7 Essential Personality Traits You Need to Get Started in the Gig Economy (Updated 2024)

7 Essential Personality Traits Business Start-up Gig Economy Self-employment

 
Articles updated 06-23-2024  

7 Essential Personality Traits You Need to Get Started in the Gig Economy
Have you been thinking about giving the gig economy a shot? Maybe you want to start a side gig or jump into full-time freelance? Getting a start in the gig economy is simple but being successful takes a certain kind of personality. Do you have what it takes? Keep on reading to find out.
 
Summary: 
 

A Sense of Adventure


If you live for adventure, then running your own gig business may be for you. Becoming a business owner means you’ll be delving into areas of work that you may not have a lot of experience in.

7 Essential Personality Traits You Need to Get Started in the Gig Economy


People Skills


If you plan to run your own business, interacting with people and building relationships is a must. Good interpersonal skills, also known as soft skills, will help you communicate, manage your emotions, negotiate, and solve problems.



Ability to Stay Organized



The organization is key to successfully running your own business, whether it’s a side gig or a permanent freelance startup. You have to keep your schedule balanced and organized to make the most of your time and meet deadlines.



Some Serious Flexibility 

side hustles that pay

Work can come in at a moment’s notice, so you need to be flexible in your schedule as well. One of the perks of the gig economy is that you have some control over when you work and for how long. You may be able to write some freelance articles on the weekend or pick up some passengers for you rideshare gig on holidays.


Some Serious Flexibility


Work can come in at a moment’s notice, so you need to be flexible in your schedule as well. One of the perks of the gig economy is that you have some control over when you work and for how long. You may be able to write some freelance articles on the weekend or pick up some passengers for your rideshare gig on holidays.


Tenacity and Integrity in All You Do


You have to go out and be proactive in seeking out lucrative opportunities. You have to put yourself out there to get the work you need to make your business successful.


A Knack for Adapting

So, you have to be willing to evolve your business to meet shifting needs. This may mean targeting different demographics or updating the way you market yourself in the community.


The Desire for Financial Independence


If you want control over your life and finances, working for yourself is a good option. Freelance and gig work allow you to control your finances and put you in charge of all of your profits.


 
Introduction:

The gig economy has witnessed a significant rise in recent years, driven by the proliferation of gig economy apps. These applications connect freelancers, or "gig workers," with individuals or businesses seeking specific services. The gig economy is characterized by short-term, flexible jobs that allow individuals to work on a project-by-project basis rather than committing to traditional full-time employment. Here's an overview of gig economy apps and their impact on the workforce:

Types of Gig Economy Apps:

  1. Ride-Sharing Apps:

    • Examples: Uber, Lyft
    • Function: Connects drivers with passengers for on-demand transportation.
  2. Freelance Job Platforms:

    • Examples: Upwork, Fiverr
    • Function: Matches freelancers with clients seeking services such as writing, graphic design, programming, and more.

  3. Task-Based Apps:

    • Examples: TaskRabbit, Thumbtack
    • Function: Allows users to hire individuals for specific tasks like home repairs, cleaning, or moving.

  4. Accommodation Services:

    • Examples: Airbnb, Vrbo
    • Function: Enables individuals to rent out their homes or rooms to travelers.

  5. Food Delivery Apps:

    • Examples: DoorDash, Uber Eats
    • Function: Connects restaurants and food establishments with delivery drivers to bring food to customers' doors.

  6. Online Marketplaces:

    • Examples: Etsy, eBay
    • Function: Facilitates the sale of handmade, vintage, or unique items.

Impact on Workers:

  1. Flexibility:

    • Gig economy apps provide workers with the flexibility to choose when and where they work, allowing for a better work-life balance.

  2. Income Diversification:

    • Individuals can engage in multiple gig economy jobs simultaneously, diversifying their sources of income.

  3. Accessibility:

    • Gig work is often accessible to a wide range of people, including those who may face barriers to traditional employment.

  4. Challenges:

    • Lack of job security, benefits, and consistent income are common challenges faced by gig workers. Additionally, issues related to worker classification and labor rights have sparked debates.

Impact on Businesses:

  1. Cost-Efficiency:

    • Businesses can save costs by hiring on a project basis, avoiding the need for long-term employment contracts.

  2. Scalability:

    • Gig economy apps enable businesses to scale their operations up or down quickly in response to demand fluctuations.

  3. Access to Specialized Skills:

    • Companies can tap into a global pool of talent for specific tasks, gaining access to specialized skills that may not be available in-house.

Future Trends:

  1. Regulation and Worker Protections:

    • There is a growing push for increased regulation to ensure fair treatment of gig workers, including discussions about benefits, wages, and classification.

  2. Technology Integration:

    • Advancements in technology, such as AI and blockchain, may play a role in shaping the future of gig economy apps, improving efficiency and security.

  3. Industry Expansion:

    • The gig economy is likely to expand into new sectors as technology continues to evolve, creating opportunities for workers in various industries.

A Sense of Adventure


If you live for adventure, then running your own gig business may be for you. Becoming a business owner means you’ll be delving into areas of work that you may not have a lot of experience in. You’ll be responsible for setting up your business from scratch and any marketing you need to attract customers. But you’ll also be opening yourself to paid opportunities you’ve never even thought of before. For example, if have a knack for numbers, you can freelance helping other businesses manage their books. Sites like Fiverr can help you get started and will open up a huge customer base for you. Plus, you can use Fiverr in your own business marketing by hiring a graphic designer, copywriters, or other freelance like yourself. If you like this article share it on Twitter or your favorite social media. 

People Skills


If you plan to run your own business, interacting with people and building relationships is a must. Good interpersonal skills, also known as soft skills, will help you communicate, manage your emotions, negotiate, solve problems, and resolve conflict. But that’s not all--they’ll also help you get clients. Most prospective customers will want to interview you before they decide to hire you, so it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on successful interview techniques that will help your skills, both interpersonal and practical, shine.

An Ability to Stay Organized


The organization is key to successfully running your own business, whether it’s a side gig or a permanent freelance startup. You have to keep your schedule balanced and organized to make the most of your time and meet deadlines. Think about downloading a calendar or task-management app for your phone or laptop. These helpful tools will allow you to productively keep track of your work throughout the day and can even send you reminders to help you stay on top of things.

Some Serious Flexibility


Work can come in at a moment’s notice, so you need to be flexible in your schedule as well. One of the perks of the gig economy is that you have some control over when you work and for how long. You may be able to write some freelance articles on the weekend or pick up some passengers for your rideshare gig on holidays. Making the most of your gig means being flexible as to when you work. You don’t have to stick to a 9-5, and you may not have to work eight hours a day. Flexibility is part of any freelance or side gig work.

Tenacity and Integrity in All You Do


When you run your own gig, you are your brand. You have to go out and be proactive in seeking out lucrative opportunities. You have to put yourself out there to get the work you need to make your business successful. Social media and the web are perfect avenues for promoting your business and getting the attention you need. Be honest with your customers and be committed to your work so that you can ask for reviews from happy clients. In this day and age, reviews can make or break a business. So, keep your reviews at a five-star rating at all times.

A Knack for Adapting


Clients’ needs and expectations can change with time, so you have to be willing to evolve your business to meet shifting needs. This may mean targeting different demographics or updating the way you market yourself in the community. Be aware of current business trends to stay relevant to your gig.

You’ll also need to adapt some parts of your life. If you don’t have a home office or workspace with some basic equipment and furniture that will help you focus on your business, now is a good time to set one up. If you want to spend a little extra, you can hire a handyman or carpenter to custom-build a desk, cabinets, and cord organizer. Depending on how much work you need to be done, it should cost you $146 - $576 to hire a handyman in Columbus. Please leave a comment what is your gig you always wanted to start?

The Desire for Financial Independence


If you want control over your life and finances, working for yourself is a good option. Freelance and gig work allow you to control your finances and put you in charge of all of your profits. You can typically set your own rates for the work you do and determine when it makes sense to give yourself a raise. Gig work also means that paychecks may not come on a regular schedule, so you need to have a tight budget worked out as well.

If you have what it takes, then gig or freelance work may be the perfect fit for you. Financial freedom, personal flexibility, and extra income are just some of the perks, so good luck getting your start with your own gig!


Gig Economy Apps



Photo Credit: Pixabay

Julie Morris
Life and Career Coach
 
 
 
 

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2 Comments

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    ReplyDelete