Gig Industry: Expectations vs Reality

Currently, working in the gig industry or as a freelancer is one of the most desired type of work. We are aware of some of the reasons why people choose remote work but like everything in life, there's always two sides to a coin.

If you have been itching to get first-hand information about the realities of the gig industry, then you might want to buckle down and pay close attention. More importantly, stick around to the end.

What people think the Gig Industry is

Quite frankly, most freelancers get into the gig industry because of the freedom it brings.

Freedom could mean liberation from answering to employers, the privilege to spend time doing other important things or just earning extra income from a different stream. These are valid reasons. In fact, these are great reasons.

However, desires can quickly turn into unrealistic expectations. That's why it's expedient to adequately have plans in place before making a drastic career or business switch.

When people think gig-work, they assume the following;

1. Client overload: Beginner freelancers always assume that the minute they set up a gig account, orders start popping instantly.

With gig work, a lot of patience and strategy is required. It is very likely that 2 months after setting up a gig profile, no one will patronize your work. And this isn't because you are not talented or skilled but there's a process.

People want to trust who they choose to work with. Setting up a gig account isn't enough to start getting gigs. A lot more work needs to be put in such as crafting an attractive profile, and also setting up competitive rates that can attract potential clients.

2. Less interaction with people: This has to be one of the popular reasons introverts decide to become freelancers. Working with human beings and managing all the details of social interactions isn't exactly a walk in the park, either for introverts or extroverts.

With traditional work, you always have to meet with your bosses, colleagues, or clients. Gig work requires even more refined people skills. You can't avoid interacting with other humans by becoming a freelancer.

Your ability to convince, convert and manage your potential clients will determine if you get booked or referred. Possessing people skills is a big success factor in the gig industry.

It's true some gigs are purely remote. But with remote work, communication is still a vital factor. If you lack the ability to properly communicate, you might come off as rude, insensitive or unprofessional.

Being a gig worker or freelancer doesn't exempt you from human interactions.

3. Work-life Balance: 24 hours never seem to be enough for the 9-5 worker and so we assume getting gigs should provide us with more time.

False!

If you are not careful, you'll end up wishing you had your 9-5 back because there's always something to do for your clients. It might not be that you have demanding clients but it is possible that there will be due deliverables.

In addition, procrastination and overworking are two extremes associated with working in the gig industry. Some freelancers assume there's more than enough time, reverting to doing last minute work while some others never stop working.

Striking a balance and practicing time management is essential for career growth in the gig industry. Work-life balance is achievable for freelancers but this can only be come about by discipline.

4. More money: Freelancers are pro charge-your-worth individuals. Freelancers believe they should earn the rates they set. And while they may be correct, there's also a counter argument.

Clients like to pay what they think people are worth. For clients to pay you what you believe you are worth, you must project yourself as valuable. Your branding game must be topnotch otherwise, you’d assume all the stats about freelancing is a lie.

People don't part with their money that easily, and as such, you have to do your best to earn that trust.

5. Work from home with ease: Some African parents are yet to adjust to the work-from-home business model. So even when you might be earning more, some African parents might think we are lazing around. It will take some time for them to come around.

Freelancers with kids often experience difficulty when working from home because their families always desire their attention.

Getting a work space might be a more preferable option than working from home. If not, you'll discover that you spend more time dealing with African parents or managing family life as opposed to working with your clients and giving your best.

How to handle the realities of Gig-Work (Freelancing)

All these seem like a lot to take in but don't give up on freelancing just yet. Freelancing is the future and it is very profitable. There are several strategies for winning in this industry and you'll understand them in a bit.

With courage, patience, professionalism and resilience, you'll be on top in no time.

Here's what you should do:

1. Understand your WHY: If you will play the long game, you have to put your purpose before your eyes. Always remember why you chose this line of work. The road to success is more bumpy than it is smooth. The only reason successful people succeed is because they place their goal above the challenges and uncertainties they might face.

2. Clarify your brand message: To get gigs, be specific about what you offer. You might want to answer questions such as,

i. Who do I want to serve?

ii. Why do I want to serve them?

iii. What product/service solves my target audience's challenges?

iv. Why should my potential clients choose me?

3. Set up an outstanding profile: After having a clear brand message, you need to set up your profile to match your client's professional expectations. Whatever gig platform you choose, remember that you need to be exceptional, professional and authentic.

To get gigs on any gig platform (e.g. bookingsafrica.com), be original yet professional. Use a high quality profile picture and stick to being excellent in all your projects.

4. Post reviews: Customers only book service providers who they can trust. Trust can be easily earned when there are reviews, ratings and real customers.

Potential clients like to see that at least one person has booked your services. The trick to getting reviews as a newbie on any gig platform is seeking help. Asking friends and family to pose as clients that book your services actually works. This is a good way to earn clients and credibility.

5. Be professional: Maintain a professional outlook every single time you get booked. From start to completion of a project, engage in a polite and pristine manner. Satisfied customers will often recommend and refer to good service professionals.

6. Take courses: Stay on top of your game by taking courses, attending webinars and live events. Keep learning and growing to sharpen your skills.

7. Amplify and advertise: People only buy products they know about. Talk about what you do. Be bold and loud about the services you offer. In fact, you can get more clients to book you on bookingsafrica.com by offering discounts only to registered users.

8. Stay optimistic: You have to believe that you will succeed as a freelancer. When the going gets tough, get tougher. Stay positive.

9. Stay ready: Prepare for the quality and quantity of clients you want. Only ready service providers make money through gigs.

10. Have other streams of income: We know that the gig industry can take some time to adjust to and so we advise that you get other streams of income.

In conclusion, the gig industry remains profitable and your expectations can become a reality in no time.