Last weekend I told a friend about Viggle and she shared her latest app obsession, which is also a check-in-rewards-type application…but it actually requires getting off the couch.
It’s called Gigwalk. 
Of course I listened. I’m always on the hunt for what’s next and am a fan of making money doing interesting and fun things. (Who isn’t?) Plus, of course, she’s a great friend and very intelligent, so I absolutely trusted her recommendation to check it out.
So what’s Gigwalk?
According to the website, “Gigwalk connects businesses with the best people to get work done anywhere.” It is an on-demand workforce that allows companies to get tasks done quickly and easily; and it allows users to make money close to home. Gigs include finding product in select stores, verifying street names (this was for TomTom GPS), photographing restaurant menus, among others.
How it works:
Users (also known as Gigwalkers) download the app and create an account. Select information is pulled from their Facebook account, including employer, education and location. Gigwalkers create profiles and connect their PayPal account via email address (this is how Gigwalkers are paid, through PayPal).
Why it works:
It’s easy for companies to sign up and easy for users to download and get started. Gigs are open across the United States, and not just in major metropolitan areas. In addition to New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Miami, there are also gigs in suburbs and more remote locations. Ariel Seidmen, CEO and co-founder says the key ingredient is the ease of gig completion, “we offer up small gigs that you can do on your way home from work, or before dinner with friends. And you can earn a little money in the process.”
How it can work for brands:
Brands can crowdsource creative assets. For example, instead of paying for stock images for websites, blogs, and social network posts, brands can post gigs on Gigwalk for users to take photos with their smartphones to submit. The brand will then own the image for a much smaller fee than stock photos.
Brands can also get easy, inexpensive research. Instead of sending a person from the corporate office or agency out to a store to ensure proper shelf placement over time, brands can post a gig on Gigwalk for users to take photos with their smartphones to submit. You can review the photos for a lower cost and effort.
Tips for brands:
Treat new Gigwalkers the way you would treat new employees, with utmost respect and adequate enthusiasm. Even if it is a small task, the people who download the app are early adopters and mobile, so they have the ability to make or break brands. Not trying to instill fear, just being honest.
Provide adequate value exchange. Think: what will entice people to do the gig without worrying about the cost of getting to the gig location or feeling like they’re going out of their way without reason. Additionally, if the gig requires the Gigwalker to go into a store or restaurant and purchase something, by all means, provide compensation for that.
Have you tried Gigwalk? Do you have any tips for Gigwalkers or brands?
Yes Julia, Gigwalk is a great idea and a great company run by Ariel Seidman. Ariel is a member of my LinkedIn group: AWE – Alternative Work Environments. I noticed that you’re on LinkedIn, come and join us. I’ve included the link below.