Max Keiser of the Russian Television (RT) show, THE KEISER REPORT perhaps explains its pitfalls best in making reference to the so-called gig-economy, where Millennials in particularly jump online, on platforms such as Fiverr, to fight it out with other skilled, creative, qualified and even talented individuals for “micro” jobs projects. To a certain extent the same could be said about outright freelancing platforms such as UpWork (which used to exist as the two separate entities of Elance and oDesk), Freelancer, People Per Hour, etc. – freelancers are essentially fighting it out for very little remuneration which they could never really sustainably live off of, certainly not in the long term.
Many may argue that this is simply an online iteration of what the free-market system is all about, but either way, competition is stiff and if you’ve decided to take this route then naturally you want to fall into that bracket of the more favourable statistics, don’t you? It takes a lot to merely survive in the gig-economy, unless of course you’re part of the team who owns the platforms, let alone thrive.
Here are some tips to help you gain the upper-hand and work towards actually realising some progress with regards to your financial health as well as career advancement:
Isolate and master a specific skill or area of expertise
Do not present yourself as a Jack-of-all-trades – you will lose to those freelancers who are focused on isolating a specific skill or expertise area to master and specialise in. It’s not even enough to just say something like you’re a Content Writer – you need to isolate a specific niche which you want to specialise in, which would perhaps naturally be around a set of topics that evolve dynamically and constantly require fresh content.
That’s just one example – a graphic designer can specialise in a specific type of logo design, for instance, etc.
Get busy building a growing portfolio
Fortunately, most of these online gig-economy platforms you’d source your work from allow for the work you produce to be added to your portfolio, but it’s good practice to perhaps create another portfolio outside of these platforms, such as your own website showcasing your work or referencing the clients you’ve worked with. Make it snappy and SEO-friendly, and add lots of pictures of yourself and your work. You could hire a professional photographer for the latter, and for the former a reputed web designer should do the trick. These are all worthwhile investments as they are meant to showcase your professionalism and attract prospective clients to help you thrive in today’s competitive market.
Network at industry events
Attending industry-specific gatherings provides freelancers and independent contractors with valuable opportunities to connect with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors. Make the most of these events by initiating meaningful conversations, sharing your expertise, and actively listening to others. Elevate your networking efforts by exchanging business cards or digital contacts, ensuring a lasting connection beyond the event.
Additionally, consider the impact of your booth or presentation space, as a well-designed setup can attract more attention and facilitate networking. To maximize your presence and make a lasting impression, consider working with event production services. These professionals can enhance your booth’s visual appeal, incorporating engaging elements that attract a wide audience.
Moreover, the exchange of business cards and contact information should be complemented by a proactive online presence, fostering ongoing relationships. By actively participating in trade events, gig workers can not only stay abreast of industry trends but also build a robust network that contributes to their sustained success in the competitive gig-economy market.
Establish yourself as an authority
Now, this is where you set yourself apart and make the money everybody else wishes they could make! Zoning in on the example of a graphic designer who specialises in the a specific design area, when you’re not busy with a paying project you have to constantly work to establish yourself as an authority in your field. For example, out-the-box thinking such as making use of a save the date postcard creation platform to populate your catalogue with many different, professional options will definitely set you apart from the average graphic designer indirectly competing with you for the same selection of clients.
Additionally, you could always provide extra value by perhaps showcasing the creative process you go through to create your offerings, without giving away your trade secrets, of course.
