Artificial Intelligence And The Gig Economy

Dr. Kimberly West

Dr Kimberly West

The gig economy has been on the rise for the past decade, with more and more people choosing to work as freelancers or independent contractors instead of full-time employees. While this trend has allowed workers to have more flexibility and control over their work, it also presents its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing time and resources effectively.

Fortunately, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology are now making it easier for gig economy workers to get their jobs done faster and more efficiently than ever before. Here are just a few ways AI is helping artists, copywriters, web developers, editors, and other gig workers streamline their work processes:

Automating Time-Consuming Tasks

One of the most significant benefits of AI for gig workers is its ability to automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks, such as data entry, research, or even content creation. For example, AI-powered tools can help copywriters generate new headlines, summaries, or even full articles based on existing content or keywords. This saves writers a significant amount of time and allows them to focus on more complex or creative aspects of their work.

Similarly, web developers can use AI-powered tools to automate tasks such as testing, debugging, and optimization. For example, tools like DeepTest can automatically detect and fix bugs in web applications, reducing the need for manual testing and troubleshooting.

Improving Communication and Collaboration

Another way AI is aiding gig economy workers is by improving communication and collaboration between team members. AI-powered tools such as Slack, Trello, or Asana can help workers stay organized, share files and information, and collaborate in real-time, regardless of their location or time zone.

Similarly, AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants can help freelancers manage their schedules, communicate with clients, and handle administrative tasks, such as invoicing or contract negotiation. This not only saves time but also ensures that important tasks and deadlines are not overlooked or forgotten.

Personalizing Content and Services

AI is also helping gig workers personalize their content and services to meet the unique needs and preferences of their clients. For example, AI-powered analytics tools can help artists and designers analyze customer data, such as demographics or buying habits, and create personalized visual content or branding strategies accordingly.

Similarly, AI-powered writing tools can help copywriters create more engaging and persuasive content by analyzing customer feedback, sentiment, and language patterns. This allows writers to tailor their messaging to specific audiences, resulting in higher engagement and conversion rates.

Improving Workflow Efficiency

Finally, AI is improving the overall workflow efficiency of gig economy workers by identifying bottlenecks, streamlining processes, and providing actionable insights for improvement. For example, AI-powered project management tools can help freelancers track their progress, prioritize tasks, and identify areas where they can improve their productivity.

Similarly, AI-powered analytics tools can help editors and content creators track the performance of their content, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions about future content strategy. This not only improves the quality and relevance of their content but also helps them stay ahead of the competition.

It’s important to note that while AI is incredibly useful for gig workers, it’s not a replacement for human skills and creativity. AI tools can aid in the production of certain types of content or tasks, but they can’t replace the critical thinking, problem-solving, and artistic abilities that humans bring to the table.

In conclusion, AI is helping to transform the gig economy by making it easier for freelancers and independent contractors to manage their time and resources more efficiently. Whether it’s automating time-consuming tasks, improving communication and collaboration, personalizing content and services, or improving workflow efficiency, AI is providing gig workers with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced marketplace. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more benefits for gig workers in the years to come.

Taking Your Gig On The Road… Internationally!

Dr. Kimberly West

Dr. Kimberly West

The gig economy is big these days. Taking your gig on the road can be a way to work and travel at the same time. But what, exactly, does this mean?

In short, the gig economy is a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. The rise of the gig economy has been fueled by the advent of technology and the growing trend of companies outsourcing work to contractors or freelancers instead of hiring full-time employees.

Working in the gig economy has many benefits. It gives you the freedom to choose when and where you work, as well as how much you work. This can be a great way to earn extra income or even make a living, depending on your skillset. And if you get sick of one place, you can simply pack up and move to another.

However, there are also some challenges that come with working in the gig economy. For one, you may have to deal with income insecurity, as there is no guarantee of consistent work. Additionally, you may have to contend with weak labor rights and protections, as well as a lack of employee benefits such as healthcare and retirement savings plans.

So, should you take your gig on the road? If you’re feeling adventurous and have a solid understanding of the challenges involved, then why not! Below are three tips that will help you make the most out of working in the gig economy from various countries:

1) Do your research: Make sure that you understand the local laws and regulations around freelance work before packing your bags and moving to another country. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations that need to be followed, so it’s important that you’re familiar with them before setting up shop. Not doing your research could land you in hot water with authorities, or worse.

2) Stay organized & manage your finances: Because gigs can often be irregular or last-minute, it’s important to stay organized and keep on top of your finances. This means carefully tracking your expenses and setting aside money for taxes. Doing so will help ensure that you’re able to make ends meet while working in the gig economy from abroad.

THE CRM SECRET:

 It Makes You Super Productive in the Gig Economy

Daryl A Williams

Operating in the gig economy still means you must compete against larger firms. Customer relationship management (CRM) software is the magic that can help those working in the gig economy be  as efficient and effective as large corporations. CRM software helps gig workers track and manage their customer base, as well as store important customer data that can be used to make more informed decisions about how to best serve their customers.

CRM software also allows gig workers to easily segment their customers into different “buckets” of information. Such a move  allows gig workers to manage each customer relationship in an organized and focused manner. Gig workers are better able to keep track  of which customers they have reached out to, as well as the messages they sent. It also allows them to get a better understanding of the needs of each individual customer so they can individually tailor their services.

CRM software enables gig workers to target current and potential customers with tailored messages based on their preferences and past interactions with them. This helps increase the likelihood that they will make a purchase or take advantage of a service offered by the gig worker. CRM software generates feedback from customers which enables gig workers to improve  their services or products to better meet customer needs.

One of the main benefits of using CRM software for people in the gig economy is its ability to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks like personalized follow-up emails or scheduling appointments with clients directly from the platform itself. Here CRM saves time and money and makes the gig workers look and act like a  large corporation. 

Overall, having access to a robust CRM system that is tailored specifically for people in the gig economy provides them with a powerful tool for building strong relationships with their current customers while increasing sales opportunities through targeted marketing campaigns aimed at reaching new ones. Gig workers who invest in quality CRM software are more likely to see higher rates of customer satisfaction and loyalty over time – both aspects are critical for success within this competitive market.

Taking Your Gig On The Road… Internationally!

Dr. Kimberly West

The gig economy is big these days. Taking your gig on the road can be a way to work and travel at the same time. But what, exactly, does this mean?

In short, the gig economy is a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. The rise of the gig economy has been fueled by the advent of technology and the growing trend of companies outsourcing work to contractors or freelancers instead of hiring full-time employees.

Working in the gig economy has many benefits. It gives you the freedom to choose when and where you work, as well as how much you work. This can be a great way to earn extra income or even make a living, depending on your skillset. And if you get sick of one place, you can simply pack up and move to another.

However, there are also some challenges that come with working in the gig economy. For one, you may have to deal with income insecurity, as there is no guarantee of consistent work. Additionally, you may have to contend with weak labor rights and protections, as well as a lack of employee benefits such as healthcare and retirement savings plans.

So, should you take your gig on the road? If you’re feeling adventurous and have a solid understanding of the challenges involved, then why not! Below are three tips that will help you make the most out of working in the gig economy from various countries:

1) Do your research: Make sure that you understand the local laws and regulations around freelance work before packing your bags and moving to another country. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations that need to be followed, so it’s important that you’re familiar with them before setting up shop. Not doing your research could land you in hot water with authorities, or worse.

2) Stay organized & manage your finances: Because gigs can often be irregular or last-minute, it’s important to stay organized and keep on top of your finances. This means carefully tracking your expenses and setting aside money for taxes. Doing so will help ensure that you’re able to make ends meet while working in the gig economy from abroad.

3) Build a strong network: When working in any foreign country, building a strong network is crucial. This will give you access to potential clients or employers, as well as help with things like finding housing or getting around town. Attend local events or join relevant online communities so that you can start networking with other professionals in your field. 

Take your gig on the road! Working in the gig economy from different countries can be a great way to earn income or even make a living, while traveling the world. Just remember to do your research beforehand, stay organized & manage your finances carefully, and build a strong network once you arrive at your destination. With these three tips in mind, Working in the gig economy from various countries will be a piece of cake!

How to Find the Right Gig For You

Charles A. West

“I finally got it done,” a friend said to me months ago. I smiled knowing that it had taken her some time to find and launch the right gig for her, doing voiceovers. Her previous gigs ranged from writing short stories and editing manuscripts to writing speeches and teaching writing for online platforms.  The gig she launched utilized her training, captured her passion, and made her day job more bearable. She had found the right gig the old-fashioned way, research, trial and error.  It Just goes to show you, that anyone can find the right gig. The trick is doing your homework and testing to see what works for you. Here are five things to consider to find the right gig for you: 

  1. Understand What A Gig Is
  2. .Identify Your Why 
  3. Examine Earnings Potential
  4. Develop Your Gig Profile
  5. Select the Right Gig for You

Understand What A Gig Is 

Musicians were some of the first to talk about gigs years ago. They called their work gigs because it was usually short-term engagement.  Musicians were always on the lookout for the next gig because they were in a sense entrepreneurs. Hip folks began to use musician slang and before long gig became part of everyday language. No matter who used it, a gig was short-term.  

Having a gig makes you an entrepreneur. You are on you own and responsible for looking after your interests. You are responsible for finding the gigs, setting the price for your services, collecting the money, accounting for the money, paying the taxes and if it is your only employment, setting funds aside for your retirement and health insurance. 

Identify Your Why 

Research indicates over 30% of the population is engaged in some form of gig work. By 2026, the participation rate is projected to reach 50%.  The primary reason most people start a gig is to earn extra money.  Secondary reasons include independence, flexibility, job satisfaction, pursuing a passion, and or testing a business idea.   In order to help you find the gig for you, identify the top three or four reasons that you want to start a gig. Then use this list to evaluate potential gig candidates. 

Examine Earning Potential

Since the primary reason for starting a gig is to earn extra money, that should be one of the first things you consider when looking at a gig. How much you earn is a function of your skill level.  Hourly earnings can range anywhere from $5  to the hundreds per hour or project.  At the bottom level are low-skilled gigs like ridesharing and food delivery. In the top-earning categories are highly skilled including doctors, lawyers, and cybersecurity experts. It’s important to examine the current and projected future earnings of potential gigs

Develop Your Gig Profile

The Gig economy is not one size fits all and is not for everyone. There are potential opportunities for everyone in every industry. However, you should identify the ones that fit you. A good tool to have is your gig profile. Your gig profile identifies your why, your skills, experiences, and your goals.  

Select the Right Gig for You 

Some people rush into the gig economy without doing any homework.  The results do not meet the primary goal, earn extra money or secondary goals, job satisfaction, pursue a passion and or test a business idea. On the other hand, if you develop your gig profile, you can begin the process of identifying and selecting the right gig for you.  Each gig would be compared to the gig profile that you have developed. The next step is to select three or four gigs that meet your gig profile. The final step is to choose from the three or four and try them on for size. If it does not work, you can return to the previous list of candidates and select another. 

Gig Experience Can Help You Get A Job

Dr. Charles A. west

Sounds funny doesn’t it, Having  Gig Experience Can Help you Get A  Job.  It’s true and makes sense when you think about it. Having a gig requires you to have many of the same skills employers are looking for: focus, hard work, self-starter, discipline, profit focus, communications, critical thinking and time management. Studies show most employers would choose the applicant with gig experience over job experience.  Applicants with gig experience have had real-time experience in trying to generate profits and making all of the business components work. They tend to have the skills employers believe are necessary for job success.   Today more than 7.4 million people are unemployed with 2.2 million over 27 weeks. One of the reasons many of the unemployed are not considered is they do not have the skills deemed necessary by the recruiter/employer. The AI used to initially screen job applicants automatically screen out those that do not meet all of the requirement criteria. Those with gig experience meet many of those criteria and often pass the initial screening. The trick is to match your gig skills with the specific skill required for the targeted job. What this requires is translating your gig skills into resume language. 

The Gig Economy is a Bridge  to Entrepreneurship

Daryl A. Williams

The gig economy has been a hot topic lately. It seems everyone is either talking about it or trying to make their way into the gig economy. But what is the gig economy, exactly? And more importantly, what can it do for you? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the gig economy and its bridge to entrepreneurship. We’ll also discuss some of the pros and cons of working in the gig economy and how it can help or hurt your career path. So whether you’re thinking about making a move to the gig economy or you’re just curious about what all the fuss is about, keep reading!

The gig economy is often thought of as a way to make extra money on the side. However, as stated above, it can also be a bridge to entrepreneurship. For example, you can test products and services before investing in a large inventory. This can help to reduce the risk of failure and minimize investment. In addition, the gig economy provides an opportunity to build a customer base and generate income before quitting a day job. This can provide the financial resources and confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. As a result, the gig economy can be an important stepping stone for anyone looking to start their own business.

Making the transition from being a gig worker to becoming an entrepreneur can be a daunting task. After all, as a gig worker, you are used to working on your own, setting your own hours, and being your own boss. However, when you become an entrepreneur, you are suddenly responsible for a lot more than just yourself. In addition to running your own business, you also have to worry about things like payroll, marketing, and product development. So how do you make the transition from gig worker to successful entrepreneur? The first step is to change your mindset. Instead of thinking of yourself as a freelancer or consultant, start thinking of yourself as a business owner. This shift in mindset will help you take the necessary steps to build a successful business.

The second step is to master your craft. As an entrepreneur, you need to be an expert in your field in order to be successful. So take the time to learn everything you can about your chosen industry. By doing so, you’ll be positioned to create a successful business that can compete in today’s marketplace.

So, if you’re feeling entrepreneurial but don’t want to risk everything on a new product or service, the gig economy might be just what you need. You can test your idea without making a huge investment and see how it resonates with customers. And if it does well, then you can make the jump to entrepreneurship with more confidence. But remember, this is only possible if you have the right mindset and mastery of your craft. Are you ready to take the plunge?

If You Quit Your Job You Still Have to Earn a Living

Dr. Charles A West

We don’t recommend that you quit your job without having a survival plan.  However, if you have already quit,  there are many gigs available. Some are skilled and some are not so skilled. The key to generating income is finding a need/want and being able to satisfy it.  For example, everywhere you look you see a strong demand for same-day service or within two-hour service delivery.  This can be food, packages, medicines, furniture, and other consumer goods.  You can generate income here but not a lot because it is not considered one of the highly skilled jobs. The average food delivery person earns less than $15 an hour. Compensation on any gig is just like compensation on any job, is based on skill level and experience. But if you have technology skills you can significantly increase the compensation level. You can provide marketing, customer reviews, surveys, social media management, and data mining services.   For example, if you understand social media, you can manage social media for small businesses. Few small businesses have the time or expertise to manage a social media account.  A couple of years ago, we recommended to a small business that they ought to mine their customer list. Instead of waiting for the customer to decide when to seek service for their car, the business should be driving the customer to the business with an ongoing marketing campaign that educated, informed, and assisted the customer in maintaining the value of their automobile. As a result, the business was able to increase its revenue significantly as well as create a more predictable flow of income.

A Side Gig Might Allow You to Quit Your Job

One of our 7 secrets is a gig makes you recession-proof. Gigs can provide you with some income to survive during difficult times. From the first time that I heard my accounting professor say, get yourself a little cash business on the side, thru the Great Recession when many people discovered the gig economy, to the current pandemic, where many people rediscovered the gig economy, gigs have given people an employment option.  After selling handbags on 125th street and 7th avenue in NYC and being able to put a down payment on my first house, gigs have been a continuous part of my life. No matter what level or secure my employment, the gig provided me with insurance to be able to pay many of my bills during any one of several recessions that I lived through.  Just saying.

Gig Lessons from the Great Recession

The gig economy came of age during the Great Recession 2007-2010. Over 8.1 million jobs were lost and people had to figure out how to survive. They cobbled together various gigs to make ends meet and in some cases returned home to live with their parents. A group leveraged underutilized assets like cars, houses, and tools.  As the economy improved, many people decided that they enjoyed gig work and chose to continue instead of going back to corporate. They enjoyed gig benefits like independence, control, remote work, flexibility, respect, adequate compensation and work-life balance.  Studies indicate many of these benefits are the rationale provided by people who quit their jobs over the last three months and became part of the Great Resignation wave.  

Don’t be Fooled by the Hype… Having A Gig is Work

No matter where you look there is an article about the gig economy. Many would have you believe that you can be up and running instantly. Others will tell you that you can make loads of money. Few tell you the truth, “you become an entrepreneur when you enter the freelance gig economy. We label this as secret number 1 in our ToolKit. Being an entrepreneur means that there is work, risk, competition, and market challenges. Your success will be based on your ability to navigate all of these factors. You can do it like many others before you. But you want your decision to pursue a gig based on fact, not fantasy.

What’s in your Mindset?

Daryl A. Williams

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste”, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”, and “What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve”. What is the common theme among all these great quotes?…you got it Mindset!  The Oxford Language definition of Mindset is ”the established set of attitudes held by someone”…I would add to the beginning of that definition “Individuals act and behave” according to the established set of attitudes held by someone.

What am I trying to say here? I suggest that to a large extent an individual’s ability to learn new skills and achieve desired goals depends on the mindset of said individual. Wait…wait..I do understand the nature of inequality and the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in our society. So listen closely…I am not saying it will take the same effort to achieve the same outcomes for individuals, nor am I saying the level you reach after you obtain the same goal as another individual will result in similar accolades. What I am saying is great things can happen for you with the correct mindset.

Take the case of 2 professional basketball players Patrick Beverly and Lebron James. Patrick Beverly is 6ft.1 inches tall, and hails from Chicago public schools. After a stellar high-school career he went to the University of Arkansas where he showed promise but academic misconduct derailed him. Could have quit…didn’t quit. Then he was drafted in the second round of the NBA but mediocre play eventually forced him to played overseas in Ukraine, Greece , and Russia over a 3 and 1/2 year period. Could have quit…didn’t quit. In 2013 he joined the Houston Rockets and has been a solid NBA player since. In Patricks own words it was “either hoop or sell dope”, he chose to hoop.

Now let’s look at Lebron James, an Akron, Ohio basketball prodigy since 12. Gifted with size and speed at 6ft. 8 inches tall, Lebron also came from humble beginnings but was identified as NBA-bound from an early age. On the cover of Sports Illustrated in high school with the title “the chosen one” Lebron was the number one draft pick in the NBA directly out of high school at age 17. Lebron could have rested on those laurels and been another good player in the league. However, Lebron has shown a tireless work ethic and mental toughness that allowed him to win 4 world championships after 9 years of “coming close” and now he has become one of the greatest players in history. Could have quit…didn’t quit.

Both Patrick and LeBron, though blessed with different levels of skill, physical attributes and resources, had a desire to play basketball at the highest level. Their paths were different and I would suggest that Patrick’s road was much more difficult. But the mindset of both of these players was never to give up and prepare for the task with the belief that you can achieve your desired goal, The results for these players are not the same as LeBron is an all-time great and Patrick is a solid NBA contributor but both players compete on the same court and have a job many dream of as members of the best basketball players in the world,  Both players achieved their goals because of their mindset.

So what about us individuals not involved in sports…what can we learn from this story? Understand the power of your mindset in anything you do, You must believe you can achieve what it is you are attempting or you will have little chance of achieving it.

“Want to quit…don’t quit”.

The Great Recession and Great Resignation

Dr. Charles A. West

We have gone from the Great Recession between 2007-2009 to the Great Resignation in 2021. In both cases, millions of jobs and lives have been impacted. Mention the Great Recession and many people glare at you trying to figure out what you are talking about. Some are too young to know and others would rather forget. Say the Great Resignation and many of the same people automatically get it.  Because it is happening now. Over 4 million people resigned from their jobs in September. But the Great Recession and Great Resignation are inextricably linked according to the Freelance Gig Gurus. Here’s how.

The Great Recession was one of the major factors that spawned the gig economy, the new labor marketplace where over 50 million people seek and find temporary work in the U.S.. The other three factors were technology, changing perception of work and decreased job creation. Over 8 million jobs were lost during the economic meltdown called the Great Recession. People had to make ends meet when they lost their jobs and cobbled together different gigs to survive. They also leveraged underutilized assets like cars, housing, boats, airplanes to generate income. Uber, Lyft, AirBnB, Etsy, Touro, Fiverr, and Upwork, offered work. 

When the economy began to recover, some people working at gigs realized they liked gig work better than their previous employment.  Gigs provided individuals with many benefits that they had always longed for: Independence, Flexibility, Control, Better Work-Life Balance  (Redefining Success) Work Remotely, Get paid what you are worth, Respect, Growth and Self-Improvement. It’s estimated that The gig economy grew from around 10 million people after the Great Recession to over 50 million today and will represent half of the jobs in the economy by 2026. Interesting enough, studies of people who were part of the Great Resignation found them motivated by some of the same factors that made gig work attractive after the Great Recession. And the pandemic contributed further to the Great Resignation. 

Did we learn anything from the Great Recession which occurred between 2007-2009?