An important hiring trend underway right now isn’t getting much attention in the news. Companies both large and small are riding the economic recovery wave by filling mid- to high-level positions with contract employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no fewer than half of all the professional jobs added in the past quarter were contract, not payroll jobs. And savvy professionals in transition are repackaging and selling their talent—not just their time—on a project by project basis to cash in.

Called “supertemps” by the Harvard Business Review, consulting expert Buddy Hobart, founder and president of Solutions 21, calls them “solopreneurs” and specializes in laying out a clear map for people determined to benefit from this new business model. Hobart, and his team have taken their many lessons learned over the past eighteen years building a successful business and created the Ex3 Matters Consulting Network. Through Ex3 Matters, Hobart takes his research and experience to the front lines, teaching baby boomers, professionals and out-of-the-box thinkers how to take advantage of this new workplace phenomenon.

“It used to be that you traded time for money,” said Hobart. “That’s changed. Now you trade results for money. Talent is transferable across a wide spectrum of industries and I believe that if you are on that supply side and you have these skill sets, you need to take a hard look at how this whole transaction is changing,” he added.

Hobart is the author of three books, including his most recent Gen Y Now, co-authored with ASU Basketball Coach Herb Sendek. He is also host of the radio show “The Consultant’s Corner” on The American Entrepreneur.

Hobart is hosting an upcoming presentation in Scottsdale on how this new work model is changing the employment landscape and how professionals can put their experience and expertise to work for themselves. He will be at SkySong, 1475 North Scottsdale Rd., from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on May 15 to speak on this growing trend. The presentation is free and includes breakfast.

Registration is online at http://tinyurl.com/7a45mqs and more information is available by calling 480.940.1474 or email lcapcara@globalconnectpr.com.