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Building a personal brand is all about capturing attention. If you work in a “boring” industry, it can be tough to communicate the key benefits that differentiate you from competitors. Especially when you work in an industry that’s not usually the topic of conversation or trending on social media.

Take the VoIP industry, a very boring industry. It’s hard to make VOIP stand out or make it “sexy”. People don’t usually turn to VoIP companies for engaging content, actionable educational or entertainment. But with the right attitude and the ability to produce quality content, leaders even in the boring Cloud VoIP industry can gain recognition and build an audience. (I’ll show you a real life example in bullet #1 below).

In this article I’ll show you real examples of how to capture your target market’s attention, convert them into stark raving fans, and build your personal brand even when you’re in a boring industry.

Ready? Let’s roll!

1. Be Bold. Be Authentic. 

Wallflowers and shrinking violets don’t build brands. People who are bold and enthusiastic do. For executives looking to make their mark and build a brand, being a hands-on, in the trenches type of person translates into authentic experience.

You don’t want to be the kind of exec that takes all the credit and not know how anything works. If your team does the heavy lifting while you get the kudos but you can’t explain how your widget works, then people are not going to respect your opinion.

Someone who shows they know what they are doing and can express their “Why” is going to be more authentic.

Don’t be afraid to have an opinion and share it, even if it happens to touch on the politics of the day. If it is earnest, authentic and well-thought-out—not some emotionally charged overreaction—then boldly proclaim it and let the discourse begin. That is what builds engagement, followers, and brands. 

Those who take a position and confidently support their way of thinking are more likely to stand out 

People value leaders who are confident and don’t flip-flop on their beliefs just to appease the masses. Sure, some feathers may get ruffled, but how many low-key, wishy-washy executives can you name? Exactly. You can’t name many because they don’t stand out and nobody knows who they are.

2. Share Actionable Expertise

Just because your industry isn’t interesting doesn’t mean no one is interested. You can still share your knowledge and expertise to build your brand. Take Ryan Stewman, the sales and marketing expert who runs a sales training called The Hardcore Closer.

Ryan gained a loyal following talking about lead generation. He has built a multi-million dollar business by taking what has worked for him, sharing it, and monetizing it.

Ryan was on the cutting edge of using social media and videos to promote himself and connect with people when he started in sales. Because of his success, he started to teach other salespeople how to use social media to connect with people and use tools for lead generation. 

He built a lead generation software company called Phonesites that helps salespeople create their own sales funnels. He offered free training on Facebook live and produced free content in the form of articles and training videos.

Sharing his expertise helped grow his personal brand which has allowed him to scale into other successful business ventures. He’s doing it right.

Chris the founder of SalesMessage is another great example. He has been using SMS texting to communicate with anyone who contacts their business or even subscribes to their webinars, events, or blog. 

He shares actionable tips, tricks and information while trying to covert some of the leads who contact him and gets a whopping 70% response rate on SMS texts. He recently shared the complete set of sample text messages to send to customers on his blog. He engages his potential customers and build his following.

But, one of the biggest mistakes you can make in personal branding is to be and act like someone you are not. You will eventually be outed, caught, or exposed. 

When building a personal brand, don’t pretend to be someone you’re not or have expertise when you don’t.

Elizabeth Holmes, CEO of the once highly-touted blood-testing startup Theranos, was once the darling of Silicon Valley. She was seen as an influencer and visionary in the same vein as Steve Jobs.

Theranos WAS Elizabeth Holmes and her personal brand of being a healthcare wunderkind carried the firm. Unfortunately for many people, the whole company and the whole story was a massive fraud. She faked her expertise and knowledge, the company was exposed and now it is no more.

A personal brand built on lies and half-truths will come back to bite you.

3. Be the MVP of Value

If you want to really stand out, you must be useful and add maximum value at all times. Do this by offering free info, training, and content about your industry and share that info while speaking at events and on podcasts.

We’re talking about sharing real expertise, not just thoughts or opinions, but practical knowledge that comes from actually having done the work.

Jack Kosakowski kills it here. Jack has been providing actionable social selling advice and content for over 5 years. With his SkillsLab social selling site, he has been helping salespeople to increase their presence through social media and how to correctly connect with—and sell to—their target clients. 

Value comes from experience. Jack has churned out content on social media, his blog, publications like The Harvard Business Review, and on podcasts—continually sharing what has worked for him, and how it took him from a newbie salesperson to the CEO of the US division of a Global Digital Agency.

4. Stop Selling and Build Trust Instead

Look, you don’t need to be Billy Mays or the ShamWow guy, pitching and promoting all day while operators are standing by. Constantly pushing product is exhausting. But talking and engaging with people in your own voice—your true self—and showing them how to succeed with examples and actionable ideas will build trust.

When you let people see the real you, trust is built and your brand strengthens and attracts new prospects.

Trust isn’t built by speaking AT people. It’s built by engaging and speaking WITH with your audience.

People like to do business with people they know, like and trust. And that’s usually not the guy with the bullhorn shouting “Look at me! Look at me!” Differentiate yourself by sharing knowledge from real-world experience in an authentic, engaging way that creates value and trustworthiness. This will build your personal brand.

When someone needs to seek out info in your industry, you will be top-of-mind because you will be the rockstar of your “boring” industry. They will come to you for the value you provide because you’ve built trust due to engagement, value, and expertise. 

 

The post Personal Branding Tips For Executives In “Boring” Industries appeared first on Personal Branding Blog – Stand Out In Your Career.

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gig apps

With the rise of the gig economy more and more people are opting to work as freelancers or contractors. This is because the opportunities presented help them to work on projects for multiple companies simultaneously and grow skillsets while opening themselves to more opportunities. In addition, gig affords them more independence and freedom to choose when and where to work; mitigates the risk of job security and more income from multiple gig economy apps.

What is a Gig App?

More people joining the bandwagon has led to the rise of gig economy apps. These apps help to connect workers and individuals to businesses. Through these gigs, job seekers can apply for jobs and make some extra cash on online platforms such as gig economy apps. Broadly speaking gig apps can be divided into three categories:

Freelance Apps: These are platforms for individual freelancers seeking gig jobs. Here, freelancers or gig workers fill in their profiles and offer up their skills and niche to those seeking their services. Examples include: Task Rabbit

On-Demand Apps: These are gig apps where potential employers can advertise job vacancies and the app would in return send out advertisements to potential gig workers who want to earn extra money through gig work. Examples include: Uber, DoorDash

Platform-Based Apps: These gig apps let you create your business profile and set your own prices. Here the app plays the role of a middle man linking businesses who offer services such as rentals and other services with those seeking those services and takes a commission in exchange for providing a platform for them to list on. Examples include: Airbnb

The Gig Economy: An Overview

What is the gig economy? This is a market for labor with short-term contracts (in most cases) or freelance work. The Gig economy jobs have revolutionized the modern-day workplace. Today the gig economy can be a source of one’s primary income or a secondary revenue stream as a side hustle. What is a side hustle? This is generally a type of employment taken in addition to a full-time job. And the gig economy has made side hustles easier to access. With a side hustle, apps can help support remote work. And all you may need is a smartphone or a laptop to start earning extra money or replacing your traditional income entirely.

Benefits of Gig Economy Apps

Gig apps let you work as an independent contractor for companies that provide on-demand service to people. In exchange for services you provide you get paid based on the tasks assigned to you. In most cases, you typically keep 100% of the tips you earn as well. Besides creating a market gig economy apps are making it easier for users to fit various side hustles into their day-to-day lives.

Be Your Own Boss

You should think of your gig job as your own business. You control your own hours and you also choose who you work with. Whether you’re making deliveries, selling products, or providing a service you are helping to fill gaps that the market needs filling.

Set Your Own Schedule

They let you decide your own work schedule, and where you want to work.

Earn Money in the Type of Work You are Looking for Faster

Gig apps afford you the flexibility to apply your trade in your niche and earn extra money on your own terms.

65 Best Gig Apps to Make Money

1. Uber

If you own a car and love to drive then you might want to check out Uber. You can use this ride-sharing gig economy app and get the opportunity to earn some extra income on your schedule. With Uber, you have an option to drive full-time or on a part-time basis and earn a decent income. An additional perk with Uber comes by way of surge pricing. During times of high demand for rides, fares may increase to make sure those who need a ride can get one. This is to incentivize drivers with higher fares in return for riders getting pickups available quickly and reliably in areas with high demand.

Pros: Convenient and cashless; competitive pricing; safety and flexible schedule for drivers.

Cons: Potential scams by drivers; driver’s license required; cancellations; ineffective rating system; drivers are responsible for all of the costs of the service; vehicle depreciation.

2. Lyft

Lyft is a gig platform that helps to connect drivers with passengers seeking rides. Considered as among the best rideshare app Lyft also allows riders to schedule rides a week in advance. Like other rideshare apps, it notifies the driver’s arrival and shows the passenger an estimated cost. With this app drivers get additional insurance policies and can even earn more money if they work during peak times.

Pros: Gig workers can start as soon as the day after signing up in some cities; offers flexible work schedules; earn more during peak demand hours; drivers keep 100% of tips.

Cons: Drivers are responsible for all of the costs of this service; cancellations; ineffective rating system, vehicle depreciation.

3. Handy

The Handy app works best for professionals who want to make some extra cash by helping others with small jobs. Handy pays more than a minimum wage and allows you to earn a pretty good income if you stay active and take on more jobs. This gig app is popular among cleaning and handyman professionals. With it, clients can track the location of the professional, manage their booking details, communicate with you, rate, and tip after each booking, and comes with more mobile-only features. Handy charges a percentage of the booking fee from the payment done to the professionals. Handy will charge for every service that is done through the app from both customers and professionals.

Pros: Higher than average minimum wages; flexible schedule, gig workers can work when they want; easy payment.

Cons: Cancellation fees; to reach clients you might sometimes take long drives.

4. Grubhub

GrubHub is a food delivery app where you deliver customers food from their favorite restaurants. With it, you deliver food from a select listing of restaurants. Grubhub takes a commission from the restaurants according to the total percentage of the order.

Pros: Scheduling flexibility; a guaranteed minimum hourly pay while they’re on the clock; the app shows you where the order is going before you accept it.

Cons: In many areas, Grubhub requires you to use a car, you are responsible for your taxes.

5. Qwick

The Qwick app helps match professionals with food and beverage shifts in real-time. With it, you can choose the shifts that you want to work and get paid in as little as 30 minutes after you complete your shift. Qwick partners with hotels, catering companies, event venues, convention centers, and restaurants to offer gig workers a steady flow of available jobs.

Pros: The ability to pick only the shifts that fit your schedule; get paid instantly; connect with businesses, and expand chances of getting hired for long-term positions.

Cons: Some days work availability can be limited and slow; some shifts might be located in difficult places.

6. Airbnb

This gig app helps to connect people renting out their homes or spare bedroom with people who are looking to stay in that location. With the Airbnb app, you can message guests and manage reservations all securely within the app. You can even add house rules you want your guests to follow such as no shoes, no parties to keep your property protected.

Pros: Free listings, hosts don’t have to pay to list their properties, Hosts can set their own price of their property rental, Airbnb covers damages of up to $1 million.

Cons: Minimal or no tax advantages.

7. DoorDash

DoorDash is considered the best food delivery app allowing you to deliver food for nearby restaurants. It is the biggest delivery platform that works in a manner in which customers can place an order and the nearest DoorDash driver is alerted to pick it up and deliver it with their car. DoorDash earns revenue through delivery rate fees, a commission fee of 20% from the restaurants on each order, and advertisement.

Pros: Show you what you will make before you accept the order, including tip amount, You can see where the delivery is going in advance. Flexible; high hourly pay; tip potential.

Cons: In many zones, DoorDash requires you to use a car. Bikes are typically only allowed in dense zones.

8. ParkingPanda

ParkingPanda allows users to locate and rent parking spaces, and rent out your stretch of car-friendly turf for cars, much akin to what Airbnb offers for lodging. To rent out their parking location on Parking Panda, users must first fill in the information about the parking space. In return Parking Panda will take a commission of 20% from the rental fee you get.

Pros: Potentially to earn money through little effort, no expenses or investments required, you don’t necessarily need to be at home when the renter arrives, flexible rental periods.

Cons: Your parking space may not be adequate; rental locations in low-demand areas may not be very profitable.

9. Postmates

Postmates is considered the best delivery driver gigs because of its app that lets you make money by delivering food from restaurants and groceries. In return, Postmates will take a commission of 20% of the fees charged. Postmates couriers get paid weekly via direct deposit for deliveries made the previous week. However, there is an instant payment option if you need to get paid sooner.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; high hourly pay; tip potential.

Cons: Cost of gas; vehicle depreciation.

10. Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex is an app that lets you deliver packages for Amazon customers. With it, you have the option to sign up for scheduled routes where you deliver multiple packages at once from a central Amazon warehouse or accept on-demand orders, where you do short deliveries and are paid a fixed sum for the delivery.

Pros: Offers hourly rates; driver’s keep 100% of their tips; track earnings using the app, flexible scheduling.

Cons: No steady income as blocks aren’t guaranteed on daily/hourly basis; you are responsible for paying car-related expenses including gas and maintenance.

11. Rover

Rover is the best dog walking app if you are good with dogs. It helps pet sitters to offer house sitting, day-care, or simple walking services in exchange for cash.

Pros: Diverse number of services you can offer; get to play with dogs for a job; Control your rates, services, and schedule.

Cons: Work might be slow as it might take some time to find clients.

12. Task Rabbit

This is an on-demand task-based gig app that is best for odd jobs such as plumbing, haircutting, teaching music, and others. Through it, you can find jobs, contact potential clients and collect payment for your work. In return, Task Rabbit charges a commission of 15% from every completed job and also 7.5% for supporting fees.

Pros: Flexible jobs schedule; ability to pick the rates that work for you; get tasks that fit your skillset.

Cons: Tasks aren’t offered virtually and you must be available in the area where the tasks are being requested.; complaints about low-paying gigs on the site.

13. Instacart

Instacart is the best driver app that pays you to shop and deliver groceries to people who order through the app. With it you can accept orders, gathering items, and deliver. Instacart lets earn around $13 per hour.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; high hourly pay; tip potential.

Cons: You are responsible for the cost of gas and vehicle depreciation.

14. Dolly

Dolly is an on-demand delivery app that connects movers and those needing help moving items. You can as a ‘Helper’ or as a ‘Hand’ depending on the type of vehicle you drive. Helpers are required to own their pickup trucks and are physically capable of lifting more than 75 pounds. Hands, on the other hand, are there just for the extra help.

Pros: See a guaranteed payment amount before deciding to request a job; get 100% of customer tips; two types of jobs on offer.

Cons: You need a truck to earn the most money as a helper.

15. Freelancer

Freelancer is the largest freelance platform that specializes in creative and computer-related skills, example roles include writing, social media manager, audio and video editing, as well as web design. Once you create a profile you can bid on a variety of projects that match your skills. Freelancer will send out job alerts once new projects that fit your skills and expertise become available.

Pros: Flexible work schedule, work from anywhere.

Cons: Tiered membership fees

16. Etsy

With the Etsy app, you can sell items and easily manage your e-store business on the go. With it, you can communicate with customers, see your shop stats, and manage your orders for craft supplies, handmade items, and vintage goods. Etsy in return charges $0.20 to list an item and takes a 5 % commission as a transaction fee.

Pros: Access to a large market; easy setup.

Cons: Limited type of product you can sell.

17. Udemy

This platform brings together teachers and students. Udemy lets you to can create video-based courses on a variety of topics in return for pay with the prices of courses running anywhere from $19 to $199. The platform in return will take a 30 % commission.

Pros: Provides courses in various categories that include both soft and technical skills; the platform is easy to use and manage.; training sessions progress is stored online.

Cons: Skill measurement is missing; certificates are not endorsed and don’t have the support of a university as other platforms; lots of competing courses users might not know which one is the best for them.

18. Doctor on Demand

If you are a medical professional Doctor on Demand lets you offer online healthcare services and consultation and assistance without leaving the comfort of one’s home. Through this app, patients can connect face-to-face with board-certified providers and licensed therapists over live video on their smartphone or tablet. For connecting patients with doctors, Doctor on Demand takes a 25% commission from each visit.

Pros: Flexible schedule; remote work options; upfront pricing.

Cons: Price for users is higher than other online healthcare services; limited treatment options.

19. Skillshare

Skillshare is a platform that lets people monetizing their expertise by offering courses to others. These include over 25,000 video classes covering just about any skill to make money such as design, engineer, or any other skills.  Through Skillshare teachers earn money based on a royalty system where each month, 30% of Skillshare’s total membership revenue goes to a royalty pool for teachers.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; easy to use; good revenue.

Cons: Stiff competition; teachers are not vetted; no guarantee that you’ll earn revenue after publishing your course.

20. Upwork

The Upwork app lets freelancers find work across industries and skills. People with diverse professions including writers, graphic designers, web developers, data entry clerks, virtual assistants use this app as the go-to app for gig work.

Pros: Good selection of available jobs; can work remotely; screens clients; helps in collecting payment; have higher-paying projects than other sites.

Cons: Hefty fees ranging it charges between 5% to 20% depending on your earnings.

21. Opportunity

Opportunity is an online business network that helps users find business opportunities happening around them and beyond. By using the information you enter into your profile combined with enabled location services, Opportunity will match you with people who can provide you with immediate sales opportunities, employment, and more. Moreover, it can be used by people who simply want to connect with other professionals who share their business interests and beyond.

Pros: Priority alerts; expanded matching options; opportunity to expand career and business.

Cons: Pricing.

22. Fiverr

Fiverr app is a marketplace for services like writing, animation, graphic design, and more. Considered the quintessential freelancing starter app. For the opportunity to link you with clients Fiverr takes a 20% commission.

Pros: Affordable service; Opportunity to broaden skills by working on a variety of projects and working with different clients; no need to bid your services; Fiverr will send you interested clients.

Cons: Quality service demands High Charges; could be difficult for beginners.

23. Band of Hands

Band Of Hands is a mobile and web app that helps connect people and opportunities. If you’re looking for work, Band Of Hands can get you gig jobs in your neighborhood.

Pros: Free to post and view jobs; perfect for any gig; easy in-app communications; secure online payment processing.

Cons: You might not get good-paying gigs; job availability is low in certain markets.

24. Gigwalk

Gigwalk is a gig app that helps you to find quick jobs in your area. A Gig is represented by a pin on the map in our mobile application and can take anywhere from 5 minutes to a few hours to complete and pay anywhere from $3 to $100.

Pros: Flexible schedule; gigs are not time-consuming, some could take just 5 minutes.

Cons: You might not get good-paying gigs; job availability is low in certain markets.

25. Shipt

Shipt is among the best grocery delivery service apps in the market. It helps you get gigs that pay you to shop and deliver groceries for other people. It takes a 7.5% commission of the total order amount added to your pay in addition to membership fees.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; potential to make up to $25/ hour.

Cons: Sometimes it does not give shoppers enough time to claim an order.

26. Getaround

The Getaround app lets you rent out your car when you’re not using it. This can be a great way to recoup some of your investment on a car you hardly ever use. The service comes with its insurance, and it’s contactless, so you don’t have to do any customer service. You can choose to rent your car out for the day, on weekends, or by the week.

Pros: Automated pricing; driving record check on drivers.

Cons: Vehicle wear and tear; extra mileage on your car.

27. Thumbtack

Thumbtack is a gig app that lets you get jobs as handymen, personal trainers, DJs, house cleaning, and others. With it, you can share tailored price estimates based on the details of each job. Thumbtack also offers a variety of other online resources such as cost estimates for popular services and read how-to guides on more than a dozen subjects.

Pros: Free listings; book appointments anytime, anywhere.

Cons: Too much competition; potential Poor-quality leads

28. Wag

Wag is a dog walking app where customers will request a service and you can then choose to accept the request or not. Like rideshares, walks can be scheduled in advance or on-demand and there are different walk lengths that customers can request and the prices per walk are fixed by Wag. Wag takes 40% of what the owner pays in commissions.

Pros: Can track walks with live GPS; performs background checks on walkers; on-demand booking available.

Cons: Prices vary from market to market; high commission for the app.

29. Roadie

Roadie is an app that you can use to deliver items for people and companies. There are two types of deliveries you can do with Roadie.:  The first is delivering things long distances or make deliveries in your area.  Typically, items like furniture and other large items are delivered in return for money using your car. When a customer needs a delivery, they’ll list the order on the Roadie app and drivers can accept the orders on a first-come, first-serve basis. Roadies set the price based on size and distance traveled. Drivers can make up to $50 on local gigs or can earn up to $650 for long-distance deliveries

Pros: Lets you set your prices; comes with a rating system; it is an easy and lucrative way to earn cash on the side; you work when and where you want.

Cons: Gigs can be physically demanding as they involves lifting and moving objects heavier than 20 pounds; you are responsible for your taxes; requires a car.

30. UrbanSitter

UrbanSitter is a side hustle app for those interested in nannying, babysitting, or even tutoring. The business model allows parents to pay a monthly membership fee to access the directory of sitters thus allowing sitters to keep 100% of their earnings. Sitters set their rates, availability, and the geographic area they cover.

Pros: You keep 100% of your earning; set your rates; flexible scheduling.

Cons: Jobs available can be limited; could be difficult getting gigs initially.

31. WeGoLook

WeGoLook is a gig app that helps you act as an independent contractor to take pictures of things for insurance claims, rather than sending insurance agents to do this work. Tasks typically involve taking pictures of cars, taking pictures of intersections, or taking exterior photos of specific properties. Fees for WeGoLook typically range between $12-$30 per order, but depending on the level of complexity and time spent on site one can get paid up to $200.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; simple sign-up; training and support.

Cons: Potential long drives; low pay.

32. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a rewards program that gives you points for doing things like taking surveys, watching videos, online shopping, playing games, and more. The points you earn vary depending on the task and can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.

Pros: Easy gigs; flexible scheduling; free sign-up.

Cons: It can takes time to earn points.

33. Lime

Lime is a leading app for sharing electric vehicles, including scooters, bikes, and mopeds. With it, you can rent out your Lime vehicle to users via the Lime app. Rental fees for scooters vary depending on the demand for scooters in your area. You can also earn some income by charging scooters for Lime.

Pros: You earn money based on either renting or charging scooters; flexible scheduling.

Cons: Income is based on the demand in your area.

34. ProductTube

ProductTube pays you to film yourself purchasing certain products at different stores – usually grocery stores, convenience stores, or big-box retailers like Target and Walmart. When you accept a task, you’ll receive instructions and a list of questions that you need to answer in your video usually lasting five minutes. The app typically pays between $10 and $25 for each video, which makes it very lucrative for the amount of time that you have to spend filming. Payment is made via Amazon gift cards.

Pros: Easy payment; flexible scheduling.

Cons: Requires a phone with camera; might not get a steady flow of gigs.

35. Spark Driver

Spark Driver app is a delivery service that delivers orders from Walmart. Orders through this app are all paid in advance. Walmart employees prepare the order for you, so all you have to do is pick up the order and drop it off.

Pros: Work when and where you want; receive 100% of tips directly

Cons: You’ll need t to use your own vehicle.

36. Fielder Agent

Fielder Agent is a task app that gets you gigs to handle pickups, delivery and provide other services. With Fielder you can receive tasks from your clients, manage them and assign them to the nearest agent of your client´s location.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; quick money.

Cons: Demand might not big in your locality.

37. Dispatch

With Dispatch, you can do local deliveries for businesses. When a business places a delivery order, the app notifies all available drivers nearby. Drivers can accept orders and then pick up and drop off orders.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; tip potential.

Cons: You’ll need to use a car to do these deliveries.

38. Grabr

The Grabr app helps you get any item from around the world delivered to you by a trusted traveler who is heading in your direction. Users can also shop for products that aren’t available in their country or are too expensive to buy locally. This is also a great way to subsidize your foreign travels by buying delicacies, electronics, watches, shoes, and cosmetics for others. Grabr charges shoppers a service fee to cover development fees that include running operations and providing support among other business expenses.

Pros: Lets you select orders you can deliver and make offers to them.

Cons: Hourly pay varies depending on your trip and what you’re delivering.

39. EasyShift

EasyShift connects you to work (Shifts) in stores near you. Unlike many apps, EasyShift rewards you with cash.  Generally you get paid to complete short tasks, such as taking photos of products and aisles in grocery stores and convenience stores. EasyShift gigs typically require answering questions and taking photos as requested and get paid with shifts often lasting fifteen minutes.

Pros: Flexible hours that work for you;  no experience restrictions, no application process

Cons: Requires phone with camera.

40. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a survey platform that collects market research for various brands through its army of survey takers. With it, gig workers can work anywhere by responding to as many surveys as they can earn reward points that can be redeemed for cash.

Pros: Ease of use; ease of translating points to cash; quick and secure payment options.

Cons: Repetitive questionnaires; limited high-value surveys.

41. iVueit

iVueit is an app that you can use to earn money by taking photos with your smartphone. This app gets you gigs through gathering photos and information on commercial properties in your area. It’s that simple.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; simple sign-up.

Cons: Requires phone with camera.

42. StreetCrowd

StreetCrowd is an app for carshare services where customers can rent a car by the minute, then park the car anywhere. The goal of the app is to help people in cities get access to safe, clean, and reliable shared mobility options. You can also use the app to move cars to high-demand areas while also getting a free ride in the process.

Pros: Set your own schedule.

Cons: Drivers are responsible for all of the costs of this service; vehicle depreciation

43. Google Opinion Rewards

Google Opinion Rewards app lets you answer quick surveys and earn Google Play credit with Google Opinion Rewards. Once you download the app and answer basic questions about yourself you will then be sent surveys around once a week, although it may be more or less frequent. You’ll get a notification on your phone when a short and relevant survey is ready for you, and can receive up to $1.00 in Play credit for completing it. Questions can range from, “Which logo is best?” and “Which promotion is most compelling?” to “When do you plan on traveling next?”

Pros: Easy gigs; flexible scheduling.

Cons: Limited high-value surveys.

44. HopSkipDrive

HopSkipDrive provides drivers an alternative to the traditional rideshare model. Here drivers pick up and drop off kids for busy parents. To become a HopSkipDrive driver, you must be a trusted CareDrivers who has at least five years of caregiving experience and pass a rigorous 15-point certification process including fingerprinting, background checks, DMV checks, car inspections, in-person interviews, and more.

Pros : Text alerts; performs background checks.

Cons: Drivers are responsible for all of the costs of this service; vehicle depreciation.

45. Wonolo

The Wonolo app lets you find steady, flexible work. With it, you can connect to get shifts and job opportunities around your area. From warehousing, food production, merchandising to washing and cleaning, Wonolo will help you discover your next gig job.

Pros : Work when you want, where you want, get paid on your own schedule.

Cons Smart phone required; criminal background check, as well as any other background screenings required by a Wonolo employer.

46. CoinOut

With CoinOut is a receipt app that works for all receipts where you get paid to shop at any retailer. The app pays you a few cents for each receipt and you can cash out anytime you want. The advantage of CoinOut is that it pays you in actual cash instead of in points. All you have to do is to upload any receipt in the app and earn cash back. You don’t have to find specific deals or take time to see if a certain retailer is on the program. Just snap and earn. Receipts need to be uploaded within 2 weeks of original purchase and include date, retail name, items purchased, bill amount and be readable.

Pros: Email connect for automatic e-receipt rewards; connects with Amazon for automatic rewards

Cons: Credit and debit card cannot be linked to the app; limits on the number of receipts you can scan in a dy.

47. HomeToGo

With the HomeToGo app you can list your property and offer accommodations for holiday makers. For users the app comes with intuitive filters, prices, amenities, whether pets are allowed, Internet / WiFi; wheelchair accessible and others.

Pros: Secure payment method; Options for instant booking; flexible scheduling.

Cons: Additional costs for guests such as service fees.

48.  Dumpling

Dumpling is a grocery delivery  where grocery shoppers request for groceries and set their own prices. Dumpling customers then review the requests and ask individual shoppers to complete those orders for them. This app offers different pricing options which include a percentage charge per order or a monthly subscription.

Pros : Flexible scheduling; opportunity to build a customer network.

Cons : To keep the Dumpling account active, you must at least fulfill one order per month.

49. Turo

 With the Turo app you can rent out your car for cash. All you have to do is list your car and wait for people to rent your car. In return Turo will makes sure that you are insured in case anything happens and they ensure that the renter is genuine and legitimate.

Pros: Lots of booking; easy to use ap.

Cons: Large commission Fee 15%-40%.

50. Bellhop

Bellhop helps to connect professionals, movers and drivers with customers. people moving to professional movers. With the Bellhop app you can find, claim, and track moving appointments including set preferred service areas from the map to get jobs where you want to work

Pros: Set your own hours: Make up to $21 an hour, including tips and bonuses

Cons: Cannot move heavy and specialty items like pianos.

51. Wingz

The Wingz rideshare app offers pre-scheduled, flat-rate rides with a trusted personal driver. Generally, Wingz is used for airport drop-offs and special events.

Pros: Straightforward platform and clear interface for both passengers and drivers; felxible scheduling.

Cons: Users might experience higher waiting periods during high demand times of day.

52. Hitch

Hitch is a city-to-city carpool app where drivers can list their route and pick up people along the way.

Pros: Does not have any limits for registration; users must be older than 18 years.

Cons: The site is paid, only registration is free; basic user is forced to pay to access messages.

53. Bird

Bird is another scooter company that you can charge scooters with as an independent contractor. The Bird app works in the same manner as Lime – you sign up to be a Bird charger through the Bird app, then once approved, you’ll have access to charging mode, which will let you see all of the Bird scooters in your area that need charging.

Pros: You earn money based on either renting or charging scooters; flexible scheduling.

Cons: Must have a smart phone; working electricity and be available during set hours to find and return Bird scooters.

Best Side Gig Apps for Earning an Extra Income

If you’re looking to make money on the side gig apps can help you make that extra income. Gig economy apps that cover just about any side hustle one can think of with flexible scheduling. Some good gig economy apps for earning an extra income include Airbnb, Uber or Lyft, Fiverr, Upwork, Rover, and Postmates.

Are gig apps worth it?

With the rise of the gig economy more and more people are looking for flexibility in their work and gig apps are delivering in their promise. Gig apps help facilitate connections between contract workers and clients while also facilitating working arrangement, payment, reservation and other facets of the gig work.

What is the best gig app?

The meteoritical rise of Amazon has necessitated t deliver Amazon packages to customers across the nation. With AmazonFlex shopper app gig workers can now deliver packages for Amazon. Amazon claims most of their drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, though location, tips, experience, and delivery times and others.

What is the best app for side gigs?

Uber, the ridesharing service connects drivers and passengers through its mobile app. Passengers can secure a ride quickly, while Uber drivers can make extra money in their free time with resources already in their possession.

What is the best paying gig app?

DoorDash is considered the best paying app to make money on the side with potetnial earnings ranging between $15-$ 25 an hour. This popular food delivery apps is easy to use and the sign-up process is simple.  Through DoorDash, you’re your own boss; you choose when, where, and how much you earn; and DoorDash lets you keep 100% of the tips you make.

What gig apps pay same day?

Uber, Lyft, Postmates. Grubhub, DoorDash let you make money as a full time or side hustle. Through them you get to work in almost all cities across the US and get paid the same day and cash out your earnings , tips and promotions on the same day.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, “53 Best Gig Apps for Making Bank” was first published on Small Business Trends

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Thanks to https://www.allbusiness.com/manage-business-cash-flow-during-slow-season-119423-1.html

In partnership with Simply Business

By Rieva Lesonsky

1st in a series of articles exploring how to make 2019 your business’s best year yet.

Getting your business in shape for a successful 2019 starts with cash flow. If your business is a seasonal one, such as a landscaping company, or a home remodeling or construction business in which work slows down during the winter months, year-end cash flow planning is especially important.

Without positive cash flow, you won’t have the working capital you need to finance your operations, pay your vendors, or meet payroll during the slow season.

Getting a grip on your cash flow

A cash flow statement tracks money coming into your business (customer payments, interest, etc.) and going out of your business (payroll, payables, materials, etc.). When you’ve got more money going out than coming in, your cash flow is negative—and that’s not a good thing. Your goal is to maintain positive cash flow throughout your slow season so you can meet your financial obligations.

Develop a cash flow forecast for the next 12 months. Review your financial statements from the prior year, as well as your sales forecasts for the next 12 months, to develop a projection of your cash flow going forward.

Using the cash flow forecast, look for potential problems. For instance, do you have a huge loan payment coming due the same month your business slows to a halt? Do you have a big construction job starting in April using materials that need to be ordered in February to arrive in time?

Figure out how to reduce expenses and accelerate your income so you’ll have a “cushion” for the slow season. Here are some ideas:

  • Start now to set aside cash for the slow season.
  • Go over your monthly expenses to see which can be cut or eliminated altogether. Are you paying for subscriptions or memberships you no longer use?
  • Ask if your suppliers are willing to extend better credit terms during your slow season.
  • Aggressively pursue outstanding invoices. Follow up as soon as payment is due.
  • Be persistent in reaching out to late-paying or non-paying customers. See if you can work out a payment plan or get partial payment.
  • Figure out ways to quickly generate cash from customers. For example, could you request partial payment or deposits upfront for future projects?
  • Expand your services or your customer base to bring in more income. Perhaps your lawn-care customers don’t need your services in the dead of winter, but they do need snowplow or driveway-clearing services. Can you offer those? If you normally do landscaping for commercial properties, how about providing and maintaining indoor plants for offices?
  • Offer off-season discounts. Generate cash flow by giving customers special deals on services such as pre-season inspections or end-of-season maintenance. If you own an HVAC company, offer a discount for customers who have their furnaces serviced before the cold weather hits.

Monitor your cash flow closely

If you use an online accounting software program such as QuickBooks, it’s easy to generate cash flow statements. Review your statements weekly (or even more frequently) as your slow season approaches. Compare your actual cash flow statement to your cash flow forecast, and adjust your plans accordingly. The sooner you spot a possible cash shortage, the sooner you can deal with it by tapping into your working capital sources.

Look at your cash flow forecast to pinpoint when additional working capital will be needed, and develop a backup plan for getting it. (Remember, the best time to apply for business financing is before you actually need it.)

You should always match the financing method to its purpose. In other words, if you need working capital to get you through a three-month slow season, don’t take out a long-term loan that you have to pay back over three years. Instead, look for short-term loans or alternative financing methods such as a business line of credit, invoice/accounts receivable financing, factoring, or business credit cards.

You may never need to use these financing options—but having them available will put you in a better position to weather the winter and deal with any financial ups and downs.

About the Author

rieva lesonskyRieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a media and custom content company focusing on small business and entrepreneurship. Email Rieva at rieva@smallbizdaily.com, follow her on Google+ and Twitter.com/Rieva, and visit her website, SmallBizDaily.com, to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for Rieva’s free TrendCast reports.

The post How to Manage Your Business Cash Flow During the Slow Season appeared first on AllBusiness.com

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