The gig economy is the new buzzword. Gig originated with creative workers like musicians and actors. We bounced from one short-term job to another and called them gigs.
I continue to use the term, but it feels outdated. With the rise of the Internet and digital platforms like eBay, the barrier to making money from a side job became next to nothing. Having your own business became simpler.
Freelance platforms like Upwork made it easier for businesses to connect with workers they needed for specific projects or on a part-time basis. These platforms made it easy for workers to connect with jobs worldwide.
How can your business benefit? It’s simple to add an expert you need to your team. A wide range of talent is at your fingertips, from graphic designers to coders.
The right expert can be costly to hire, and you may not need them every day. Using freelancers gives your business flexibility. It reduces costs, both in hiring and space.
Freelancers work remotely, for the most part. They’re easy to bring to a project quickly, keeping it moving without waiting for a new employee. You don’t need to deal with payroll or taxes.
You will need to watch out for labor laws. Make sure your freelancer or independent contractor fills out a W9. Freelancers work when and where they prefer.
They should invoice you for their work. Using them can boost your business by saving money and gaining expert help. But realize they’re not employees and don’t treat them as such.
Author: Kris Keppeler is a writer who finds technology fascinating and loves humor. She writes on Medium.com, and for Women of Wisdom. An award-winning podcast producer who enjoys telling funny stories. Follow her on Twitter @KrisNarrates or on LinkedIn.
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