Considering a Gig? Here are Six Ways to Improve Your Odds of Success

Americans are leaving their corporate desks in droves as more and more workers seek the autonomy of working in the skyrocketing gig economy. Setting aside the rigid hours of eight to five and turning to on-demand work that frees up more personal time is a major lure. If you’re thinking about setting up your own gig, whether you’re pursuing environmental work or another type of business, here are six great ways to improve your odds of success.

Hone Your Skills

Your success in the gig economy is dependent on one factor above all others: you. That’s why you must take the time to assess and improve your skills on a regular basis. That includes professional skills specific to your industry or position, as well as personal skills that help you interact effectively with others. After all, you may have a killer resume and portfolio, but if you don’t have the interview skills you need to stand out in person, you probably won’t land the client. Dedicate some time each week to personal and professional development, and you can become the person everyone wants to hire.  

Make Sure You Have the Capital

Many business startups fail due to the lack of capital, and it’s not because they don’t have a keen understanding of output. In other words, most new business owners are aware of what their expenses are -- they just aren’t sure enough about what the product or service revenue is going to be, and that’s where the disconnect occurs. 

Make Sure There’s a Need 

If you’re considering starting a business selling your photography, for example, you’ll need to see who requires your services. Perhaps ad agencies are looking for photography, or talent agencies are looking for headshot photographers. Do research in the marketplace to find out a specific niche before you start. And if you’re bringing something totally new to the marketplace, be sure to claim the title of doing so first by applying for a trademark; otherwise, you’ll find others may attempt to steal your idea. 

Make Sure You Have a Business Plan 

No matter what type of business you want to establish, you’re going to need two types of business plans: one for the short term and one for the long term. A business plan is important for many reasons. It helps the owner to focus on mapping out a future, what various opportunities may arise, and what specific course of action will be needed. The plan also offers an opportunity to look at growth. 

Many gig workers choose to set themselves up as a limited liability company, so if you’re going this route, make sure to include that in your business plan. This entity offers benefits such as pass-through taxation and liability protection. Create an LLC by hiring an attorney or saving by using a formation service.

Make Sure You Have an Office

Setting up a home office can be one of the most exciting parts of the job, as you work to create the dream office you never had in the corporate world. You’ve finally got that room with a view! But working from home can make for some challenges. When you go to fix your lunch, for example, you may look around and see the house is in disorder and be tempted to tackle that instead of going back to work. Also, children home for the summer can be difficult. Working in a home office will require you to learn how to avoid distractions. 

Make Sure You Understand Your Competition

A successful business model will rely on your understanding of the competition, and this includes pricing, delivery time, and customer service. Do your research so you can understand their strengths and weaknesses and find opportunities to gain a competitive advantage. 

In addition to understanding how to improve your odds of small business success, take time to learn why small environmental businesses fail. Learning what kind of mistakes startups make will help you avoid the same pitfalls. Hard work is the best way to achieve success in the long term. 

Do you need to hire qualified environmental specialists for your business?

EnviroLinx can connect you with environmental and sustainability professionals. Post a job today!

Article by Lucy Reed from Gigmine.co