Intrepid Entrepreneurs – 5 Secrets to Making it in the Modern Gig Economy

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The “gig economy” used to be a formal term to describe being on the cusp of unemployment. Those who picked up gigs would float from one job to the next, almost like drifters in the employment world.

Now, however, “entrepreneur” and “freelancer” are more familiar terms, representing a desirable lifestyle full of freedom and flexibility. Not everyone who prefers to exist in the gig economy will be living the dream, though. It takes hard work, dedication, and the five secrets below to ensure the lifestyle works for you.

Professional Presence

Freelancers often work from the comfort of their homes. You pay no office rent and get to lounge around in your pajamas while earning money at the same time. However, portraying a professional image is a must, which is why virtual offices are becoming increasingly popular. After all, it’s not the best look to have your residential address on your business cards.

For a small monthly fee, your virtual office will give you a prestigious business address with both mail-forwarding and reception services. Your clients will think you work in the best part of the city, and no-one needs to know that you work from your studio apartment (or even with mom and dad). The pajama-clad workdays can remain your little secret too.

Being Smart with Advertising

Because you don’t have shop frontage as your best form of advertising, you have to get smart with how you put your name out in the public eye. Make sure you’re visible on social media, like the 73% of other small businesses, and consider vehicle signage if your car looks the part. Many employees in the gig economy rely on digital advertising to get by, but there’s nothing wrong with trying local avenues for broader coverage.

Broad Skill Sets

One of the best ways to become a success story in the modern gig economy is by broadening your skillset. You might be a brochure designer by trade, but have you thought about upskilling in web design, business cards, posters, and magazines? Even content creation is worth investigating. The more you know in your chosen (and related) fields, the better your chances of securing work.

Be the “Go-To” Person

In any line of work, a business manager is looking for someone who crushes deadlines, is bright and early where possible, and is open and available for work. Be the yes man (within reason), and show off the attributes you possess that will be of benefit to them.

You want to be the one that a business owner thinks of first for jobs since you’re so reliable and easy to communicate with. If you’re not that person, you need to become it – and fast.

Be Everywhere

A lot of the work that freelancers and entrepreneurs pick up is in the digital world. You can work for people across the globe, learn new things, and work from anywhere. However, you will only be able to pick up that work if you put yourself out there. Be successful by advertising on freelancer platforms and signing up with agencies.

It’s never easy trying to carve out your niche in the modern gig economy. You might not always know what your next job will be, or when it will show up. However, there are plenty of ways to make it big as a freelancing entrepreneur. Be professional, advertise, show off your attributes, and expand your skillset. You’ll be in demand in no time.