The Gig Economy is here to stay and the opportunities are endless. A report by the World Economic Forum found that by 2025, over 50% of the global workforce will be freelancers. There has never been a better time to unlock the power of the gig economy and earn big with your skills. This is because the digital economy is vast and flexible allowing anyone to reap from their skills easily. Do you have a set of digital skills that you’d like to put to use and earn money doing what you love? Whether you desire the traditional 9-5 grind or a freelance means of income; then the gig economy might just be the perfect solution for you!
Whether you’re a freelance writer, graphic designer, social media marketer, or web developer, there’s a high demand for your services in the gig economy. With the flexibility to work on your terms and the ability to work with clients from all over the world, the opportunities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore how you can maximize your earning potential in the gig economy and take your digital skills to the next level. So how can you up-skill and unlock the power of the gig economy?
Read on to discover how the Social Innovation Hub is helping transition ICT trainees to earn from their skills in the Gig Economy.
The Gig Economy in Perspective
According to a study by Intuit, the gig economy is expected to grow to 43% of the U.S. workforce by 2020. This means that more and more people are turning to freelance as a way to earn a living. In Kenya, the rate of unemployment is at an all-time high. For youth in last-mile communities, levels of poverty limit their ability to pursue further education and up-skill to meet the job market demands. The Social Innovation Hub has for over 2 years now offered fully sponsored training in Basic and Advanced Information Communication and Technology ( ICT) to these disadvantaged youth to provide them a competitive edge over their peers.
We recognize the power of technology in bridging inequality and providing sustainable employment. The study by Intuit also found that the average gig worker earns around $34 per hour, which is higher than the average hourly wage of many traditional jobs. No wonder the gig economy is now a global phenomenon. We too are not left behind and we are on a mission to bring along as many as we can. To ensure more successful transition rates for our trainees we have modified our programs to include Gig Economy Training.
Exploring the Gig Economy: How to find your place in the Puzzle with In-Demand Skills
There are many digital skills that are in high demand in the gig economy. However, we understand that exploring the digital space can be intimidating for a beginner. What’s the first step, you ask? You might want to begin by identifying your most marketable digital skills. This three-step guide will set you on the path to unlocking the potential of the digital space.
First, take an Inventory of the digital skills you possess. Ensure your list includes any software programs you’re proficient in, digital skills you can leverage, and any coding languages you know. This will help you get a clear picture of what you can offer potential clients.
Second, you might want to break down the list further and discover a preferred niche. You can do this by identifying your strengths by highlighting what comes naturally to you and what you enjoy doing. These are the skills that you’ll want to focus on when marketing yourself in the gig economy.
Lastly, ask friends, family, and colleagues for feedback on your skills. In a fast-developing digital economy refining your skill is imperative to stay ahead of the curve. They may be able to offer insights into skills you didn’t realize you had or areas where you could improve.
Some of the most sought-after skills include:
- Writing and Editing
You must have heard the phrase “Content is king” in the digital world! That’s right, businesses need writers and editors to create compelling content for their websites, blogs, and social media platforms. If you have a way with words and a keen eye for detail, then writing and editing could be the perfect gig for you.
- Graphic Design
In today’s visual world, businesses need eye-catching graphics and designs to stand out from the competition. If you have a talent for graphic design and can create stunning visuals, then you’ll be in high demand in the gig economy.
- Social Media Marketing
Social media is an essential part of any business’s marketing strategy. If you have a knack for social media and can create engaging content that drives traffic and engagement, then you’ll have plenty of opportunities to earn money in the gig economy.
- Web Development
In today’s digital age, every business needs a website. If you have coding skills and can create beautiful, functional websites, then web development could be the perfect gig for you.
Tips for Succeeding in the Gig Economy
Finding your place in the gig- economy puzzle is the easy part. Staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing and globally competitive environment is the hard part. Now that you’ve identified your digital skills you can’t wait to start earning money in the gig economy.
Our Gig Economy Sessions are crafted to guide you along the path of success. With experienced and dedicated trainers we guide you on:
- How to Build a Strong Online Presence
In the gig economy, your online presence is everything. Create a website that showcases your skills and portfolio, and make sure you have a strong presence on social media platforms like Linked In and Twitter. Our sessions will train you to position yourself digitally for success.
- How to Network
Networking is essential in the gig economy. Our sessions open you up to understanding industry opportunities, guide you on relevant industry conferences, and online support groups, and connect with other freelancers in your field. You never know where your next gig will come from and as they say: your network is your net worth!
- How to Price Your Services Competitively
Do some research to determine what other freelancers in your field are charging for their services. Price your services competitively, but don’t undervalue yourself. Remember, you’re providing a valuable service and should be compensated accordingly.
- How to Be Professional
Creating and maintaining a professional profile is necessary in a space where referrals are a mark of credibility. Our Gig Economy Sessions guide you on the marks of professionalism in the digital space to ensure you make and keep long-term clients and keep a stellar reputation.
- How to Manage your Gig Economy Workload
Managing your workload as a freelancer can be challenging, but there are plenty of tools available to help you stay organized and on track. Our Gig Economy Sessions will help you discover the most efficient tools for project management, time tracking, and billing.
The gig economy is a great way to earn money doing what you love, and with the right skills and mindset, you can earn a good living. By identifying your marketable skills, building a strong online presence, and staying organized with the right tools, you can take your digital skills to the next level and unlock the power of the gig economy. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start earning big with your digital skills and we are here to help. Interested in joining our Gig Club, email office@empserve.org to learn more!
