We know that finding temporary work can be a hassle. Applying for temp jobs and waiting to hear back is time-consuming, and often unsuccessful. And even in places like Minneapolis, where the unemployment rate has been dropping recently, people throughout the region are still recovering from the recession. With personal finances stretched tight, some unemployed or underemployed folks will be looking for supplemental income.

That’s exactly why we’re excited to announce that we’re launching hundreds of Gigs in the Twin Cities. Gigs are a new way to work on-the-go: simply browse the app to find work in your area, complete the required tasks at the Gig’s location, then submit your Gig and get paid via PayPal when the client approves it. Gigwalk differs from online classifieds since it doesn’t require you to sit behind your computer. Also, each time a Gigwalk user (or Gigwalker, as we call them) successfully submits a Gig, the user earns Streetcred to build up his or her reputation in the Gigwalk community — and to help find his or her next Gig.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 20, Gigwalkers in Minneapolis will find hundreds of Gigs right in their own neighborhoods. For these jobs, Gigwalkers will complete field research tasks for a leading Fortune 500 brand. Gigwalkers will be asked to visit a local store, collect in-the-moment, in-store data about various products using an iPhone, then provide feedback through Gigwalk on the products. This first round of Gigs will run for three weeks, and the payment for each Gig will be $8 to $20 per hour.

To get started, simply download the Gigwalk app in Apple’s App Store and check out the map to find Gigs near you. Once you’ve completed a Gig, we’ll send your payment to you via PayPal. When you’ve completed a Gig, you can earn Streetcred for the work you do and show off your skills with endorsements from your Gigwalk network. If you want to practice Gigs before we officially launch in Minneapolis on the 20th, check out some of our practice Gigs. You’ll see just how easy it is to complete a Gig while you’re out running errands around town.

Happy Gigwalking!

In an effort to simplify our communication forums, we are making some product changes that we believe will enhance your overall Gigwalk experience.

Productive lines of communication from us to you

• We are consolidating all communication through community@gigwalk.com, enabling us to see and address each question and piece of feedback as it comes in. As a result, Gigwalk Talk will be retired.

• If you have questions or feedback, the most effective way to get a timely response is through our support system at community@gigwalk.com

• If you cannot get a hold of somebody or want to contact the CEO directly, please email me at aseidman@gigwalk.com

You will still be able to interact with other Gigwalkers

• We know that some of the relationships you have formed and the community you have built around Gigwalk have been inspiring and exciting. We will continue to actively support the community’s efforts to engage with one another.

• We will be working to host meetups at local coffee shops or cafes. We believe this is a great opportunity to meet with fellow Gigwalkers in your community to share tips, plan Gig ventures, and connect.

• Interested in helping to organize or participate in a local meetup? Drop us a note at community@gigwalk.com

Thank you for being a part of Gigwalk,

-ariel

Hey, Gigwalkers:

For a limited time, we are offering what we call “Refer-A-Friend” Gigs. Here’s what they are:

Earn $3 by doing a Refer-A-Friend Gig: Gigwalk is growing to support new customers who want to place Gigs across the country and we need your help to expand to up-and-coming metro areas. Help us grow so we can support new customers and so that all Gigwalkers will have access to more Gigs!

How it works: Find an available Gig on the Gigwalk map, and complete the Gig by referring a friend who lives in that metro area. Your friend should be interested in being a Gigwalker and should have a smartphone (iPhone or Android).

• You will need to provide the name and e-mail address for your friend.

• Gigwalk will send an e-mail to your friend inviting them to join Gigwalk (by         downloading the App and registering).

• You get paid when your friend’s registration is verified and your Gig is approved.

These Gigs will expire at the end of the month or when they’ve been completed! We are recruiting for new Gigwalkers in specific metro areas (see list below). Referrals must be for new Gigwalkers and they must register and download the App to be validated within 7-days of your referral.

»Log into the app to refer a friend!

Here’s a list of area’s which have Gigs for Gigwalker Referrals (after the jump)!

Read More

The last seven months have been a whirlwind at Gigwalk — we’ve launched hundreds of thousands of Gigs, made thousands of payouts to individuals and connected real people with a real source of secondary income across the country.

Today, we are delighted to announce some key achievements — so read on to get the scoop.

1.5 million tasks completed since launch. Wow. 
Not only is that a lot of Gigs (about 125,000 to be exact), this achievement represents effort from individuals across the country to collect critical business data and photographs to document intersection blockages, restaurant menus and small business interiors. 

Expansion to new categories of work.
When we started, we primarily focused on Field Research Gigs that solved big data mapping issues and were located at a specific location. As our market footprint has expanded, the need to support new types of work has become apparent. We now support six categories of Gigs:

• Field Research: Collecting information  about products or businesses. 
• Photography and Media: Generating multimeida content from a location, event or experience. 
• Quality Inspection: Evaluating a service, product or location. 
• Administrative Support: Assisting with administrative support and office duties. 
• Onsite Technical Service: Provide installation, maintenance or repair services. 
• Field Sales & Marketing: Promote a product, brand or business.   

100,000+ mobile workforce of skilled individuals
Of all our achievements, we are most excited about the workforce of mobile-device enabled, App powered individuals. These people rock! Their occupations range from EMTs, to photographers, to Apple Geniuses.  We share their desire for real, flexible work — the opportunity to work on the go, when your schedule, your interest and your skills match the needs of a business.

New Fortune 500 customers
We are excited to share that eBay, BMW, Mercedes and Chegg have joined the growing list of companies using Gigwalk.   

It’s Still Day One
With all of these exciting achievements, we still know that this is just the beginning — it is still day one.  Our vision is to change the way work gets done — to define a new class of flexible work that can be done on the go. Even though folks like Andy Ransford, a medical student in Miami, earn $1,000’s with Gigwalk in-between classes or Lisa Duncan, an office manager in San Mateo earn $100’s a week after work; we know that this is just the beginning. 

To learn more about these milestones, check out our press release. 

As the Holidays begin in earnest this week, all of us at Gigwalk wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. After our last team meeting, we gathered the team together for a quick photo (one of our co-founders even joined us by video-conference!)

Happy Holidays!

Thank you.

Team Gigwalk

Monique O’Toole (aka: Monique-the-Beat) is an entrepreneur whose skill at promoting hot musicians and emerging fashion labels come in handy when hitting the pavement for Gigs.

 Why did you start Gigwalking and what does it mean to you?

I started Gigwalking after I found a job posting online. I lost my job quite some time ago, and wasn’t having much luck, so I was beyond excited when I found Gigwalk. It means a lot to me to be able to make money on my own time. Plus, I get to be my own boss and manage my work. It doesn’t get much better than that! 

Besides combing the streets for Gigs, what else do you do? 

I go to tons of concerts, and run a music site called the Beat-Box.  It’s a music and fashion site I started about a year ago where I promote shows and fashion labels with articles and videos.  

  How has Gigwalk made a difference for you?

The earnings have helped me a lot, especially with the holidays coming. Unemployment wasn’t paying the bills, so my Gigwalk money is helping me pay for gas, food and even keeping my site up and running.

 What are your two best tips for new Gigwalkers?

Be patient, practice, and plan your days out. 

What was your best Gigwalking experience so far?  

So far, I really enjoy parking my car in L.A and walking from Gig to Gig. Gigwalking is great exercise, and you discover new places you wouldn’t have otherwise. I also enjoy Gigs in shopping malls and food courts.   

Besides Gigwalk, what is your favorite iPhone Application? 

 I probably use Twitter the most. Instagram is also a favorite.  

Which current event would you be discussing at the Gigwalk Watercooler? 

Recently, there was a tragedy in my hometown of Seal Beach – a shooting at a hair salon – that has really rocked our community.   Also, my favorite band, The Sounds, just started their North America tour and I’m planning to catch several of their shows in California. 

What would be your theme song while Gigwalking? 

“Gimme Some Money” by Spinal Tap, because I can’t help but to think of the money I’m making while taking panos… lol!   

Are you the only Gigwalker that you know personally or do you have any other friends who have the Gigwalk fever? (Asked by Lisa Duncan, last week’s Featured Gigwalker) 

 I’m still only Gigwalker I know.  I’ve shown some friends the app, and the response has been great. 

What question do you want to ask the next featured Gigwalker?

What’s your strategy and do you Gigwalk during the week or just weekends? 

Lisa Duncan exudes the positive attitude that makes her such a successful Gigwalker.  The skills she developed traveling the world helps her on Gigs: Lisa is always prepared, communicates easily with businesses and infuses her work with a sense of fun.  

Why did you start Gigwalking and what does it mean to you?

I started Gigwalking because it seemed like a GREAT idea! Use my phone to make money?  YES PLEASE!  This year has been difficult financially and it’s the first time in my life I fell behind on bills.  I took on a part-time job at a fast food place but wasn’t happy with the work environment, so I started secret shopping, which I enjoyed, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.  THEN, I started Gigwalking.  WOW!  Not only is Gigwalk fun, but with the speed at which I can do Gigs, I’m making $32 per hour. 

Besides combing the streets for Gigs, what else do you do? 

I’m an Administrative Assistant and I love my job!  My passions are travel, learning new languages and about different cultures.  I lived in the Czech Republic to teach business English and traveled around Europe.  Once I get caught up on my bills, I’m going to save my Gigwalk money for my next trip.  I’m hoping to go to Asia!

How has Gigwalk made a difference for you?

Gigwalk helps me catch up on bills, takes stress out of my life, and gives me an easy and fun way to make money, at my own pace and on my own schedule.  Without Gigwalk this month to supplement my income, I wouldn’t have been able to make my car payment. A few weekends of Gigwalking have not only allowed me to pay my bills, but will help me go Christmas shopping! 

What are your two best tips for new Gigwalkers?

#1 Be PREPARED for anything: Bring a snack, an external battery for your phone, and arm yourself with an answer or a question for store associates or mall security.  Be prepared to be turned away when you ask permission, but also be ready for business owners who are excited about what you’re doing and ask a lot of questions!

#2 Have fun and don’t be shy about asking questions.  The folks at Gigwalk are there to help, and so are other Gigwalkers. 

What was your best Gigwalking experience so far?  

I love Gigwalking at the mall.  I get to shop, and make money at the same time.  Just last night I had two shop owners get REALLY excited about what I was doing.  They both had lots of questions for me, and were happy to be helping me and their business at the same time.  That was great for me.  

Besides Gigwalk, what is your favorite iPhone Application? 

Hands down: Words With Friends! 

Which current event would you be discussing at the Gigwalk Watercooler? 

The unemployment rate, no doubt.  I have so many close friends and family members this has affected.  It’s absolutely awful!

What would be your theme song while Gigwalking? 

It would have to be Whistle While You Work like in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs….I know it’s silly, but I FEEL like whistling while I’m Gigwalking because it’s just that fun.

Have you ever encountered another Gigwalker in the wild?
(Asked by Phil Scroggs, last week’s Featured Gigwalker)

As of yet I have not run into any Gigwalkers “in the wild”. I think I’ve done a lot of gigging in untouched areas and I’ve been doing a lot of “clean up” with straggler Gigs. I would love to run into a fellow Gigwalker and talk shop so to speak. I love the Gigwalk Talk forum, but meeting another Gigwalk fanatic would be so exciting!

What question do you want to ask the next featured Gigwalker?

Are you the only Gigwalker that you know personally or do you have any other friends who have the Gigwalk fever? 

Phil Scroggs has been Gigwalking in the Seattle area and quickly developed a reputation with our client as the “Leonardo da Vinci” of business panoramas.  It turns out the artful nature of his Gigs comes naturally; Phil is an accomplished illustrator and professional multimedia designer.  

Why did you start Gigwalking and what does it mean to you?

I started Gigwalking just to try out an interesting new app that I had read about. I kept Gigwalking because it was a great way to earn extra money while getting some exercise and exploring parts of Seattle that I don’t usually get to see. 

Besides combing the streets for Gigs, what else do you do? 

By day, I’m a multimedia designer for a healthcare company. I design print materials, presentations, videos and web graphics. When not doing that, I’m usually out shooting photos. The iPhone is just one of several cameras I use. I also make/show/sell acrylic paintings, illustrations and linocut prints as “Phillustrations.” 

How has Gigwalk made a difference for you? 

The main benefit is that my Gigwalk earnings let me say “yes” to things more often. I used to be more cautious when it came to small expenses like stopping for coffee on my way to work or going out to dinner. Now, I don’t think twice about it. With the money I’ve made doing this, I purchased the new iPhone and some accessories that I can use both on and off the job. 

What are your two best tips for new Gigwalkers?

#1 Read the FAQ in Gigwalk Talk and ask questions when you need help.   

#2 Plan your day before getting started. Pick a spot with lots of clustered gigs. If you’re shooting a lot of restaurant gigs, catch them right when they open so there will be fewer customers in your way. If you know of several closed businesses on your map, save those for when the open restaurants will be most crowded.

What was your best Gigwalking experience so far?  

One restaurant owner bought me a coffee of my choice before I got started. Another nice couple of owners boxed up some Chinese food for me to take, insisting that I try it even after I had declined the offer. 

Besides Gigwalk, what is your favorite iPhone Application?

 I love Instagram. It’s fun to shoot with and share your images.

I also like checking out the photo feed to see what other people are posting. 

Which current event would you be discussing at the Gigwalk Watercooler?

I’d probably be talking about the new iPhone and the future of Apple without Steve Jobs. 

What would be your theme song while Gigwalking? Why this song?

I’m going to pick something corny like “Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers.  Although I usually get the business owner’s permission first, I still try to move fast and be as invisible as possible while I’m working. If I can blend into the background during my gigs, I have a better chance of staying out of the way, getting great photos and moving on to the next gig quickly! 

Besides your phone, what accessories do you pack in your bag for the job? 
(Asked by  Fernando Navales last week’s Featured Gigwalker): 

I pack sunscreen, headphones, and my charging cable - in case I stop for lunch somewhere that I can plug in. I also have a Mophie Juice Pack for recharging on the go.

What question do you want to ask the next featured Gigwalker?

Have you ever encountered another Gigwalker in the wild?

I have. Michael S. was trying to work the same restaurant I had just started and couldn’t figure out why the pin had disappeared on him. Great guy - we had a nice conversation about doing Gigs around Seattle.

Fernando discovered Gigwalking only a few weeks ago, but already he’s cut a swath through San Francisco completing almost 300 Gigs. All the while exploring new neighborhoods and making friends along the way.  His background in acting and connecting with people helps him quickly build rapport with business owners on Gigs and makes him an excellent Gigwalker to kick off this new weekly Gigwalker profile series.

Why did you start Gigwalking and what does it mean to you?

I needed to start working immediately and I wanted something that was flexible enough for me to manage my own time and work.  For me, Gigwalk is a metaphor for life: you get out of it as much effort as you put in.  I also am healthier (because I ride my bike to Gigs), I meet new people, get to explore new parts of the City and I find the work incredibly rewarding. 

Besides combing the streets for Gigs, what else do you do? 

 I’m an actor – I studied at the Circle in the Square Theater School in New York City.  I’ve performed Shakespeare on Broadway as well as internationally.  I’m also really into mixed martial arts (Jujutsu and boxing) and I love bicycling all over San Francisco.

How have your Gigwalk earnings impacted your life?

Gigwalk has given me the opportunity to make more money than I made sitting at a desk.  I love to work and be active, so this is perfect for me.  It’s nice to be able to spend time with friends and take my girlfriend out to dinner without worrying about how I’m going to pay. Today, I’m wearing a great sweater from Brooklyn Circus that I bought with Gigwalk earnings.

What are your two best tips for new Gigwalkers?

#1: Be efficient and charming.

#2: Practice before you go out and don’t be afraid to redo your work.  I stitch my panos right away and do them again if I mess up.

What was your best Gigwalking experience so far?  

At a restaurant Gig for Bing Maps at Lavash  in the Inner Sunset, the owner’s wife, who was dining with her family, introduced herself and then took me to show off her flower shop and then invited me to hang out with her whole extended family.  They were such wonderful people.

Besides Gigwalk, what is your favorite iPhone Application (or Android application?)

  Chess with Friends! 

Which current event would you be discussing at the Gigwalk Watercooler?  

I’d ask about Occupy Wall Street.  I’m interested to see who has run into protesters around town.

What would be your theme song while Gigwalking? 

Definitely “Eye of the Tiger.”  It just says: “Go for it!” Which is my philosophy toward Gigwalking.

What question do you want to ask the next featured Gigwalker? 

Besides your phone, what accessories do you pack in your bag for the job?

This blog post is part of a new series featuring amazing Gigwalkers. Look for a new Gigwalker profile to be posted every Wednesday afternoon.