There's just no reason not to succeed at what you really want to do, with the array of helpful organizations, Web sites, books and magazines out there for you to consult. And the number of resources is growing every day! "Free agency" includes a wide range of approaches to working your own way: part-time, temporary, flexible schedules, franchisers, contract workers, artisans, work-at-home people, network marketers, independent contractors, small vendors, consultants, professionals in private practice and other forms of self-employment. Try some of these resources to help get you launched or move your business to where you want it to be:

Web Sites, Associations and Organizations

1. Free Agent Nation
   By all means, start here. This is a critical and cutting-edge resource that will lead you to many others.

2. Working Today
   Another winner, with more than 80,000 members. Check this out for sure.

3. Zoom Search
   An experimental online marketing opportunity for freelancers featuring a directory of independent professionals. Membership fee.

4. American Association of Home-Based Businesses
   Check out the "Getting Started" page. You can order suggested books from the association without being a member.

5. American Business Women's Association
   There's a wealth of information here about education, skill building and leadership. ABWA also offers grants and loans to women seeking business skills training.

6. American Association of Franchisees and Dealers
   Resources for franchising, information about benefits, legal and financial advice and publications.

7. Imcor--The Portable Executive Company
   A leading provider of interim project managers and other specialists.

8. SCORE
   Retired executives from a wide variety of industries offer advice and counsel on all aspects of creating and running a successful business.

9. Graphic Artists Guild
   Lots of contacts and practical assistance with things like health insurance.

10. BizMove.com
    Known as the official "small business knowledge base." Lots of how-to information for getting started with your venture.

11. Contingent.com
    Networking, information and discussion site for freelancers. Includes Contingent Labor Law Guide.

12. Independent Homeworkers Alliance
    Offers a searchable database for jobs. Boasts 27,000 members.

13. Independent Computer Consultants Association
    Includes Tax and Business Handbook for Consultants and Clients that can be ordered online.

14. Computer Game Developers Association
    Networking and great ideas.

15. Home Office Association of America
    Information about health insurance and UPS discounts. Includes 50 great start-up ideas.

16. Home-Based Business Owners Association
    Features health and business owners' insurance options.

17. Editorial Freelancers Association
    Offers publications, health insurance, affinity groups, educational programs and a "job phone" with employment opportunities.

18. American Small Business Alliance
    Has health plans and other practical assistance.

19. BizPlus
    The Internet Small Business Center offers lots of practical info, including a section on Web page design.

Books and CD-ROMs

1. Creating You & Co: Learn to Think Like the CEO of Your Own Career
   by William Bridges
   Start your reading here! Bridges helps you to understand how free agency has come about, as well as how to design your own "micro-businesses." A terrific resource to get you thinking about designing your own work.

2. Working Solo
   by Terri Lonier
   Great "how-to" -- one of the first in the field. This is only one of a series of well-regarded resources by Lonier. Visit her Web site at: http://www.workingsolo.com

3. Your First Year in Network Marketing: Overcome Your Fears, Experience Success, and Achieve Your Dreams!
   by Mark Yarnell and Rene Reid Yarnell
   This practical companion is a must for helping neophyte network marketers handle that first exhilarating but difficult year.

4. Bond's Franchise Guide
   Definitive. Most comprehensive franchising directory available.

5. How to Really Create a Successful Marketing Plan
   by David E. Gumpert
   Examine actual plans and learn steps for maximizing your marketing dollars.

Magazines/Newsletters

1. Entrepreneur

2. Fast Company

3. Inc.