What to Do in the Gig Economy During COVID-19

The pandemic has critically hurt the gig economy. If you’re a freelancer or subcontractor, you know this all too well. However, as more industries reopen, the demand for these various gig services is resurfacing. But to make the most out of our current situation, you need to take these two actions.

Build on Your Customer Relationships

Now is the time to reach out to current and past clients to check in. Take the time to see how they’re doing, including their families and their company’s health. Knowing you care for their well-being will go a long way. Before ending the call, mention that if they need anything, they can reach out. It’s a quick way to reactivate your list of clients while also spreading goodwill.

Pause, Improve, and Pivot

Regardless of whether you were slammed before this or not, now is the perfect time to step back and consider your well-being for a moment. Take a day or even a weekend to yourself — collect your thoughts and take stock of your business. Consider if you can cut costs while improving what you offer to your customers. As demand shifts for various markets, pivot your business model to meet your customers’ needs best, or potentially reach a new market. This is an opportunity to change your business plan if needed.

Taking almost all these steps is daunting given our unique circumstances, so it’s important to have support. Reach out to your local small business and freelance community for ideas on how to pivot. AFEUSA members have access to a supportive community eager to exchange ideas to help everyone succeed.