With the gig economy becoming increasingly larger, it is changing the way that many companies work. It requires a different way of operating than the standard office job opportunity. It’s becoming more common for individuals to work full-time as a freelancer or independent contractor. While it might be scary to some, there are many ways to adapt and use it to your advantage. Whether you are wanting to get into this field or are already in it, below are 7 ways to help you be successful in a gig economy.
Show versatility
Aside from just focusing on your strengths, you need to be able to show versatility. It’s important to show that you have a wide range of expertise in your field. For example, if you work with social media, having graphic design abilities will help you be able to push your career farther. Along with this, you need to make sure that you are open and constantly up to date with changes and updates in technology so you are able to help a wide range of clients. This will help you be able to have numerous clients and not be stressed or worried if they don’t all use the same softwares.
Keep an open mind
Like stated earlier, the gig economy has been changing the way many companies work. It also is making us change the way that we view work. This is why you need to keep an open mind. You have to get rid of the traditional work life mindset. There is no “correct” way to work. Just because you aren’t a full-time salaried employee doesn’t make you any less than those who work from 9 to 5 each day. Once you have an open mind, you will be able to open up so many more opportunities. This can potentially get you to a point where you’re doing more than you would be if you were in a traditional work setting.
Focus on your personal branding
In order to truly thrive in the gig economy, you need to be more than just your work. You need to communicate your core values and benefits. Before getting too deep, you should ask yourself what you want to be known for. Then, build that into everything you do. Also, by focusing on your personal branding, you will be able to start driving clients without the help of any third-party website.
Keep your portfolio strong and updated
You should consider creating a website for yourself to promote your portfolio to help you gain new clients. While a third-party website is one of the easiest ways to promote yourself, don’t only limit yourself to those to gain clients. By having a strong and updated portfolio, you will attract more clients. Within your portfolio, you should promote your strongest pieces of work that you prefer doing.
Be patient
To be successful in the gig economy, you have to be willing to deal with a 24/7 sales cycle about yourself. You need to be able to sell yourself and your services to companies so you can have them as a client. This will require you to be patient and consistent. The hardest times will definitely be at the beginning, but it will get better and easier. After you get started and get your foot in the door work will start flowing easier. However, if you want to fully commit to this you have to be patient.
Build yourself from referrals
It can be hard to market and sell your gig, especially if your focus is in a heavily saturated industry. This also makes it difficult for companies to determine who to hire and who will be best to help them grow. To break away from this, you should encourage clients to offer referrals and testimonials to help you stand out from others. This way when you’re putting yourself out there, companies can not only see the work you’re capable of, but that you have clients who trust you and enjoy the work you did for them.
Build a strong client list
Similar to what is stated above, your clients are a huge part of helping you grow and be able to be successful in the gig economy. Having a strong client list will help you be able to have a steady and reliable income based on the work you do for them. While it’s hard to get started in the gig economy, once you have a strong client list established, the referrals and repeat business will start to follow.
Along with this, you can create relationships with people who you can help each other grow, connect with opportunities, as well as be referrals for each other. You need to keep in mind that aside from promoting yourself and your work, you’re building your reputation across these companies and teams. By having a healthy network for people who know, like, and trust you is similar to having a strong client list.