Nico P. is a London-based Tasker whose career as a chef was impacted by COVID-19. But he is finding ways to continue offering his Cooking/Baking services through TaskRabbit, in addition to pursuing his passion for gardening and garden design. Read on for how he was hired as a personal chef to prepare a private wedding anniversary meal at the couple’s home!
What did you do for a living before becoming a Tasker?
I was a head chef.
What is the primary reason why you joined TaskRabbit?
To help me transition during my career change.
What were your biggest learnings as you got started on the app?
I’ve learned I should always add 1 extra hour of cushion (in the task duration, not the invoice!) when accepting a task. London is a big city and often it takes much longer than expected to travel from one location to another.
How do you market yourself to Clients?
I write short, to the point descriptions of my services on my profile. Reviews help me with the rest.
What is your best tasking memory, or the most meaningful connection you’ve made through tasking?
I helped a young couple celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary. The husband booked me for a Cooking/Baking task to provide personal chef services at their home as a surprise for his wife. We had communicated for over a week on creating the perfect menu and taking care of all the details. The couple received 5 star food and service and I left the kitchen in an immaculate state. After dinner we had a long chat and the wife was so pleased with the experience, she wondered why this wasn’t something that people would do regularly. They were both very impressed and appreciative, left a great review and a really good tip!
What are some of your go-to tasking tips and tricks?
I always make sure that I communicate as much as I can with the Client without sounding unprofessional. I ask questions and always articulate my texts in a professional manner, i.e. no “txt spk”! I also ensure that I have the right equipment with me to complete the task.
How has TaskRabbit impacted your life?
TaskRabbit has been a saviour! During the pandemic, tasking has given me the opportunity to get work that I wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise. As a chef, I was working in a sector that has been hugely impacted by COVID-19. So TaskRabbit is the perfect platform for me to get exposure for my skills and interests.
What makes a good Client?
All Clients are good Clients! You have to manage their expectations and exceed where possible.
What do you do to score great reviews (and tips)?
I am always professional and polite. I dedicate a little extra time at the beginning or at the end of the task to give the Clients the opportunity to get to know me. I am always punctual, but if I am late I make sure I communicate my status.
What’s your best advice for other Taskers? What do you want to know from other Taskers?
Do your absolute best! When tasking, just focus on the task and ensure your Client is happy. Leave the chit chat for the end of the task after you’ve submitted the invoice.
From other Taskers, I would like to know how you keep your acceptance rate high when you are booked for a task in the wrong category?
(Editor’s note: If you believe you’ve been hired in the wrong category, you can ask your Client in the Chat thread to rehire you in the correct category and cancel the Task, selecting the most appropriate reason for cancellation. All cancellations are manually reviewed to ensure your metrics are not improperly impacted. If you notice your metrics are improperly impacted, don’t worry! You can reach out to Support.)
What are some seasonal/holiday/local traditions that you celebrate/enjoy?
I love Guy Fawkes night (observed on 5 November every year). Bonfire, fireworks, gatherings and big dinner!
If you promote yourself and your work through social media, what is your social media handle?
During the pandemic, Cooking tasks have been on the rise. The photos Nico has shared are a great example of how to leverage the Business Photos section of your profile to sell yourself!
