Two main factors continue to rapidly change the American workforce, as of 2017. Both the gig economy and business automation affect workers in positive ways. When these two aspects come together, independent contractors have a prime opportunity to take their work to new heights. This happens either due to the latest technological innovations or when companies scale processes to make work more efficient.
Computer Technology
Computer technology creates several business automation processes, and these innovations escalated this paradigm to the forefront of workers' minds. Wireless connectivity, apps on smartphones and tablet computers allow workers to use cloud-based information, freelance platforms and customers in ways that weren't possible five years ago. After larger companies invested in these technologies, costs came down, and smaller companies could afford to invest in automated processes.
Although business automation may seem like it threatens workers, freelancers who teach themselves how to use technological tools have an advantage. They can connect with clients anywhere, maintain relationships, network with more companies and earn more money as independent contractors build and grow their own businesses. Instead of working, the gig economy gives anyone the chance to become entrepreneurs. This occurs whether you seek out your own clients or log into an online platform that aggregates gig workers and companies in one place.
One thing that platforms need to improve is the way they connect clients with workers. Many times, companies and workers alike complain that posts for projects are vague and don't really show what a project entails. Platforms and workers want a better matching process, and that comes when more companies adopt business automation software that learns as it works. When these programs improve, workers have better connections with projects and companies appropriate to their skill levels. This creates more opportunities for making money, almost as if you have steady, full-time work.
How You Know You're a Gig Worker
Answer three questions to understand if you're a gig worker or an actual employee of a company. Do you have more than one customer or client for whom you work? Do you perform short-term projects that last a few day or weeks, or do you have a long-term relationship over the scope of an extremely large project? Do you check in with the company every day or have regular hours every day or week? If you recognize that you work for one company over several months and have regular contact with that firm, you might think of yourself as employee rather than someone who has the freedom to work anywhere.
The beauty of business automation and being a gig worker is that you can work anytime and anywhere. If you want to work until 2 a.m. and sleep in until noon, you can do so. Expand your gig empire by taking on multiple clients and growing your income. The more software tools you master, the more efficient you make your workflows. When your work becomes more efficient, you have the freedom to accept more clients and expand your reach.
Business automation helps gig workers tap into the freelance economy rather than hurt someone's chances of finding work. The sooner you master these tools, the better your freelance opportunities become.
Photo courtesy of Mark Warner at Flickr.com
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