Here's how you can excel in temporary and contract roles in IT Consulting within the gig economy.

Demonstrating continuous learning will give your prospective employer confidence in your ability and approach to keeping your skills current. Technology, delivery methodologies, frameworks, and ways of working constantly change, so keeping your skills up to date will not only broaden your knowledge but also give future employers confidence that you can hit the ground running. Not to mention alleviating any hesitation you may have about achieving the task at hand effectively.

Deliver high-quality work- Focus on delivering exceptional results and exceeding client expectations to build a strong reputation and secure repeat business and referrals.

Networking where you are contracting shouldn't be overlooked. If you make yourself available to meet people and network where you are contracting, you will soon be known throughout the business. This can often be helpful if your project or funding is coming to an end but another manager has a need somewhere else within the company. Most people are surprised to learn that most jobs are not filled through job boards but through people's networks, so it is always important to keep a healthy network of contacts while also meeting new people.

Contractors are often seen as SMEs that can be dropped into almost any situation and adapt quickly. Demonstrating adaptability will give your employer confidence in your ability and reinforce this sentiment. Confidence often leads to more responsibility, which, in turn, gives you leverage if you want a rate rise in the future. It also increases your chance of extensions.

As a seasoned IT consultant, excelling in temporary and contract roles within the gig economy requires a multifaceted approach. I would say: 1. Build Skills 2. Network Smartly 3. Be Adaptable 4. Communicate Clearly 5. Manage Time Efficiently 6. Deliver Quality

"Time is the most valuable thing a [wo]man can spend," said Theophrastus. Excelling in temporary and contract IT consulting roles within the gig economy requires effective time management. In my experience, creating a structured schedule is essential. For instance, use tools like Google Calendar or Toggl to allocate time for each task and avoid overcommitting. One thing I've found helpful is setting clear priorities and deadlines for each project. A common mistake is failing to account for unexpected delays. By managing your time wisely and staying organized, you can meet client expectations and thrive in the dynamic gig economy.

Use your initiative and have a continuous improvement mindset. If you have worked at many different places, there's a good chance you will have seen things done better differently somewhere else. Most companies will be open to implementing small changes if they will increase efficiency, productivity or revenue. Be careful how you approach change suggestions. You don't want to be seen as negative, disruptive, or not focused on the task at hand. Your priority is to deliver what you were hired for, but if quick and easy changes can improve outcomes, who wouldn't be interested? Any change ideas should be brought up with the right people in an unassuming way that doesn't feel conflicting.