{"id":47703,"date":"2026-01-19T10:27:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T09:27:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/?p=47703"},"modified":"2026-01-19T10:42:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T09:42:52","slug":"podcast-episode-16-robert-vlach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/podcast-episode-16-robert-vlach\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Rules to Follow to Work With Elite Freelancers &#8211; Episode 16 with Robert Vlach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What happens when someone spends over two decades living, breathing, and shaping the freelance economy, long before it became cool? In this episode of <em>The Independent Workforce<\/em>, we sat down with <strong>Robert Vlach<\/strong>, freelancing entrepreneur, consultant to top professionals, author of <em><a href=\"https:\/\/freelanceway.eu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Freelance Way<\/a><\/em>, and founder of two of the largest freelance communities in Europe &#8211; &#8220;<a href=\"http:\/\/Freelancing.eu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freelancing.eu<\/a>&#8221; and &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/navolnenoze.cz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Na voln\u00e9 noze<\/a>&#8220;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And this wasn\u2019t just a podcast episode. It was a <strong>masterclass in the real economy of independent work.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f5f5f5\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: \ud83d\udd25 7 Rules You Must Follow to Work With Elite Freelancers | The Independent Workforce | Robert Vlach\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"624\" height=\"351\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" data-src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/4emT8urr6143N65jcKKYfW\/video?utm_source=oembed\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Enjoyed this episode?<br><\/strong>Subscribe now on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@freelancermapinternational6860\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/creators.spotify.com\/pod\/profile\/freelancermap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spotify<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-independent-workforce\/id1840173073\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple Podcast<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/The-Independent-Workforce-podcast-episode-15-John-Winsor.pdf.pdf\">\ud83d\udce9 Download the full transcript <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/The-Independent-Workforce-Podcast-Episode-16-Robert-Vlach.pdf\">\ud83d\udce9<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Freelance Journey: From Barcelona to Brno<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert\u2019s story begins in the late \u201890s, not in a tech hub, but on the beaches of <strong>Catalonia<\/strong>, Spain. \u201cWhen I was 20, I went to Spain with a friend, hoping for seasonal work, and I ended up becoming a freelancer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From web developer to community builder to business consultant, Robert has worn nearly every hat in the independent world. But unlike many freelancers who isolate themselves, Robert built bridges: First by helping friends build personal websites (for free). Then by founding <em>Navolnenoze.cz<\/em> in 2005, a Czech freelancer directory that grew into a national institution. And later, <em>Freelancing.eu<\/em>, one of Europe\u2019s rising cross-border communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He didn\u2019t just ride the wave. He helped shape the current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-9d026dbf88e4aedb8215198b02931b61\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#5202ff\"><strong>Are you an experienced IT freelancer?<\/strong><br>Join our growing network of specialised professionals and access exclusive opportunities with leading companies.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/registration?ref=blog-com-podcast-robert-vlach\"><strong>&gt; Create your freelancer profile<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Evolution of Freelancing (Through Robert\u2019s Eyes)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Over 25 years in the game gives you perspective. Robert broke it down with a historian\u2019s clarity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Internet boom (1998\u20132005)<\/strong>: Modern freelancing was born when the internet allowed isolated professionals to work with clients worldwide.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The 2008 financial crisis<\/strong>: It legitimized freelancers. Suddenly, companies became cautious about hiring, and started seeking flexible talent.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Pandemic shift<\/strong>: Remote work normalized freelancing. But also, it flooded the space with noise.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Now: The AI revolution<\/strong>: I\u2019m not afraid for freelancers who adapt. But if you think AI can\u2019t touch your work, you\u2019re not paying attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bidding Platforms Are Not the Center Anymore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the twist: While many media narratives focus on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, where a person with the lowest rate wins, <strong>real freelancers barely mention them anymore<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAcross dozens of meetups and hundreds of conversations in Europe over the last two years, I got maybe <em>one<\/em> question about platforms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, Robert hears questions about <strong>pricing, negotiation, time management, and scaling a solo business.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cFreelancers are increasingly focused on <em>running a business<\/em>, not playing the bidding game.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-b60ac47f70bbb63da07b20b6a36472c2\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#5202ff\"><strong>Looking to hire specialised IT talent quickly?<\/strong><br>Browse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/freelancers-directory.html\">70,000+ freelancers<\/a> or build a flexible global workforce.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/registration?ref=blog-com-podcast-robert-vlach\"><strong>&gt; Get started as a company<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Companies, You\u2019re Doing It Wrong (And Here\u2019s How to Fix It)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re a company looking to hire freelancers, Robert has a seven-point strategy. And it\u2019s <em>gold<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#1 Stop hiring based on lowest price<\/strong><br>\u201cGreat experts don\u2019t race to the bottom. And if you&#8217;re serious about quality, neither should you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#2 Join freelance communities<\/strong><br>\u201cWant insight into the freelance world? Show up. Attend meetups. Listen. It\u2019s the best market research you\u2019ll do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#3 Work with connectors<\/strong><br>\u201cThey\u2019re trusted nodes in the network who can guide you to the right talent. Don\u2019t underestimate them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#4 Be clear on budget<\/strong><br>\u201cQuality experts will ask, \u2018What\u2019s your budget?\u2019 If you don\u2019t have an answer, you&#8217;re sending the wrong signal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#5 Always use a decision-maker<\/strong><br>\u201cTop freelancers avoid endless conversations with mid-level people who can\u2019t say yes. Send someone who can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#6 Search thoroughly and plan ahead<\/strong><br>\u201cTop talent is rare and usually booked in advance. Do your homework, and approach them early with clarity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#7 Build a culture of trust and respect<\/strong><br>\u201cIf you build real trust with elite freelancers, you don\u2019t just gain one expert\u2014you tap into their whole network.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Freelancers, You\u2019re a Business (But a Special Kind)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert&#8217;s entire philosophy boils down to this: \u201cYou are not just an expert. You are a business. But a special kind of business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words: treat your work like a company, but embrace the uniqueness of being a solo operator. You don\u2019t need VC funding, 100 clients, or a complex org chart.What you need is clarity, systems, positioning, and consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Rise of a Pan-European Freelance Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of Robert\u2019s greatest hopes? That we\u2019re living through the birth of a cross-border freelance identity in Europe. \u201cWhen we look back in 2040, we\u2019ll say: This was the time when the European freelance community truly emerged.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Local meetups turning into international networks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaboration between platform leaders, educators, and freelancers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A more mature, nuanced understanding of how independent work fits into the economy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s something worth building together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We ended our conversation with two reflective questions: What scares you about the future of freelancing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMisaligned AI. It could affect freelancers more than employees because we\u2019re less protected by institutional safety nets.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And what excites you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe emergence of a unified European freelance voice. We\u2019ve never had this much connection, collaboration, and momentum.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways for companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t underestimate the power dynamic; elite freelancers have options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build relationships, not transactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educate your team on best practices for hiring and collaborating with independents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop treating freelancers like they\u2019re cheap labor. Treat them like strategic partners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embrace connectors and communities to find the right talent fast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a hiring manager, a fellow freelancer, or someone who still thinks freelancing means \u201cless than.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the future of work is already here, and it\u2019s independent. And listen to the full episode of <strong>The Independent Workforce<\/strong> wherever you get your podcasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/registration?ref=blog-com-podcast-robert-vlach\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/build-flexible-teams-with-freelancers.png\" alt=\"Build flexible teams with top freelancers. Sign up to freelancermap now\" class=\"wp-image-47322 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/build-flexible-teams-with-freelancers.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/build-flexible-teams-with-freelancers-300x88.png 300w, https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/build-flexible-teams-with-freelancers-768x225.png 768w, https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/build-flexible-teams-with-freelancers-720x211.png 720w, https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/build-flexible-teams-with-freelancers-580x170.png 580w, https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/build-flexible-teams-with-freelancers-320x94.png 320w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/300;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What happens when someone spends over two decades living, breathing, and shaping the freelance economy, long before it became cool? In this episode of The Independent Workforce, we sat down with Robert Vlach, freelancing entrepreneur, consultant to top professionals, author of The Freelance Way, and founder of two of the largest freelance communities in Europe [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3120,"featured_media":47714,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>7 Rules to Follow to Work With Elite Freelancers | TIW Podcast<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn useful strategies for working with top talent from Robert Vlach, who shares lessons from his 25+ years in the freelance world.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/podcast-episode-16-robert-vlach\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"7 Rules to Follow to Work With Elite Freelancers | TIW Podcast\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn useful strategies for working with top talent from Robert Vlach, who shares lessons from his 25+ years in the freelance world.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/podcast-episode-16-robert-vlach\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Freelancer Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/freelancermapInternational\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-19T09:27:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-19T09:42:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/stop-losing-top-freelancers-with-Robert-Vlach.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Stefania Volpe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@freelancer_INT\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@freelancer_INT\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Stefania Volpe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/podcast-episode-16-robert-vlach\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/podcast-episode-16-robert-vlach\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Stefania Volpe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/efa89a55da25a71300f23186650f8a11\"},\"headline\":\"7 Rules to Follow to Work With Elite Freelancers &#8211; 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