13 High-Income Skills to Make $10,000+ per Month Fast

Updated Aug 6, 2023.
High-Income Skills to Make $10,000+ per Month Fast

You want money, you want ways to earn more income and hasten your journey to financial freedom. You need to develop these high income skill and increase your chances of getting a high-paying job.

Have you ever sat down in your 9-5 office and think to yourself “I need to start earning more money”? Or maybe you have read the latest financial blogs or watched vlogs from financial experts and each one is saying the same thing “Get a high paying job”. With the rise of inflation rates all over the world, getting a high-paying job is the best option now.

Getting high-income skills is one of the most necessary ways to attain financial freedom. Sitting behind a desk all day, sorting out lots of paperwork won't give you the big financial break you need, and you know it.

Neither does going around with a resume, packed with skills nobody needs, looking for employment. And if you do get employed, the pay isn't as fascinating as you would have liked.

That is just frustrating!

So in this article, I won't just tell you about high-income skills, I will show you the best and fastest genuine money-making skills you need to develop, as well as, how to develop them, and get an actual job.

Ready? Let's begin!

What are High-Income Skills?

High-income skills are those skills you develop that fetch you a lot of money, per month. These skills are actually in great need in the market. For example, web development, sales management, video content, and so on.

High-paying skills would give you more money than a regular salary income and the best part is that you do not necessarily need a degree before earning money with your high-income skill.

With the change of market preference over the past decades, some skills are more demanded than others.

Businesses are looking for more video content creators and social media managers to help them handle their social media presence; there is a strong need for graphic designers who would help create logos or posters that communicate brand values.

As the market is changing, so should you. You have to find a way to take advantage of the numerous business opportunities that fly around every day.

How to Use High-Income Skills to Make Money Fast

You see, the primary goal of having a high-pay job is to make money. If you are not making money with your skill, then you certainly do not know what you are doing to yourself.

Okay, don't get me wrong! If you already have a job and you love your job, you don't have to quit your job to accommodate your high-income skill. Instead, you can turn your skill into a source for making passive income.

Yes, that is right. Your main job can be your active income, and your high-income skill can be your passive income.

But first, you have to know how to make money with your high-income skills.

1. Offer Your High-Income Skills as a Freelancer

Freelancing is one of the most versatile ways to earn money with your high-paying skill. Freelancers work for themselves. They are self-employed, highly skilled individuals who work based on a contract.

There is a rapid rise in the number of freelancers in America alone. According to Statista, 2020 recorded a total amount of 59 million freelancers in the US. That is an extra 2 million from the previous year.

The world of freelancing is always expanding. Rather than just being a regular 9-5er, who gets frustrated when there is more workload and no salary increase, you could dabble into freelancing.

Benefits of Being a Freelancer

  • Flexible work schedule
  • Space for skill development
  • Multiple income sources
  • Direct communication with clients
  • Can work anyway (not necessarily an office)
  • Independence and exposure

How to Start Freelancing

To be successful as a freelancer, you have to have flexible, high-paying skills. However, you do not need a degree to have it. You can learn them online (we will discuss that later in this article).

You also don't need a degree to become a freelancer. All you need is just your smartphone/computer/laptop, a steady internet connection, and your incredible skills.

Most people start freelancing as a side hustle before fully moving into it, while some start fully. Whichever way you want to do it, there are different online platforms available to get you started as a freelancer.

  • Upwork: Most popular freelance job website for finding high-paying clients.
  • Fiverr: Best online platform for selling your freelancing skills.
  • Flexjobs: Best online platform for getting flexible jobs in any industry.
  • Indeed: Best site for offering both remote and home jobs.
  • Peopleperhour: Best online platform for absolutely any freelance job.

These are just a few of the many available platforms to find great-paying jobs as a freelancer.

Freelancing is so lucrative and flexible. On average, you can earn as much as $5,000 – $10,000 monthly, depending on how improved your money-making skills are and how much you close high-paying deals.

Tip: To improve your chances of making more money per month, register on different freelancing platforms and apply for jobs on each one.

2. Start a High-End Blog using Your High-Income Skills

Contrary to myths, blogging is not extinct. In fact, as of 2021, there are over 600 million blogs in the world, with over 31 million active bloggers. Blogging can never get out of fashion. Over 77% of internet users use real blogs.

If you think blogging is dead, well newsflash! What you're reading right now is a blog post, so you are part of the 77%.

With your high-income skills, you can start a blog, get a lot of subscribers, and earn money. The blogging industry is a goldmine and you have to learn how to mine to get the gold.

Before you get started on blogging, you need to know the types of blogs out there.

Types of blogs

There are different types of blogs available. If you want to get into blogging and make money from it, you have to know the types of blog you want to specify.

Identifying the four major types of blog you want to start, would help you identify your target audience.

1. Personal blogs

This is a type of online diary where you can document your daily experiences, share your feelings and thoughts on some controversial issues. This blog aims to be up and personal with your audience and build a community that shares the same interests.

2. Professional blogs

With this blog, you can make money from promoting other people's products for a commission, selling ads, being an influencer on your blog, and so on.

Professional blogs usually focus on one or two niches because that is the best way to reach a wider audience who have similar interests. By generating the content, you would be able to get a lot of traffic to your blog.

Advertisers come to you based on your niche audience. For example: if you run a successful healthcare blog, pharmaceutical companies, gyms, and other related businesses would be interested to work with you.

3. Niche blogs

Unlike professional blogs, niche blogs are more specific rather than being broad. Niche blogs allow you to concentrate on what you are knowledgeable about.

For example: if you are good at software development, you could start a blog that talks about different topics under software development. With this, you would attract an audience based on IT enthusiasts, preferably in software development.

You would also attract some SaaS (Service-as-a-software) brands who would want to advertise on your blog.

4. Business blogs

This blog is owned by businesses to create more exposure, and traffic to their website and get more customers. If you own a business, creating a business blog is a great idea because you would be able to make more money from your blog and attract more customers to your business.

Having a business blog lets people trust you more because your focus is on your business and your audience's needs, not on yourself. A business blog helps you to identify your Brand's target audience and pain points, based on your most engaging content.

Now you have seen the four major types of blogs, and probably identify the type of blog you would want to start, it's time for you to get started on blogging.

How to start a blog

Starting a blog is very easy and the same way for the four major types of blog. It takes approximately 15 minutes to get started at blogging.

  • Pick a blog name
  • Register your blog. This will require you to buy a domain name (.com) and get a hosting service for your website. One of the best hosts to use is Bluehost.
  • Design your blog. Some platforms offer free designs, so no need to stress yourself on that.
  • Post your first blog article. This is dependent on the kind of dog you want to have.
  • Promote your blog on social media, podcast, emails, Google ads, and so on

You are now a blogger!!!

I have always been a passionate blogger whose passion is to create a high-revenue blog. So I created a blogging package that contains a free blog launch, checklist, and 7-day course for beginners. Now you can easily create a killer blog that earns so much money.

The fastest way to start your blog is to use a blogging platform. It offers easy features that would get you blogging in no time. The five most popular ones are:

  • WordPress.org: Most popular blogging platform for all types of blogs.
  • Medium: Best online platform for all kinds of long blog posts.
  • Blogger: Easy-to-use free online blogging platform from Google.
  • LinkedIn: Best online platform for business or finance blogs.
  • Wix: Best blogging platform for beginners.

How to Make Money Blogging

Making money from blogging depends on how effective your engagement is. And this depends on how much value you present to your audience.

The best way to grow your audience is by producing content that pertains to your niche, based on your market element. You can earn money through ads for businesses, sponsored posts, selling online courses, coaching/consulting, selling memberships, webinars, SAAS software, affiliate marketing, and so on.

There are lots of amazing high-income nice topics to follow on and get a wide audience:

  • Finance (Investment advice/coaching)
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Health care and fitness
  • Lifestyle
  • Make money online
  • Technology
  • Relationship
  • Entertainment
  • Marketing and sales
  • Personal development.

3. Productize Your High-Income Skills into an Online Course

Selling an online course is a great way to monetize your high-income skills. You get to sell some knowledge of your skill to an audience, who is hungry for some skilled knowledge.

The heat of the pandemic brought a high demand for online courses. Statistics show that the global online E-Learning market is estimated to be up to $370 billion in 2026.

There is a large audience out there who want to know what you know, and are willing to pay to get that knowledge. Selling a course online, especially “how-to” courses, will fetch you more money than you imagine.

Okay, let's look at the numbers because numbers are more practical. Let's say you are selling a full online course about web development, with practical advice and a step-by-step how-to guide for $250. If ten people sign up for that course, that is $2500, right? but let's say you pushed further in the advertising and 50 people signed up for the course, that means you just made $12,500.

Now, that is a whole lot of money and it is very practical. This is very possible, all you have to do is create and sell an online course.

How to Create and Sell an Online Course

Selling a successful online course isn't difficult at all. just make sure you are selling something valuable to the right audience. Did you know that there is an audience for almost everything under the sun? You just need to identify who your audience is and where they are.

1. Come Up with What You want to Sell

Sell what people want, that has always been the top principle of selling. Like I said earlier, there's an audience for everything under the sun. But does your audience want what you are selling?

The idea is to sell solutions to their problems.

2. Create a Plan for Your Course Content

Decide on the best way you want to deliver the content. Is it holding a live workshop on IG or Facebook, or creating a step-by-step how-to guide in PDF, or maybe you want to create a WhatsApp group and share videos? Anyhow, you want to do it, make sure it is suitable for you.

Content delivery is very important for your online course.

3. Create Your Online Course Content

Now you have to figure out how you want to deliver the content, it's time to build your content. What exactly do you want to talk about? What do you want your audio to learn after buying your course?

Create a step-by-step process on how you would execute each point to your audience. Make sure to only talk about the important stuff.

4. Put a Price Tag and a Date.

After all that, it's time to put a price tag on your course. where the value of what you are selling and converts to how much money is worth. Now, plan the launch date

5. Advertise and Start Selling.

This is where the main work is. Advertise your online course on different social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, you can also advertise on your blog (if you have one), via email, and so on. Sell the benefits of the course, not just the features.

Best Online Course Platform

There are a lot of online course platforms available for you to create and sell your courses. Some of them are:

  • Teachable: Best online platform for selling different courses
  • LearnWorlds: Best online platform for designing your courses
  • Podia: Easy-to-use and supportive platform for first-time course sellers
  • Thinkific: One of the most popular online course platforms for new teachers

Now you have learned the basics about creating and selling your online course, the next thing to know is the best topics to teach online. I created a straightforward list:

Courses You Can Teach Online

  • Marketing
  • Life coaching
  • Arts and craft
  • Business accounting
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Technical writing
  • Translation and language
  • Fitness
  • App development
  • Web design

Creating an online course is a creative way to earn money for your income scheme. It isn't difficult to create an online course because it all depends on how good you are. Creating online courses cost around $200 to $5,500, which includes purchase of domain name, advertising cost, fee of chosen online course platform, and cost of email marketing service provider.

4. Run a Paid or Free Webinar

Webinars are like online courses. They are actually web seminars, where you host lectures or seminars. A lot of businesses are expanding their sales marketing to webinars.

Essential Webinar Statistics
Source: FinancesOnline

You can host a free or paid webinar that concerns your high-income skill.

How To Host A Webinar

Hosting a webinar is not so difficult if you follow these concise steps:

  • Choose a topic for your webinar
  • Plan your content or create a theme
  • Decide on the launch date
  • Advertise your webinar and Create a unique hashtag
  • Send out invitations
  • Do a practice run before the launch date
  • Host your webinar
  • Follow-up attendees and registrants
  • Create a recording of your webinar for future reference and to generate more leads for your next webinar

Best Platform for Running Your Webinar

One key thing about hosting a webinar is deciding which platform to use. There are a good number of webinar platforms that would help you with your live meeting, online class, and so on. Some of them include:

  • WebinarNinja: Easy-to-use and popular software used by famous brands.
  • Airmeet: Best webinar online platform for interacting with your audience.
  • GoToWebinar: Best quality platform for hosting live webinars.
  • Zoom: High-quality free online platform for an audience of less than 100.

These hosting platforms make it easy for you to effectively host your webinar and earn money with your high-income skill. You can use Webinars to promote your online course and generate more money.

5. Launch an Online Store

The world is going more digital every single day. As of 2020, $861.12 billion was spent on online shopping. With your sales skills, you can open an online store and run it as a passive income business.

Online Shop Infographic
Source: Tinuiti

Creating and Launching an Online Store

The first step to earning from your online store is to get started at online retailing. Creating an online store is not difficult. You can launch an online store in 6 easy steps:

  • Identifying what you want to start selling
  • Source for product suppliers and manufacturers
  • Choose a brand name as well as a domain name for your website
  • Create an online store with an e-commerce platform or use your website
  • Advertise on social media, your blog via email marketing, and so on

Now, you can start selling!

What to Sell in an Online Store

There are lots of things to sell in an online store from tangible goods to intangible products. What matters is that you are selling what your niche wants.

Here at the use of things to sell in an online store:

  • Furniture
  • Clothes
  • Jewelry
  • Smartwatches
  • Food
  • Kitchen equipment
  • Books
  • Toys
  • Gadget

Best Platforms to Launch Your Online Store

  • Shopify: Most trusted and popular online store platform with over 70 themes.
  • StoreYa: Best online platform for driving traffic to your store with automatic social media ads.
  • Woocommerce: Fully customizable online store platform for WordPress users with lots of amazing features
  • Squarespace: Best easy-to-use e-commerce platform for beginners

Whether it is a product-based business or a service-based business you run, launching an online store helps you maximize the full potential of your high-income skill and gives a lot of money too.

6. Create Your Own Podcasting Show

Contrary to the rumors going around, you can make a whole lot of money from podcasting. With your high-income skills, you can make a living by just running a podcast show where you give deep insight about your skill, tackle challenges, answer FAQs from your listeners, and so on.

Your successful podcast would affect a lot of sponsors, drive traffic to your online store (if you have one)

Types of Podcasts

Before starting your podcast show, you have to decide on the type of podcast you want to run. There are basically about eight types of postcasts, and each is a great way to create content.

1. Conversational Podcast

Just like the name says, it includes two people having a live conversation. It involves two or more regular co-hosts, with one person being the anchor. It is really fun, especially if your co-hosts are free, fun, and active.

The topics discussed could range from family, business, love, investment, and so on.

2. Solo Podcast

Also known as a monologue podcast, it is a one-man show. It involves a single person hosting the show from start to finish. Sometimes he might have guests but majority of the time, it is just him, himself, and his mic.

Solo podcasts are common for people who have specific niches they just want to teach.

3. Interview Podcast

It is a bit similar to solo podcasts and conversational podcasts but this time, you interview a different guest on each episode on your show. Because new guests are interviewed each week, it makes the show exciting.

The guests are usually called upon to give more insight into a certain topic. Interview podcasts can be divided into two: Expert interviews and Entertainment interviews.

4. Storytelling Podcast

This one can be a bit more complex because it requires more than you just saying a bunch of stuff into your microphone. It requires a lot of research especially if you are doing non-fiction storytelling.

This podcast is also known as investigative storytelling. It also requires a lot of interviews, sound waves, a deep delve into history and facts, and so on.

5. Repurposed Content Podcast

This podcast involves turning a TV show episode into podcast content. It is most common for news TV programs and documentaries that want to reach a wider audience reach who prefer audio content.

6. Roundtable Podcast

It is also known as the ‘Panel' podcast. It involves a host and several other co-hosts rotating the discussions each week. They can discuss a range of topics and each giving their opinion. This makes the show exciting and interesting.

7. Theatrical or Fictional Storytelling Podcast

Basically, it involves a single host narrating a story to the listeners. It is presented in a way similar to an audiobook.

In most cases there are an entire cast and sound engineers to make the story more like an audio cinema than an audiobook, creating a fictional world in the mind of the listeners.

8. Hybrid Podcast

This is just a combination of all other podcasts. You can start an episode as a solo presenter and end it as an interview podcast. You are just showing creativity and diversity and flexibility.

There you have it, the different types of podcasts. As a starter, solo podcast, conversational podcast, or interview podcast comes highly recommended.

How to Create a Podcast Show

After identifying the type of podcast you want to run, it's time to get started on your podcast.

  • Choose a name for your podcast
  • Identify what your podcast is all about
  • Get the right podcasting equipment
  • Record your first audio and edit it
  • Submit to a hosting platform
  • Promote your podcast on social media

Now, you are all set to launch your podcast.

Best Podcast Platform to Launch Your Podcast

There are several excellent online podcasting platforms that will help make your podcasting journey really easy. Some of them are:

  • Spreaker: Very affordable platform to begin your podcast journey.
  • Podbean: Easy-to-use platform that lets you promote on popular audio platforms.
  • Transistor.fm: Perfect for heavy content podcasts and gives useful analytics.
  • Buzzsprout: Ideal for podcast beginners, with simple podcasting tools and extensive features.

7. Get A Well-Paid Job

What makes a job worth it is the salary figure at the end of the month. If your goal is not to have a well-paid job from your high-income skill, then permit me to say that it's just a waste of time and effort.

Occupation Salary Figure
Source: Investopedia

High-income skills increase your chances of being qualified for a well-paid job. Most times, the key to getting hired is not based on your college degree but on what you can offer to the company.

Now, we have seen how to make fast money with high-income skills. Let me show you the best high-income skills to learn.

List of High-Income Skills to Learn

Disclaimer: Learning is a lifelong process. You cannot learn a high-income skill in a day. You first start from the basics, then you grow to become the expert that you are meant to be.

1. Software and Web Development

Software and Web development are some of the skills that bring in high income. As the whole world is going digital and more businesses are going online, there is a strong need for software and web developers.

Although they are often used together, software development and web development are two different skills.

Software development has to do with building, designing, and programming computer programs and software to optimize user experience. There are three major types of software which are:

  • System software – operating system, device drivers, and so on
  • Programming software – Java, Python, Notepad++, and so on
  • Application software – Spreadsheet, Word processor, MS Word, and so on.

However, Web development involves creating and developing a website to maximize user experience. They also develop website applications. Not to be confused, they are not web designers.

Top Skills to Optimize User Experience
Source: i-programmer

There is a huge need for software developers and web developers in the market. According to CNBC, there were about 918,000 unfilled IT jobs as of 2019. Due to the gap, a lot of businesses are affected in various ways. The shortage of these skills has halted business innovation.

If you are an IT enthusiast, this is the skill for you but before you get into this you need to develop some critical skills for software development and web development.

Critical Skills for Software and Web Development

These are the basic yet critical skills every web developer and software developer should have.

HTML

HTML knowledge is a must for every web developer. HTML5 is the latest standard so far. HTML means Hypertext Markup Language and it is a standard markup language for creating websites. Every web developer must be skilled at HTML.

CSS

CSS, which means Cascading Style Sheet, is the second most important basic knowledge a web developer must-have. CSS is used to add layout and design to websites.

It is also used to display websites properly and on different devices and with different sizes. You should learn how and when to use CSS properties like text formatting, font, color, etc.

Debugging

Debugging is the process of finding and fixing errors, bugs, or any other abnormalities in your code. Debugging is a very necessary skill to have because these bugs can creep in and ruin your entire work, they are very frustrating.

Git and GitHub

As a web developer, you will need to know how to keep track of your codes, store your work and easily collaborate with others when the need arises. Git and GitHub are the control tools that will help you manage your projects. Having a basic knowledge of them would help you a lot.

JavaScript

JavaScript is very important to every web developer who should know how to use it. With JavaScript, you can make your site dynamic and interactive. Knowing JavaScript qualifies you to earn more than a web developer who doesn't.

Data Structures and Algorithm

Every software developer needs to know the skill. In fact, for every interview, this is the most common section employers care about because it is impossible to write a real-world application without knowledge of some basic data structures like array, Hashmap, linked list, and so on.

How to Become a Software or Web Developer

So you want to start a career in developing software and computer programs, or creating simple web pages, social media platforms, apps, e-commerce websites, and even Content Management Systems? Yes, you can, and you can do that without a college degree.

Before you become a web developer, you need to know which section of web development you want to specialize in.

Front-End Web Developers

They are also called “client-side” developers. Front-end developers specialize in the visual part of the website, i.e the part the users interact with. They are responsible for building and designing the features, layout, and appearance of websites.

Back-End Web Developers

They deal with the non-visual part of the web, i.e the background aspect such as writing codes and requests for fetching data from the database. They build the driving system of the website. They are also called server-side developers.

But if you want to specialize in both sections and earn even more money, then you would want to become a full-stack developer. Full-stack developers are a treasure to the web developing industry.

Now you know the type of web developers, you can become a professional web developer in these steps:

I. Learn the Basic Skills of IT Developing

This is the first step to take. If you do not know the basic skills, you cannot be a developer. You can learn some basic skills from taking online courses, watching YouTube videos on web development or software development skills, signing up for emails, newsletters on developing your skills, and so on.

II. Join a Community

Find a community for web developers and software developers on any social media platform. By participating in online coding communities, you increase your chances of learning more, getting feedback and referrals. Stackoverflow is the most popular online community for developers to bond, learn, and share programming knowledge and relationships. Another amazing website for the web development community is GitHub.

III. Build a Portfolio

You can never learn a skill without actually doing that skill. You don't need to start building Content Management Systems immediately, you can start small by taking up small test programs of your own. Then from taking small jobs and building your portfolio, you can move to bigger jobs with them. The essence of building a portfolio is to help you build confidence and show your employers that you are capable of using employability skills.

IV. Find a job in Web Developing or Software Developing

Now you can start searching for jobs on online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Indeed, and so on. Also, advertise your skills on your social media handles too, who knows, your clients might be there.

Bonus tip: While searching for jobs, don't forget to keep developing your skills. The more experienced you are, the higher your chances of getting high-paying clients.

Typical Job Titles for Software Developers

  • Language/compilers developer
  • Desktop developers
  • Video game developers
  • Data scientist
  • Embedded system developers
  • Operating system developers
  • Mobile app developers
  • Software engineer
  • Web developers
  • Junior web developer
  • SQL developer
  • Android developer
  • NET developer
  • Programmer
  • Machine learning Engineer
  • UI developer

Salary of Software Developers and Web Developers

Software developers can earn between $2,792 – $11,500 monthly while web developers can earn between $1,833 – $11,458 monthly.

2. Sales, Business Development and Deal-making

Sales and deal-making are under business development. Every business needs to make more sales and to effectively do that, the skills of sales and business development are a necessity. Being able to sell and close deals is one of the most important skills in the world of business.

Making sales is more than just selling material things, it is about changing lives and offering value.

Business Development Market & Sales Stategy
Source: Sidegeeks

Although sales and business development are very well complementary skills, they are different.

Sales skill is the ability to make sales proposals and close deals with clients. It involves persuading the customer on why he should patronize your business. While business development, on the other hand, has to do with expanding your brand's reach to new markets. It includes bringing up new ideas to get a wider customer range, forming partnerships with businesses.

Business development aims to expand your brand and develop those opportunities, while sales development aims to close deals and increase profits.

Skilled sales managers, business development managers, and dealmakers are part of the most wanted sets of people in the world.

Key Skills for Sales, Business Development and Deal-making

This category is divided into three sections to fit each of these three top skills in businesses.

Every great sales manager, business developer, or deal-maker has these key skills to effectively close down sales from even the coldest clients.

I. Product Knowledge

Every good salesman knows the product he is selling like the back of his hands. If you want to be great at sales, you need to take some time to study what you are selling. Know what the product or service is all about, the benefits, features, discount offers (if there are any), ingredients or raw materials used in making it, and so on.

With core knowledge of products or services you are selling, you would be able to answer customer's questions, solve customer's curiosity and know the right words to say that will drive the coldest of clients to become paying clients. Knowing the products or service very well would make you confident, at ease, and charismatic.

II. Strategic Customer Prospecting

To be great at sales, you need to know how to effectively identify the ideal customer target. This means carefully studying the target audience and knowing exactly what pain points to target when doing your research. Strategic customer prospecting grows your customer base which means more money made.

III. Active Listening

The best sales professionals are active listeners. This is a skill every single successful sales pro must-have. Active listening means being able to pay full attention to the potential client's problem, get his pain points and ideas without any distractions. In active listening, the goal is to hear the customer and not struggle to be heard. With active listening, you will be able to know exactly what the client is saying even though he doesn't formally say it.

People want to be heard and they want to know that you are hearing them, actively listening to what they have to say, and are genuinely concerned about what they want. That is one of the secrets of a successful sales manager.

IV. Relationship Building

This means building trust with your customers or potential customers. Customers are 10x more likely to purchase if they trust you than if they do not. Forming relationships can be tricky as you don't want to force a conversation and come across as a weirdo. You can make the client feel comfortable by asking universal questions and talking about them.

To effectively form a positive relationship with clients you should have confidence, show them you genuinely care, listen to them, and try not to talk about sales. That is the twist there to get them to trust you don't talk about sales. Talking about sales would make them think that you do not genuinely care. You can talk about the weather, but don't talk about sales, at least just yet.

V. Effective Communication

This is a very important skill because how are you supposed to close sales if you cannot effectively communicate? Communication is the key to every successful business.

Effective communication is achieved through storytelling. It makes selling more engaging and relatable.

VI. Emotional intelligence

Here you can manage your interactions with your client, get to focus on their emotions, and understand them better.

VII. Business Acumen Skills

As a business developer, part of your top skills must include being able to understand and manage different business situations. You are more of a problem-solver than a salesperson. To become that, you have to be focused on the problem and the solution. A lot of businesses would pay heavily to have the problem solved.

Business developers are very flexible and strategic; they know how to conform to a certain situation and to get the best out of it.

VIII. Analytical Skills

Business development requires an analytical mind because you would be dealing with data and market research to make your pitch to potential business investors and partners. You need to evaluate the performance of the business, gather information, analyze and solve the complicated problems of the business.

IX. Creativity Flexibility

Deal-makers are creative problem-solvers, as a deal-maker, you should be creative and flexible. This is because, in deal-making, you are dealing with tough negotiations that seem impossible. Everyone on the table wants to be at the winning end. When it seems like you and your potential clients are not coming to a single agreement, it's not time to get frustrated. It's time to get creative.

Being creative and flexible does not mean being weak and conforming to your clients' demands without any benefit.

X. Assertive Skills

Assertiveness is one skill you should never underrate as a deal-maker. What makes you a master deal-maker is your ability to keep standing, even when it looks like there would be ‘no deal'. Stay focused on breaking down complex issues and solve any problems at the table.

Do not be intimidated by domineering personalities. The key to effective deal-making is confidence.

Types of Job Titles in Sales, Business development and Deal-making

Here are some typical job titles for these high-income skills.

  • Sales Associate
  • Sales Representative (inside and outside)
  • Sales Manager
  • Salesperson
  • Sales Consultant
  • Business Development Manager
  • Director of Business Development
  • Business Development Specialist
  • Business Development Consultant
  • Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO)

Salary Earnings

The earning capacity of sales differs according to job titles. According to Ziprecruiter, the average annual salary of a sales manager is $69,381. On the other hand, sales representatives have an average annual salary of $47,187. This is because the responsibility of a sales manager is different from that of a sales rep. And the list goes on.

According to salary.com, the average annual salary for a business development manager is $93,957.

Ziprecruiter Salary Earnings

Business developers, Sales personnel, and Deal-making are one of the most highly sought-after jobs by employers. Developing these high-income skills and establishing yourself as an expert or consultant would fetch you a very humble monthly income.

3. Digital Marketing and SEO

In the world of business, I bet you have heard about digital marketing and SEO. It is actually one of the most talked-about concepts among businesses because everyone is trying to get their product or service in front of their audience.

You cannot talk about high-income skills without adding digital marketing to the list. Businesses are going digital every day so that they can reach a wider range of audiences from different parts of the world.

Evolution of Digital Marketing
Source: Medium

Digital marketing, which is also known as online marketing or internet marketing, refers to the ads, promotion, and other marketing techniques used to attract customers online. Put simply, digital marketing means advertising a business online.

Digital marketers are one of the most highly sought-after people in the world of business. Every business needs a creative digital marketer to take its business to the next level. But before you dive into this high-income skill, you need to know the different types of digital marketing and identify the one you want to specialize in.

Types of Digital Marketing You Should Know

In the world of digital marketing, there are different types of digital marketing and each one has its special purpose and mode of operation.

1. Content marketing

Ever heard of the popular saying that goes “Content is King”? Well, that is so true. Every business chooses to produce valuable content to the audience that will generate engagement which would eventually lead to sales (if followed up well).

Content marketing means creating awareness about your brand, product or service by giving out relevant and valuable content to your target audience.

Content marketing is the core part of any digital marketing. It involves using storytelling, video content, articles, whitepapers, podcasts, e-books or brochures to create awareness about a brand. Content marketing works together with other types of digital marketing.

2. Email Marketing

There's a common misconception about credibility of emails contrary to what people think emails are still the one of the best digital marketing in the world. In 2020 there were about 4.03 billion email users.

It involves sharing valuable information ads, discount promotion and newsletters to customers' email.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

This is the big one! The one that businesses of all sizes are going crazy after. SEO experts are highly wanted by business owners because they want their business at the forefront of Google search engine, Instagram search and other online search engines.

SEO Infographic
Source: Hallme

SEO involves getting your website at the top results that are shown when someone searches for anything related to your business. SEO has to do with using the right keywords that are mostly used by your target audience, as well as the right phrases too.

SEO experts use research analysis to understand the needs of the target audience and craft out ads and contents that will improve the website ranking.

Almost all businesses want to be part of the top ranking websites on Google results page (SERP), really who doesn't?

SEO is a key vital part of digital marketing.

4. Affiliate Marketing

This type involves partnering up with other businesses to advertise on their platform. These businesses would help promote your business (product or service). This is common in e-commerce sites, and is very popular among bloggers and influencers.

5. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

Just like the name goes, businesses are required to pay a fee whenever someone clicks on their ad. It means that you are buying visits to your site, so they appear at the very top of the search engine results page (SERP).

PPC helps drive traffic to your site. You can find some PPC ads on the top search on Google's SERP when you type in a keyword all the ads that pop up on YouTube, and ads on other popular mobile apps.

6. Social Media Marketing

Due to the growth of smartphones, social media is at an all-time high. As of 2021, there are currently about 3.78 billion social media users around the world. And because more people use social media each day, businesses have turned to social media to relate well with their customers and potential customers.

One popular strategy in social media marketing is influencer marketing. This involves partnering with influencers (people with a strong social media presence) to boost sales and drive traffic to your website.

Other types of digital marketing includes:

  • Display advertising – online banners and posters
  • Video marketing
  • Audio marketing – podcast ads

These are the various types of digital marketing. Digital marketing is a blend of creative and logical skills. One thing to note is that you do not necessarily need a degree to become a digital marketer. You just need to learn the basics by taking online courses, watching YouTube videos, and so on.

Now that you know the various types of digital marketing and how they work, you should know the important skills every creative digital marketer should have.

Key Skills Every Digital Marketer Should Have

I. Storytelling Skills

Digital marketing involves a wide range of your target audience from different parts of the world. You need to know how to tell great stories that resonate with them and relate them to your brand values.

Employers look for good storytellers, when having a digital marketer. Storytelling is important in your content. Whether you are developing a content piece or running an ad on social media, you need to know how to clearly communicate your value to your audience.

II. SEO Knowledge

You cannot be good at something you have no knowledge about. This is one of the strong principles I live by. If you want to succeed in SEO, you have to take some time to learn about SEO and how it works.

SEO is very important because all your marketing work would be in vain if no one sees it. People would only see it if they rank among the top results in Google SERP.

You can take online classes to learn about SEO.

III. Analytical Skills

Digital marketers have strong analytical skills for endless amounts of data that are available online. You need to be able to analyse the performance of marketing campaigns, consumer behaviour, keyword performances on research, and so on.

This information would help in creating better content for your target customers and will also help in targeting the right audience. To improve on this skill, you need to practice. Try to analyze search results insight and keyword research. Like the old saying goes “practice makes perfect “.

IV. Research and Organizational Skills

As a digital marketer, you need to know how to perform different types of research. You should be given data and quality research. Be curious about information and latest trends online.

Ability to creatively use your resources is also very important in research. The digital world is very vast. It is best to have at least some basic knowledge about most of the types of digital marketing.

Also, because you would be running multiple digital campaigns, things can get a bit tough. You need to know how to organize all your projects.

IV. Increased Social Media Knowledge

Okay, hold on, this doesn't mean knowing the different social media platforms, it goes deeper than that — which social media platform performs differently, the type of content that boosts sales in one might not be the same type of content that boosts sales in the other.

You have to be familiar with the metrics and algorithms.

How Much Do Digital Marketers Earn?

Since digital marketers are one of the most sought-after people in the world of businesses, they make a lot of money. It is estimated that digital marketers earn an average of $108,582 as of 2021 and hourly rates of $51 – $100.

What qualifies you to earn higher as a digital marketer depends on your skills and years of experience. Don't worry if you are just starting. Just focus on improving yourself and keep practicing full stop as you start small, you will keep growing. You can sign in for online courses on platforms like Skillshare and Udemy.

Typical Job Titles for Digital Marketers.

There are various job titles available in digital marketing. Some are highly sought after because they can perform multiple roles. These are:

  • Video creative director
  • Director growth marketing
  • Director of digital marketing
  • Growth marketing manager
  • Digital marketing manager
  • Content marketing manager
  • Social media manager
  • Paid advertising manager
  • SEO manager
  • Content editor
  • Digital marketing strategist
  • Graphic designer
  • Email marketer
  • Content writer/creator

4. Finance, Accounting, and Tax

Having high-income skills sets you at a higher chance of getting a high-paying job in different industries than some who have regular or no skills at all.

Your financial skills can take you a long way down the high-income road. By financial skills, I am not talking about the ability to calculate the total amount in your bank account. It is more than that. Having skills in finance, accounting, and tax (and actually using them) is a sure way to succeed in the high-income circle.

Every business wants to know how to effectively handle their money, know when they are making either profit or loss, or where all their money is going into.

To be honest, having financial skills has to do more with calculations and analytics. There is nothing creative about it, at least to some extent. If you are a math guru, then this is what you should be doing.

With these skills in finance, accounting, and tax, you can act as a freelance financial coach/consultant to a lot of businesses, especially small businesses that are still trying to understand the science of finance. You could also act as a retirement coach for business retirees; as an accountant that helps businesses analyze budgets, financial records, or tax returns.

Key Skills of Finance, Accounting, and Tax Experts

Working in these fields come with its perks, but it requires you to have certain skills. These skills are aside from the basic financial and accounting knowledge skills you must have, of course.

I. Analytical Skills

This skill is a must for every expert in finance, accounting, and tax. You should be able to read, interpret and compare data. For example, as a financial auditor, you need to analyze data to trace an issue of missing funds in a business.

Analytical skills also include the ability to conduct strong, independent research. Engaging in research increases your knowledge level and keeps you updated on the latest financial trends or investment trends.

II. Organizational Skills

To be efficient in this field, you should have strong organizational abilities. This is because you will be in charge of handling a lot of clients' financial documents.

Imagine having to go through dozens of documents from different clients, while working with a deadline. With organizational skills, you can complete all projects within a given deadline.

III. Logical, Calculative Skills

As a financial, accounting, or tax expert, you need to be very good with numbers. The majority (if not all) of your work has to deal with numbers and calculations.

You have to be detail-oriented. I mean, as a financial advisor or expert, you need to know how to pay attention to even the smallest piece of information. Once the money is involved, every detail is important.

IV. Communication Skills

This skill refers to the ability to relay financial information clearly to your clients and other team members. As a freelancer, you would have to communicate clear information gotten from your research to your clients via email or video calls. Imagine if you are talking in intense financial jargon that your clients cannot understand at all. That client may never want to work with you again.

V. IT Knowledge

Technology is one of the most important tools for financial experts. Financial experts require more knowledge of computer programs and systems to improve efficiency. This includes knowledge of tax preparation software and Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) software. You have to be updated on the latest financial technology trends.

Typical Job Titles

Chief Financial Officer: oversees all financial and accounting activities. This position is for experts only because he is in charge of training other financial and accounting professionals.

Financial Planner/Financial advisor: Plans clients' finance, and provides them with advice on how to reach their savings goal.

Financial Analyst offers financial advice to clients (companies and organizations) and inspects financial information from clients.

Accounting Clerk: creates, reviews, and maintains financial records. He also keeps records of business transactions.

Accountant: records, summarizes, and evaluates financial transactions for clients. He also checks financial records to ensure that the organization is running smoothly.

Tax Preparer: submits tax forms on behalf of clients and pays the amount, thus maximizing the client's return.

Other job titles include:

  • Accounting Controller
  • Financial Examiner
  • Management Accountant
  • Budget Analyst
  • Tax Accountant
  • Tax Manager
  • Tax Attorney, and so on

Earning Capacity of Finance, Accounting, and Tax Experts

Each earning capacity of these job titles depends on their level of professionalism and responsibilities. For example, a regular financial accountant would not earn the same as a Chief Financial Officer.

Financial Managers can earn an average monthly salary of $129,890, while a financial analyst earns an average monthly salary of about $81,590. However, Senior Tax Managers earn an average monthly salary of $129,270

Honestly, these skills are very important in running a business. That is why the need for financial professionals is on the rise. Due to the inflation rate, business owners want to know how to stay financially afloat. To do that, they need the help of financial professionals who would help analyze financial data reports and handle all financial documents.

Here is a pro tip, you need to have advanced mathematical skills and a fast calculative IQ to succeed in this skill.

5. Copywriting, Business Writing, and Technical Writing

If you have your way with words, that is, you know how to creatively craft words that can invite emotions in people, then this skill is for you. Copywriting, Business Writing, and Technical writing all fall under the “Professional Writing” category. In most online job sites, you would find them under the “Writing and Translations” category.

Everybody writes, but not everybody CAN write. I don't mean the usual paper and pen writing. I'm pretty sure you have always done that since kindergarten. What I mean is writing to convey a message to your target audience.

Copywriters are some of the most paid writers in the business. This is because they have to research, think and create words that would make the reader's sensory organs come alive. Brands need to communicate their message, values, and selling points to their target audience and persuade them to buy, that is when writers come into the picture.

There are lots of new products being produced every day, and these writers are needed to write product descriptions, emails, manuals, slogans, sales pages, etc

Key Skills Needed For Copywriting, Business Writing, and Technical Writing

Copywriting means writing a text or group of texts for the sole purpose of advertising a product or service and persuading people to buy.

Business Writing, on the other hand, is very similar to content writing. It involves providing very valuable information to your target audience on issues concerning their pain points.

Finally, Technical writing is more directional, instructional, and explanatory.

All of these types of professional writers require some key skills that would help them improve on their craft. Fortunately, each of these skills contributes to the success of these types of professional writing.

I. Communication Skills

Yes, it is a no-brainer. Successful professional writers know how to effectively communicate the brand's message to the target audience.

They write in the audience's language and use terms that they are familiar with, to achieve this goal. A piece of writing is ineffective if the audience does not understand anything you just wrote.

II. Technical Skills

Aside from technical writers, business writers and Copywriters also need this skill. Digital marketing copywriters need some basic knowledge of computer skills and programs. As a professional writer, you need to have basic knowledge of MS Word, Adobe FrameMaker, RoboHelp, and so on.

III. Research Skills

Writers are researchers. Imagine writing a piece of copy that just doesn't make any sense to your target audience. Or writing a manual that is completely different from the subject matter? That is a huge bummer, and that is what lack of research does. To write an original copy, professional writers have to research.

The idea of research is to find out what your target market is demanding.

IV. Relationship-building Skills

These skills involve communicating with clients and listening to their feedback. It involves speaking their language and informally relating to them. Writers need to know how to ask questions and pay attention to customers' preferences.

V. Writing Skills

Writers write. That is the whole idea, but as I mentioned earlier, not everyone can write. To be an expert writer, you have to know what writing style is best for your audience, how to construct and understand your message.

And most importantly, know the rules of grammar and punctuation. It is amazing how there are huge amounts of spelling, grammatical and punctuational errors in copies, reports, and manuals. This makes it difficult for your audience to follow you to where you are headed.

Typical Job Titles for Professional Writers

There is a rapid rise in the need for professional writers. These are the typical job titles that employers look for in this category. Some of these titles are broad, while some of them are niche-based

Copywriter: writes advertising copies like e-brochures, emails, social media captions, slogans, and so on, for the main purpose of persuading people to buy a product or service.

Technical Writer: writes technical materials like manuals and instructional guides for high-tech companies.

Content Writer: creates blog posts and articles with the sole purpose of educating the target audience about a product or service, by providing only relevant and meaningful information.

Other types of writer include:

  • Copy Editor
  • Business Content Writer
  • B2B Writer
  • B2C Writer
  • Blogger
  • Story Writer
  • Creative Writer
  • SEO Article Writer/Provider
  • Email Writer
  • Web Content Writer

Earning Capacity of Business Writers

As usual, all job titles can't earn the same amount. Each earning capacity is dependent on your level of experience, qualifications, skills, and so on. So if you want to earn higher, you should add more skills to your portfolio.

The average annual salary of a Copy Editor is $54,199. However, the average salary of a Technical Writer is $61,211. As a Copywriter, you can earn an average salary of $52,821.

Being a professional writer comes with its perks, especially if you are a freelancer. You get to work with different clients and at the comfort of your hope. It is one of the best jobs out there when it comes to writing.

To be an amazing writer, you have to start writing. Not sure where to start from? You can take online courses at Udemy or any other online course platform.

6. Teaching, Training, and Coaching

Knowledge is free, but education isn't. People are willing to pay to get guidance and knowledge on particular things. With some basic teaching skills, you can make some high-income skills by creating online courses and webinars where you teach masterclasses on different topics that pertain to your knowledge base.

As a teacher, you can act as a trainer or coach to some businesses or personalities. For example, if you have an above-average knowledge about business, you could be a business coach or business trainer for startups, SMBs, and company staff.

Top personalities like Dan Lok, Neil Patel, and others, have created a mark for themselves by being coaches in demanding areas like business and finances.

Okay, let's say you are not really business-savvy like that (because not everyone is business-savvy), you could still be a trainer or coach in different areas like a relationship coach, a YouTube coach, a beauty coach, and so on. The options are endless. Everyone wants to learn something. And you have something someone needs.

With this in mind, you can monetize your knowledge. Earlier in the article, I showed you how you can start your webinar or sell your online course. But before you start out as a teacher, you need to know some of the key skills that would improve your teaching abilities.

Key Skills To Needed for Teaching, Training, and Coaching

Teaching is more than just passing knowledge, it's about changing lives with your knowledge. Fortunately, with the way the world is now, you do not need a college degree in education to be one teacher or coach. All you need is some basic skills, and your knowledge, of course.

I. Communication Skills

The key part of teaching and coaching is communication. You cannot be a good teacher if you do not know how to effectively communicate with your students. This is because your students come from different walks of life, and different backgrounds. You have to know how to effectively communicate with them.

I am not talking about learning different languages (that is also good, by the way), what I mean is being able to pass across your message clearly and concisely so that your students can easily understand you. It requires you to break down complex information into understandable bits.

II. Creativity

Every teacher, trainer, or coach needs this skill. Creativity opens up your mind to creating fun ways that would make learning effective for your students. Imagine if you are a business coach who is coaching a whole company staff on business, you would have to think of fun, practical ways to make the coaching session engaging and active. No one likes a dull class.

III. Organizational skills

As a coach, trainer, or teacher, you would have different projects to run. You need to know how to manage projects and organize your time.

If you are running a webinar or an online course, prior preparation is very important. It involves getting your teaching tools ready, your lesson board, and other necessary things ready ahead of time. You can't afford to get disorganized in front of your students.

IV. Patience

It seems irrelevant but, trust me, it is very relevant. You need patience to carefully teach some complex topics to your students. Not everyone learns at the same rate. Be patient enough to answer all questions

Other skills include:

  • Advanced learning
  • Listening Skills
  • Leadership
  • Flexibility

Typical Job Titles for Teaching, Training, and Coaching

The teaching and coaching world is really because there are a lot of things to teach. Job titles can range from business coach to fitness trainers, investment coach, beauty experts, and so on.

Teaching, Training, and Coaching have a lot to do with passing knowledge on a given subject matter to people. So if you are doing that, then you are a teacher or a coach.

7. Web Design and UI

Web designing is a very artistic skill. It involves designing the visual appearance of a website. Just like web developers, web designers specialize in the functioning of a website. If you are very good at art and technology, then you need to try out these high-paying skills.

Business owners, organizations, and corporate firms invest so much in the outlook of their webpage. This is because the way their website looks gives an insight into how credible and authentic they are. It takes 0.05 seconds for website visitors to form an opinion about a website. And 57% of internet users will not recommend a business with a poor website design.

One of the best ways to boost a website's performance is to improve the way it looks. That is why there is an increase in the need for web designers, every day.

Key Skills Needed in Web-designing and UI

Being a web designer that makes a high income each month requires you to have some skills that would place you over other options out there. You have to be at the top of your game by improving yourself.

I. Technical Skills

You cannot talk about web designing without talking about technical skills. In fact, technical skills are criteria for every web designer. You have to have an above-average knowledge in programming skills — Knowledge in HTML, CSS, CMS, JavaScript, and so on.

II. Creative Skills

Web designing is all about designing the visual appearance of a website. It has a lot to do with creativity and artistic design. To improve on this skill, you should get familiar with basic designing tools like Photoshop.

III. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

The supreme power of SEO is needed to boost the results of a web design. This includes designing the layout of the website, as well as the speed, structure, and performance of the website. Your goal, as a web designer, is to make it SEO-friendly for the users.

IV. Organizational Skills

As I have always said, being a freelancer means that you would have different clients at once. Being able to organize different projects at once is a skill you need to have, to succeed. With this skill, you will be able to organize each website's layout, structure, and performance.

V. User Interface (UI)

This deals with the way a website visitor interacts with the website. UI involves the website's navigation. Websites that are easy to navigate attract more visitors.

Other skills include:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Team Work
  • Color Theory, and so on.

Typical Job Titles for Web Designing

Some employers usually combine the job titles of web development and web designing because they are closely similar. However, here are the popular job titles that would fetch you a high income.

  • Web Designer
  • Web Content Developer
  • Web Design Project Manager
  • User Interface Designer

Earning Capacity of Web Designing

Web designers are usually paid according to their experience level or their responsibility. The average annual salary of a web designer is about $57,000. However, the average annual salary of a UI designer is about $79,000.

8. Product Management, Project Management, and UX

These high-income skills are very important for every business. Product management refers to the complete management of a new product, i.e it manages the lifecycle of a product – from the creation process to development, pricing, and release. As a product manager, you will be in charge of a new product for a business.

Project Management and User Experience (UX) are very similar to Product Management. They involve organizing a team and overseeing the process of a product or service or project to improve the user experience.

Key Skills Needed for Product Management, Project Management, and UX

To be in charge of the development of a product, service, or project, you would need to lead a whole team that would oversee the project. These skills would help you make sure that your work is efficient and productive

I. Vision Skills

Without a vision, a goal is only a wish. As a product manager or project manager, you need to see the big picture. You are the one to carry the vision, run with it, and lead your team in line with it. You are in charge of the whole team, from the development team to the sales team, the PR team, and so on.

II. Strategic Thinking

Quick important decision-making, deep market research, critical thinking, and logical reasoning are all important components of strategic thinking. You should be able to make quick decisions in critical times and purposefully plan each step. Strategic thinking saves a lot of time and energy.

III. Communication

Yes, you would be leading a whole team and the best way to lead is to ensure good communication for your teammates.

Teamwork is everything when it comes to product management, project management, and UX. You have a vision and you need to properly communicate that vision to your team members.

You should develop the ability to communicate information and instructions, clearly and concisely, to your team. It doesn't matter what medium you want to use, whether it is oral or written form, clear communication is important.

IV. Data Analytics

Almost all high-income skills need this skill, and project management, as well as product management, are not exceptions.

You should know how to read and analyze simple data reports to know the progress level of the project or product and also track the level of the user experience. Knowledge of these data would help you in your decision-making.

SaaS products use a lot of data, so it is important to become data-driven.

V. Business Skills

Everything is business, and that involves the project or product you are managing. You can only improve if you have some basic knowledge of the business that involves your project.

You don't need a degree to improve this skill. You can just simply learn the basics.Get familiar with market trends, sales trends, and so on.

Other skills include:

  • UX and UI Design
  • Team Management, and
  • Time Management

Typical Job Titles for Product Management, Project Management, and UX

If you want to get hired in this field, watch out for these job titles

Senior Product Manager: The title and the decision-maker. This position oversees the whole process.

Junior Product Manager: A bit higher than the APM but works on smaller projects while still being mentored by the Senior Product Manager.

Associate Product Manager (APM): It is majorly for beginners doing apprenticeship programs. This position is common in companies like Google and Facebook.

Chief Product Officer: He is the highest product manager in the organization. This position oversees the whole process and makes the final decisions.

More important job titles include:

  • Product Director
  • Vice President of Product
  • Project Assistant
  • Project Administrator
  • Project Management Specialist
  • Project Planner
  • Project Risk Manager
  • Project Procurement Manager
  • Project Quality Manager
  • UX Designer: can participate in every role that involves UX.
  • Product designer
  • Visual designer
  • UX researcher
  • Content strategist

Earning Capacity

Each earning capacity is based on the level of responsibility involved. UX Designers earn an average annual salary of about $90,600. A Senior Project Manager earns an average of $106,443 per year, while a Senior Product Manager is ranked close. He earns about $143,707 per year.

9. Leadership and Building High-Performance Teams

Leadership and building high-performance teams is also a high-income skill, especially when implemented in organizations. You help to grow the organization's team, teaching them about the benefits of teamwork and so on. This skill is very similar to team coaching.

Building a high-performance team means building a team that aims for excellence, is goal-driven, shares a common interest, and is focused. It takes a lot of courage and dedication to build a high-performance team. You cannot build a high-performance team in one day.

Skills Needed for Effective Leadership and Building a High-performance Team

Leading a high-performance team includes making sure that every member is on the same page as the vision of the company. Each member ought to be accountable, responsible, and open to teamwork. To ensure that, you need to develop these skills — first in yourself then in your team members.

I. People Management Skills

This is the first skill you need to develop as a leader because it involves communicating and building interpersonal relationships. Your team members are humans and humans can be complicated. You need to know how to effectively communicate your goals and visions to each member of your team.

Know this: You cannot effectively build a team without effective communication. Communication is key. Because your team members are different people from different backgrounds, you need to get to know each person's preferred way of communication. As you communicate you need to encourage your team members to do the same with each other

II. Decision Making Skills

As a leader, you will be tasked with making the harshest and most critical decisions. Your decisions would have an influence on the team and the goal to be achieved. Decision-making involves strategic thinking skills and every decision made must be in line with the goal.

III. Time Management

A leader knows how to manage his time and the time of his teammates. As a leader, you have to be time-bound. Setting goals and achieving them within the set deadline is an example to make for your team members.

IV. Delegation

Leadership is all about delegating duties and making team members accountable and responsible. You can't do the whole work alone, that is why you need to delegate duties. To do that, you need to know the strengths and weaknesses of your team members and delegate each role according to their capacity.

V. Emotional Intelligence

Every leader must have high EQ skills. It is a necessity when dealing with team members. You need to know how to identify and control your emotions and make them work for you. Likewise, you need to know how to identify your team members' emotions and how to relate with them. This skill helps you identify your members' strengths and weaknesses.

These are the top five skills that make an effective leader. By communicating with your team, you learn more about their strengths and weaknesses, you bond with them, and you share ideas with them.

Typical Job Titles for Leadership and High-performance Team Building

There are no specific job titles for leadership and high-performance team building. As long as you are in charge of a team in an organization, you are a leader and are qualified to earn more.

However, you could establish yourself as a leadership coach. That is someone who helps organizations build and improve their team.

Popular leadership titles in an organization include:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Administrative Director
  • Financial Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Business Development Manager
  • Human Resources Manager (HRM)
  • Sales Supervisor/Head of Sales, and so on

Earning Capacity of Leaders and Team Builders

Leaders earn more than their team members. Like I mentioned earlier, being a leader or building a high-performance team takes courage and effort.

Leadership coaches earn an average salary of about $70,900 per year. It requires so much, that is why it is a high-income skill.

Whether it is acknowledged or not, this high-income skill is very important in our everyday lives. Legal skills are especially needed in business, especially when it comes to copyright and trademark laws.

Aside from the business aspect, legal skills are still very much needed when it comes to divorce cases, criminal cases, immigration, and so on.

With such skills, you could be a legal advisor, legal secretary, barrister, among others. Although you do not really need a degree for high-income skills, this one needs a degree. You have to go to a law school and get certified.

Offering legal advice without the right certifications can come with its consequences as it goes against the law.

Legal and administrative skills earn so much in society. You can earn based on a contract or a fixed price. A contract is more advisable.

I. Strong Legal Knowledge

You cannot be an effective legal advisor without having a strong knowledge of the laws and what not means. That is the most important skill to have because you would need to explain the meaning of these laws to your clients.

II. IT Skills

As an administrative worker, all of your work is done on a laptop or computer. For work efficiency, you should have a good knowledge of project management software and tools such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Excel.

III. Time-management and Organization

You should know how to manage and organize your time, as well as your appointments. Appointments could include representing clients in legal situations, researching and gathering facts, offering legal advice sessions to clients, and drafting out legal documents for your clients.

To further improve yourself on this job, you have to enroll in law school and graduate with a bachelor's degree. Legal and administrative skills are very delicate, although you can improve, you can't afford to learn from scratch while on the job.

With this skill, you could be a legal administrator, legal secretary, lawyer (corporate or non-corporate), legal advisor, Chief Legal Officer, and so on.

The earning capacity depends purely on the level of experience and the contract of agreement between you and your clients. On average, Corporate lawyers earn $165,000 per year; while Chief Legal Officers earn an average of $205,000.

11. Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence, and Data Analytics

The overall name for these high-income skills is “IT Intelligence” (put in bold). If you are a lover of data and technology, then this is the skill for you. We are in the technological age, more machines are being created.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the human intelligence that is simulated into machines, allowing them to think and behave like humans. These machines exhibit traits that are similar to human beings, traits like learning and problem-solving.

Business Intelligence (BI) is the strategies and technologies that brands use to analyze data to improve decision-making.

Data Analytics refers to the process of researching and breaking complex datasets to reveal the information they contain. It simply refers to the process of getting data insights.

Machine Learning (ML) is a branch of AI that allows machine software to learn from experience without any coding. These softwares can access data and learn with it.

The world is depending more and more on technology and getting involved in the creation of this technology is a sure way to earn the highest income. The majority of the world's billionaires are involved in AI, BI, or Data Analytics in one way or the other. Those involved in these skills are majorly called Engineers.

Top Skills Needed in AI, BI, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Big Data

I. Advanced Technology Knowledge

This field is 100% logical, so having a strong knowledge of technology and programming languages is a must. For Machine Learning, the primary programming language used is Python.

II. Advanced Mathematical Skills

You have advanced knowledge in Algorithms, Statistics, and Maths concepts like Gaussian Distribution, Mean, and Standard Derivatives. With this knowledge, you would be able to understand complex subjects like Lagrange, Convex Optimization, Quadratic Programming, and Gradient Descent.

You should also have a great understanding of Algebra — Matrices, Matrix Multiplication, and even Vectors — Derivatives, and Integrals.

III. Communication

You should have the ability to explain AI, BI, ML, and Data analysis to anyone, even a layman, clearly and concisely. This field requires you to work with a team. Effective communication is very important between you and your teammates.

How Companies are Using Artificial Intelligence
Source: Hbr.org

Typical Job Titles

As an AI Engineer, you are in charge of building and designing AI models. Examples of AI include robots, self-driven cars, and home systems. The most popular job titles in these fields are:

  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Robotic Scientist
  • Data Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • Data Analyst

To progress in these fields, you need to graduate with a degree in Computer Science or Programming. They require lots of brain work and dedication.

Earning Capacity

Machine Learning Engineers earn an average annual salary of $121,000; Data Scientists earn about $117,000, while Robotics Scientists earn about $83,000. But Business Intelligence Developers earn about $90,000 per year.

These high-income skills are best for those with strong programming skills, analytics skills, and advanced statistics knowledge.

12. Public Speaking

Public speaking involves passing useful information for the purpose of educating or persuading and motivating an audience in a public place. It has a lot to do with confidence and eloquent speaking.

Public speaking is a very important skill to have. Through public speaking you can persuade, influence, and motivate people. That is why public speaking is very important in the business world.

The power of persuasion can never be overemphasized. Public speaking is a way to boost your confidence, self-esteem, and your bank account. It is so important that almost every salesman should have the skill.

Many business brands hire public speakers to talk about their products or services, this is because professional public speakers influence the crowd.

The Best Public Speaking Skills to Improve Yourself

Public speaking is all about communication, both verbally (spoken words) and non-verbally (body language). To improve yourself as an expert public speaker you need to develop these skills. All of these skills are straightforward.

  • Good speech articulation
  • High emotional intelligence (EQ)
  • Great body language composure
  • Engaging presentation style

To be a great public speaker, you need to know how to engage your audience because it is a two-way communication. Engaging your audience will give you the right feedback about how the audience feels — if they are interested or not, or if they are carried along or not.

Typical Job Titles in Public Speaking

These are called public speaking jobs because they require one-on-one interaction with members of the public.

Broadcaster: reports news to an audience. It is usually live.

Curator — collects artworks and shows them off in an art gallery exhibition.

  • Training Specialists
  • Mediator

Earning Capacity of Public Speakers

Each job title has its average earnings. The job titles earn differently depending on the responsibilities involved.

Broadcaster — $60,000 annually

Curator — $79,000 annually

Training Specialist — $65,000

Public Speaking jobs can be very fun and creative, especially if you are confident.

13. Cyber Security and Computer Hacking

These skills sound similar to fraud, right? Actually, they are not fraudulent at all. Cyber Security refers to protecting networks, softwares, computer devices, and so on from being accessed by unauthorized users. It is required because it helps organizations prevent information theft and computer damage.

While Cyber Security is all about preventing unauthorized access, Computer Hacking is all about gaining unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. But then again, hacking can be seen in a very positive light because it also refers to those activities that include researching and analyzing the deepest parts of a computer program.

Cyber security is very important because it is all about a company's innermost information like secrets, business strategies, projects, and so on.

Key Skills Needed in Cyber Security Jobs

Cyber security is very delicate, and as such, professionals should be very alert, tactical, and skilled in ensuring that the networks and computer programs are very protected.

I. Advanced Technical Knowledge

Cyber Security professionals are tech pros and should have advanced knowledge about technical and technological components. For example, A computer program and its components. You should have above-average knowledge about programming languages like Java, C++, Python, PHP, and so on.

As a starter, you should be familiar with the management and administrations of operating systems.

II. Problem-solving Skills

Tracking suspicious activities from any unauthorized user requires a lot of problem-solving. You are tasked with identifying any problem, locating the source of the problem, and fixing it to prevent further damages.

III. Detail-oriented

This requires you to always be vigilant and on the lookout for any breach in security. Detecting any underlying risks would prevent any forthcoming tools. To achieve this you would have to use network monitoring tools like Datadog NPM (insert link), PRTG, SolarWinds NPM, and so on.

Other important skills include:

  • Communication skills
  • Critical thinking, and
  • Basic hacking knowledge

Typical Job Titles for Cyber Security Professionals

Cyber Security has a lot of job titles because it is a large field. Some of these jobs need general knowledge, while others have areas of specialization.

The most important job titles that earn high income are:

Chief Information Security Officer: oversees the general operations of an IT security team.

Information Security Analyst: protects all networks and computer systems in the organization or company.

Forensic Computer Analyst: checks for evidence on a security breach.

Security Architect: works on specific security systems and establishes network security

IT Security Consultant: advises clients on the best ways to protect their cyber security effectively.

Earning Capacity of Cyber Security Professionals

Due to the rise in the demand for these positions, they have high earning capacities based on their different levels of responsibilities.

  1. Chief Information Security Officer: $150,000 annually
  2. Security Architect: $120,000 annually
  3. Security Engineer: $95,000 annually
  4. IT Security Consultant: $90,000

Just like the legal and administrative skills, Cyber Security and Computer Hacking require you to have a degree in the given field, to boost your chances of getting the higher paying positions.

How To Learn A High-Income Skill

How To Learn a High Income Skill
Source: Visual.ly

Developing high-income skills is not difficult. The most important things to have are determination and dedication. You cannot develop a high-income skill in one day. Few of these skills require you to earn a degree. So it is impossible to learn a high-income skill in a day.

Well, since you have come this far, it means that you would like to get started in developing a high-income skill for yourself.

1. Start from the basics. Get familiar with the basic knowledge before going into the deep parts.

2. Attend online courses. Thanks to the internet, there are a whole lot of online courses that offer knowledge on these high-income skills. You can start from platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, Codecademy, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and so on.

3. Join online groups that talk about your skill. You can ask questions about your interest and get answers from professionals. Also, you would meet people like you there who may be going through the same challenges as you are.

4. Challenge yourself and put yourself out there. You can never know how high you can fly till you jump. Test yourself.

5. Get a mentor (online or offline). It is good and very advisable to get guidance from old professionals in your field. It could be either online (if you are living in another part of the world) or offline (a physical mentor-mentee relationship).

What High-Income Skill Should I Learn?

You like money. You want money. And you want to earn more money. It is not impossible to earn a very high-income annually.

Many people are doing it, and many more would still do it. If you want to set your path to financial freedom, then you have to do it. High-income skills are very important and very much needed in the industry.

Start now to train yourself. If you do not want a college degree, then you can go for the skills that do not need them.

Whichever one suits you, go for it. You can try out different options too and increase your chances of making more money than you expected. With the various software mentioned above, you can get started now.

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Martin Luenendonk

Editor at FounderJar

Martin loves entrepreneurship and has helped dozens of entrepreneurs by validating the business idea, finding scalable customer acquisition channels, and building a data-driven organization. During his time working in investment banking, tech startups, and industry-leading companies he gained extensive knowledge in using different software tools to optimize business processes.

This insights and his love for researching SaaS products enables him to provide in-depth, fact-based software reviews to enable software buyers make better decisions.