How freelancers can use AI to stay one step ahead

Everyone's talking about AI.

Part of the conversation has been about how it will affect work as we know it. As technology advances, more work currently done by freelancers will be automated, eliminating the need for human skills.

How will this affect freelancers, and how can they stay on top of these changes?

Read on to find out!

What is artificial intelligence in simple terms?

Machines can perform cognitive functions often linked with human thinking, which is called artificial intelligence. They can get trained and learn to do tasks like humans.

They learn continuously through algorithms and data, and they get better at performing specific tasks. AI has many uses, like virtual assistants, chatbots, fraud detection systems, speech recognition software, and image and video recognition systems.

How can AI help freelancers?

The ability of AI to complete tasks on its own can be very helpful for freelancers. Here are some ways that artificial intelligence can help you:

• Task automation: AI handles repetitive, routine tasks, freeing you to focus on more worthwhile, unassignable tasks. A survey by Valoir found that artificial intelligence could automate 40% of the typical workday. AI will bring great improvements to the automation of processes.

• Efficiency: Using AI can help lower the human error rate, resulting in more efficient work and reliable results. These new technologies enable you to finish jobs faster than rivals and efficiently meet clients' expectations.

• Creativity: AI can help you trigger creative processes for new ideas. For example, if you're a freelance writer, AI can help you generate prompts and overcome writer's block. 

• Jobs: AI has created new positions across a range of industries. Nowadays, many platforms are linked by AI, and services have started to use technology to connect freelancers with clients worldwide. You can easily get matched with the client that needs your skills.

• Research: You can use AI for research, not just for regular information search, but also to generate texts, brainstorm, consult sources, produce visuals, and even write and test code.

Artificial intelligence, freelancing, and the economy

The use of AI in freelance work has both benefits and drawbacks. One advantage is that AI can do tasks that humans used to do, which can save employers money. Unfortunately, this can lead to job loss for freelancers and lower pay for those who keep their jobs.

On the other hand, new job opportunities are being created in fields like AI engineering, VR management, and other areas related to AI technology. Despite concerns about job replacement, there is room for better opportunities for those who can leverage AI.

Expected growth of artificial intelligence

The use of AI has been steadily increasing and is becoming mainstream. We are already seeing this tool's amazing capabilities, from producing stunning visual masterpieces to forecasting profitable business ventures. A Freelancermap survey found that almost one-third of independent contractors use AI tools and software, with around 60% including ChatGPT in their work processes. Search engines like Bing and Google are also utilizing AI to enhance their search results, with Microsoft integrating conversational AI like ChatGPT and Google introducing their own AI tool, Bard, to help users find what they're looking for and receive helpful feedback.

Freelancers are benefiting from the use of artificial intelligence to improve their work. For example, tutors can use AI tools to make online teaching easier by assisting with research, note-taking, and assessing students. According to a Citrix report, technology will automate more than 80% of repetitive and low-value tasks for professionals, freeing them up to concentrate on more significant work. ChatGPT, an AI-powered tool, has gained popularity among freelancers since its release in the latter half of last year.

How can freelancers stay ahead in an AI-centric World?

Your role is to generate ideas; AI only helps you flesh them out. Technology and artificial intelligence have not gotten to the point where it is simpler for freelancers and their clients to collaborate. The hiring, paying, and managing of freelancers—tasks that would typically take a lot of time—can also be made much simpler. For freelancers, the future will be to collaborate with AI rather than compete, and staying ahead of the curve means constantly seeking to improve both the process and the result.

Here are a few points to help you;

1. Learn continuously

To stay one step ahead, you must speed up your learning curve. Develop skills less amenable to automation, such as creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. Also, keep up with AI trends and technologies to understand new advancements in your field and how to leverage them.

2. Specialize

Become the best at what you do, even if that means focusing on a specific niche. Develop expertise in skills AI cannot replicate, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. Specialization can help you become indispensable in your field and make you less vulnerable to automation.

3. Collaborate with AI

Mastering AI will do wonders to elevate your work. It doesn't matter what field you are in. Whether it's data analysis, project management, research, graphic design, or tutoring, learning to give efficient prompts is key. Also, keeping pace with the newest software and tools is important. By seamlessly incorporating AI tools into your routine, you'll boost your process and final results.

4. Know the laws

Freelancers must understand the legal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. This knowledge can guide your work and protect your clients. Be familiar with intellectual property laws and data privacy regulations, and ensure that your work complies with them, as these can be major concerns with AI.

5. Put your clients first

AI can churn out large amounts of code in minutes, but it can not beat you at being human. When understanding unique client requirements, the human touch gives you an edge over impersonal machines. Cultivate emotional intelligence to understand clients’ needs deeply and provide personalized solutions. You could also take the initiative to educate your clients on the benefits and limitations of AI and guide them through AI-related decisions.

6. Stay connected

Develop a strong personal brand and network within your industry. Reputation and relationships can lead to more opportunities. Create a credible online personal brand. Use a professional website and social media to highlight your distinctive abilities to stand out from the competition.

Remember, the key is not to compete against AI but to find ways to collaborate and enhance your capabilities using AI. Combining human expertise and AI assistance can give you a competitive edge in an AI-centric world.

7. Employ automation for increased efficiency

As a freelancer, time is your most valuable resource. Automation can handle repetitive tasks like invoicing, scheduling, and even basic email responses. Tools like scheduling apps can help you stay on top of your administrative work without breaking a sweat. This means more time to focus on your core skills and projects.

One such tool that perfectly complements your use of AI is Workee.

As a freelancer or independent professional, you can take your work to the next level with Workee's powerful business management tool. This comprehensive solution offers everything you need to manage your clients, schedule meetings, and get paid seamlessly.

With Workee, you can streamline your workflow from start to finish, saving you time and energy. Plus, the easy-to-use website builder lets you build a custom site that reflects your brand, while the built-in booking and billing features make it easy to manage your business on the go. 

Workee automatically calculates taxes and integrates with other essential tools so you can focus on what you do best - delivering exceptional work to your clients.

Get started on Workee here.

Are there disadvantages to using AI?

Many people believe that AI's biggest flaw is its propensity for mistakes. While AI is generally accurate, depending entirely on its accuracy can pose a risk. When inquiring about a topic with a language model that AI has not yet learned, it can be challenging to anticipate how precise or reliable the answer will be. Nonetheless, AI excels at processing numbers and interpreting text-based information, so freelancers should create clear and well-written questions, also called prompts, to take full advantage of AI tools.

Although AI can be prone to errors, its greatest advantage is its ability to increase output and efficiency.

Conclusion

AI is sweeping the globe and has new ramifications for the freelance labor market. Freelancers need to stay up-to-date with AI developments and be prepared for the changes it may bring to the industry. AI will benefit freelancers if they learn how to use it correctly and leverage it to create new earning opportunities for themselves. They can take advantage of the efficiency improvements AI brings and work as advisors and developers of the technology. 

To thrive as a freelancer in the era of AI, it is essential to automate tasks that can be easily automated. Doing so lets you focus on your creativity passion, and building strong client relationships, which are key to success.