Category: Work from home ideas

Unconventional Ways to Boost Productivity

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

There are all sorts of productivity hacks circulating the internet. In the era of remote work, it’s needed more than ever. The usual tips instruct us to unplug from technology or play classical music. And while these can certainly help, there are plenty of other ways to boost your productivity levels — ways that are much more fun.

If you’ve been bit by the unproductive bug, here are some unconventional ways to get the ball rolling again:

add plants

Procrastinate systematically

Our Procrastination and Why Being Busy is Not Productive article already covered, well, procrastination. You might have learned that postponing an important task is never a good idea, especially since it might lead to more unproductivity. But sometimes, one particular task seems too daunting to even attempt.

One way to curb this is to procrastinate in a structured manner. Simply work on another task on your to-do list, then come back to that one important task. Chances are, after finishing a couple of easier things in your agenda, that tedious one will seem far more manageable.

 

Micro-reward yourself

Learning to reward yourself for completing what you set out to accomplish can do wonders for your productivity. And it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Stick to small gifts for yourself and save the big prizes for bigger milestones.

Your micro-reward can be something as simple as your favorite treat or one episode of the series you’re currently watching. Just don’t go overboard with it by indulging every step you take. Again, be systematic, even in the way you pat yourself on the back.

 

Surround yourself with plants

Sprucing your home office with greens actually comes with a lot of benefits. Libby Sander cites several studies in an article on the benefits of nature in your workspace. One study found that bringing plants into the workspace increased productivity by 15%. There was also an improvement in employee concentration and workplace satisfaction. In fact, simply seeing nature has been proven to increase both mood and self-esteem.

If you want some low-maintenance plants, here are a few options:

  • Cactus plants
  • Succulents
  • Cast-iron plant
  • Spider plant
  • Aloe vera

 

Try using a standing desk.

Here’s another thing you can tweak in your workspace: your desk. Replace that rickety old thing with a sturdy new standing desk. A feature on Pain Free Working explains that it’s simply a desk with adjustable height, so you really don’t need to be stuck on your feet if they start to ache. But it’s nice to be able to switch between standing and sitting when you work.

Studies show that home offices are simply not equipped with the right work furniture and equipment. Most notably, people worked with the wrong chair and monitor heights and improperly adjusted armrests. With a standing desk, you’ll have the freedom to alter your workspace as you please and even stimulate your mind. And with a more comfortable and ergonomic office, you’re more likely to be productive.

 

Take a quick nap

Inc highlights how power naps could be the solution to a bout of low productivity. A study from Harvard Medical School even found mid-day naps to be more effective than sleeping more at night or having a cup of coffee.

On a slow afternoon, try taking a 20- or 30-minute nap as a pick-me-up. Just don’t forget to set the alarm!

 

Complete an exercise routine

In a feature on exercise, CNet cites the benefits of doing physical activity in the morning. Working out when you wake up can improve your energy levels, alertness, focus, and decision-making capabilities. These translate to better productivity during the day.

Additionally, exercising in the morning also releases endorphins, which are happy hormones. This can keep you in a good mood sans the coffee!

Here are a couple of quick exercises you can do:

  • Lunges
  • Squats
  • Push-ups
  • Burpees
  • Planks

Final Words

Try some of these out and see if they work for you! Remember that boosting productivity still depends largely on the individual. So, what works for others might not work for you. Still, they’re worth giving a shot!

Exclusively written for utilityavenue.com by Thea Thompson

Author bio: Thea Thompson is a full-time freelancer in the copywriting and graphic design industries. When she isn’t looking for gigs, she’s baking pastries with too much sugar in them.

10 Great Articles About Becoming an Entrepreneur

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Our article Ten Reasons to Become an Entrepreneur has been the most read on our blog. We want to thank you for your support. The truth is that, at Utility Avenue, we want to help you become the best version of the business owner and entrepreneur you can be.

Today, we want to share ten great articles about becoming an entrepreneur. In this selection, you might find the motivation to push forward.

Take notes, and bookmark them for later. Come back to reread them when you need to.

The entrepreneurial path might be challenging, especially in times of Covid, but you got this.

read articles online

1- “50 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur.”

Entrepreneurs and business owners have a certain kind of spirit and drive that keeps pushing them forward. Use this business article to find out if you possess the qualities of an entrepreneur yourself. In “50 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur,” John Rampton shares the signs that make you the perfect small business owner deep down inside.

 

2- “Richard Branson to Young Entrepreneurs: ‘Just Do It’”

If you have been thinking about launching a small business, this article will help you take the plunge. Richard Branson is incredibly inspiring to entrepreneurs who are looking to start young. In Oscar Raymundo’s Inc. article, Richard Branson explains why young wannabe entrepreneurs need to get over the inherent risk factor of starting a business. You can have a great business idea for years, weighing the pros and cons of creating it. According to Branson, you have to just do it. If you fail, you fail—and hopefully, you learned something valuable for your next business venture along the way. Feel the fear, but do it anyway. Stop overthinking and start working.

 

3- “The Psychological Price Of Entrepreneurship.”

The stress, worry, and fear that comes with being an entrepreneur can be very intense. Entrepreneur and investor Kumar Arora explains the psychological impact being an entrepreneur can have on a person from his first-hand experiences in his Forbes article “The Psychological Price Of Entrepreneurship.” Starting and running your own business can be an isolating and physically and mentally exhausting process. It is essential to keep your mental well-being in mind.

 

4-“CEOs Share Their Best Advice for College Graduates.”

This article shares some of the best advice CEOs had for college graduates. Nevertheless, most of it can also be applied to new entrepreneurs. Both recent grads and entrepreneurs are starting a new chapter in their careers, and the advice in “CEOs Share Their Best Advice for College Graduates” can be helpful to them both. The ability to listen, have patience, and be flexible were all traits CEOs highlighted in their advice to students.

 

5- “How to Hire the Right Person.”

Finding the right people can be challenging. Compiled from more than 500 interviews, the article “How to Hire the Right Person” by Adam Bryant of The New York Times brings together some of the best hiring advice from CEOs he’s interviewed. They advise walking candidates around, paying attention to what questions they ask, assigning them a take-home task, and more.

 

6- “A Study of 3,526 Companies Shows 1 Decision Makes Startups More Successful. Most Founders Do the Opposite”

The appeal of having a business partner is strong when you start a business. Some entrepreneurs feel more comfortable having someone share the work. Nevertheless, research shows that might not give the company the best chances of survival. Research has found that companies with a solo CEO were more likely to succeed. A story from Inc. breaks down the method used to derive the findings, but it turns out going it alone might be an advantage.

 

7- “7 Tips For Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs, According To A CEO.”

This article is based on advice from CEO and founder of the woman-powered app Mogul, Tiffany Pham. It’s a compilation of advice from her book (You Are a Mogul: How to Do the Impossible, Do It Yourself, and Do It Now.) While her book offers far more insight “7 Tips For Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs, According To A CEO” gives a quick preview to help other female entrepreneurs.

8-“8 Mistakes First-Time Founders Make When Starting a Business.”

When you’re just starting, it can be easy to fall into the same pitfalls many entrepreneurs fall into. But maybe with this article, you won’t have to. Mitch Zuklie (CEO, business, and legal advisor), wrote about the top mistakes he sees entrepreneurs make. He detailed the mistakes that include growing too fast and ignoring sound advice for Entrepreneur Magazine.

 

9- “How Things Change.”

“How Things Change” is a worthy 30-second read for any entrepreneur who feels discouraged. TechCrunch’s Greg Kumparak summarizes entrepreneurship’s crazy journey in just three tweets from Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp. Things do change.

 

10-“10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Own Business.”

“10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Own Business” is written by entrepreneur John Rampton. He recounts mistakes he made when he launched his business and what he could have done to prevent them. This article might help you effectively build the business with fewer setbacks.

Final Words

If you liked these, feel free to share them.

Come back next week for part II of this selection of great articles about becoming an entrepreneur.

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.

_______________________________________
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.

How to Make More Extra Money Before Christmas

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Make more extra money before Christmas.

The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner.

But you might already be looking for moneymaker ideas so you can get more cash for those Christmas presents for family and friends.

Look no further. We have made a list of some ideas to make more extra money before December 25th!

make money for Christmas

1. Work from Home

Working from home might be your holy grail if you want to work from the comfort of your own home. There are countless companies hiring customer representatives, and there are other attractive options. Check this article to find out about the 10 best work-from-home jobs to make money now. And if you are new to the world of working in your pajamas, check this Remote Newbie Guide to work from home that we created for you.

10 Best Work-From-Home Jobs to Make Money Now

The Remote Newbie Guide to Work-From-Home

2. Make Money with Your Car

You can start driving for Uber or Lyft. But newsflash, if you offer your riding services with Utility Avenue, you can transport people, but you can also deliver groceries, parcels, lunch. The sky is the limit.

3. Declutter and get rid of pre-loved items.

Our houses are full of items we don’t use anymore. This might be an excellent opportunity to declutter and Mary Kondo your home and make extra cash in the process.

4. Become a Website Tester

For this, we would recommend UserTesting. Most testing tasks last 15-20 minutes, and you earn 10 dollars per review. Definitely handy.

5. Become a Pet Sitter

We have mentioned it in several blog entries. If you love pets, you can make extra money when you pet sit, especially for the holidays when there will be traveling involved.

6. Sell your crafts 

The sky is the limit when you are creative. You can make and sell your crafts: jewelry, personalized ornaments, Christmas wreaths, gift baskets, watercolors, printables, candles. Anything that can be personalized is a great Christmas present. You can open a store on Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify to reach more clients.

7. Turn your hustle into a business.

Check this blog post to find out if you can turn your hobby into a moneymaker. And, if you are already monetizing your hobby, read this article to find out if it’s an excellent time to turn your side hustle into a business. To start, or not start, a business. THAT’s the question.

12 Hobbies that can be Moneymakers

To Start or Not To Start a Business: That is the Question

8. Become a Virtual Assistant

You can help small businesses with anything from project management to social media marketing.

9. Become a Copywriter or a Proofreader.

Most businesses need to create sales pages, whitepapers, articles. It can be a good niche for you to specialize if you can provide copywriting or proofreading services, and you can do that from home.

10. Find Work On Side Gig Apps

You can find several side gig apps to offer any service, from photography to proofreading, for example, Thumbtack, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit. You can also check Utility Avenue and find out if it’s a fit for you. Our platform only charges a flat fee of 0.50 cents per service sold, so you can make more money when you provide a service. Read this article if you want to know more details about our platform.

10 Reasons to Make Money with Utility Avenue

11. Reduce Your Bills.

A good option would be to save money. Find where you are spending money unnecessarily. For example, eliminate those subscriptions you always forget to use and call your service providers to find out if there are current deals so you can reduce your bill payments.

12. Get Cashback with Rakuten.

Earn cashback when shopping at your favorite online stores. For example, with this Rakuten affiliate link, you’ll get a $30 bonus when you sign up and make a qualifying purchase.

13. Save Your Change.

We live in a pretty much cashless society, but sometimes, you receive some cashback. You could save that money. At the end of the year, you might save a fair amount.

Final words about how to make extra money before Christmas.

As a last piece of advice, I would also suggest thinking about what makes a great Christmas present. This has been a challenging year for most of us. Maybe material things are not what your family and friends need. Perhaps, they need the gift of experiences or help with a bill—just food for thoughts.

Spotlight: Sub Dog Designs

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Times might be uncertain. It is a risk, but there also are many reasons to become an entrepreneur. In Utility Avenue’s weekly Spotlight, we are sharing the journey of Sub Dog Designs, a small business that just launched in Hawaii specializing in dye sublimation

Adrienne Suarez, mompreneur and CEO, tells us all about the beginning of her adventure.

Spotlight: Sub Dog Designs

Sub Dog Designs

Who is Sub Dog Designs?

Sub Dog Designs is a one-person shop located in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.  We personalize gifts using the dye sublimation process:  vibrant, specialized inks are heat-pressed directly into the fibers of our products.  The first product we’re offering is non-medical grade face masks.  Each mask is hand-pressed.  Because we are such a small operation, we focus on quality over quantity. We’re very receptive to our customers’ ideas for fresh face mask designs.

How long ago did you start your business?

Sub Dog Designs was born on July 15, 2020.

How does it feel to open a business in the middle of a pandemic?

It actually feels exciting. There’s so much that is beyond our control during this pandemic.  It felt like a welcome distraction to research then outfit the business with equipment and supplies.  Being creative with mask designs also positively channeled energy.  It also feels great to offer a product that helps people stay safe and healthy during a pandemic — and with their own individual style!

Sub Dog Designs

What are the main challenges right now?

The main challenge right now is shipping, as it always is in Hawaii, even during normal times.  It just costs more and takes longer.  It seems the rest of the country is experiencing this same challenge too.  The other challenge is time.  Running a small business is all-consuming but in a good way.

Who was the most supportive of your idea?

My 7-year old son is my perpetual “employee of the month.” He has tons of ideas and is always willing to help.  My other big supporter is my husband, who says it makes him happy to see me happy.  I also have a friend in Brooklyn who was my first customer, my biggest fan, and who continues to order lots of masks for her family and friends.

employee of the month

What’s the most popular Sub Dog Designs item?

We had a friend order ocean-themed face masks.  Those have really taken off.  In Hawaii, even when we went on lockdown, the ocean was never off-limits.  The sandy area was, but the water was not.  People could still surf and swim.  Maybe the image of the ocean is comforting or freeing, amid wave after wave of COVID-19 cases.

Utility Avenue Spotlight Sub Dog

What message would you send to others who are thinking about opening a business during times of coronavirus?

I say, why not?  The pandemic has created a need for products and services we didn’t even think about before.  Opportunities to build a small business are out there.  For example, Sub Dog Designs purchased all of its equipment and initial supplies using an unexpected $1200 individual stimulus check received in May.  We prioritized buying equipment and supplies from black-, minority-, and women-owned businesses.  Our current sales have allowed us to sustain our business in a boutique fashion.

Utility Avenue Spotlight Sub Dog

If you were to define Sub Dog Designs in one sentence, how would you do it?

Helping you smile behind your mask.

Utility Avenue Spotlight Sub Dog

Facebook: Sub Dog Design

Email: subdogdesigns@gmail.com

_______________________________________
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.

5 Lessons to Become a Confident and Profitable Entrepreneur

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Khadejah is a devoted wife, mom of two girls, and owner of Thrive Virtually, a virtual assistant agency. After Khadejah recognized she had a gift in administration and wanted to spend more time with her kids, she decided to start a virtual assistant business. In Utility Avenue’s weekly spotlight, she shares five valuable lessons to become a confident and profitable entrepreneur.

a confident and profitable entrepreneur
Photo credit: @marybethwoodphotography

 

Lessons to become a confident and profitable entrepreneur

Confidence is a word that we often hear today. We’ve been taught that confidence can help you stand out and land a job. This is all true, but no one ever shows you the process of becoming confident. The truth is, confidence comes with experience. Some people magically have the gift, and others work towards it. I started a virtual assistant business in 2018, and after almost three years, I have recently become a confident business owner. 

Let’s talk more about the virtual assistant industry.

A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who provides administrative, creative, or technical support services for online business entrepreneurs. A virtual assistant can work from anywhere as long as there is access to wifi. However, some virtual assistants have clients who own brick and mortar companies but work virtually. Since starting, I’ve created an ebook to help other women start their virtual assistant business, scaled into an agency, and secured multiple bi-annual contracts. 

Now that you have more of an idea of what I do, I want to share with you five lessons to become a confident and profitable entrepreneur in my industry.

  • Become confident in your WHY

You need to know your why when starting a business. Your why will keep you in business even when things get tough and lonely. When you know WHY you started your business, you can operate in confidence even when you feel like giving up. My WHY was because I wanted to make an income from home and still spend quality time with my kids. 

  • Become confident in your offering

When you’re deciding what you want to offer, it’s essential to provide a service that you enjoy rather than just because it makes a lot of money. I’m pretty good at making websites, but I don’t offer it to my clients because creating sites for other people stresses me out. However, I provide website updates, and I enjoy that. Once you master the service you choose to offer, you become confident in your skillset. When you become confident in your skillset, you’re able to sell yourself and the results you can deliver. You’re ready to articulate how you can solve someone’s problem during a sales call. Speaking of sales calls, let’s talk about that next.

  • Become confident in your sales calls

Once you niche down to a service you enjoy doing, you’re able to sound excited and confident during sales calls. Let the client explain their pain point and communicate what you’ve done for other clients and how you can help them. When you are passionate about what you offer, your calls will naturally flow. Before getting off the call with the client, be sure to let them know what they can expect after the phone call.

  • Become confident in your onboarding process

Before I end a call, the leads know precisely what to expect. I communicate that they will receive an email with a proposal from me within 24 hours. I let them know the next start date I have available, and I even tell them when I’ll be following up. When you set structure upfront, it gives the client an idea of what it looks like to work with you. I have my process documented of what happens from whenever someone books a sales call to when they sign. This came with experience and trial/error. I’ve done it so much that I’m very confident in my onboarding process.

  • Become confident in your prices

Last but not least, it’s imperative to become confident in your prices. Don’t worry if someone else is charging less or more than you. You have to become confident in what you charge and know the value of the results you provide to clients. It took me forever to become confident in my prices and sometimes. I still question myself, lol. What keeps me confident in my prices is hearing fantastic feedback from my clients on how I have transformed and helped their business. They are happy to invest in me monthly.

Final words

I hope these tips will help you become more confident as a business owner.
Whether you’re a virtual assistant, photographer, or a service provider in a different industry, this can apply to you.

If you’re looking for a community to help you become a more confident virtual assistant, join her free FB group, “The Confident Virtual Assistant.”

Thrive Virtually’s Contact Info

Website: https://www.thrivevirtually.co
Email: khadejah@thrivevirtually.co
Instagram: @thrivevirtually
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivevirtually

_______________________________________
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.

The Gig Economy and the Impact of COVID-19

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Gig Economy and the Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 has impacted the world. It has brought uncertainty, and it has changed the landscape of life and business. Most countries have seen their economies affected, in some cases, very severely. But, it is vital to highlight how coronavirus has impacted the gig- economy.
 

impact of coronavirus in the gig economy

Some data about the gig economy

The gig economy has skyrocketed in the past few years. John McAfee said, “The gig economy is empowerment. This new business paradigm empowers individuals to better shape their own destiny and leverage their existing assets to their benefit.”

The gig economy brings a vast set of advantages:

  • No employer controls you.
  • You can set your work hours.
  • You get the flexibility to do many jobs.
  • It is excellent if you are a creative or an artist trying to make more money.
  • It is great for extra income if your job doesn’t pay much.

But not everything is rosy, as:

  • You don’t get a steady income.
  • You usually won’t get benefits from your employers.
  • With nobody to control you, it all depends on you.

The gig economy as it is now, it only gives you the illusion of controlling your time, and work hours, and income.

We need a new kind of economy: a new free economy.

The gig economy and the impact of COVID-19. What will happen next?

The gig economy and the impact of COVID-19 has been seen. Delivery riders and drivers have had a steadier job during the pandemic. Remote freelance jobs have acquired more value, as well.
 
The new challenges brought by COVID-19 will undoubtedly impact the freelance market. As the nation tries to recover from massive unemployment rates, the new normal may usher away from full-time jobs to side hustles and multiple gigs.
A CNN publication states that: “A lot of small businesses, even if they are squarely situated in the physical world, are going to see the digital channel as a source of resilience,” said Arun Sundararajan, a business professor at New York University and author of The Sharing Economy.
 
In this scenario, Utility Avenue emerges as the perfect choice for gig economy workers. 
 
Utility Avenue is a platform created for freelancers, hustlers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. It offers real freedom, flexibility, control, and visibility to promote one’s services.
Download it and try it now.

Utility Avenue in a Nutshell

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

utility avenue app

 

Utility Avenue in a Nutshell

Utility Avenue is a community marketplace for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners to promote and sell their services.

When you first hear about it, you might believe there is a trick. The truth is that gig-economy platforms have damaged popular faith in the free digital economy. Yes, they are valuable as they provide a platform to get clients, but most of them keep a significant cut when service providers are the ones who actually do the job. They should make the most amount of money, right? Nobody likes to lose money to intermediaries, so we removed them. To help service providers increase earnings, we created Utility Avenue.

Yes, we are a gig platform, but we only charge 0.50 cents to make it possible for YOU to make the most profit. We have kept our costs low, so we can better serve you. At Utility Avenue, you can sell your services directly to the clients so you can make more money for less work.

Who is Utility Avenue for?

Utility Avenue is for the service provider who wishes to become a successful and autonomous business owner.

  • Are you an entrepreneur or a small business owner?
  • Are you a freelancer or need extra income?
  • Do you have a business idea, but don’t have clients or don’t have the platform?
  • Do you work for someone who takes a high percentage of your service?
  • Do you have a service company that hires associates instead of employees (for instance, HVAC companies that subcontract AC technicians).?

Then, Utility Avenue is for you.

What’s in it for you? 

  • You can buy and sell services with Utility Avenue and turn hobbies and skills into cash.
  • You can make money and save money easily on the same platform.
  • You can make more money doing less work as you are not giving up on a high percentage of the price.
  • Get seen. Reach more clients and be the first person they think of when they need service:  At Utility Avenue, it is the consumer who discovers the provider. You can also share smart links that open your services in the app to enhance your social media reach.
  • Manage your offers effortlessly: you create the service, set your rules, and decide the service fee. You manage your services and change prices, description, availability, etc. You also control the orders and identify your clients.
  • It is free to download. You pay 0.50 cents only when you sell a service: there isn’t a single platform that provides everything Utility Avenue brings to the table for only $0.50 per sale.
  • You communicate directly with the client and vice-versa.
  • You get paid, fast and easy, directly to your account.

What’s the cost of not using Utility Avenue?

You can keep using the other platforms, but you would be giving up on a high percentage of the service price, and you would not be able to reach out to clients directly.

Final Words

Close your eyes and think about your ideal business. How successful are you? How fulfilled do you feel? How happy are you?

That feeling. Right there. Hold it.

Let’s make it come true.

Here’s how it works: you download the app, you list your services, and you get seen and hired. It’s that simple.

We will be with you every step of your way to success so you can stop losing money to an intermediator and start thriving.

This is Utility Avenue in a nutshell.