10 Creative Skill Set Ideas to Increase Your Income

Judging from the way that our culture is growing in leaps and bounds, in different directions, it would not be surprising if you are reading this on a tablet, laptop, or smartphone.

We live in a digital world, and while there are still a few people who may prefer a hardcover book, many people are likely to agree that being able to read the news while “on the go” is thrilling.

Or, in the same situation, stopping to search for the next movie that is showing in the nearby theater is also a thrill. It has become a part of the way we live. It is part of our culture.

Financial Concerns That Accompany the Digital Age Culture

Along with all of the wonderful things and capabilities that come with the digital age, there is this thing that is tied up in the financial concerns or, as some people put it, “financial crisis.”

No matter how you define it, there are those who are unemployed or underemployed and more and more, this is happening to even the most skilled individuals.

Let’s start at a base level. When it comes down to skill sets, digital is where it’s at these days. Whether you work at a marketing firm or you are a budding entrepreneur, there is room to fine-tune your digital skill set. Am I right?

In some cases, I dare say that fine-tuning your digital skill set may be considered a “must” or in our day and age, a “must-have.”

Now, you may be asking what using a digital tablet on a subway has to do with a list of 10 Skill Set Ideas.  Well, it is simply that:

1) in some ways we are replaced by the technology and automation that helps to allow the digital automation to be possible

2) having skills sets related to the digital age culture may be the difference between having an income and not having an income.

Hey, even skills that don’t seem to be related at all may help to augment that income that was replaced by a bot or a drone, eh?

A List of Skills to Consider

None of the skills on this list are necessarily what one would say are absolutely “required” in order to survive in the digital world.  However, these skills include some creative options that you could look into when you have free time.

In other words, when you are looking to augment that skill set, it is a good time to pull out this list. That time may even be now!

If nothing else, at the very least, adding these skills will allow you to be better equipped when it comes to communicating with your colleagues and when collaborating on projects.

It may even make the difference in boosting your brand to stardom, especially if you are that fledgling entrepreneur who is headed toward being the next Steve Jobs.

Skill #1: Well-Rounded Social Media Expert

• Source: Mashable Resources

Deemed as one of the best news sources for social and digital media, Mashable offers you comprehensive Facebook and Twitter guides. Why is this helpful?

These guides help to explain everything from the nuts and bolts of each site to optimizing your profile on these platforms and getting those profiles ready for your business.

All you need to do is type “how to” in the search box on the Mashable website and start reading/viewing/downloading. Also, there are several guides on how to use Google analytics, developing your social media strategy, and measuring social media return on investment (ROI).

By the way, well-rounded is good.  This is especially the case if you were to start your own digital marketing agency (Yes, dream big!).

However, it is also important to know when to have focus.  A good example is this wonderful GrowMap article by Tim Stoddart:  “Why Your Marketing Firm Should Specialize in an Industry.”

Skill #2: Game Designer

• Source: Learn Game Design from Home!

Another thing that is popular in our culture is gaming! It doesn’t matter if you don’t play games, yourself (likely you do and may not realize it), the gaming industry is booming. And, there is nothing unusual about game designers working from home, in their virtual offices, or even in their pajamas. The idea is that there is a fun game created and that game is making millions for the owner, in other words, the one signing the checks for the game designer. How do you become one? Visit places like gamedesigning.org and get started!

Skill #3:  The Best “Community Builder” Consultant on the Web

• Source: Likeable Media

Staying true to New York style, this marketing firm specializes in social media and definitely likes to share its knowledge. The “Resources” section on likeable.com gives you access to webìnars such as “How to Build Better Communities on Facebook.” Ooh… I know where I am going after writing this article.

Seriously, though, sometimes the acquisition of additional skills has more to do with keeping organized and also having a focus (and keeping a focus) on what it is that you want to do. Whiteboards come in handy with this, as well. Oh, and plenty of sleep and taking care of yourself, health-wise!

Skill #4: Beginner Level Adobe Photoshop Trainer

• Source: Adobe.com

If you’ve been looking for a place to refine your photo retouching skills, you’ve come to the right place. Adobe offers 26 lectures 100 percent free for you to learn the basics of Photoshop. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Why not go to the source when it comes to learning how to use Adobe Photoshop, eh? And, coming from someone who used to teach advanced Photoshop (me), it is not like you have to be the expert of all experts. A few basic skills will take you a long way in the opportunity for a couple extra bucks on the side.

Skill #5: Consultant Presenting WordPress for Beginners

• Source: Lynda.com

If you’ve always wanted to build your own blog or website, now’s your chance! This site (Lynda.com) is a great way to learn the basics of WordPress, as well as a plethora of other opportunities for learning. It is a wonderful source of knowledge. Just remember that it is easy to become distracted, so remember what your ultimate goal is when visiting a resourceful site like this.

Skill #6: Level 1 Python Programmer

• Source: PythonWiki (List of Resources)

This Python Wiki will cover all of the basics and will also provide you with the essentials you need to move forward towards more advanced programming. This wiki provides the list of what you need, specifically in the python programming. It also introduces you to relevant communities. We all know that communities are priceless when it comes to finding the help you need (and give!).

Skill #7: Brand Management (and More!)

• Source: Buddy Media / Sales Force

This website will teach you the ins and outs of mapping out strategies for effective brand management, communicating successfully with your clients, and running not just a tight ship, but one that outdoes the competition while keeping the warmth in that company / client business relationship. Start with the story of who they are, from the LinkedIn business profile page and branch out from there. Just the path of inspiration alone will help you to build on your skill set in understanding and in accomplishment.

Skill #8: (Search Engine Optimization) SEO Consultant (even if a beginner yourself!)

• Source: The Moz Blog

Even if you are not working in SEO now, it’s a fantastic skill to pick up to better understand exactly how the internet works. You can learn how to drive traffic to your website, craft keywords, and how different sites compete for visibility. There is really no better place to start than the Moz Blog, keeping up on the newest technologies as well as the newest changes in search algorithms, etc.

Skill #9: Google Analytics Expert

• Source: Google Analytics Certified Partner

This course will guide you through the different aspects of the program.  It also helps with the “how to” part of analyzing data when presented to you. More importantly, it will help you to become a certified partner of Google themselves. I mean, you can get much more authoritative than that, can you? It may not be the most exciting, but will likely prove to be one of the more rewarding, long-term.

Skill #10: LinkedIn Consultant

• Source: Ultimate Guide for LinkedIn for Business by Ted Prodromou

Give your professional network a boost while promoting your personal brand by learning the inner workings of LinkedIn. Boost your professional network and promote your personal brand by learning the ins and outs of LinkedIn in this book.

Ok, admittedly, I haven’t read the book. Perused it, yes. But think about it. If you are clueless about LinkedIn, this should help you get past first based. If you know a bit more about LinkedIn and you are already a heavy hitter, that is great!  Why use the book?  The book may help you over that hump to actually hang a shingle and say that YOU are the LinkedIn Expert. Through the use of this book, you can start to figure out your own way of presenting this material to someone like you used to be, when you started 🙂

In Closing

Did you notice something? This list of “skills” was more like a list of job titles or roles. Does that help inspire you?

So, you are feeling like you are worth more than what you are being paid (or not paid)?

Well, go ahead, pick one of these roles that appeals to you.  Then, use the source (and other sources) to start heading toward your dream role.

Two more suggestions.  First, ensure that you are taking care of yourself, getting rest, and realizing how wonderful you are and all of the successes that you have already accomplished!

Next, be sure to include those people in your life who are the most important.  You can always use a cheering section! Go ahead!  No better time to start than right now, eh?

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Deborah Anderson

Deborah Anderson wears many hats in her addiction to acquiring knowledge. From professional training as a sound engineer at the Los Angeles Film School to graduating summa cum laude in software architecture, and then on to become the director of Information Technology at the high profile Bel Air Investment Advisors, she often comments that she is only just beginning. She enjoys sharing her knowledge discoveries with her readers and is always ready to offer a helping hand.

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