Tag: Utility Avenue

Spotlight: Karina Dopp Design

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Karina, from Karina Dopp Design, is our Spotlight this week. She is a photographer and mom to twin boys.

She tells us her story.

jackson-hole-wedding-photographer

What can you tell us about yourself?

I’m a stay-at-home mom to twin boys, I run a wedding photography business out of Jackson Hole, Wy, and I studied marketing at BYU-Idaho.

What were the origins of your business?

I suffered from severe postpartum depression and anxiety after I had my twins and I felt like I lost all purpose in my life. I loved watching Instagram influencers and entrepreneurs so I decided to go back to school for business marketing. One of the classes had us start a business and I had been dabbling in photography so that was my business for the semester. It went really well, so I kept it going and now I’m paying my bills and educating other photographers!

What aspects of your background have helped you the most?

As weird as it sounds, anxiety motivates me to get my work done and serve my clients. Also, my marketing education has helped tremendously in building a niche in a highly saturated market.

What were the main challenges you encountered at the beginning?

Comparing myself to other people was really hard for me. I thought I had to be what everyone else was. It took a while for me to figure out that Clients love people that stick out in the Industry, so I started serving them more than anyone in my area and giving them way more value.

Who was the most supportive of your idea?

Another photographer in my area messaged me and told me to charge more for my services and I couldn’t believe another photographer would do that. She had way better work than me but she made me feel so good. Without her, I would not be confident in the work I’m doing.

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

I started my business right before the pandemic, and honestly, it’s helped me gain a presence. I was able to take on jobs other photographers didn’t have time for and it was super nice!

What makes your offer unique?

To me, service is way more important than the dollar amount. One of my favorite photographers says “I like to like myself after I work with my clients” so even if something happens that isn’t ideal, I like to serve them rather than push a contract or time limit. They like you better that way.

Do you have any other passions?

Being a mom is really beautiful. Sometimes I get mom guilt when I have to work instead of being home with the twins, but then I remember that their relationship with their dad is just as important as mine with them. Plus, time away from them only makes me want to be around them more!

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

I would set boundaries for myself. I got burnt out by doing too much business and I wanted to quit. Having a business at home is hard because it’s not easy to give yourself personal time, but I’m way more productive when I have business hours and personal hours.

What challenges do you see ahead?

Reaching my financial goals always gives me anxiety and I shut myself down when I’m not “successful.” In my mind I know I can be successful, but I always have a fear of not achieving my goals.

What future projects does your business have?

Eventually, I want to retire my husband. I love my job and I want it to be able to relieve financial stress from our family and I want my husband to have the time to chase his dreams.

What message would you send to your followers?

My followers know I’m a big believer in setting and achieving realistic goals. I think if they knew that making a plan for your goals can help you accomplish anything that would be the best.

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

I’m a wedding and elopement photographer in Jackson Hole specializing in documenting authentic moments.

 

Karina Dopp Design’s Contact Info

@karinadoppdesigns
www.karinadoppdesigns.com
photosbykdopp@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.

Become a Mobile Dog Groomer with Utility Avenue

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Recently, we interviewed KVP Custom Orthotics, a company that leads the veterinary marketplace when it comes to custom orthotics.

You have been asking information on how to become a dog groomer.

Here it goes, thanks to KVP Custom Orthotics.

dog groomer

How Can I Be a Mobile Dog Groomer?

One of the best things about running a dog grooming business is that you don’t need to have a physical grooming facility. The mobile dog grooming trend is on the rise, and you can very well be a part of this raging trend.
Mobile grooming also proves highly convenient for the customers as they don’t have to visit your facility. Your mobile dog grooming facility can travel to them as and when needed.
So, how do you become a mobile dog groomer? What are the equipment and accessories, like grooming tables, you’ll need to get started?

Here are a few tips that can help.

 

1. Plan the Business

We’re considering that you already have decent experience working in the dog grooming industry, as industry experience is an absolute must before starting any business. Once you’ve made up your mind, the first step is to plan your business.
The initial planning should include initial funding and ongoing costs, target market, business name, and what you’re going to charge for your services.

2. Managing the Initial Expenses

While the ongoing and maintenance expenses can be low, you’ll need significant initial funding to get started. The most expensive purchase will probably be the vehicle you’ll use as your on-the-go dog grooming salon.
Remember that the vehicle will have to be installed with a host of devices and equipment for making it fully functional. It’ll need a water tank, water heater, power generator, lighting, waste containers, ventilation, sink, and a dryer.

3. Must-Have Equipment, Devices, and Products

Apart from the vehicle and its facilities, you’ll also need to invest in quality equipment and devices. For instance, you’ll need grooming tables, shears, clippers, brushes, combs, shampoos, and conditioners. While several brands sell these products, it is better to go for quality products and equipment.

Pet owners now want the best for their pets, and only quality products will help you deliver your best. Remember that most pet owners do not mind spending a little more on quality services.

Starting a Mobile Dog Grooming Business

Once you’ve figured out the points discussed above, you can then work on your target market and pricing. Remember that marketing is also crucial for landing more clients. Also, ensure that your services are priced competitively, at least when you are just starting.

Last but not least, select a brand for grooming supplies very carefully. You can stick to the same brand for all your future purchases.

And don’t forget to list your services, for FREE, in the Utility Avenue app so you can reach more potential clients.

How My Small Business Saved Me

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

How My Small Business Saved Me

By: Alba Morales

In 2017, I started feeling like I never had. Loneliness, sadness, lots of crying, among other things, were present almost daily. Earlier that same year, I had finally decided to leave my fears behind and open my small business. I researched every little detail and did everything I needed to open my online boutique. That year was supposed to be full of accomplishments.

ideas

Although I tried to make it work, shortly after opening my business, I gave up. Depression and anxiety were preventing me from moving forward. In early 2020, I decided to focus on my business again, and it’s a decision that changed my life. My mental health was way worse than when I first closed my boutique, but I needed something to distract me from my thoughts. Focusing on my business helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Instead of wanting to be in bed and not do anything, I pushed myself to get up and brainstorm ideas. Instead of crying until I ran out of tears, I decided to start working on my website. My boutique was the focus of my time and energy. Although any new business journey is difficult, I was just thankful I could find myself again. The fact that I was motivated made me feel like I had already won this battle.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Although it is imperative to get professional help, we can find additional ways to cope with our mental health. Focusing on my business helped me keep my mind busy and, ultimately, played a huge role in overcoming my depression. Here are three things I did to help me turn negative thoughts into productivity for my business.

1- Write down daily goals

Small goals are usually more effective because they are easier to achieve. Write down at least one or two things you want to do the next day, no matter how small they are. By doing this consistently, you will accomplish at least 5 to ten goals a week.

2- The Internet is your best friend

There is so much information available online. Take your free time to research everything about your niche, business tips, marketing ideas, social media trends, etc. Then take the time to put into practice what you’ve learned.

3- Be your greatest cheerleader

Although some people or circumstances may discourage you, it is crucial to believe in your business or idea. When you know what you’re capable of, you want to show that to the world. Remember the main goal and keep working hard to get there. Seeing your hard work paying off will keep you motivated.

Alba Morales’ Bio

Alba is the owner of Lady In Pink Boutique, an online boutique that caters to regular and plus-size women. Upon launching her boutique, Alba was featured in Univision and has dressed multiple TV personalities in Puerto Rico, her homeland. Besides working in her boutique, Alba enjoys spending quality time with her son and family, cooking, and live music.

 

Alba Morales’ Contact Info:

IG- @ladyinpinkboutique

FB- @ladyinpinkboutique

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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