A brand is, by definition, the equivalent of reputation – and in today’s gig economy, reputation is what enables solopreneurs and entrepreneurs to survive and thrive.

But there’s a fly in the ointment: aggregators like Upwork and 99 Designs are all about finding gig economy workers for clients, and using their aggregator brand as the seal of trust.

So how can a single person establish a brand that drives business in this aggregator world?

Nathan Hirsch is the 28 year old CEO and Founder of FreeeUp, a rapidly rising player in the online talent business. And he definitely has an opinion on how the new generation of freelancer can build an authentic brand to stand out more effectively.

In Hirsch’s view, perennial brand differentiators – going the extra mile, picking up the phone, always thinking of how to solve problems – work as well for gig economy worker brands as they did for big company brands. But he also has other insights that can help gig economy workers rapidly build a powerful brand.

I had the good fortune to interview Hirsch for my podcast. So rather than bore you with text, here’s the podcast. Hope you enjoy our lively conversation!

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