Economy: 3 Things to Know About Getting Started in the Gig Economy. The gig economy is growing and not going away. According to the Chicago Tribune, the gig economy is “a fast-growing worker movement that includes consulting and contracting, temping, freelancing, self-employment, side gigs, and on-demand workers.” With so many options, it’s no wonder that so many people are getting onboard. You can jump in and supplement your income with a side gig, but you’ll soon find that starting your own gig-based business may be well worth it. Our tips will help you get started.
One of the reasons the gig economy has taken off to such an extent is the explosion of technology that enables online services. Freelancers, consultants, and other white-collar workers serve clients from all around the world, thanks to the internet, mobile apps, and online services and sites designed to connect consumers with qualified professionals.
Simply match the type of work or service you will give to the technology that will connect you to prospective clients, and you’ll soon be on your way to setting your work schedule, establishing your rates, and building your successful gig-economy business.
While there are many advantages to jumping into the gig economy with both feet, including being your own boss and having a more flexible schedule, there are a few challenges that you should be aware of ahead of time. First, providing short-term or freelance work means that you will need a great deal of self-discipline.
While you won’t be working a traditional 9-5 day, you will need to make sure that you have the dedication and motivation that it takes to work hard building your business. You may find yourself working more than you did in your traditional career, especially as you first get established.
That’s why it’s so important to start a business in a field that you love. According to The Balance, people now change jobs an average of 12 times during their career. When you decide to start your own gig-economy business, you must choose a path that will make you happy and content. It takes hard work and dedication to start a business, and you will find it easier to take the long hours and setbacks when you can say you truly love what you do.
Fortunately, the gig economy has made it easier to choose a career path that you love. Countless people are transforming their hobbies and skills into lucrative businesses, thanks to sites like Etsy and TaskRabbit. Similarly, marketers, writers, and editors are taking on projects as part of remote teams and never setting foot in a traditional office. The freedom given by starting a gig-economy business is unparalleled.
Other people are finding ways to turn their love for animals into gig-economy businesses. For example, people are using Rover to become dog boarders, dog walkers, and pet sitters. In fact, these are ideal gig-style businesses because you will connect with clients who trust you to look after their four-legged family members while you get paid to spend time with them. The happier you make your clients, the higher your reviews will be, and the more work will come to you. Could there be a better career?
When you enter the gig economy as a business owner, you must be ready to wear many hats. Most people who start gig-related businesses do so independently, which means you will need to have a handle on finance, marketing, and communication if you hope to stay in business.
As a Fast Company puts it, you will need to understand capital, revenue, expenses, and taxes. You’ll also need to understand your customers and their needs well enough to communicate with them in an engaging way that compels them to choose you over other gig workers and businesses. You’ll also need to know how to brand and market yourself to attract and keep customers.
You can start a successful gig-related business by making good decisions. First, make use of the technology available to you. Also, be sure to choose to do something that you love to have the self-discipline required to stick with your business and fulfill all the roles.
This article is a contribution of lucy@gigmine.co
