Expert Guides
Helios Help Center
Three Ways to Earn on Helios
Helios gives manufacturing experts three structured ways to turn their knowledge and experience into income, each designed for a different working style, availability level, and type of engagement. Whether you want to offer packaged services, take on project-based work, or help with short fast-turnaround tasks, Helios connects you with manufacturing businesses that need exactly what you know. No job applications. No recruiters. You define how you work and what you offer.
🎬 Video Tutorial
⚙️
Three Engagement Models
🛠️ Way 1: Offer Expert Services
What it is
Services are expert-created listings, packaged offerings you build once and publish to the Helios marketplace. Each listing defines your scope, your process, your deliverables, and your pricing. Businesses browse, evaluate, and request your service directly, without a competitive application process.
When to use it
Use Services when you have a specific, repeatable offering: a safety audit, a lean process review, a fixture design consultation, an SOP package, a training session. If you can define the scope, the deliverables, and the price upfront, it belongs in your Services listings.
How it works
01
Go to Earn Money → My Services → Listings and click + Create Service
02
Write a compelling description of the problem you solve, who you serve, and what the business will receive
03
Complete the Details section: Why Hire Me, Process for Satisfaction, and What You'll Get
04
Add Work Samples - real examples of past deliverables that prove your capability
05
Set your pricing (fixed or hourly) and your delivery mode (Remote, On-Site, or Hybrid)
06
Click Publish. Your service is now discoverable in the Services marketplace
07
Incoming requests appear under My Services → Requests; respond with a formal proposal, sign the contract, and deliver
📌 Way 2: Apply for Gigs and Projects
What it is
Gig Postings are custom projects created by businesses and published to the platform. You browse open postings, find ones that match your expertise, and submit a targeted application. If selected, you move through an offer and contract process, deliver the work, and get paid all inside Helios.
When to use it
Use Gig Postings when you want to take on substantial, project-based engagements where your expertise can make a meaningful impact. Multi-week improvement projects, compliance initiatives, ERP implementations, process redesigns. These are gig-level opportunities.
How it works
01
Go to Earn Money → Gig Postings → Listing to browse all open gigs.
02
Review the full Posting tab before applying: scope, requirements, timeline, risks, preferred skills, and budget. Only apply to gigs where the scope, timeline, and compensation genuinely align with your expertise and availability.
04
Submit a targeted application. Address the specific requirements, highlight your most relevant experience, and explain your approach to the challenge described.
05
Track your applications under Gig Postings → Applications.
06
If selected, review the offer, sign the contract, complete the work, and submit Work Records to trigger payment.
⚡ Way 3: Take On Quick Tasks
What it is
Quick Tasks are short, focused, fast-turnaround requests posted by businesses: a safety walkthrough, a quick review, a targeted technical recommendation, a short document write-up. They're lower in complexity and typically lower in price than Gigs, but they move fast and can be completed quickly alongside other work.
When to use it
Use Quick Tasks when you want to earn between larger engagements, build credibility with new businesses, or take on focused work that matches a specific skill you want to stay sharp on. Quick Tasks are also one of the best ways to establish a working relationship with a business before a larger engagement.
How it works
01
Go to Earn Money → Quick Tasks to browse all open tasks posted by businesses
02
Review the full Posting tab: description, scope, budget, turnaround, preferred skills, and any attached reference files
03
Only apply if you can genuinely deliver within the stated timeframe. Quick Tasks move fast and timely delivery matters
04
Submit your application or a proactive offering directly on the task
05
Track applications under Quick Tasks → Applications
06
If selected, complete the work, submit a Work Record, and await payment after the business completes the contract
📊 Which One Is Right for You?
| Services | Gig Postings | Quick Tasks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Created by | You | Business | Business |
| Best for | Packaged, repeatable offerings | Substantial project-based work | Fast, focused, one-time tasks |
| How you engage | Business requests your listing | You apply to the posting | You apply to the posting |
| Pricing control | You set it | Business sets the budget | Business sets the budget |
| Effort to start | Create once, earn repeatedly | Per-application effort | Low-effort application |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which earning model should I start with as a new expert?
Quick Tasks are the fastest way to build your initial credibility on Helios. They are short, fast-turnaround, and low-commitment, giving you the chance to complete your first engagement, earn your first positive review, and build your platform track record quickly. Once you have a few completed Quick Tasks, publish your first Service listing and start applying to Gigs.
Can I use all three earning models at the same time?
Yes. You can have published Services, active Gig applications, and open Quick Task applications simultaneously. Manage your capacity carefully. Only accept engagements you can genuinely deliver on time. Responsiveness and reliability are the two strongest credibility signals on the platform.
Do I need to connect Stripe before I can earn?
Yes. Connecting Stripe is required before you can receive payment for any completed engagement, whether it's a Service, Gig, or Quick Task. Set up your Stripe account early from your Dashboard's Getting Started checklist so it's not a blocker when you're ready to get paid.
When do I actually receive payment after completing an engagement?
Payment is released when the business clicks Complete Contract. Stripe then processes the transfer to your connected bank account, typically 1–3 business days, depending on your bank's processing schedule. You can track the status of your payout through your Stripe Express dashboard.
How do I know which gigs or quick tasks match my skills?
Your Dashboard shows an Available Gigs count that reflects open postings matching your published skill profile. The more complete and specific your Skills & Competence matrix is, the more accurately your Dashboard reflects relevant opportunities.
Can I decline a service request or application opportunity?
Yes. For service requests, communicate through the Messaging tab and decline with a clear explanation. This does not affect your standing on the platform. For gigs and quick tasks, simply do not apply to postings that aren't a good fit.
💡 Tips
-
⭐
Publish your Services listings before doing anything else. A listing that's live and visible is working for you even when you're not actively browsing the platform.
-
⭐
Work Samples are the most underutilized part of any service listing and the most impactful. Real examples of past deliverables convert browsers into requesters faster than any description alone.
-
⭐
When applying to Gigs, quality beats volume. A single well-crafted application that directly addresses the specific scope and challenges described will outperform five generic applications every time.
-
⭐
Quick Tasks are the fastest way to build your platform reputation when you're new to Helios. Complete a few well, and your credibility with new businesses grows quickly.
-
⭐
Keep your Expert Profile fully published and up to date. Businesses review your profile when evaluating your service requests and gig applications. An incomplete profile can undermine an otherwise strong pitch.
