Starting a Side Gig 6 Essential Tools to Get You Going

Starting a Side Gig 6 Essential Tools to Get You Going Having the right tools for the right task can make all the difference when it comes to a side job. The fact is, freelancing can sometimes involve the strenuous chore of task management, essential in order to maximize productivity. While as a freelancer, you definitely do not want to become overwhelmed with superfluous tools, there are some basic techniques and resources out there that will aid your endeavors, and go a long way to making you a successful contractor. Here are some of those tools: Laptop/Computer In today’s work environment, almost every kind of job requires a laptop/desktop computer and/or computer-based technology, in one way or another. A laptop or desktop computer, among certain others, has increasingly become the underlying tool for any freelancing job. As a freelancer indulging in a second job online, you need a computer with plenty of storage space to save your work and often with a redundant system for data backup. Internet Connection A second job online can take on several different forms. For instance, you can use your current skills set to carry out freelance jobs for a variety of clients, you can participate in paid surveys, host webinars, meet with clients via video calls, or even promote a product(s) for a company as an affiliate marketer; but without a good, fast, stable internet connection, you will only be able to provide so much. Smartphone Use a smartphone to find more jobs, exchange virtual business cards, research potential clients and keep in touch with existing ones in real-time, and even make changes to project deliverables, all regardless of wherever you are. iPhones and Android-based phones have hundreds of apps that facilitate these tasks for you. EverNote and cloud-based storage apps top most lists. Just take a look at the Best Productivity Apps of 2012 from Business Insider. Job Search Engine / Freelance Marketplace Another essential tool for a side job is a quality job search website. Whether remotely or onâ€"site, these sites are there to help you search for jobs in your area of expertise. You can start your search by using keywords, such as: work from home, freelance, part time, work online, telecommute, evening, weekend, and so on. Since you can work remotely, you dont really need to be location-specific when searching for online jobs. If you want to work on-site, add a specific metro area or city when searching for jobs. Take a look at some of these sites for gigs: oDesk.com, sologig.com, elance.com, guru.com, and getafreelancer.com. Local Newspaper Among the numerous other tools, local newspapers are essential, especially for those who don’t really want to stray too far from home to do a side job. You can search for a side job via former employers, business associations, local newspapers, and other publications. PayPal Account PayPal is arguably the most popular, fastest and easiest option to receive and make online payments. As new features have been added, such as the ability to have payment subscriptions, it has become a powerful tool for a freelancer or side job contractor to be able to receive payments quickly and easily from anywhere around the globe, and in so doing, become the default payment method that freelancers accept and use. Although many of these tools may vary depending on what you do, generally they remain useful for any individual contractor. This is just a partial list of tools to help enhance communications and productivity. It makes a good start. About the author This post was contributed by Joe Linford on behalf of www.mobilegenie.co.uk, the UK based price comparison site for mobile phone and smartphones deals.