If your goal is to turn your part-time gig into a full-time job, I’m excited for you! The perks and flexibility of working for yourself are real, and the gig economy has made it easier than ever to follow your entrepreneurial spirit. That said, it still takes a lot of work to get to a place where you can leave your day job, sustain a family, and achieve the lifestyle of your dreams. Luckily, I have a few tips that can help you take your gig to the next level.
- Invest in your business. Put simply, owning your own business is going to take a lot of your time, talent, and treasure. While you should keep a close eye on how many hours and dollars you are spending pursuing your professional goals, you have to be willing to invest in the tools, education, personnel, and other resources you need to succeed. Here’s a great list of areas where you can save and places where you might want to splurge.
- Always be networking. You never know where you’ll find your next investor, employee, or great idea. Networking with other local professionals is a great way to promote your business, share your knowledge, and practice your soft skills. Take advantage of local opportunities, in person and online, and remember — you’re there to listen and learn, not just talk and promote.
- Keep it simple. Doing too much, too fast is a sure-fire way to fail. Make a plan for yourself and your business, and stick to it. While it may be tempting to add new products, expand your service area, or take on more clients, biting off more than you can chew can leave you with surplus inventory, low operating capital, and dissatisfied customers.
- Give it time. If you read the “Getting a Gig” page, this tip looks familiar. That’s because it’s true for any member of the gig economy, no matter your end goal. Once again, the gig economy is attractive because of how easy and inexpensive it is to get started. However, not unlike building a traditional business, it takes time to build a brand, create trust, and obtain clients. If you give up too early, you’ll never know how successful you could become.
