Internet Business Show: Olamide Towobola Shares Powerful Insights on the Gig Economy

By Chimfoun Dials

Ever wondered what it means to be a Freelancer?

The term “freelancing” dates back to the early 1800s. It was used to refer to a prehistoric knight (soldier) who would fight for any army or nation that paid them the most. The current meaning of freelancing is not so far from this.

In a chat with Stephanie Ronald on the Internet Business Show, Olamide Towobola, the Founder of GigsNet and one of the top-notch freelancers in Nigeria shared some fascinating lessons about freelancing

Here are some of them:

• Freelancing is the act of getting paid for providing a valuable service. It matches sellers and buyers together.

• It bridges several gaps: communication (it is location independent), currency (you can be paid in any local currency), and qualification (you do not need an educational degree.)

• It serves two general markets — the skilled and unskilled market. The unskilled market is that which offers unskilled services like truck services, logistic services, transport services. The skilled market has to do with digital skills such as graphic design, software development, content writing, video editing and other skills including those offered by DABA.

• With the growth of the gig economy, if you have a (digital) skill, the best way to start freelancing is to register on platforms (like Upwork, Fiverr), upload your portfolio and start bidding for work.

• If you have no portfolio, you can create one by becoming your first client. Work on self-initiated projects. If you are a graphic designer, an example could be remaking the logo of some brands in the niche you choose to play in.

• If you have no skill and you want to become a freelancer, the first thing you should seek is KNOWLEDGE. Be curious, open-minded and hungry for knowledge; study, read and research on several skills you can offer as a service in exchange for money.

• The next step is to LEARN A SKILL. Once you are done with your wide research, you should settle down and learn a skill. Start with YouTube then get a mentor in that niche. If you have to pay, do it.

• Once you have learned a skill, the next step is to SEE OPPORTUNITIES. Always position yourself for several opportunities that will come your way. If it means adding more skills to your portfolio, do so

• Always be on the edge to learn. Never outgrow being a student no matter your earning capacity.

Olamide also shared exciting facts about the gig economy and how you can start playing in it today. To get the full gist, watch the full episode here.