Americans performed independent work in 2025
sideways8TRANSFORMATION · DELIVERY · RELAYYou’re exceptional at delivering.Who is building tomorrow’s pipeline?
When you are 200% committed to the client in front of you, the work that creates your next opportunity quietly disappears. Sideways8 is researching a better model.
THE DELIVERY–PIPELINE GAPLIVE QUESTION
Client deliveryFULL
Pipeline buildingFRAGILE
Follow-upLATER
THE COST
Great delivery creates a blind spot.
Signals, relationships, proof, and follow-through live in different places—and compete with billable work.
Join the research →THE INDEPENDENT ECONOMY
This is not a niche workflow problem.
The independent workforce is large, economically significant, and increasingly technology-enabled—yet business development remains fragmented and episodic.
Independents earned more than $100K
of independents report using AI
THE WORKING HYPOTHESIS
A pipeline layer for people who are busy doing the work.
Not a bulk-email machine. Not another job board. Relay would connect market signals, relationships, proof, and disciplined follow-through—while keeping judgment with the consultant.
Sense
Surface relevant signals before an opportunity becomes obvious.
Qualify
Separate real-fit opportunities from noise.
Position
Match your proof and point of view to the situation.
Pursue
Identify the right people and prepare thoughtful outreach.
Nurture
Keep relationships warm without living in a CRM.
THE CONSULTANT PIPELINE STUDY
Help define what is actually worth building.
Four minutes. Contact details optional. Research—not a sales pitch.
Share your experience ↗See the Relay concept