Hey sweat equity is an investment.  Like all investments, it should be carefully scrutinized.  But, look at companies like Apple, Microsoft Dell and hundreds of other dot com startups that reaped millions of dollars for sweat equity investors.  There are no guarantees.  The success of each investment still depends upon supply and demand combined with a healthy dose of creative innovation.

Like many business successes, being in the right place at the right time with the right product or service spells victory.  Freelancers are often in great positions to gather information, measure potential and exchange effort for equity.

A freelancer’s most valuable commodity is time.  Investing time and effort in a new enterprise can yield remarkable returns down the road.  Of course, the freelancer must have the talent and work ethic needed to further the founder’s vision.

Founders are driven by their vision.  The passion is contagious.  Freelancers who can advance the business model stand to gain, but the work can be very challenging and even more demanding.  The passion of the workplace can be compelling but does not necessarily spell success.  The sweat equity investor must enjoy the work environment and agree with the founder’s assessment of market potential.  If the entrepreneur has it right, the opportunity may be the best the sweat equity investor will ever come across.

While many freelancers like their chosen lifestyle, most appreciate the driven joint endeavors of other sweat equity investors.  There is something special about seeing a dream come to fruition and it’s not all about the money.  The chances are good that if the founder’s dream does come together, the sweat equity will not only accomplish a visionary dream but a financial one as well.  Every freelancer is an investor and entrepreneur.  Don’t be afraid to go for those dreams.