Gig Mindset

Just try it.Times have changed since the days of pensions and retirement gifts of golden watches. Just like with any big changes, the change itself is met with uncertainty and fear. The reaction to the gig economy and how it’s transforming work is no different.The truth is, studies by ClearlyRated show that freelancers’ productivity, communicativeness, and engagement is no different from that of a traditionally hired full-time employee. In fact, if the company embraces the gig economy, then freelancers will be just as—if not more—engaged, skilled, and productive as traditional employees.In this episode, Eric Gregg discusses how corporations will benefit from investing in the gig economy. Eric Gregg is the CEO and founder of Inavero Research (now called ClearlyRated), which focuses on finding ways to create satisfaction for employees and clients alike.Eric shares insights into the changing nature in work, how companies look at different ways to innovate and compete, how traditional employees and freelancers need to continuously reskill to stay relevant in their work. With the evolution of work, Eric urges employers to just try it.Get ready to learn about the barriers to investing in the gig economy today and why they should be overcome.In This Episode, You Will Learn:·      How meritocracy is relevant to the gig economy.·      What systems thinking is and the role it plays in the workplace.·      How the role of job security has changed throughout generations.·      How taking control of your career path leads to long-term achievement and staying relevant.·      What the biggest fears employers have about hiring freelancers.Some Questions I Ask: ·      Why employee and client satisfaction important to you? (1:27)·      Whose responsibility is it to reskill? What is reskilling in the gig economy? (4:31)·      What are the barriers to employers investing in the gig economy? (15:22)·      What myths do you hear in your work? (22:39)·      If you could tell Fortune 500 CEOs one thing based on your research and experience, what is it? (25:39)Connect with Eric Gregg: LinkedInClearlyRated (Inavero)Resources:Made to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan HeathThe Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. FreemanM365 Freelancer Toolkit

The first step is always the hardest step.When it comes to hiring freelancers or gig workers for large or small projects, picking the very first contractor is a daunting task on its own. It’s difficult to give up that control over the execution, no matter what size the task is.The truth is, there are a lot of experts out there in the gig economy, just waiting for the right job to get posted for them. Once you find that freelancer who delivers above and beyond the expectations, tons of new opportunities open up.In this episode, Liane Scult discusses her methods for identifying appropriate work to contract out and how to find that first freelancer for the job. Liane Scult is the Senior Freelance Program Manager at Microsoft. Her superpower is bringing people together, finding the right experts, and building something out of those resources she gathers.Liane shares her insights into the importance of always asking why whenever the answer is no, and how to learn to delegate to a freelancer for the first time. She also discusses the long-term benefits of developing relationships within the gig economy, including how it impacts her career and the time she gets to spend with her family.Get ready to learn how throwing in some grit, hustling, and creatively breaking down barriers can create your pathway to success in your work. In This Episode, You Will Learn: ·      What a day in the life looks like for Liane.·      The importance of asking why? when creating solutions.·      How Liane handles balancing work and life with the use of freelancers. ·      How to handle the fears that come along with hiring freelancers for the first time.·      The long-term value of developing relationships within the gig economy. Some Questions I Ask: ·      When did you realize your superpower of bringing people together and finding experts could make a change in the world? (3:38)·      What’s something in your life that’s really inspired your work? (10:15)·      How do you identify work that would be good for a freelancer? (13:02)·      What have you learned about delegation? (18:12)·      What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing a project with a freelancer? (21:15)Connect with Liane Scult: LinkedInTwitterResource: Give Work by Leila JanahWired to Care: How Companies Prosper When They Create Widespread Empathy  by Dev PatnaikM365 Freelancer Toolkit

Are you an expert? What does that mean? Everything seems to be moving at the speed of light in today’s world, especially when it comes to the technology that makes it essential to work. Oftentimes, many professionals think that they’re experts in certain areas. In other words, people are generally poor judges of their own areas of expertise. According to Antony Brydon, efficiency in a given problem area is what makes someone an expert. Antony Brydon is the co-founder of Directly, which is a leader in CX automation, helping companies deliver better customer service at scale. This sits at the center of AI and the gig economy, essentially helping replace outsource call centers with global networks of experts that deliver better answers. In this episode, Antony discusses how utilizing real experts within a dynamic and fluid model will transform customer experiences. Specifically, Antony discusses what makes an expert, how to curate a pool of experts, and what role the marketplace plays in compensating experts for what they’re worth. Get ready to learn how AI is transforming the meaning of expertise and how that’s impacting the gig economy. In This Episode, You Will Learn: ·      Why focused marketplaces succeed more than broad marketplaces.·      How Antony evaluates one’s level of expertise.·      How Antony seeks to transform customer experiences.·      Will Work persist over time?·      Why listening skills are essential to success for entrepreneurs. Some Questions I Ask: ·      How do you curate a pool of experts? (4:02)·      What are some examples where AI and machine learning are being democratized? (7:45)·      What’s the endgame? (10:30)·      How does the marketplace handle different levels of expertise in relation to compensation? (17:06)·      What film or book has made the biggest impact on you over the past year? (20:29) Connect with Antony Brydon: LinkedInDirectly Resources: The Audacity to Win by David PlouffeM365 Freelancer Toolkit

Companies all around the world are starting to embrace new technologies and new ways of working. Nowadays, the best person to do a job may not be the person sitting next to you in the office. They might be sitting in a coffee shop in another city or even at home in another country.With new technologies and platforms in place to connect companies with a seemingly unlimited source of global freelance talent, there is no reason not to hire freelancers. As Eric Gilpin says, “It’s no longer an ‘if’ question. You need to just get started.” In this episode, Eric Gilpin busts several myths around hiring freelancers. As the Senior Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Upwork, he is very familiar with the transition that large companies have to make to hire freelancers.Eric shares some insights into how to get started working with freelancers, how to protect yourself and your intellectual property, and even how to manage time zones to optimize productivity. It’s time for companies to wake up and pay attention to the rise of the gig economy. Get ready to listen to Eric’s insights on how to start working with high-quality talent from around the world today. In This Episode, You Will Learn: ·      How companies’ need to have a competitive advantage contributes to the gig economy.·      How companies get rid of the skill gap.·      How time zones affect productivity when working with freelancers.·      How to acclimate yourself and your business when working with freelancers for the first time. Some Questions I Ask: ·      What characteristics did you have a child that help you today? (2:57)·      Why is it important for companies to wake up and pay attention to the rise of the gig economy? (6:11)·      Tell me a recent and impactful customer story. (7:44)·      How do you deal with preconceived notions around what a freelancer is? (10:57)·      How do you handle information security while working with freelancers? (16:29) Connect with Eric Gilpin: LinkedIn Resources: Love Is the Killer App by Tim SandersM365 Freelancer Toolkit

The world around us is transforming at a rapid pace. With new technologies constantly emerging, other technologies get pushed out of sight and eventually become irrelevant. For business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to stay relevant themselves, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest technological developments. In this episode, Peter Loforte talks about his experience with the evolution of the gig economy. With his 26 years of experience working at Microsoft, Peter is well-acquainted with the staggering speed at which new technology is demanded, developed, and produced. As someone who is responsible for various aspects of development of new technology, Peter is required to identify trends early on and stay ahead of the curve. He shares some strategies for staying on top, employing communication technology to cross-culturally collaborate, and defining what it means to be part of the gig economy. Get ready to listen to Peter’s take on the transformation of the world of work, life, and everything in between. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why it’s imperative to stay ahead of the learning curve. Why virtual assistance will eventually become man’s best friend. How new collaborative and communicative experiences create new economic opportunities as well. How company leaders view their responsibilities to freelancers and gig workers. How interconnectivity can be used for the betterment of the world. Some Questions I Ask: How do you identify and react to trends early on? (4:43)What advice do you have for someone struggling to find time to stay on top of technology trends? (7:50)How think about human interaction with technology in relation to data usage? (11:36)What makes you excited about work? (17:29 )What did you learn from asking top CEOs tough questions at the Gig Summit? (22:41)Connect with Peter Loforte: LinkedInResources: M365 Freelancer Toolkit

Do you find meaning in your work? In America, generally at least a third of our lives is spent working. For many, this work is nothing but an obligation - a means to an end. Work culture is changing. Now, there are more options than ever to pursue work that's meaningful and flexible. Of course, that doesn't mean it's easy. Freelancing doesn't always mean working at home in your pajamas and bunny slippers. Actually, this type of work comes with unique challenges and some uncertainty. But, if you are truly dedicated and passionate about your work, the benefits are endless. This is one of the many reasons why so many people pursue freelance careers. For example, freelance work has given stay-at-home moms the opportunity to continue working and utilizing their skills while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. On today's episode of Gig Mindset, I talked with Shari Cruz. She's a former marine, stay-at-home mom, and successful freelancer. She works as an instructional designer and a learning development consultant. Through freelancing, she's successfully and continuously developed her skills, stayed relevant in the workforce - all while finding stimulating, meaningful work. Get ready to learn from Shari as she shares her freelance journey and busts some freelance myths along the way.In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Shari got started freelancing.Why Shari continues to turn down "traditional" work to continue freelancing.Why meeting deadlines are paramount to a freelancer’s success.Why freelancing requires an "all or nothing" mindset.The benefits of beginning your freelance career young.What freelancing looks like and why someone would pursue it.How to figure out what to charge clients based on your skills and the project.Some Questions I ask: How did you get into the instructional design space? (2:07)Do you remember the first time you worked with a client? (4:34)Would you encourage your kids to freelance? (10:05)What's the most challenging part of freelancing? (12:37)What's a freelancing myth that bugs you? (14:16)Connect with Shari Cruz: Shari's Upwork ProfileShari's LinkedInResources: The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst

Let’s talk about the money issue. Money can be a major motivational tool that pushes you to continuously work hard, but it can also deter you from pursuing your dreams. One of the biggest myths and misconceptions about freelancing and pursuing a career in the gig economy is that freelancers aren’t actually doing a real job; they only perform low-end work. Therefore, freelancers will never make a real, satisfying living. On this episode of Gig Mindset, Brad Martin busts these money-related myths. Brad is an architect-turned-XR-developer. He transformed his passions and areas of expertise into both a freelancing opportunity and a company that hires freelancers. His experiences give him a unique perspective as both the worker and the client. Highlighting his experiences, Brad discusses the reality and risks involved in diving headfirst into the gig economy, and why it’s totally worth it. He explains how to mitigate those risks, market yourself, and find a way to make freelancing work for you—no matter where you are in the world. Get ready to listen to Brad’s story of pursuing his passion and finding success. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How being an architect gave Brad an advantage in the extended reality industry.Definitions of virtual, augmented, and mixed realities.How Brad founded Another Reality Studio.Why Brad decided to hire freelancers rather than full-time employees.Why the focus on freelancing needs to shift away from money.Why freelancing is not a transition position.Questions I Ask: How did you get started in the extended reality business? (2:10)Tell us about your journey into freelancing. How is it different from a traditional job? (3:59)What’s it like being a freelancer who hires other freelancers? (9:01)What are your thoughts on freelancers from the U.S. and international freelancers? (13:17)What’s your advice to someone looking into the gig economy for the first time? (17:24)Connect with Brad Martin: LinkedInUpwork ProfileAnother Reality StudioResources:Microsoft 365 Freelance Toolkit

Why do you work? No matter where you work or what you do, there are generally two options to answer that question: either necessity or desire. It's even true for freelancers. There's a narrative around freelancing that says people freelance because it's exactly what they desire. Sometimes that's true, but there is an increasing number of freelancers that are also doing it out of necessity to survive.The workforce is rapidly changing, and many companies are looking for new, innovative ways to get work done on-demand with the added bonus of cost savings. At the same time, many individuals are looking for ways to work flexible hours, when they want, and where they want. Both of these reasons are why the gig economy is flourishing and transforming work. On today's episode of Gig Mindset, I interview the CEO of Upwork, the world's largest platform for freelancers and clients: Stephane Kasriel. In this episode, Stephane walks us through how the global marketplace and the definition of "work" are both rapidly changing. He says that companies, governments, employees, and freelancers need a mindset shift in order to keep up and be successful today. Get ready to learn about the past, present, and future of work-and how you can keep up with the changes. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why a mindset shift is important for the success of companies and the gig economy.Lessons from Upwork's largest customers on why encouragement to use the platform is essential to success.How enterprise executives can gain leverage through platforms like Upwork.Why people resist relocation for work and how it's impacting the surrounding society.How to build community even through remote work.How the gig economy promotes lifelong learning.How the ecosystem around "work" needs to be reinvented.Why people should give freelancing a chance.Some Questions I Ask: How did you get to be CEO of the world's largest freelance company? (1:47)What are the main technological product challenges for Upwork? (2:58)What are some lessons you've learned from your larger customers? (4:50)How do you see the importance of locational work changing over time? Why? (7:50)How should we view the disruptive changes by platforms like Upwork in relation to a government that's slow to adapt? (12:39)Tell me a story about a freelancer that inspires you. (14:30)What advice would you give to the audience of this podcast? (18:01)What book or movie has made the biggest personal impression on you in the past year? (20:37) Connect with Stephane Kasriel: LinkedInTwitterResources: UpworkWTF? What's the Future and Why It's Up to Us by Tim O'Reilly

When you were a kid and handed a coloring book and coloring utensils, did you stay inside the lines or color on the outside? Parents oftentimes teach their children to carefully color inside the lines. It's what you're supposed to do - you're "supposed" to function within the boundaries that were already established for you. Entrepreneurs and innovators alike, however, reject that mindset. Instead, they metaphorically color outside of the lines. On today's episode of Gig Mindset, I talk with someone who colors outside of the lines, breaks norms, and embraces workplace culture change: Dyan Finkhousen. As a "serial disrupter," Dyan works as the Director of Open Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing at GE. She recognizes that the gig economy will play a big role in the future of work and defining the digital era of operations. She uses tools like crowdsourcing, freelance resourcing, and open innovation. Get ready to learn about how Dyan is changing hearts and minds - project by project. In This Episode, You Will Learn: About Dyan's career journey.How Dyan's Art History degree influences her view of the world and workplace culture.Why it's important to genuinely understand some of the brightest minds who are breaking into the gig economy.How GENIUSLINK operates as an innovative workplace culture change.How open innovation allows for opportunities to work with experts and benefits industries.Why putting boundaries on the capabilities of the gig economy model is a disservice.Why the expert economy and gig economy can productively work together.Questions I Ask: How did you come to pioneer GE's access to the gig economy? (2:23)How does your inspirational quote relate to you? (6:48)Tell me the first time you felt like a disrupter? (7:54)What's an example of success from leveraging flexible talent models? (13:36)What's your advice to those who believe the gig mindset doesn't apply to them? (15:38)How do you deliver on cost, quality, and speed within the gig economy? (18:36)What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career like yours? (20:12)As a nation, what skills do we need to cultivate over the next few decades? (21:53)Connect with Dyan Finkhousen: GENIUSLINK Dyan's LinkedInResources:Microsoft 365 Freelance Toolkit

Everyone fantasizes about what it would feel like to have more time in a day or even to clone yourself. Of course, that is not literally possible - but it is possible to scale your own capacity and get more done. The gig economy allows for professionals to do more with less time, along with even improving quality output with a faster turnaround - all at lower costs. On today's episode of Gig Mindset, I interview Ken Circeo. He is a Creative Director at Microsoft. He's figured out how to essentially clone himself in the workplace, going from making 1 video per week up to 15 videos per week. Through platforms like Upwork, Ken built a workflow that optimized creative output and helped him continue to progress in his career. Each day is more fun and more satisfying. So get ready to learn to optimize yourself, embrace change, and redefine your work life.  In This Episode, You Will Learn: What steps people have to take to embrace new technology.How the military helped Ken embrace drastic changes in technology.How Ken figured out a way to reproduce himself in order to maximize output.Walt Disney's delegation methods can be applied to today's work.How Ken jumped into the gig culture through utilizing Upwork.Advice on how to embrace workplace change.Some Questions I Ask: How did the PC revolution change the way people interact with technology? (3:42)Have you always leaned into new things without ever feeling scared? (4:45)How has technology changes collaborative cultures? (5:31)Tell me about the process that you use to scale? (8:23)How did Walt Disney inspire you to embrace the gig mindset? (11:58)How did you learn to delegate? (15:28)Connect with Ken Circeo: Ken's LinkedInResources: UpworkMicrosoft 365 Freelance Toolkit

Gig Mindset n. - The inclination for people and organizations to engage on-demand expert intelligence to reclaim time, drive innovation, and rethink what’s possible.