SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE GIG ECONOMY
The ability to do something or have some expertise is an advantage that people should market, especially when times are tight and competition for jobs is fierce. As the Gig Economy continues to increase its demand, a lot of people look for options to generate a secondary income. Freelancing is a regular choice for people in need of a bit extra. Generally speaking, the gig economy is a free-market system in which companies look to work with independent contractors or freelancers as opposed to hiring full-time workers.
How would you make yourself stand out?
Top skills needed to stand out in the Gig Economy:
- Interpersonal Skills
Having a good sense of verbal and non-verbal communication is essential as it is the foundation for relationships with other people. Maintaining and building rapport with your colleagues and clients is important as they would probably be your future clients again.
- Critical Thinking
Thinking clearly and systematically can improve the way we express our ideas. Critical thinking will help you move past the limitations of irrational thinking which is also vital as freelancers weigh challenges and opportunities everyday.
- Agile Learning
Agile learning compels us to create and consume content quickly. In the gig economy, everything moves at a fast pace and the majority of freelancers take up multiple projects a day unlike for a traditional employee who only needs to focus and think of one company or one job. Learning quickly is necessary as it saves time and provides more time for freelancers to complete more projects.
- Self Promotion and Branding
As an independent contractor, being a gig worker also involves having the skills to effectively market yourself to a set of companies looking for professionals. In this area, any freelancer should identify and answer the question, ‘What makes me unique?’
