Flexibility is the way to go nowadays. Many people like to have flexible work for them to be able to manage their own time. With this, you get to be your own boss while earning money and have more time for yourself, your family, and your other interests. These benefits are one of the reasons why the gig economy has flourished.

When the pandemic took us by storm, this also became an avenue for more to join the gig economy. Some people preferred to do freelance work instead of their full-time job, requiring them to be present onsite. Others needed to have more income sources, which is why they explored the world of gig workers.

What is a Gig Economy?

The term “Gig Economy” is not something new. You may have called it freelance economy, agile workforce, side hustle, or temporary work before. The Gig Economy is a flexible employment system, and it refers to freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, online platform workers, or temporary workers. It is a short- term work as compared to being employed full-time.

At present, 36% of US workers are part of the gig economy, and it is estimated that by 2027, there will be 86.5 million freelancers. With that much competition, you must shine and stand out from the rest. It would be best if you are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in this industry.

People skills

As the famous quote says, “No man is an island.” You will need to have excellent interpersonal skills because you will be dealing with different kinds of people.  You must know how to establish rapport and connect with your potential clients, colleagues, customers, or partners for a project.

It will also help if you can build a network and connect with your fellow gig workers. Through this, you can quickly get partners for projects that you will be working on in the future. They may even share with you job openings that you can explore and apply.

Self-promotion and marketing

As a gig worker, you need to market yourself effectively to get clients. Having the skills is not the only thing that will land you gigs, but self-promotion and marketing will. Make sure that you have a unique profile that highlights your skills and experience. Include feedback from previous customers as this can boost trust from potential clients.

Entrepreneurship

As a freelancer or individual contractor, this means you are self-employed. It is like you are running your own business. With this, you need to know the basics of running a business like marketing, accounting, and time management. As someone with an entrepreneur mindset, you must also have critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Technology-savvy

You must be adept with technology as this will be your primary tool in communicating and collaborating. You can also take advantage of technology in promoting yourself in the market. Learn how to be comfortable with different messaging and collaboration platforms. Aside from that, update yourself with various programs and applications that will help you boost productivity, especially in juggling simultaneous gigs and projects.

Agile Learning

The gig economy works at a rapid pace. Therefore if you want to survive in this economy, you need to be able to keep up. Learn the required hard skills fast, especially since you have a lot of competitors in the market. Having a range of skill sets will make you more marketable for clients and more efficient with the gigs that you take. It is like offering companies a one-stop-shop.

To help you choose which skills to learn, you can check out the in-demand skills that companies usually hire now. You may research this online or ask your co- gig workers.

Customer service skills

Providing quality customer service is a key to success not just for gig workers but also for all types of workers. Be flexible and ensure that you can provide for the needs of your clients. Add that extra mile to make your customers satisfied with your work. Follow-through with your clients even after the contract and regularly check if you can help them with anything. Remember that how you take care of your clients and customers will indeed have a lasting effect on your stint as a gig worker.

In summary

The gig economy will continue to expand over the years. More and more people will join and stay in this industry. If you want to be part of this world, you must have the necessary skills to survive and succeed. Continue to learn, improve yourself, and expand your horizon.

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Joy

Joy Collado is a freelance writer and loves to write about personal finance, self-help, and digital marketing.

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