Category: Utility Avenue

7 Ways to Support Small Businesses in 2021

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Here you have seven ways in which you can help small businesses in 2021.

Keep more money in your local economy and support local jobs in 2021 when you decide to shop with small businesses around you.

support small businesses

1-Shop local

Shop local whenever you can. A local small business brings jobs to the area, and the money it earns usually stays in the community, which helps the local economy. Consider a subscription service if it’s offered.

Help bolster a business’s social media presence by “liking” hardware stores, dry cleaners, and other independent shops on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. When you hear someone say that they will start a business, share their post on social media to your community.

3-Leave reviews

Write positive reviews on Google and Yelp, post photos of purchases, and don’t forget to tag the businesses.

Be supportive! Word of mouth is king. Let your family and friends know about your favorite service providers.

4-Buy gift cards for later.

If you don’t need a product or service now and want to support a local business, you can buy gift cards that you can use later.

Spread the word to friends. If you know an outstanding local business, tell your friends and family members about it. This can generate new customers for the small business, and it could lead to a chain reaction if your friends also tell their friends about the company.

5-Donate

If you have the means, consider donating to small businesses you love.

6-Invest in small businesses.

Seed funding is money collected from investors that small business owners use to start a business. If you have some extra cash to spare, this is a great way to help out a small business while possibly increasing your wealth.

7-Share your expertise

If you have knowledge that could be valuable to small business owners in your area and a little time to spare, you could help by sharing your time and expertise. For example, if you have a friend who’s starting a business, but they don’t know how to create a business proposal, you can help with that.

You could help them establish an online presence to get their business in front of more potential customers if you have marketing skills.

You could also provide branding and product photography services to local businesses.

Final words

The real key to helping small businesses is consistency. A single purchase is a good start, but if you want to make a real difference, make shopping small a lifestyle. Remember, you’re not just helping a business owner. You’re helping their employees and their communities and enabling the company to continue making great products for other consumers to enjoy.

21 Entrepreneur Success Stories

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

2020 proved to be a very challenging year.

From natural disasters to a world-stopping pandemic, we suffered from quarantine, loss of loved ones, broken plans…

If we learned anything last year, hope we learned to focus on what really matters.

Days ago, we published a post in a Facebook group, and some entrepreneurs told us about their success stories in 2020.

Today, we share them:

2021

Yuliana Francie
“I wrote my first book.”

Janna Willoughby-Lohr
“I made a huge order of customized paper flower bouquets for them to send to some VERY famous VIP clients! It was amazing. You can see a timelapse video, a bunch of pics and read all about it here: papercraftmiracles.com/blog/twitterflowers ”

Supna Doshi
“We produced our first ever music video with Grammy and Sony artist and Navy Veteran B Taylor. We filmed during COVID 19 with every single branch of the military, every first responder group, and Veterans.” alineaproduction.com

Julie Traxler
“Launched a business, wrote a best-selling book, and started a podcast. All of them focused on helping small businesses. And we led the effort for AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys to launch a new nail polish line.” sbpace.com  

Bridget Brooks
“Hit 6 figures as a business in one year…. the lesson Stop the limited belief block.”  valton.co

Pooja Doshi 
“I completed my business GST registration, which was due, got featured in A compendium of 100 successful women in MSME sector in India and won an award in the arts category.”

April Ritz
“I scaled my business from a startup in 2019 to an international business with clients in 8 countries in 2020 during a pandemic.” thesavvyassociates.com

CaTyra Polland
“Biggest success story: Starting the Literacy Love Scholarship for high school students.”

Jacquelyn Rodriguez
“I launched a podcast and a subscription box for female entrepreneurs to start co-creating a life they love. I also got my certification to be a Neuro Coach.”

Becca Hector
“I designed, launched, and taught a personal development course for autistic adults like me. It is now a successful, sponsored, grant-approved, international course!” beccalory.com/webinars/

Nicola Redman
“I’ve managed to grow my business so much that we’ve been able to but my parents B&B and laugh a creative retreats biz with my husband. It’s been quite the year!”

Paul Wakefield
“I’ve created 12 more first-time authors, wrote & published my fourth business book, grown my team from 3 to 40, completely rebranded my business, and had the best financial year in 14yrs of being in business. All in all, 2020 has been an incredible year for me.”

Silke Harvey
“I managed to drive from the UK to Bulgaria at the height of the pandemic and, against all the odds and purchased a property which I’m going to convert into a spiritual eco-retreat center next year.”

Abigail Ogoriba
“I launched my NGO- WHOLESOME LIFE INITIATIVE in January 2020. We visited about 7 schools, coaching and inspiring young ones until the pandemic lockdown in march. We transitioned online, organizing classes. I launched two bestselling books in May 2020 And launched my online coaching academy – WHOLESOME LIFE COACHING ACADEMY in September 2020. I launched another handbook for young girls on the first of December 2020. It was a challenging year, but we did not let the challenge stop us from creating value to impact the young minds to position them for a successful future. We have recorded numerous testimonies and still counting.” Wholesome Life with Abigail Ogoriba

Awakened Woman
“Interviewing powerful women who chose to share their amazing stories with AW.
Among them:

  • Maria M. Trusa CEO, Forme Medical Center
  • Lisa Vidal, Actress, Grey’s Anatomy,
  • Shayla Rivera former NASA Rocket Scientist and Comedian, Shayla Rivera
  • Benita Alexander Journalist and Emmy Award-Winning Documentary Writer, Benita Alexander
  • Julissa Prado CEO at Rizos Curls
  • Vanessa Coppes, CEO, EIC, Bella Magazine
  • Lois Robbins, Actress
  • Nikki Boyer Actress, 3-Time Emmy winning Media Personality and Host, Dying for Sex and wonderymedia Daily Smile Podcasts
  • Christina Vidal, Actress, @abcnetwork United We Fall
  • Beth Ferry, NYT Children’s Book Bestseller

I have been blessed to write these stories and look forward to new ones being added to my awakened-woman site in 2021!”

Claire Jones 
“From March to November of this year, we were able to increase revenue by 620%!!!”

Gillian Jones-Williams
“I wrote a book on my story of how I nearly lost my 25-year-old business in March and had to reinvent and am publishing it to raise money for the NHS. So much learning this year!”

Karolina Chic
“Launching #SummerSchoolOfStyle membership site.”

Steph Palermo
“Published my third book, launched a membership community.” JustSteph.com

Jaishri Hall
“Hi! My story this year went from frustration, sadness, anger, and depression to a total shift re-encountering my life’s purpose, finding love and fulfillment.”

Aly Sanger
“This year has been a roller coaster, for sure! In life, we went through many struggles that made it seem like self-employment wasn’t the route to go – lost a loved one, had a pipe burst, revenue went down by over 60%. All by May. It was not shaping up to be a good year. In September, I launched a group coaching program that filled up, and by October, we replaced that lost 60% revenue and more than doubled it! I’d be happy to share with you more about this wild ride that’s been 2020.”

5 Ways to Step Up Your Marketing Strategy in 2021

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Step up your marketing strategy in 2021.

The pandemic has changed the way businesses operate this year, prompting the world to think of ‘new normal’ ways. With these five ways to step up your marketing strategy in 2021, you can lead your small business to work remotely, attract a wider audience, and generate increased sales.

5 Ways to Step Up Your Marketing Strategy in 2021

Whether it’s to boost sales or ensure customer retention, managing a business in 2021 involves combining pre and post-COVID marketing strategies. By embracing automation, developing useful content, and fortifying your brand, you can make your business stay relevant in the coming year and drive value to your products or services.

BUILD A STRONG BRANDING WEBSITE

The pandemic has pushed 58% of the world’s population to go online to work, study, and connect. Creating an eye-catching logo or a witty business name wouldn’t do the trick alone; you need a website that would enable you to reach a wider audience.

  • Showcase your best creations and beat the competition. For instance, one of the most effective marketing strategies for photographers is to add visuals to their content to prove the quality of work.
  • Use photographs that would show how your business can help individuals or companies navigate through global change.
  • Introduce yourself as a relatable small business owner who can contribute to families and communities. You can also present your team and show working conditions through photos.

EDUCATE WITH YOUR CONTENT

About 77% of internet users read blogs, making blogs the 5th most trustworthy online information source. Creating relevant content positions you as an expert in your industry, allowing your personal branding to subconsciously speak to consumers.

Blog content like how-to guides, listicles, and instructional images build audience trust that you have a solid foundation about your niche or industry.

EMBRACE AUTOMATED MARKETING

About 82% of marketers gained a return on investment due to marketing automation’s cost-effectiveness. Working from home can sometimes blur the line between personal and business hours. When it’s time to rest or bond with your family, mailing list providers like Mailchimp lets you keep up with clients and networks.

DEVELOP PERSONAL AND ONLINE CONNECTIONS

Building a business network is an unending process. Your personal and virtual circles can be your most valuable marketing assets to grow clientele in 2021.

  • Dive into the online world and attend conferences, webinars, or peer groups where you can meet new clients.
  • Collaborate with your local community. These may be family, neighbors, or other businesses in your area.
  • Use social media if you’re working on a tight budget. With the lockdown causing about 3 billion people to use Facebook’s apps, you can gain traffic and response by engaging with your followers and friends list.

Running a business is like taking care of a family — it needs your patience, presence, and attention to nourish it. Likewise, engaging with customers is like parents connecting with their children; it requires participation, authenticity, and personal voice.

COLLABORATE AND INCENTIVIZE

Managing a business isn’t a solo project. You’ll need support in various forms — family, friends, business partners, connections, mentors, and clients. Giving out incentives is one of the best ways to make the collaboration mutually beneficial, with 75% of consumers more likely to purchase again after getting an incentive.

Reward the client’s loyalty or purchase through freebies or discount codes. You can even use your email list for sign-up offers. You can partner with businesses that share your audience and do cross-promotions with them through blog posts, referrals, or exchanging of branding photos.

Lastly, don’t forget to thank everyone; human connection and appreciation can prompt people to remember that you value their contribution to your business.

Final Words

While marketing may seem daunting and overwhelming, planning for it can help seize opportunities, serve customers, and make your brand known. Start with one or two of these tips until you can combine all of them strategically for the coming year. At Utility Avenue, we are committed to help you thrive.

Guest post by Shootproof

This article was published first in Odette Photo+Art

Spotlight: Lesette Jackson

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Lesette Jackson is in the Spotlight this week.

What can you tell us about yourself?

I am Lesette Jackson (known as Lee).
A wellness practitioner, herbalist, healer, and advisor, I launched Conscious Lee in 2015. I am also a paralegal with a health and human services background, and I have worked in the medical field for over 20 years. I make products such as body soaps, body butters, body oils, sea moss, herbal teas, and crystal infused candles.
My passions are my family, nature, spirituality, and helping you live your best life!

What were the origins of your business?

This journey began after a type 2 diabetes and hypertension diagnosis. My doctor gave me 6 weeks to make changes. I realized I was neglecting myself. Then, I implemented detoxes (green smoothies and herbal regiments only), flushed out my system, started going to the gym, and incorporated sea moss and herbs into my diet. I focused on what I was putting in my body, increased my water intake, and eliminated things that were not good for me.

What aspects of your background have helped you the most?

As women, we need to feel better and take care of ourselves. Mom, wife, and daughter roles are taxing because there is so much responsibility. Women have to use nature to help us. We have so many natural remedies. Westernized medication is not effective. Black women need to take advantage of holistic options. Nature is the remedy to all, not prescriptions. I push accurate and beneficial information. I also provide a healthy alternative for cures and prevention.

What were the main challenges you encountered at the beginning?

Being a Latina-Black woman, financing for women of color (banks, credit unions); businessmen who do not take me seriously; lack of support/backing; pushback from those who don’t see me equal; those who prefer Westernized medication instead of natural remedies.

Who was the most supportive of your idea?

The most supportive was my immediate family, close friends, and repeat customers.

Have there been any changes in your business approach after Covid-19?

Yes, clients are more conscious of health. People are more interested in alternative wellness options. I have seen an increase in customer interest in holistic options.

What makes your offer unique?

I am honest, and I share my personal experience acknowledging my shortcomings and not hiding failures. I build trust with clients because I have used the products and implemented the recommendations I make to my clients.

Do you have any other passions?

I am passionate about spirituality, my family, and respect for life, all forms of life.

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

I would not have ruined my credit!

What challenges do you see ahead?

Rebuilding my credit.

What future projects does your business have?

We are planning a podcast, a new line of products, and a spiritual Spa.

What message would you send to your followers?

Whatever you do, do it consciously.

If you were to define your business in one sentence, how would you do it?

Authentically balance: mentally and spiritually.

Contact Info

www.conscious-lee.com
www.twitter.com/myconsciouslee
www.instagram.com/myconsciouslee
https://www.facebook.com/consciousl33

_______________________________________
Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

Want to save taxes? These moves may cost you college financial aid.

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Year-end tax planning with a college-bound kid? Common tax moves for your small business that can save you taxes but may cost your chances for financial aid.

As we approach year-end, there’s no shortage of articles on different tax moves one can make. Your CPA or tax professional may have suggested some to lower your tax bill. When you have a kid about to go to college, however, things can get tricky. Your well-intentioned CPA or tax professional may end up costing you aid and raising the cost of college!

*** Please note that this article is not intended as tax advice. Please consult your own tax professional or financial advisor to discuss your specific circumstances. ***

Before we detail the differences between taxes and financial aid, it’s important to understand how your financial information is used in the financial aid process. Families submit their income and asset information typically using the FAFSA, and for some schools, the CSS Profile form. The colleges then use the information on those forms, applying different formulas, to determine how much the family can afford for college each year, known as the Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. In the formulas, income is a far bigger factor than assets.

Using the EFC, colleges then determine whether the family qualifies for need-based aid. This type of aid can be in the form of grants, loans, or even work-study. Because these types of aid are based on a family’s financials, some families think they “make too much money to get aid”.

Let’s go a little deeper. The income information used on the financial aid forms is based on the family’s tax return (parent and student, if filed). On the surface, then, anything you might do to save taxes – lowering income, increasing deductions, etc. – would be a smart move. As a famous announcer on a well-known sports TV channel says, “Not so fast my friend”.

There are 3 key areas where taxes and financial aid differ for self-employed and small business owners.

First, the most common area for reducing taxable income is to contribute to a tax-deferred retirement plan, such as a 401k, 403b, or an IRA. Lower taxable income, save on taxes today, and save for retirement – it seems to be a smart financial move. For financial aid, this person would have just hurt themselves. In the simple example below, a parent increases their retirement plan contribution: 

Before

 After
Income $100 $100
Less: Ret Plan Contrib 10 20
Income after contrib 90 80
Less: Taxes (10%) 9 8
Take-home pay 81 72
Fin Aid: Add back ret plan contribution 10 20
Income for fin aid purposes $91 $92

 

In this simplified example with an assumed tax rate of 10%, increasing the retirement plan contribution results in increasing, not decreasing, the income for financial aid purposes. Higher-income equals higher EFC, which lowers your chances of financial aid.

Retirement plan contributions could be amounts put into a 401k, SEP, SIMPLE, or a personal IRA.

Why would retirement plan contributions be added back? Financial aid income counts as income, regardless of what you do with the money.

This effect is also true for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) contributions. On the FAFSA, HSA contributions are added back. On the CSS Profile, both HSA and FSA contributions are added back.

Second, it is common for small business owners and self-employed to reduce the amount of net income (or even showing a small loss) for tax savings purposes through depreciation and other expenses. This may not help.

For colleges using only the FAFSA, which is the majority of colleges and universities, business losses are reported as is. Before you go reducing your income to near zero, there’s a catch. If a non-business owner or self-employed family has an Adjusted Gross Income of $50k or less, they qualify for a simplified EFC calculation. Primarily, this means that the family’s assets are excluded.

For a family that is self-employed or owns a small business that files a Form 1040, Schedule 1, this simplified EFC formula does not apply. A Schedule 1 would reflect self-employment income and income from a small business via Schedule C, business income via Form K-1 on a Schedule E, and rental real estate income on Schedule E.

Third, being a small business owner or self-employed is less friendly for schools using the CSS Profile form. Any business losses are added back as well as depreciation expense. For example, if one parent works a regular W-2 job earning $100k and the other parent is self-employed and reports a tax loss of $100k per year, the tax return would show a zero net income ($100k in income less $100k in loss). For the CSS, that family would have an income of $200k.

The CSS Profile form has other requirements for business owner families, such as reporting the value of the business as well as submitting business tax returns, if filed separately.

In case you’re wondering, the schools that use the CSS Profile form are the Ivy League, near-Ivy League, as well as public Ivy schools, such as the University of Michigan, Univ of Virginia, Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and UMiami.

Bonus item: One other difference between the two forms, though not tax-related, is the reporting of business bank accounts. On the FAFSA, any bank accounts in the name of the business are not reportable. On the CSS, the bank accounts are reportable. Again, the higher the assets, the less aid a family is likely to get.

Despite the differences, there are advantages that business owners and self-employed enjoy when saving and paying for college; I wrote a prior blog post on some strategies.

The bottom line is that while your CPA or tax professional may be well-intentioned and helpful for taxes, they may not help for financial aid and may raise the cost of college. Understanding these differences can help lead to smart decisions balancing tax savings and financial aid.

T. Jack Wang
Financial Wealth Strategist

 

 

What is Personal Branding?

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Personal branding.

Brand photography is a powerful business tool. It helps you develop your personal brand.

But, what is personal branding?

Personal Brand
Odette Photo+Art Branding session with TrueDent Family Dentistry | www.truedentfamilydentistry.com

Personalbrand.Com defines it as “The intentional effort to create and influence public perception of an individual by positioning them as an authority in their industry, elevating their credibility, and differentiating themselves from the competition, to ultimately advance their career, increase their circle of influence, and have a larger impact.”

They add: “A personal brand is rooted in the minds of people in the market. Personal branding is the effort to communicate and present your value to the world.”

Personal branding is perfect for entrepreneurs, influencers, speakers, professionals, actors, and small business owners. But, building a personal brand isn’t exclusive to them. We all need a compelling personal brand to make an impact in this world.

Before people spend money or do business with you, they like to feel like they know you. Studies show 70-80% of people research a company before doing business. That’s why personal branding is so important. It highlights your unique set of skills, experience, and personality.

How to build a personal brand.

The aim is to create a powerful brand, online and offline. That’s how we build relationships and connections with people throughout the world.

Personal branding tips

1. Sell an experience, not just a product.

Discover what’s special about you and your brand: your unique selling proposition (USP). That’s the secret sauce that will make you stand out from the competition.

2. Show your authentic self.

Your personal brand allows you to show current and potential clients your skillset and strengths. That way, you build trust with the people that matter. This is key to developing a successful personal brand and becoming genuinely influential.

3. Be consistent.

Choose a niche and stick to it. Create the content your audience is interested in, not what you think they want. Then, get your content in front of the right people at the right time in their buyer’s journey.

Personal Branding
Branding session with TrueDent Family Dentistry | www.truedentfamilydentistry.com

Pro tip:

Your social media must be visually appealing on every platform.

Show the real you with professional branding images that will enhance your brand, do the selling for you, and make you money while you sleep.

Tell your story consistently, and more people will engage/follow/share your content.

headshot
Branding session with TrueDent Family Dentistry | www.truedentfamilydentistry.com

To build your personal brand, you can ask yourself these questions:

What’s your skillset?

What makes you different?

What’s your niche?

What are your core beliefs and values?

What problem do you solve?

What’s your message?

Who are your ideal clients?

What do you want to be known for?

 

Check these successful personal branding examples.

headshot
Branding session with TrueDent Family Dentistry | www.truedentfamilydentistry.com

Final words about personal branding

By serving and helping your audience, you will build a community of like-minded people that value your skills and sees you as an expert in your industry.

If you are asking yourself when you should start building your personal brand.

The answer is “Now”.

This article was first published in What’s Personal Branding by Odette Photo+Art

Spotlight: KVP Custom Orthotics

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

KVP Custom Orthotics

For this week’s Spotlight, we want to present you a company that leads the veterinary marketplace when it comes to custom orthotics: KVP Custom Orthotics

KVP Custom Orthotics
KVP Custom Orthotics

 

What can you tell us about KVP Custom Orthotics?

We founded KVP Custom Orthotics in 1964. KVP entered the veterinary marketplace with the introduction of its Saf-T-Shield™ Elizabethan Collar. Widely praised by veterinarians and their technicians as innovative, highly effective, and a great value, the Saf-T-Shield™ collar set the standard for every KVP product that would follow. More than 50 years later, KVP offers the world’s largest selection of recovery collars — from mice to mastiffs.

Our product line doesn’t stop there. We have the world’s largest selection of recovery collars, quality surgical supplies, and effective patient care products. KVP proudly carries the full KONG® catalog, including the veterinary-exclusive KONG® Blue™ as well as products from the well-loved brands FURminator® and Nature’s Miracle™.

What makes your offer unique?

We deliver the best quality braces, and I will write original good quality content for your website.

What are the advantages of online Orthopedic Braces for dogs?

After surgery, your dog will heal quicker. When your dog undergoes surgery, the brace is a perfect way to help them heal faster. This knee brace enables routine healing and new scar tissue development, which dramatically decreases re-injury risk. Often, your dog will avoid surgery. An older dog is often not suitable for surgery, so you need to consider an alternative method. Likewise, many pet owners prefer to avoid surgery because it is costly and presents a risk of further severe complications.
Quality knee brace = No surgery
It is more likely that your dog won’t need surgery with the right knee brace because the knee will probably recover.
Your dog can lead a happy and safe life.
The greatest excuse to get your dog a knee brace is to be able to go back to being the fun-loving, happy puppet they used to be. Much like humans, dogs are not themselves when they are distressed. A knee brace makes them feel better, right away, and in the long term, and not every dog knee brace will offer you these benefits.

What braces are options available?

Here you have two options for orthopedic braces.

  • A knee brace that is ready to ship and can be at your home as early as tomorrow
  • Custom orthopedic braces for dogs (fitting knee brace) can better accommodate your dog but takes a few more days to deliver. Either way, your furry pal is going to be ecstatic again. A happy pet means a more joyful and satisfied You!

Have there been any changes in your business approach after Covid-19?

Yes, we have become more cautious and taking all the necessary precautions to help our clients. For us, clients are like our family members.

What challenges do you see ahead?

Challenges are never going to stop, and we, as a team, believe in overcoming each of them to make the best of the time we have at present.

What future projects does your business have?

Making better dog braces and try to make it affordable for everybody out there to help out the Dogs because we love pets.

What message would you send to your followers?

Please take care, be safe in such difficult times, stay with your family/friends, and support each other mentally and physically.

If you were to define your business in one word, how would you do it?

Care

Is there anything you would like to add?

All I want is to help out as many people as possible with the right knowledge and experience that I’ve gained.

Where can you find orthopedic braces for dogs?

Mainly, after some injury, your dog off-balanced sloppily sits on one side or tries keeping the leg up while it attempts to run. The reason behind this might be that your dog has torn the
cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
It is the leading orthopedic condition in dogs. Many dogs appear to have trouble walking, either due to injury, old age, or chronic genetic disorders.
You can make their condition better using a knee brace, which can provide your dog with a comfortable and relaxed feeling. There are several ways to find orthopedic braces for dogs, but nowadays, the online option is the best, accessible, affordable, and effortless.

KVP Custom Orthotics’s Contact Info

https://kvportho.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvportho

_______________________________________
Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

Best Online Teaching Jobs

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Online teaching jobs are all the rage right now. If you’ve considered teaching online, this is definitely the time to do it. The pandemic has shown educators that they’re capable of more than they ever thought possible. So many have discovered they actually really enjoy teaching online. So that begs the question – where are the best online teaching jobs? And what are the best companies to work for?

In this article, you’ll learn all about the top 5, absolute best teaching jobs out there. Then, pick the path that’s best for you!

Let’s get into it.

Best Online Teaching Jobs

Online Teaching Jobs with Magic Ears

Being a teacher for Magic Ears seriously is one of the best online teaching jobs out there in 2020.

This online ESL company doesn’t get enough love.

Firstly, it’s important to note that Magic Ears is one of the highest online English teaching jobs out there!

Did that get your attention? Good, because there’s more.

Secondly, their platform is super fun and engaging. Kids love using it, and teachers enjoy facilitating instruction with it.

Thirdly, they have a very flexible cancellation policy. This is especially great if you want to teach English online with multiple companies or teach full-time at a brick-and-mortar school.

As online teaching jobs go, Magic Ears is one of our favorite companies.

Requirements

To be hired, applicants must:

  • Passionate about teaching! The smiles should come through. 🙂
  • Be an English native speaker from the U.S. or Canada.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject, or be a student actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree (must provide official transcript)
  • Have a 120-hour ESL Certification*
  • ESL/teaching experience preferred

Please note that they are currently holding California residents’ applications due to AB5 restrictions (as are most other companies that hire home-based, online English teachers).

Technology Requirements

After you consider your personal qualifications, you should consider the technology you have available to you.

  • Computer with: CPU: i5-6200 and newer generations.
  • At least 4GB RAM
  • Stable internet connection with: Upload speed: 5Mbps. Download speed: 20Mbps.
  • An “over-the-ears” headset with microphone.

Please note that teachers cannot use in-ear headphones to teach classes.

Application Process

This image is directly from their website, and it outlines the application process with Magic Ears:

When you apply, allow up to 2 business days for processing at each step.

Throughout the application process, there are two places where you can find updates on your application’s status:

  1. The email with which you applied (check your spam folder).
  2. The Teacher Portal

Once you start the application process on the teacher portal, you can use the “Contact Us” link in your portal to easily reach out to Magic Ears when needed.

Payment

The payment system for most online teaching companies can be a bit confusing.

Their base pay ranges from $7.50-$10 per class depending on qualifications.

With the two available bonuses, your base pay can rise to $9.50-$12 per class for a total of $19-$24/hr. Most online teachers with Magic Ears are earning between $17 and $26 per hour.

The photo below better explains the pay structure for Magic Ears:

top 5 online teaching jobs

 

Online Teaching Jobs with iTutor Group

iTutor definitely ranks as being one of the best online teaching jobs available in 2020!

One teacher in our group made over $1,000 in ten days, just from teaching online with iTutor Group.

Imagine what you could do in a month!

Unlike other online teaching jobs, the company schedules bookings for you.

This means it’s easy for new teachers to break into the market and earn quickly.

Requirements

To to be hired, applicants must:

  • Uniquely, iTutor Group does not require teachers to be native speakers.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher
  • TESL, TEFL, or TESOL certification
  • Minimum 5 hours of availability per week during peak times in China.

Please note that they are currently holding California residents’ applications due to AB5 restrictions (as are most other companies that hire home-based, online English teachers).

Technology Requirements

After you consider your personal qualifications, you should consider the technology you have available to you.

  • Desktop/Laptop PC: Intel Core2 Duo processor or better (no netbook or tablet).
  • Windows operating system: Windows 7 or 8 Internet Explorer web browser: Version 9 or higher. Mac: OS 10.11.12 or above (no iPad)
  • RAM: 2GB or more
  • Internet Speed: Minimum 800 Kbps download, and 500 Kbps upload wired internet connection: Cable, DSL, or Fiber Optics (no wireless connection).
  • Webcam: Either built-in or preferably high quality Creative, Logitech, or comparable.

Please note that teachers cannot use in-ear headphones to teach classes.

Application Process

The application process for iTutor Group is very straightforward.

  1. Apply (very quickly!)
  2. Select an interview time (you’ll be contacted if you pass the initial screening)
  3. You’ll hear back about your interview result quickly – usually, it’s a matter of days.
  4. Once you’re good to go, you’ll set your availability and start teaching!

Payment

Your payment includes a basic rate, with incentives added on top of that.

Performance bonuses compound upon each other each month, depending on some factors, including how students rate you and how often you teach.

Online Teaching Jobs with GoGo Kid

Online teachers who work with GoGo Kid often cite how much the company cares for its employees.

This is why we’ve included it on our best-of list of online teaching jobs for 2020.

Another factor that sets GoGo Kid apart is the fact that you can teach online with GoGo Kid from anywhere in the world, so long as you’re eligible to be hired with them.

GoGo Kid has some of the most flexible requirements of any online ESL teaching company out there. However, it also means it can be competitive.

Be sure that you read all of the requirements and follow all instructions correctly the first time!

Requirements

To teach online with GoGo Kid, applicants should:

  • Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Have at least one year of experience working with children
  • Have a stable internet connection
  • Be willing to communicate not only with the students but also with the parents.

Technology Requirements

After you consider your personal qualifications, you should consider the technology you have available to you.

  • System: Mac OS 10.8x or higher. Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or higher.
  • Memory & CPU: At least 4GB RAM, Intel Core i3 above
  • HD External camera or HD integrated camera.
  • A headset with a microphone, stable output, and input
  • Wired DSL Internet Connection – at least 20 Mbps

Application Process

The application process for GoGo Kids is also very easy compared to other online teaching jobs out there.

  1. Complete an online application (Sign up + Basic Information)
  2. Schedule an interview
  3. Attend an orientation program
    • a. Orientation Quiz
    • b. One-to-Many Live Training Session
    • c. One-on-One Mock Class Training Session
  4. Submit the paperwork
  5. Sign the contract

Payment

Your payment includes a basic rate, with incentives added on top of that.

Performance bonuses compound upon each other each month, depending on several factors, including how students rate you and how often you teach.

Check out their payment matrix below:

Class Payment Per Class Remarks
Base Pay(Level 1) USD 7~10 based on your credentials and interview performance.
Base Pay(Level 2) USD 7~10 based on your credentials and interview performance.
Credit Score(Level 3) USD (7~10)+($1.5~$2)*100% Today’s Credit Score and Classes Completed Today
Credit Score(Level 4) USD (7~10)+($1.5~$2)*110% Today’s Credit Score and Classes Completed Today
Credit Score(Level 5) USD (7~10)+($1.5~$2)*125% Today’s Credit Score and Classes Completed Today
Total per one hour USD 14~25

 

Online Teaching Jobs with Q Kids

QKids is known in the online teacher world as having one of the most flexible cancellation policies.

Limited Attendance policies require 24-hour notice for schedule changes and a minimum of 5-hour notice to maintain overall attendance fee eligibility.

This makes it a great supplementary income stream for educators teaching online through other platforms.

The teaching style is also different, as everything is taught through games and play.

Requirements

To teach online with Q Kids, an applicant should be:

  • Eligible to legally work in the U.S. or Canada
  • Holding a Bachelor’s degree
  • Certified with a teaching license or holding an English teaching certificate (TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, ESL)
  • These are all required before lessons are assigned.

Technology Requirements

As it is with any online teaching company, technology requirements must be considered.

Here are the minimum technology requirements for those seeking online teaching jobs with Q Kids:

  • Minimum upload speed: 2Mbps. Minimum download speed: 4Mbps.
  • Test your speed here: http://www.speedtest.net/
  • *Cable connection is recommended.

Application Process

Here’s the application process with Q Kids:

  1. Apply with all required materials
  2. Initial screening
  3. Demo Interview 1
  4. Demo Interview 2
  5. Trial Classes & Background Check
  6. Secure your contract!

Payment

Q Kids has an involved pay structure, so see the full details laid out below:

  • $4 base pay for standby lessons (approximately 10 minutes with no teaching required).
  • $1 Performance incentive for each lesson based on family review
  • $1 Attendance Bonus for each lesson once a minimum of 15 lessons are taught in a week.

Online Teaching Jobs with VIP KID

Of course, I’d be remiss to exclude VIP KID when discussing online teaching jobs!

VIP KID is possibly the juggernaut of the industry.

On top of being one of the most popular TESL company, they also offer multiple revenue streams to teachers.

On top of teaching English online, you can earn incentives for completing classes and recruiting other people to become VIP KID teachers!

Requirements

To be eligible to apply for VIP KID, you must have:

  • A Bachelor’s degree (can be in any field)
  • Work authorization for the U.S. or Canada
  • Two years of experience teaching, coaching, tutoring, and/or mentoring
  • Highly reliable technology

Technology Requirements

Since VIP KID is such a well-established company, it has a reputation to uphold.

This means they have some pretty weighty technical requirements:

  • Desktop, Laptop, Macbook, iPad, or Microsoft Surface (no Chromebooks)
  • Windows 7, 8, and 10; Mac OS 10.X or higher operating system (Linux and Chrome OS are NOT supported by VIPKid)
  • Intel i5 processor or higher
  • 8GB RAM or higher
  • Fast and stable internet connection will make a smooth teaching and learning experience. Ideally, a wired high-speed internet connection of ≥ 25 Mb/s

Application Process

Here’s the application process with Q Kids:

  1. Apply with all required materials
  2. Initial screening
  3. Demo Interview 1
  4. Demo Interview 2
  5. Trial Classes & Background Check
  6. Secure your contract!

Payment

Here are all of the ways to maximize your income with VIP KID:

  • The base pay rate is $7-$9 per class
  • $1 attendance bonus per class
  • Extra $0.50 for every class taught after teaching a minimum of 30 lessons in a month
  • Extra $1 for every class taught after teaching 45 classes in a month

 

References

Brittany Verlenich published this guest post first here: https://travelingteachers.co/2020/08/06/the-5-best-online-teaching-jobs-in-2020/

Join the Traveling Teachers community. They’re committed to helping you find your perfect path to teaching online.

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