Category: Career

Career – Employment – Jobs

How Not to Break The Bank Furthering Your Learning

David Jackson

When you leave education behind and enter the world of employment, with it brings the responsibilities of adulthood, such as paying bills, car insurance, rent, and much more. This makes it impossible for many to turn back to education when a new passion or vocation interests them. 

 

Time and money both play a significant factor in why many adults don’t pursue further learning of their own accord. However, your choices in high school and college don’t have to determine the rest of your career path.

 

You can further your learning without breaking the bank. Whether the topic is something just for fun or a more serious notion, then take a look at these ideas below to get you started.

Learn Online 

Learning online can be done in various ways, from watching tutorials on how to weld on youtube to taking classes leading to an online degree. The possibilities for learning from the internet are endless, and there are more and more online courses for you to take and get certificates from. 

 

The internet should be your first point of call when wanting to learn anything new. There are hundreds of expensive courses and budget classes available. You will even find special offers and discounts on the majority of sites. 

 

Furthermore, there are other avenues to learning online that can lead to new career paths, such as game making, web design, coding, and app development. There are a multitude of trusted sites that have entire libraries of beginner guides, documents, and tutorials to teach you how. They also often offer a free trial period to see if you enjoy their software first, so no money is lost if it isn’t the right course for you. 

Shadow

Probably easier said than done, if you have a busy life and work long hours. However, if you get the opportunity to shadow somebody who works using the skill you want to learn, even just for a day, they can provide a wealth of knowledge and give you real-life, hands-on experience.

 

You won’t get a qualification from shadowing somebody, but you will get a unique learning opportunity and advice on how to further your learning to their level. 

 

More often than not, shadowing is absolutely free.

Take Evening Classes 

Another option for learning is by taking evening classes. Take a look around your local college or university, and you’ll be sure to find evening classes for adults on an array of objects from foundation degree to language courses and everything in between. 

 

Some courses may be free, and others could be quite costly. Unlike online learning, these classes will not be flexible, and each will have enrollment deadlines as well as a learning schedule. Every educational establishment will be different, so it’s best to contact them to find out more and decide then if this is an option for you. 

 

Alternatively, you could also seek further learning from classes at learning centers or community projects like the YMCA. Here, you’ll also find a variety of courses, such as painting, sign language, karate, and many more. These classes are less vocational but are an excellent choice for anyone wanting to learn a new hobby and have fun. 

Open Your Eyes to Learning Opportunities

There are opportunities for learning all around you; you just have to be open to them. If you’re keen to learn a new skill or change the direction of your career, don’t let money and time stand in your way, there are other options if you commit yourself. 

 

Jump online and search first, you may be surprised at what you find. If classes are out of your budget, then get creative and learn another way while you save the cash.

Goodbye Suit & Tie – Dressing Down in the Office

David Jackson

Office dress codes used to be simple: suits for men and below-the-knee skirt suits for women. But as industries have changed over the years, workwear has changed, too. Dress codes are more flexible, and employees have more freedom to express themselves with their attire. Today, we see a wide range of office styles, from traditional formal wear to denim, athleisure and designer sneakers.

According to Willy California, casual office culture is sweeping even the most formal industries and men are seeking comfortable, versatile clothing. The trend of athleisure for men and women is making its way into the office.

Even Goldman Sachs is hopping on the casual bandwagon. The company recently announced that it was relaxing its dress code to make it more flexible.

It would be easy to assume that the casual trend would make it easier to dress yourself for work, but the opposite is true. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to plan out your wardrobe.

Here are a few tips to help you dress down at the office without going overboard.

Pair Comfort with Fashion

Everyone wants to be comfortable in the workplace. Depending on your office’s culture and dress code, it may be perfectly acceptable to wear athleisure clothes every day.

If not, you can still be comfortable without going too far over the edge. How? By pairing comfort with fashion or some kind of traditional workwear. For example, you can pair a dark pair of comfortable jeans with a cardigan or blazer. If the dress code is a little more casual, you can pair dark jeans with a well-fitted athletic shirt or polo.

Don’t Go Over the Edge

Athleisure is making its way into the office, and this is a trend that will be here for quite some time. But it’s important to do it right.

Gone are the days of loose-fitting, sloppy “gym clothes.” Athleisure is all about wearing clean, sleek, well-fitting, comfortable clothing.

If you’re going to dress down and be comfortable, you don’t necessarily have to give up that clean, well-put-together image. Make sure that your casual attire is still well-fitting, clean and neutral in color.

Even in a casual environment, the last thing you want is to show up to work looking sloppy. Unless it’s commonplace to do so, you’ll want to avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, flip-flops and tattered jeans.

Pretend that you’re a potential client walking into the office. How would you feel if you saw an employee wearing your outfit? Could you tell that you worked there? If not, it may be time to add a few more workwear pieces to your wardrobe.

Take Cues from Your Co-Workers

If you’re not sure what to wear, take a look around the office. What are your co-workers wearing? You don’t necessarily have to copy their styles, but it will give you an idea of what type of clothing is acceptable in the workplace.

If everyone is wearing blazers with jeans, then you know it’s okay to be more on the casual side. But if everyone is dressing formally, then you may need to rethink your wardrobe.

3 Trends in Women’s Oxford Shoes for Work

David Jackson

Marie Claire released their top shoe trends for 2019, and the focus of the article was on women. The women’s shoe industry is booming, with many investors flocking to the growing footwear industry as a low-risk investment.

People are always going to need footwear, and the companies that sell footwear are often steadily growing with billions in revenue per year.

The trends this year show that Oxford shoes for women are growing in popularity. Women are stepping into leading roles in their companies, and professionalism is of the utmost importance. Investors who are taking notice of the growing shoe industry may want to consider strong women brands that focus on shoes that are durable, affordable and comfortable.

Oxford shoe trends for work include:

1. High-end Leather Options with Leather Lining

Oxford shoes come in either high-end versions or cheaper options that use non-leather materials. The high-end leather options offer a higher level of durability and comfort compared to their cheaper counterparts.

Leather is also being seen in the lining of the shoe to keep the shoe warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Offering genuine leather, these shoes are long-lasting and require a little more upkeep than traditional footwear. Take care of the leather, and you’ll be able to enjoy a shoe that will last years or more with daily wear.

2. Professional Meets Casual Trend

Women and men are in a transitional fashion stage. People are just as likely to get dressed up to go out and meet friends as they are likely to wear gym clothes. Comfort is of the utmost importance to consumers, but there’s also a growing demand for professional attire.

The Oxford shoe is a perfect middle ground which allows for the upscale, professional look while also being a shoe that can be worn outside of the office.

Color options and style will dictate whether or not the Oxford can be used for both occasions. A traditional black or brown Oxford can pass as an upscale shoe while also being toned down with the right attire to be used to go out to dinner with your friends.

It’s the perfect, versatile style that is here to stay. Consumers want footwear that is multi-purpose and comfortable, and the Oxford exceeds both of these requirements.

3. Monkstrap is Growing in Popularity

Tightly laced is what the Oxford is best known for, but there’s a shift in the industry. We’re seeing more women’s Oxfords being made with Monkstrap. These straps fit perfectly on the side of the shoe, adding to the high-end look of the Oxford.

The Monkstrap provides an even more professional look and is being seen on the feet of many of the world’s top female executives.

A small change, the strap adds to the classy look and allows the wearer to have a break from the traditional lace options being seen.

Women’s Oxfords are a growing trend because of the popularity of the shoe. We’re seeing slight changes in the style of these shoes that allow them to be worn for any occasion.

The Importance of Mentoring for New Entrepreneurs

Matt Choi

Becoming a successful entrepreneur takes hard work and perseverance. But you also need a little help along the way. That’s why it’s important to consider a mentor.

Mentors have critical knowledge about how the business world works. In a mentoring relationship, a seasoned business owner meets regularly with a new or potential entrepreneur one-on-one to give advice and boost morale.

One of the biggest benefits of having a business mentor is having a sounding board to ask questions and seek out knowledgeable advice. New entrepreneurs are more likely to seek advice from friends and family. While some of that advice can be sound, a mentor can help you sort out more complicated business matters that your friends or family would not know how to resolve.

Mentors can also help you look at problems and situations from perspectives that you would not have thought of on your own. For example, as a new business owner, you may have trouble looking at your business through the perspective of a customer, or a potential investor. Your mentor, who has dealt with these situations before, can help you understand different viewpoints.

Unlike advisors and consultants, who care only about a business’s outlook, mentors will help you develop skills related to your specific venture. For instance, my mentor, the late George Fontanills, was one of the best options traders in the world and I met him at a live seminar. He taught me a lot about trading and what it takes to be successful. He helped me understand that success is more than having good strategies and formulas. He guided me to truly understand the importance to find a trading style that suits your personality.

George observed my trading style, including the mistakes I was making, and decided that swing trading was the best fit for me. He understood that I don’t have the patience for trading longer term, so a short- or medium-term time frame works best. He also understood that I loved to travel and needed some flexibility, so day-trading would not work either.

Many years later, I’ve mastered swing trading. I am in my trades for a few days to a couple of months, giving me enough time for the stock, commodity, or currency to move some distance so that I can capture meaningful profits. And that’s all thanks to George, who also taught me valuable risk management skills and how to protect my trading capital.

Having the right mentor, in particular someone who plays to your strengths, can help you achieve success at a much faster and sustainable pace. It’s why I recommend that you seek out your own mentor. Find someone who is approachable and willing to answer questions. If your would-be mentor is also inspirational, that’s a great bonus. When you’ve found someone to fit the bill, be candid about your past experience, including mistakes you’ve made. Mentoring is a two-way relationship and you must be open and honest for it to work.

If you need money now, follow these tips

David Jackson

With the growth of online branding and the rise of technology, the ways to earn money have become very extensive. If you need money now, follow through some of the tips that we are about to mention. Majority of these tips do come in handy in bringing you money in a record time that you possibly didn’t even think was possible.

If you are still stuck confused as to what kind of ways can help in channeling in money right this moment, you are in for a ride with this.

Get an instant loan

With the heightened requirements of instant cash infiltrating the market, more and more organizations are coming up with the offers of the instant loan. It isn’t technically unsafe but is quite significant for people who are in need of instant cash. It is very important that you don’t reach out to the unreliable sources for this and instead opt for the ones who have a good reputation in the market. Look through all the documents and the clauses and conditions mentioned because that is the most important part of this process.

Keep these in mind:

When you are taking or even applying for an instant loan, be it from the credit card or even from some reputed financial organization, it is important that you do keep certain things in mind. 

  • Make sure that the place you are taking the loan from is trustworthy and has a good reputation from the previous customers that they have had
  • If possible, do a background check or even just consult someone you know who has taken an instant loan and get from there, if required
  • Keep all the necessary documents that they need with you because that is possibly the most important part of this. It is necessary and downright important.
  • Read through each and every single one of the clause that they have in their terms and conditions. This will help in keeping things clear for you and prevent you from committing something wrong that you end up regretting later.

Give out a bedroom in Air BnB

Yet another one of the amazing ways to earn money without much efforts and in an instant is to give out your house or the spare bedroom to Air BnB. This can channel in free cash for you and you wouldn’t even have to worry about the maintenance of the rooms around. They will be occupied and the utilities are going to be in use which further enhances the benefits of the same. If you didn’t know any better, you can easily earn over $100 a day without renting out just a bedroom. 

Do the paid online surveys

As crude and tiring as they might sound, then paid online surveys are actually an amazing way to earn money instantly. Yes, it is true that the process is a bit tiresome but the end results of this are nothing short of amazing. The best part of this is the fact that you can earn actual money on successful completion of the surveys that are available on the internet. 

Recycle

When you recycle, you are not just saving the planet but getting paid for that as well. There are several recycling centers available across the world which pays you against the plastics or even the rubbish that you provide them with. It is very important that you keep certain things in mind and thus even value your trash as well.

If you have been on the lookout for cash or money right this second, these are some of the sure-shot ways that actually work. You just can’t do without these tips.

The Pros and Cons of the Gig Economy

David Jackson

The gig economy has exploded over the last decade. Nearly a third of Canadian workers now engage in some sort of freelance, part-time or contract work.

A “gig worker” is just another name for an independent contractor or part-time worker. Uber drivers, freelance writers and virtual assistants all fall under the “gig economy” category.

There are many benefits to being an independent contractor, but there are also many concerns that need to be considered.

The Advantages of the Gig Economy

Most people are attracted to the gig economy because of its benefits, which include:

Greater Flexibility

Gig workers are their own bosses. They set their own schedules, and they’re in control of the work they take on. If you want to start your day at 4am, finish by 12pm and have the rest of the day off, you can do this as a gig worker.

As an independent contractor, you generally have the flexibility to complete your work on your own time as long as you meet the deadline.

You also have flexibility when it comes to your office. You can work from home, a local coffee shop, or a co-working space. For some gig workers, like rideshare drivers, you have less flexibility in this department because you’re confined to your vehicle. However, most freelance and independent contractors can decide where they want to work.

Independence

Gig workers don’t have bosses breathing down their necks. They complete their work on their own time and in their own way. Many people love the independence and freedom the gig economy offers.

Post Mates is a great example of how the gig economy allows workers to have more independence. Couriers for Post Mates can choose when they want to start accepting orders so that they can work on their own time. They aren’t constrained to any particular type of vehicle, they don’t have to deal with passengers, and they can even bring a friend along if they like.

Freelancing works in a similar way. You may have a deadline, but it’s up to you to decide how and when the work will get done.

Earning Potential

As a gig worker, you essentially work as your own little business. When it comes to your income, the sky is the limit. You set your rates, and you’re in control of how much work you take on.

Gig workers also have the flexibility to continue their education while working. By obtaining a degree or certification, you can further increase your earnings potential.

The Drawbacks of the Gig Economy

While there are numerous benefits to working in the gig economy, there are also some drawbacks.

You’ll Have to Pay Taxes

One of the biggest headaches gig workers face is having to deal with taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency considers gig workers to be independent contractors, or self-employed.

You’ll need to file your tax return by the deadline, track your income, track your expenses and track your deductions.

Work May be Inconsistent

Another major drawback of the gig economy is that work may be inconsistent. When you’re a formal employee, you can rely on a weekly paycheck. But as a freelance worker or independent contractor, income isn’t as reliable.

You may have plenty of work one month, and no work the next month. Sometimes, you have to chase down clients to pay invoices.

The gig economy certainly has its pros and cons, but it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether the risks are worth the benefits that this type of work offers.

Cannabis Retail Offers Potential Investment Prospects

Donato Sferra

The role of a merchant banker is in part to provide capital to entrepreneurs and startup businesses that exhibit high growth potential. If you dig deeper, though, what investors are really funding are good ideas that show potential and, moreover, have the potential to disrupt industries.

Possibly the biggest disruption right now in Canada’s consumer market is cannabis. The opportunities that cannabis present are becoming more and more evident to companies around the country, and that means entrepreneurs want to be invested before everyone else gets into the act. In particular, cannabis retail is a promising sector of the industry that is presenting rapid growth potential.

Until April 1st, legal cannabis sales in Ontario were only available through an online government e-commerce store. Today, according to the provincial Alcohol and Gaming Commission, cannabis retail shops and outlets are appearing across the country in Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, Brampton, Burlington, London, and St. Catharines.

This means millions of dollars of potential investment opportunity for companies that focus on running recreational cannabis stores. To date, large operators have attracted the lion’s share of investment dollars – but there are opportunities for smaller players too.

If you really think about it, smaller players who are looking to expand in high-value markets need capital. They could see outsized returns without requiring the significant capital investments needed by larger players. To boot, entrepreneurs are continuing to find a number of new opportunities in the evolving cannabis industry and one of those opportunities is marijuana-infused edibles. What was once known as the stereotypical “pot brownie” has moved far beyond to products that include infused beverages, candies, tinctures, and cooking ingredients.

For those who prefer a cannabis-adjacent business, information to accompany new products and uses is another important area that offers business opportunities. Putting the right data in front of consumers, and providing them with knowledge, is a need that entrepreneurs can fill.

As the number of legal cannabis consumers increases, so will the business opportunities.

It’s a great time to be a cannabis entrepreneur, but it’s still crucial to be knowledgeable about your product and your business, and more importantly, you still have to be passionate.

Passion – A Key Ingredient to Successful Entrepreneurship

Mark Attanasio

When entrepreneurs come to me and ask, “What is more important – drive or passion?” I answer and explain that the latter is more important. After all, passion is in many ways what makes an entrepreneur tick. Successful start-ups are not “driven” by a desire to make money — they are driven by a need to change the world and that, in turn, is driven by passion.

The same can be said of venture capitalists, they support and fund the companies about which they are truly passionate. Building strong business relationships doesn’t happen overnight, but a shared desire to create something important will only work to intensify the entrepreneur’s and VC’s passion toward a common goal.

When it comes to my own decision-making process with respect to potential investment opportunities, there are a number of factors that go into the process, one of those being how much passion does the particular entrepreneur or company have. When introduced to a particular company for the first time, among the things I’m looking to see is a sense of excitement about the company and the team as well as what problem it is they are aiming to solve.

That first meeting with a potential investor isn’t about convincing us to invest, rather, it’s about getting the investor excited about what you are trying to achieve. It’s demonstrating exactly how you plan to fill a void in the market and how that idea could potentially become a game-changer.

If I’m passionate enough about your idea, it is more likely that I’ll be advocating an investment in your company. This is the reason why I consider myself extremely lucky to work in this industry — because it allows me to feed off the energy and drive of extremely motivated entrepreneurs.

The dictionary defines passion as “an intense, driving or overmastering feeling of conviction” or “a strong desire for or devotion to some activity or concept”. I couldn’t agree more. Passion is one of the must-haves for any startup or entrepreneur.

Traits You See In Every Successful Entrepreneur

Mark Attanasio

Starting your own business is hard work filled with long hours, personal sacrifice and a daily array of new problems and challenges. Anyone who tells you otherwise has probably never started one themselves. If you don’t have the drive to navigate these things, your business could implode faster than it began.

Understand, entrepreneurship is not for everyone. To determine if you have what it takes to make it, you need to be able to possess a number of quality traits. Leadership is at the top of that ladder. If you can’t lead, chances are you won’t be able to guide your company and its employees through growth and on to success.

If you seek a challenge filled with risk but also with financial potential, then you may be on your way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Here are the most important traits I believe every entrepreneur should possess.

Self-motivation
No one has ever gotten ahead by sitting back and waiting for opportunities to find them. Successful people go out and create success by working tirelessly to solve problems that get in their way.

Adapt to change
Entrepreneurs must be able to adapt to changing situations without unraveling. Also, they must be able to motivate their team by helping them reach new goals and opportunities. Often times, successful entrepreneurs are driven by a more complete vision than just the task at hand.

Ethics and integrity
It goes back to the old saying, “cheaters never win.” It’s important to maintain high standards of integrity because, if you don’t, nobody will want to do business with you, especially when you are working with clients or leading a team.

Be willing to fail, then move on
Starting a business is risky and doesn’t always work out. Successful entrepreneurs must be able to accept that things don’t always go according to plan. Do not be afraid to fail, put your idea out there and give it your best shot.

Serial innovators
The mind of an entrepreneur is always spinning with new ideas. There has to be a constant drive to develop new concepts and improve on existing ones. That’s where the term “serial entrepreneur” came from.

In almost every case, entrepreneurs never succeed on their own. You are only as good as the people who support you. Surround yourself with a network of knowledgeable people who are as passionate about your project as you are. It takes a network of contacts, partners and resources to thrive.

Entering Venture Capitalism? What to Know

Donato Sferra

One of the questions I often receive as a venture capitalist is, “How do I become a venture capitalist?” New graduates and startup veterans alike want to get into the industry, and, I admit, it can be enticing.

There are many ways to break into the venture capital world, but they can generally be broken down into two categories: serial entrepreneurship and investment banking. I define a venture capitalist as someone who distributes third-party funds into new, early-stage ventures. An angel investor is someone who invests in companies with their own capital.

If you want to be a venture capitalist or enter in the industry, my advice is to start by building your experience in the greater financial industry as soon as possible. Ask an established VC if you can shadow them and ask as many questions as you can.

You’ll also need strong analytical skills with the ability to research markets and have a mix of foresight and business savvy to pick winning investments. From my experience, success in this area also directly correlates with an ability to keep up with changing industry trends.

Finding entrepreneurs or young businesses at the earliest stages in the process is another critical skill. One way to find these potential investment opportunities is to attend meetups for emerging technologies and identify attendees offering the most potential.

Once you’ve discovered and pinpointed a potential business to invest in and have completed the necessary analysis to suggest it will succeed, the next step is figuring out finances. How much money does this business require? This isn’t the final stage of the process, but shaping out a basic set of terms is fairly easy — and highly important.

Working as a venture capital can be highly stressful, yet at the same time lucrative. Be prepared to clock in a lot of very long hours with most of that time spent listening to pitches by potential companies. It’s also, in my opinion, extremely rewarding to watch a start-up you invested in succeed.