Thanks to a number of innovations in the world of business, the global workforce is seeing a massive uptick in freelancing, gig economy gains , and other small business ventures. If you’re feeling the entrepreneurial spirit, there’s never been a better time to go into business for yourself. Still, one of the hardest parts of launching your business is coming up with ideas on what to sell, what services to offer, and where to market yourself. Here’s a brief but comprehensive list of small business ideas to get you started. Maybe you’ll glance over this list and have a major eureka moment, or maybe these ideas will spark your creative drive and assist you in developing something brand new. Either way, these options are teeming with possibility. Graphic Designer If you’re interested in launching your own small business, and you have a passion for art, why not try your hand at graphic design ? There are tons of outlets available for artistic people to work directly with individual...
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the writer’s own and not those of AFROTECH. Inflation is up, so your salary should be going up too. And there’s no better place to get a higher salary than in the Information Technology field. With the ever-growing demand for skilled IT professionals, the IT industry has many high-salary opportunities to offer. Whether you are an experienced IT professional looking to level up or someone considering a career transition into the IT sector, it is possible to land a six-figure job offer in IT with some research and preparation. 1. Identify a high-paying in-demand niche The IT industry is pretty wide, so start by identifying in-demand niches with high salaries. This crucial first step will help you narrow down your focus so you can create a strategic plan on how to get into that specific field. Most people cast a wide net and find themselves going around in circles because they get confused by the different options they are pursuing. In order to...
As the world changes, particularly regarding income and wealth, traditional school curriculums are a significant discussion point. Many argue whether or not more practical and innovative approaches to K-12 curriculums are necessary to prepare students for the future of work. Since many public schools are riddled with bureaucracy from governmental and quasi-government stakeholders, change can be slow and sometimes tedious. However, some schools, mainly in the charter and private spaces, are proactively moving toward more innovative approaches that center equity and prepare their students for the future they desire. The Marcy Lab School in Brooklyn, NY, is an example of one of these approaches, creating an alternative path for students interested in tech.
Pivoting has become a common theme for the working class since the health crisis hit last March. Many professionals found themselves tapping into their unique skills to make career changes, and arguably every leadership team quickly pivoted business models to continue serving customers. But pivoting can be two-fold. Some pivot because they see an opportunity for change, while others may be forced to — depending on the industry they work in. Either way, product management guru Kimberley Holloway embraces the art of pivoting, and she gathered some strategies. And, if you’re looking to make career changes the right way , she will expand on this topic during AfroTech 2021. Secure a ticket to the conference today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AfroTech (@afro.tech) Holloway’s resume spans a decade of experience. She’s worked in product management at big-name companies, including The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, Samsung and NortonLifeLock. “Pivoting is not easy, but...
Work-from-home side jobs that can earn you more than $15 an hour include transcribing audio and video or instructing an online course. The income from online side jobs can help you reach financial goals like paying off student loans faster, and with a broad selection of side hustles available, you’re likely to find one that’s a good match for your needs. 4 work-from-home online side jobs that can pay $15-plus an hour Taking on a second job online can be an effective way to boost your cash flow , but side gigs are known for their variable pay. While the following online side jobs often pay more than $15 an hour, there’s no guarantee because of variations such as location and time spent. 1. Audio and video transcriber 2. Online course instructor 3. Social media marketer 4. Virtual assistant 1. Audio and video transcriber If you have a few extra hours on weekends or an extra hour a day, you could generate income by transcribing audio and video recordings. Kollin Lephart, founder and...
Starting to learn to code can be a difficult process. Every time you sit down to practice your skills, you’ll likely encounter a problem that you struggle to figure out or an error that you do not understand. In many situations, it can feel easier to give up rather than to keep going. When you’re first starting out, there is a lot that can overwhelm you, from the technical terminology to the number of resources out there with different approaches to learning how to code. However, if you are willing to invest the time and effort in learning how to code, the rewards are plentiful. Not only does learning how to code open up a number of career options for you—you could become a consultant or transition to a career in tech—it also helps you refine your problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. These are the exact skills that are growing in demand among employers. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of six “dos and don’ts” for aspiring coders. These tips will help you...
After you have successfully completed a job interview, the inevitable question of your new salary will come up. If you are just starting out as a new engineer, it can be difficult to figure out what salary you should ask for, and whether or not the number you have in mind is correct. In fact, many new software engineers , data scientists , and web designers skip the salary negotiation process altogether, even if employers are flexible on compensation, because the process can be tedious and nerve-wracking. Salary negotiation can be scary, especially when you’re just getting started. However, if you have a specific salary in mind, or think you are worth more than the salary offered by the job, you should not hesitate to negotiate. While you may not have as much experience as other engineers, if you can prove your worth to an employer, you’ll be surprised at how flexible they can be. To help you navigate your first salary negotiation as a new tech worker, we’ve compiled a list of top...