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Smart accounting for sole traders

Striive works together with Kees de Boekhouder. So you arrange your administration simply, professionally and with personal service.

From Employee to Freelancer: Your Guide to Independent Entrepreneurship

Considering the move from a regular job to freelancing? It’s a choice that offers freedom and flexibility but also brings new challenges. This article combines a practical step-by-step guide with the inspiring story of Bianca Alblas, who took the leap into entrepreneurship. You’ll receive concrete tips on finding your first clients, organizing your business, and a realistic picture of what freelancing entails, including both challenges and opportunities often overlooked by beginners.

Keep Growing as a Freelancer: How to Stay Relevant and In-Demand

As a freelancer or self-employed professional, standing still means falling behind. The market evolves quickly, and clients are looking for professionals who adapt, improve, and stay sharp. By investing in your skills, network, and market positioning, you’ll remain attractive to clients and increase your chances of landing meaningful assignments.

Is Interim or Freelancing Something for You?

A career as an interim offers freedom, flexibility and opportunities for personal growth through various assignments at different organizations, but requires adaptability, communication skills and stress resistance. Although the network and experience are valuable, the work also brings challenges such as uncertainty and less connection with organizations.

6 Steps to Determine Your Freelance Hourly Rate

As a self-employed professional, determining your hourly rate can feel like a balancing act. You want to earn a sustainable income, cover your business expenses, and stay competitive in the market. Whether you're just starting out or already experienced, setting the right rate can be challenging.

Tips for a Successful Start as a Freelancer

What do you want to pay attention to when starting out for yourself as a freelancer? In this blog, we will discuss the most important things you want to pay attention to when starting out for yourself as a freelancer.

Find Clients Online as a Freelancer: Ask These Questions First

Finding clients online doesn’t start with “post more.” It starts with better questions. When you’re clear on who you help, what problem you solve, and where your ideal clients hang out, every channel works harder. Use this question-led checklist to sharpen your strategy, then act on the 30-minute plan at the end.

The Benefits of Freelancing (and How to Maximise Them)

Freelancing is about freedom, choice, and growth. You pick your assignments, set your rate, and design work around your life. In the Netherlands, there are also tax schemes and public-sector routes that make independent work even more attractive. This guide explains what freelancing gives you, and how to turn those advantages into real results.

Working with a Broker as a Freelancer: The Real Benefits

You want to do great work, not drown in lead generation, contracts, and admin. Working via a broker (intermediary) can make freelance life smoother: more relevant opportunities, less paperwork, and stronger compliance with Dutch rules. This guide explains what a broker means for you, when it’s the right choice (vs. going direct), and how to get started.

How to Find Freelance Jobs in the Netherlands

New work doesn’t have to be a rarity. With the right foundations and a repeatable process, you can increase both your visibility and conversion. This guide gives you a practical, NL-specific playbook, from network and platforms to opportunities in the public sector.

How Recruiters View Your LinkedIn Profile (and How to Optimise It)

Recruiters use LinkedIn every day to find professionals who match a role or assignment. The good news: you can predict how they look at your profile, and shape your profile to meet that scan. This guide walks you through the recruiter’s view, with practical, Netherlands-specific examples and steps you can take today.

Build up a pension? Easily arranged as a self-employed person!

As an independent professional, your main focus is on your client, your assignment and... your invoices. But what about later? From now on, you can easily build up your own pension through Striive.

5 changes in the flex market that you, as an independent professional, need to know about

Gain insight into the latest labour market developments with the Talent Monitor from HeadFirst Group and Intelligence Group, specially designed for independent professionals who want to look ahead.

Time recording at work, for grip, control and optimisation

Time is still your scarce commodity. Independent professionals billing by the hour, managers needing to allocate resources and CFOs optimising margins: without reliable timekeeping, you are sailing blind. But the "clocking hours" of the past is no longer the same discipline as today, let alone tomorrow. We take you through the full evolution of timekeeping. Current trends, practical approaches per role, common mistakes and a view on the future will all be covered to give you more grip, control and above all room for growth.

Temporary disability insurance for independent professionals

As an independent professional, temporary disability insurance can help you avoid financial problems in the event of illness or accident. In this article, you can read how it works and what the benefits are.

Cyber risk insurance for independent professionals

Find out when cyber risk insurance is necessary for self-employed professionals, what risks you face, and whether such insurance is mandatory. Protect your business against cybercrime.

What is pay when paid and why is it used?

In this article, you will find out exactly what a pay-when-paid clause means, where you come across them, the risks and benefits involved and how to protect yourself legally as well as professionally

What is payrolling and how exactly does it work?

 The Payroll construction takes employer burden and administrative hassle off your hands, while offering legal certainty.

All about the Workers Allocation by Intermediaries Act.

In this article, we will take you step by step what exactly the Placement of Workers Allocation by Intermediaries Act (Waadi) is. 

10.000 vendors on Striive - and we celebrated with cake!

Last month, we celebrated a wonderful milestone at Striive: our 10,000th supplier signed up on our platform!

Business travel insurance for independent professionals: everything you need to know

As an independent professional, you are regularly on the road for work. Whether you are visiting an international client, attending a conference or temporarily working abroad, business travel involves risks. Fortunately, you can protect yourself well against this with business travel insurance. But when is such insurance really necessary? And is it compulsory? We explain that and more in this article.

The importance of a country of residence or establishment for tax purposes (Tax Domicile)

Tax domicile refers to the country in which you are officially established for tax purposes. This is usually the country where you live and work, but in some cases may also depend on where your company is registered or where your economic activities take place.

All about the certificate of conduct

The certificate of conduct is an official document issued by the Dienst Justis, part of the Ministry of Justice and Security. With a VOG, the government declares that your criminal record does not constitute an objection to performing a specific function or activity.

The importance of the auditor's report for self-employed people

Chain liability means that when a company hires another company, both can be held responsible for obligations such as taxes and premiums. This ensures accountability throughout the chain and helps prevent misconduct.

New functionality in the Striive Solutions Hub

From now on, suppliers using our Striive Services can easily obtain an overview of their own professionals because of the new functionality Striive Solutions Hub.

Everything you need to know about professional indemnity insurance as an independent professional

One small mistake in your work. It can have major financial consequences both for your client and for you as an independent professional. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against those risks with professional indemnity insurance (BAV). But when is such insurance really necessary? And is it compulsory? We explain that and more in this article.

Super-fast screening & improved timekeeping: Striive continues to innovate

Striive launches faster screening and compliance technology along with improved time tracking, enabling professionals and clients to work more efficiently. These innovations reduce administrative hassle and enhance user experience.

Striive at The Dutch Masters: an evening of top sport and networking

On 13 March 2025, the first edition of the HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions took place during The Dutch Masters in the Brabanthallen. Besides enjoying spectacular sport, the evening provided an excellent opportunity to make and strengthen valuable connections.

Why is an NDA / non-disclosure agreement important?

Imagine that you hire another company for a specific part of your project, and that company then hires other companies. In such a situation, a chain of companies is created that are all responsible for paying payroll taxes, such as wage tax and national insurance contributions (for example AOW premiums). If one of these companies fails to pay these payroll taxes, the Tax Authorities can hold your company (and other companies in the chain) liable for the outstanding payments. This is called chain liability and can result in an enormous financial burden.

Quitting as an independent professional: what should you pay attention to?

Being self-employed offers freedom, but there may be situations in which you decide, or are forced, to stop.

Business liability insurance for independent professionals: essential or mandatory?

As an independent professional, you always run the risk of causing damage to a client. Business liability insurance protects you from the financial consequences of this. Therefore, this insurance is indispensable for every independent professional. But is such insurance mandatory? And what exactly does it cover? We explain that and more in this article.

Debriefing and evaluation: essential for professional contract work

A good debriefing takes time – but skipping it can ultimately create much more work for you. By communicating clearly and actively evaluating, you will work more efficiently and professionally.

The importance of intellectual property agreements

Clear agreements on intellectual property (IP) are crucial for freelancers to protect their creative work and avoid legal conflicts. A well-drafted contract specifies who owns the rights to the final product and what happens with future adjustments or developments. It also helps define your professional value and strengthen your negotiation position. It's important to communicate clearly, seek legal advice, and maintain detailed documentation to prevent misunderstandings and protect your work.

New on Striive: The CO₂ Footprint widget - insight into your impact!

Sustainability is an increasingly important topic, including in the world of independent professionals. Therefore, a new tool is now available on Striive: the CO₂ Footprint widget.

Why is a covering agreement important for self-employed people?

A covering agreement provides freelancers with access to long-term assignments and stable working relationships through intermediaries, but also brings attention points such as fixed rates and potential limitations on flexibility. By staying proactive, negotiating well, and seeking legal advice, freelancers can maximize the benefits of this contract type without jeopardizing their independence.

Strengthen your brand identity with AI

During Innovation Excellence 2024, the Brand Voice Assistant shone as one of the most innovative solutions. This groundbreaking AI tool, developed by IT consultancy Goodzo, helps marketing teams quickly and consistently adapt texts to the brand's unique tone of voice. The result? Stronger branding, less wasted time and more focus on creativity and strategy.

Despite zzp decline, assignment platform Striive continues to grow

In December 2024, the Chamber of Commerce reported a decline in the number of self-employed people starting up, while the number of self-employed people quitting their businesses rose sharply. Yet Striive, HeadFirst Group's assignment platform, shows a different trend.

The importance of a good job description

A clear project description helps freelancers avoid misunderstandings, manage expectations, and work more efficiently. By clearly defining what the project includes and excludes, along with deadlines and responsibilities, you prevent disputes and ensure a professional collaboration.

Job Builder: the innovation that makes recruitment faster and more effective

Writing compelling job postings can be time-consuming and is often a challenge for recruiters. What if there was a solution that not only simplifies the process, but also ensures error-free, consistent copy that strikes just the right tone for your company? Discover the Job Builder, an innovative tool that transforms your recruiting process. Nominated for the Impact Innovation Award at Innovation Excellence 2024, this tool not only promises time savings, but also takes the quality of job postings to the next level. Read on to find out how the Job Builder is changing the future of recruitment.

Talent Monitor | The future of freelance rates: what you need to know for 2025

As an independent professional or freelancer, you are constantly delivering value to your clients. But what about the value you receive for your work? Freelance rates are always changing. What can we expect in 2025?

Tips for drawing up a good assignment contract

A well-structured contract for services is essential for freelancers to ensure clarity and legal protection. This agreement outlines key terms such as work scope, rates, duration, and liability, helping to prevent false self-employment. Important elements include task descriptions, payment terms, liability clauses, and intellectual property rights. To maintain independence, freelancers should use their own equipment, set their own working hours, and work for multiple clients. It's also crucial to regularly review and update your standard contract to align with changing laws and market practices.

How does chain liability work for self-employed persons?

Chain liability means that when a company hires another company, both can be held responsible for obligations such as taxes and premiums. This ensures accountability throughout the chain and helps prevent misconduct.

Why are working conditions important, and what are the laws for this?

Good working conditions are essential for employees' health, safety, and motivation, benefiting both them and their employers. The Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) requires employers to ensure a safe workplace, supported by occupational health services, company doctors, and preventive measures such as the RI&E and PMO.

What is false self-employment and how do you prevent it?

False self-employment means that a freelancer (zzp’er) works as an independent contractor but actually meets the criteria of an employee, posing risks of fines and back taxes for both the tax authorities and clients. From 2025, enforcement will become stricter, so freelancers and companies must ensure clear agreements to avoid legal issues.

Continuing to work after retirement? An innovative employment model for retirees

For more than 10 years, there has been a growing desire among retirees to continue working actively after retirement. This led to the development of the Doorwerkregeling, an innovative employment model that allows retirees to continue working flexibly and voluntarily, while enjoying their retirement at the same time. And the best part? It helps not only the retirees themselves, but also employers and society as a whole.

The covering agreement for self-employed persons

A covering agreement is a contract between a client and intermediaries, allowing freelancers to receive assignments under predefined conditions. While it offers benefits like administrative support and recurring work, drawbacks include limited rate negotiation and exclusivity clauses.

‘Hackathon: Tech for Everyone’ wins Impact Innovation Award 2024

The "Hackathon: Tech for Everyone" won the Impact Innovation Award 2024 by placing inclusivity and diversity at the heart of the IT recruitment process. The innovative initiative, developed by codeGorilla and Alyx, offers an alternative to traditional selection procedures and has led to the successful placement of diverse candidates, benefiting both participants and companies.

Invest in yourself: The perfect start to the new year

The new year has been underway for a while now, and the time of good intentions is still in the air. Ready for something other than classic resolutions like losing weight or quitting smoking? Consider investing in yourself this year!

What agreements do I need as a self-employed person

As a self-employed person, it is essential to have several legal agreements, such as assignment agreements, general terms and conditions and processor's agreements, to clearly set out your rights and obligations. This prevents misunderstandings, legal problems and helps you comply with legislation, such as the AVG and the DBA Act.

The AVG and its importance for the self-employed

The AVG has a major impact on self-employed workers, as they are responsible for processing personal data of both their clients and their own data. Freelancers need to ensure they have a privacy notice, processor agreements and the right security measures in place to stay compliant and avoid legal problems.

Labour market sham construction

The blog discusses the rise of flexible working arrangements and the increase in sham constructions in the labour market, where freelancers are wrongly employed as self-employed. It also offers insights on new legislation, model contracts, and tips for freelancers to protect themselves from such constructions and strengthen their professional identity.

Key Insights for Independent Professionals: Laws and Regulations on Hiring Freelancers

Recently, we hosted an informative webinar on the latest developments in legislation and regulations regarding the hiring of independent professionals (freelancers).

Why is the Intermediate Labor Force Allocation Act important?

The Wet allocatie arbeidskrachten door intermediairs (Waadi) guarantees equal working conditions and protection for temporary workers, such as salary and fringe benefits. Temporary employment agencies must be registered, and clients and agencies are jointly responsible for compliance. The law prevents abuses and creates fairness in the labor market. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and legal problems.

What is the DBA law and why is it important?

The Deregulation of Assessment of Labor Relations Act (DBA) was introduced in the Netherlands in 2016 and has played an important role in labor law for freelancers and their clients for years. The law aims to combat false self-employment and provide clarity on the nature of the employment relationship between independent workers and companies.

Agility and innovation in a changing labor market

During Innovation Excellence 2024, experts such as Isabelle Lubbers and Joris de Vreede emphasized the role of AI and automation in solving talent shortages and increasing efficiency. In addition to technology, an innovative corporate culture is crucial. The day offered inspiration and insights for a future-proof labor market. Save the date for Innovation Excellence 2025!

What legal aspects are important for freelancers?

As a freelancer, you are responsible for your own success. In addition to attracting clients, providing services and managing your finances, it is also important to be aware of the legal issues that can affect your work. Getting tax issues, copyrights, insurance, privacy rules and payment terms (yes, quite a list!) right helps you avoid problems and gives you more security in your work. We take you through the most important legal aspects for freelancers in detail. What legal aspects are important for freelancers? You can find out in this article!

Discover the updated assignment overview!

We would like to share with you optimizations and new features on the Striive platform. What once started as a beta version of the assignment view has now become a fully functional tool.

Talent Monitor | The ICT labor market in transition

The ICT labor market is in a phase of significant change. While ICT professionals used to be at the forefront of labor market innovations, we now seem to see the growth of this sector leveling off.

Match your cv with assignments and increase your placement chances

Are you a professional, or a supplier of professionals, looking to increase your chances of landing a project? Then take advantage of our cv check! At Striive, we're constantly working on improving our services and updating our technology. That's why we've introduced the cv check.

Choose the right interim professional for your organization

How to choose the right interim professional? We provide the important factors to consider when selecting the right person.

HeadFirst Group introduces Striive: revolution in flex market

Striive becomes the largest and most user-friendly a assignment platform in the Benelux

5 reasons for businesses to hire a freelancer

Hiring a freelancer can be an attractive option for businesses. Read about the benefits and important considerations here.

Effective networking for freelancers: 10 tips for solopreneur success

As a freelancer, networking is invaluable for growing your business and being successful. Read 10 tips you can put to use here.

How can you prepare for stricter enforcement of the DBA law?

On Thursday, Oct. 17, the webinar “Future-proof self-employment” took place, informing self-employed professionals about the latest developments in laws and regulations surrounding the hiring of independent professionals.

Increase your productivity when completing freelance assignments

Productivity is essential when completing freelance assignments. We offer 5 tips for tackling challenges and staying productive.

The key to successful onboarding of interim professionals

Onboarding interim professionals can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can make the process go smoothly.

An international perspective on zzp legislation: what can the Netherlands learn from other countries?

The discussion about zzp'ers and their position in the labor market has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Where is the line between self-employment and false self-employment? And how can we ensure that both self-employed people and companies are clear about their rights and obligations? These questions are central to the social and political debate, not only in the Netherlands, but worldwide. Therefore, we conducted an in-depth study of the laws and regulations surrounding self-employed workers in the Netherlands and seven other countries, including Belgium, Germany, and the United States.Our report offers a unique comparison of the ways in which different countries deal with the complex question: when may a company hire a zzp'er and when is permanent employment necessary? We looked at the definition of self-employment, the criteria for false self-employment, and the enforcement of the regulations in each country. What turns out? Each country has its own challenges, but there are also valuable lessons for the Netherlands.

Find your assignment as a freelancer: 5 tips

More and more people are choosing to be a freelancer. A great development that offers many advantages, but also comes with its own challenges.

6 tips for bookkeeping as a starting freelancer

The annual income tax return is already a crime for many people. As a freelancer, it comes with an extra load, read further in this blog why.

Talent Monitor | Revealing insights into the European self-employed market

In an era when the labor market is constantly changing, it is essential to be well-informed about the latest trends and developments. This is especially true for the fast-growing group of independent professionals (self-employed) in Europe. We are proud to present the latest Talent Monitor, a comprehensive report that provides an in-depth analysis of the European self-employed market and the unique position of the Netherlands in it.

Talent Monitor | Labor market movements: the men versus the women

It is no surprise that there is (unconscious) bias among recruiters, clients or employers when it comes to attracting male and female workers. At least a few times a year, newspapers headline the huge salary gap between the two genders. However, when it comes to professionals, the difference in hourly rates has become very small and, more importantly, no longer statistically explainable by gender.

The intake interview for freelancers: the tips & tricks

What does it mean to work as a freelancer? We dive into the world of freelancing with the benefits, challenges and steps required.

All the do's and don'ts for working as a freelancer

What does it mean to work as a freelancer? We dive into the world of freelancing with the benefits, challenges and steps required.

Increasing ease of use and shorter processes through technological development

In collaboration with screening platform Victoria ID, we are working on a faster and smarter way to perform screenings - an important, but also time-intensive, part of onboarding.

Becoming a freelancer? This is what you need to know when starting out for yourself

More and more independent professionals are going into business. But what does becoming and being a freelancer really mean? In this blog, we take a closer look at this.

The best interim assignments: find success in your projects

What are the most important aspects of interim assignments? We tell you how to find them and experience the most success as a freelancer.

Optimize the zzp hiring process in 4 steps

Optimizing the zzp hiring process is critical for companies that regularly hire freelancers. Read the 4 steps here.

Zzp insurance: these are the ones you need

Dive into our blog for insights into the crucial aspects of insurance for freelancers. 

Optimize collaboration with interim professionals in 3 steps

Working with interim professionals? Read here the steps to optimize collaboration when working on an interim assignment.

7 steps to best describe freelance assignments

A successful collaboration with a freelancer requires a clear job description. Read the 7 most important steps here.

Hiring a freelancer? Here's what you need to consider

Hiring a freelancer comes with compliance risks. Find out what to consider when working with freelancers.

Developments in the zzp file and the state of affairs

Read in this blog the developments in the zzp file and the state of affairs

Everything about the duration and quantity of zzp assignments

Read the regulations regarding the duration of freelance assignments and the number of clients you may work with as freelancer.

Everything you need to know about taxes for freelancers

As a freelancer, it is crucial to know the tax rules and obligations. Read all aspects of taxes for zzp here.

Similarity and difference: freelance and zzp as a concept

Difference between freelance and zzp; is there or does it just mean the same thing? We explain the differences and similarities.

Develop your growth-mindset and power skills!

To create a stronger position in the job market, personal development and expanding your skills is very valuable. Read how to develop your skills and growth mindset in this blog.

The 5 biggest pitfalls for freelancers

Currently, the Netherlands has over 1.2 million freelancers. Yet there are 5 pitfalls that almost every freelancer falls into, read in this blog exactly which pitfalls.

Data modeling: what is it and what can you do with it?

Data modeling is nothing more or less than parsing various data streams. It involves identifying entities, relationships and attributes.

Talent Monitor: Rate development professionals 2024

We are balancing between economic contraction and growth, the first 2024 Talent Monitor shows. After months of decline, we did see a modest rebound in our economy in the last quarter of 2023. Thus, the unemployment rate remains very low and more workers are entering the labor market. However, labor market tightness still remains.

Talent Monitor: ICT labor market in figures

The latest 2023 Talent Monitor shows that scarcity in the ICT labor market remains as high as ever, despite the growth of freelancers and developments in digitalization and AI. The report offers valuable insights into trends such as fastest growing ICT skills, recruitment complexity and the need for sustainable recruitment strategies.

The 10 most important competencies and skills

More and more people are choosing to be a freelancer. A great development that offers many advantages, but also comes with its own challenges.

Winning more assignments? Keep learning!

Learning is an essential part of your personal and professional development. Not only does it make you feel more powerful, but it also makes your career progress more rapidly. Whether that's your current one or a totally new career, it doesn't matter. Even as a freelancer, you never stop learning. And the more you learn, the higher you fly....

Maslow's learning curve: a complete explanation

Maslow's learning curve describes the four stages you go through when learning a new skill, from unconsciously incompetent to unconsciously competent. This model helps self-employed people to consciously and effectively develop new knowledge and competences.

Getting a grip on the zzp dossier: Facts and insights on independent professionals in 2023

There are 1.2 million self-employed people without personnel (zzp'ers) in the Netherlands. That means that one in eight people in paid employment is an independent professional - a significant group.

Tax and financial planning tips for independent professionals

If you are an interim professional, you cherish the freedom and flexibility this way of working brings.

Case studies of successful projects completed with the help of freelancers

Freelancers can help companies solve complex challenges and provide specialist expertise when needed. These case studies show how hiring interim professionals has contributed to successful projects and growth.

Talent Monitor: The convergence of fixed and flex

The 10th Talent Monitor brings fixed and flex data closer together, revealing unique insights such as rate comparisons between hired and permanent professionals and surprising trends in the labor market. With these developments, the report takes an important step toward a practical model for Total Talent Management.

Marketing & Communications ZZP jobs increasingly popular: The future of freelance work

In the rapidly evolving world of work and entrepreneurship, the rise of the self-employed (ZZP) has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. This trend is particularly noticeable in the marketing and communications sector, where freelance assignments are becoming increasingly popular. In this blog, we dive deeper into this rise, the reasons behind it and what it means for both clients and freelancers.

Successful Execution of a ZZP Assignment as a Freelance Consultant

In the modern world of work, the concept of freelancing and self-employment has gained popularity, especially in the form of self-employed workers (zzp'ers). As a freelance consultant, you get the opportunity to share your expertise and add value to various projects. However, successful execution of a zzp assignment requires more than just subject matter knowledge; it requires a combination of skills, strategy and dedication. In this article, we discuss some essential steps to effectively execute a zzp assignment as a freelance consultant.