How to Grow Your Career Through The Gig Economy
Originally published: 25/11/2019 15:39
Publication number: ELQ-39469-1
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How to Grow Your Career Through The Gig Economy

With the rise in the gig economy we all have to start thinking like entrepreneurs, rather than entitled employees.

Introduction

While everyone agrees that the “gig economy” is really here, the practical realities, other than not counting on long-term employment, are not so obvious. In my role as a mentor to many business professionals, I still see some who have no idea how to adapt to the new realities. The simple answer is that we all have to start thinking like entrepreneurs, rather than entitled employees.


To me, that means treating your career more like a business than a job – with a continual and global focus on keeping up with competition, finding customers, preparing for changes ahead, and taking responsibility for your own finances. With entrepreneurial thinking, this can be a win-win, with you getting more control, and good for companies, who want the more flexible staffing.


On the other hand, if you expect your employer to push you into future training required, always have a growth opportunity waiting, and set all your work parameters, then you may find a difficult road ahead. My recommendation is that you must start today preparing yourself for the future, by thinking of your current employer as a customer, and focusing on the following specifics:

  • Step n°1 |

    Quantify your value to your employer, compared to alternatives.

    I’m not looking for a personal guess, but some real homework done via networking and the Internet to see what other companies pay for the same role. Then look ahead to assess the likelihood that your job could be eliminated with new technology, artificial intelligence, or robots.


    This may seem scary, but it’s the reality, and what every entrepreneur has to do at every stage of survival and success. The good news is that this exercise, if done well, will be the best evidence to support your next raise request, as well as showing your readiness for the new gig economy.
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  • Step n°2 |

    Assess your intellectual capital and how to increase it.

    It’s time to take a hard look at your breadth of experience, relevant relationships, connections, and skill depth, compared to your peers in that role. More intellectual capital means that you are worth more today in the marketplace.


    Take advantage of any and all current opportunities, such as industry conferences and special projects, to increase your intellectual capital for current roles and gigs in the future. Entrepreneurial thinking is all about being proactive, rather than wait to be pushed.
    How to Grow Your Career Through The Gig Economy image
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