I've got a new column at Inc.com. It's called The Gig Economy. My first column is on how to spot (and be) a top hired gun: "5 Traits Your Next Freelancer Must Have."
4. She's a killer negotiator.[READ, IMAGE]
Being a freelancer has forced me to hone my negotiating skills. It's during your negotiations with your prospective hire that you'll find out exactly how much she thinks she's worth. Bad signs: She takes your first offer without question, she signs on for significantly less than you expected, she doesn't discuss payment terms upfront. In all of those cases, the freelancer is telling how much she thinks her work is worth—which is not much.