There are many instances in the life cycle of a small business when using gig economy workers rather than hiring in-house can be a winning, profit-conscious choice.
The gig economy is defined by a vast pool of temporary, flexible and freelance workers whom a business contracts for a given period of time. Gig economy workers specialize in a multitude of areas and include marketing professionals, merchandising experts, accountants and designers.
They can be very valuable resources, whether you own a small or mid-sized business that is in the planning stages, has just opened or is considering expansion.
Starting a business is an expensive proposition. Even small stores, say a neighborhood bodega, must contend with steep costs and run an economical spending plan. Everything from proper budgeting and accounting to marketing, advertising and design work into the equation.
Your business may be too small to afford a full-time accountant or business planner. A marketing guru may be well beyond your means. However, their roles and resources should not be dismissed.
By employing a temporary consultant, you can actually make your money stretch further. A big advantage of freelancers compared to full-time staffers is that you can avoid paying skyrocketing health benefits.
In addition, business owners generally do not have to pay freelancers for sick days. However, be sure to carry out your due diligence prior to signing a contract. Some cities have passed laws requiring certain companies to provide paid sick time to freelancers.
The vital importance of an attorney reviewing gig worker contracts, no matter how brief they may be, or innocuous they sound, cannot be overstated. All of the savings that you stand to gain by using contract workers can be undone if you gloss over a short phrase or notation.
Still, hiring gig workers can be worth every dime. Examples of freelancers assisting you in unfamiliar aspects of your business include marketing experts who can guide you in spreading the word about your store throughout the community.
They can also give helpful tips on how you can attract patrons, build a customer base, and use social media and other digital communications to substantially increase revenue generation.
A merchandiser can help layout your store for maximum effectiveness, while a designer can create a catchy logo and brand. A freelance photographer can capture high-quality, interior and exterior images of the store to use in marketing campaigns and other profitable ventures.
Temporary workers are also very beneficial if you are looking to expand your business by opening stores in areas where people speak different languages or have different cultural and social traditions than your current location. Business owners could hire someone who knows the target audience of the new locale and best integrate your store into the area.
There is a gig worker for just about every business scenario that may enter your mind. You may say, “there is no one that specializes to help my company.” Do some research and you may find many ways to boost your bottom line.
