Welcome To The Sharing Economy

(AKA Gig Economy, On-Demand Economy and Shared Economy)

Do you use Uber to get a ride around big cities? Have you ever utilized DogVacay for last-minute pet sitting? Are you a fan of renting a room via AirBnB? Do you use TaskRabbit to find a handyman? If so, you’re a part of the shared economy.

The shared economy, also known as on-demand, peer, or access economies, works on the idea of optimizing resources and utilizing assets. By harnessing the power of technology, social trends, and the Internet, shared economy companies act as matchmakers that connect customers and providers in a way where everyone benefits. It’s actually a pretty nifty business model.

While many shared economy companies are only just start-ups, others have boomed into multi-billion dollar, global powerhouses. They specialize in:

• Ridesharing
• Delivery Services
• Peer-to-Peer Carsharing
• On-Demand Odd jobs
• On-Demand Moving
• Pet Sitting
• Freelancing
• Teaching / Tutoring / Coaching
• Tour and Travel Gigs
• Meal Sharing (Hosting Dinners in your House for a Fee)
• And more!

If there is a demand, the shared economy will help create a supply of willing and able providers who can capitalize on their talents, skills, and property. It’s a niche that provides jobs and builds a community.

The beauty of the shared economy business model is that it has created an army of on-demand workers. Literally millions of people are earning a paycheck as part of the shared economy. Together these workers share the responsibility of the job and provide around the clock services to all sorts of consumers – and they are all connected via smartphones. Shared economy jobs allow people to discover the true value of a flexible schedule, the ability to be their own boss, and the premium of working when they choose to work. The flexibility, independence, and freedom offered in this niche is completely unique.

People pursue shared economy jobs for a variety of reasons. Maybe they want to avoid the 9 to 5 lifestyle, they can’t find a traditional job, they are true entrepreneurs, they want to make a bit of extra cash, or they are experienced lifehackers. Whatever the reason, the shared economy is here to stay.

The shared economy helps to develop a close-knit community that relies on and supports each other. As they say, sharing is caring. As participation increases, people save money, have better access to goods and services, and create less of an environmental impact. It’s a sustainable business model that increases overall value.

Are you ready to become a provider? Providers operate as independent contractors that are vetted by and paid by the shared economy company that they choose to work for. It’s the provider’s job to be available to consumers and provide them with quality goods and services. The more a provider is available, the more money they will make.

Hourly wages for shared economy jobs can range from minimum wage to over $100 per hour. Six-figure salaries aren’t unheard of. And there’s always the potential for gratuities too. When you factor in the work-life balance, the flexible schedule, and the other benefits, shared economy jobs are pretty attractive, right?

To be successful in the shared economy, all you have to do is take advantage of the infrastructure and technology that shared economy companies have already created. Then build your clientele and shape your own business. It’s entrepreneurship at its finest.

Of course, there are a few drawbacks and it’s not for everyone. Providers typically have to provide their own insurance, pay their own expenses, account for taxes, and work obscure hours – but this is typical of any contractor job. As long as you know what to expect, the drawbacks are minimal.

As long as a shared economy company operates in your area, there are jobs available. Major metropolitan areas like New York, Seattle, Denver, Paris, London, Beijing, Mumbai, or Moscow have the most opportunity and the most demand. As the world’s population booms, opportunities will sprout up all over the map. The potential is endless.

Is the shared economy starting to sound like the perfect way for you to make a living? Before you fully commit, download an app for Uber, TaskRabbit, PostMates, Rover, InstaCart, Gigwalk, or Lyft. Take the shared economy world for a spin and see what you think. If you like it, get online and apply for a shared economy job.

Whether you choose to turn the shared economy into a living or you just want to make a few extra bucks over the weekend, becoming an on-demand provider might be the best thing you ever do.

The shared economy is no longer under the radar. It’s mainstream and it’s taking the world by storm. Whether you’re a driver, writer, house cleaner, or handyman the shared economy is for you. Take advantage of it.