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4 Tips for Navigating the Newly Crowded Gig Economy While competition for freelance and contract work is heating up, tried and true strategies can help set you on the right path.
In the wake of the coronavirus, unemployment in the U.S. has surged and gig workers haven't been spared. According to a recent survey, some 89 percent1 of gig workers and self-employed are now looking for a new source of income. For many, demand for their service diminished. For others, the competition heated up because there have been so many more people looking for work.
"We've definitely seen an increase in the number of people searching for remote and flexible jobs during the COVID-19 crisis," says Sara Sutton, founder and CEO of Boulder, Colo.-based FlexJobs2, a premium job search service that helps professionals find flexible work, such as part-time and full-time remote work and freelance options.
But there is good news: In recent weeks, Sutton has seen a "steady increase" in month-over-month remote job listings posted to FlexJobs. "If history is any indicator, there's a good possibility that remote freelance jobs will continue to increase just like we saw in the last recession," she says. "The current economic conditions are uncertain, and companies often turn to freelancers when it's not possible for them to take on a full-time or part-time employee due to that uncertainty."
Sutton says the fields that are particularly strong right now in hiring for freelance work include computer and IT, software development, education and training, bilingual, accounting and finance, writing, medical and health, customer service, and project management."
Opportunity is out there—if you know how to stand out from the swelling competition. Read on for smart tips about successfully navigating the newly crowded gig economy and having a sustainable future as a full-time freelancer or solopreneur—especially with services like VSP Individual Vision Plans on your side.
1. Highlight your previous remote work and education.
When you're applying for a remote job—whether it be a freelance project, an ongoing gig, etc.—you'll want to make sure to mention your previous remote work or learning experience throughout your resume and on your LinkedIn profile to help "make you stand out from a big crowd of people who are seeking remote work without that experience right now," Sutton says.
The same goes for solopreneurs with their own brands, except you'll want to make sure this information is detailed on your website and social media pages like Facebook and Google business listing.
This information can include partial and fully remote work, earning any certificates or degrees online, and time you've spent collaborating and communicating with people across time zones using email, phone, web conferencing, and other remote tools, Sutton says.
2. Detail your communication abilities when talking with potential clients.
A lot of companies and clients are new to remote work and hiring. As such, many appreciate people who are outstanding communicators both in writing and verbally, Sutton says. "Mention your communication skills and the tools you use to stay in touch in your applications, portfolios, online profiles, and in discussions with potential employers."
Part of this is reaching out in the first place. With the competition for work as high as it is, you can't afford to be hesitant about contacting old contacts. "Reach out to previous clients to let them know you're available and, if applicable, bring them up to speed on some of the projects you've worked on so they know what you're currently capable of," Sutton says. Take it a step further and start making new contacts as well—online and even in-person when possible, given social distancing measures. The more people who know you're for hire, the better.
3. Research and vet the sites you use to find freelance and remote jobs.
There are a huge variety of sources for freelance jobs so it's important to research those sources and evaluate them for your own needs. "Are there several websites, clients, recruiting agencies, and other sources that you've used reliably, or that fellow freelancers highly recommend," Sutton says. "Concentrate your efforts on those sources to maximize your chances for success."
4. Protect your most valuable asset.
As a full-time freelancer or solopreneur, your most valuable asset is yourself. That said, anyone who has recently lost a traditional job knows that finding the right types of insurance at affordable costs isn't usually easy.
That's where VSP comes in. VSP's Individual Vision Plans are designed specifically so self-employed and gig workers can buy vision coverage on their own at affordable prices. Their plans start as low as $13 per month and provide an average savings of more than $200 per year. Plus with flexible payment options, you are sure to find a plan that works for you.
Combining flexibility and savings with access to the largest network of independent eye doctors, VSP's plans come with customizable options for benefits more commonly associated with traditional employers, such as a comprehensive eye exam, prescription lenses with covered lens enhancements, and more. And while employees with traditional full-time employers typically only have the opportunity to enroll or make changes to their coverage once a year, anyone can sign up for a VSP Individual Vision Plan at any time and experience their no waiting time/same-day benefits.
1https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/gig-workers-hardest-hit-coronavirus-pandemic/
Click here to learn more about how VSP's flexible and affordable Individual Vision Plans help solopreneurs and gig workers do their best work without stress or hassle.
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