How do we transition into the upcoming ‘gig economy’?
This was the question of the day at the “If You Dig It, Gig It” lecture at Epicenter Stockholm – a growing hub of innovation, and one of the most interesting spots in Stockholm.
We are heading towards an unprecedented shift in the way we work.
The presentation was a manifesto to embrace your own uniqueness, to not be scared of looking stupid when trying new things, and an invitation to step up and become the leader of your own work life.
Three Lessons of the new ‘gig economy’:
1. Reputation is Everything
As we move into an era where we build our own platforms, we need to move away from experience and expertise as the only two factors to our potential.
How do we build a reputation on factors other than experience and expertise?
It’s a tricky question. And one that Per Frykman has been trying to answer, while looking at factors such as courage, flexibility, quality mindset and delivering capacity.
In the gig economy, our reputation is more important than ever before. They say that 80% of what is decided about us occurs when we are not around. I.e. our reputation decides for us when we are not present.
The point of the story?
We can not control our reputation, others do. Yet, we can decide on what we want it to be, and take action accordingly. Most probably, we will reach the reputation we aspire to build.
2. JOBS will be replaced by GIGS
Not only are the markets and needs changing faster than ever. Frykman shares how only 5-10 years ago, the half-life of expertise was approx 25 years.
Today, that half-life is down to 4 years.
Expertise in itself is losing its importance. Instead we will be dependent on building a platform, with many different skills and traits, that we can work from.
3. Always be in beta
What do those red little notifications on the App Store mean? “It’s time to update your app”.
These companies are constantly shipping upgrades for you to download. They did not send it once, and then stop working on that product. Instead, it is a constant process of development and updates.
Consider yourself to be in beta.
We might have launched one version of ourself, but we can always upgrade and update our software. When we are in beta, it means there is always room for improvement. Stick to what you’re good at and keep working at it.