[Disclaimer - "inactivity" shown in log is the system unable to record my activity when watching the 1+ hour & 3+ hour videos. All 25 hours have been completed for this week, and I am unable to find out the reason why it keeps logging me out even when I am actively watching the videos.]
For my last few days at techie Youth, I reviewed the craft section & discovered different methods of creating both 3D and 2D materials in order to start my own business (Lash business). I decided to go with the 3D option, creating my own inventory, clientele, marketing strategies, logo designing, and starting to figure out registering it properly as an LLC in the future.
Today I learned about several newer outlets that can be used to produce custom products to be sold for profit. For example, screen printing is a way to create mass amounts of clothing with a specific design or pattern, and is usually part of a clothing brand or business merchandise. Digital art can also be a way to mass produce a design, but instead of necessarily being physical, it can be a digital commission as well.
Today I learned about a new form of design, similar to 3D & 2D creation, called laser cutting. Laser cutting can be used to shape parts for 3D or 2D objects, or cut a design for a product as a whole out of inexpensive material. Before actually cutting, you need to create a template for the design, which can be created with the same programs for 3D & 2D objects such as: Adobe Illustrator, AutoCad, or Inkscape, which can help you create a model in full detail. Then the laser cutter itself would have to be purchased or a communal laser cutter can be used, like one from Makerspace NYC
Today I learned about a new form of design, similar to 3D & 2D creation, called laser cutting. Laser cutting can be used to shape parts for 3D or 2D objects, or cut a design for a product as a whole out of inexpensive material. Before actually cutting, you need to create a template for the design, which can be created with the same programs for 3D & 2D objects such as: Adobe Illustrator, AutoCad, or Inkscape, which can help you create a model in full detail. Then the laser cutter itself would have to be purchased or a communal laser cutter can be used, like one from Makerspace NYC
Today I learned about both a 2D and 3D design system by the name of Solidworks. Solid works is the most expensive program out of the other applications that were previously reviewed, but it offers extremely high detail when it comes to measurements, mathematical designs, scaling, shaping, etc., and more, as well as having several features geared towards more advanced users.
(Jul 22nd - Jul 30th was done in south florida, poor internet service & lack of personal laptop reflects missing hours, all 25 hours have been completed & can be seen in usage log)
Today I learned about a new 3D design system, AutoCad by Autodesk. AutoCad is a popular 3D design system which can allow users to draft any specific object with high detail, with any scale. Unlike a lot of other systems, it can design 2D or 3D objects as well
Today I learned about a certain program called autodesk meshmixer. Instead of creating shapes and designs out of materials offered by a program like blender or tinkercad, autodesk meshmixer requires you to build your object or design out of a block of clay. It can be smoothed, textured, or rearranged to create a 3D object of your choice, for example, a character for a logo or game.
Today I learned that the blender application can be hard to design and create 3D objects. These 3D objects can be edited as well as changed into moving figures as well, with the use of other applications. Additionally, blender can be used to design business merchandise that can be sold for profit.
Today I learned about utilizing 3D printers in order to create a type of good that can be easily replicated and sold for a fixed price. This can be merchandise sold for a startup/business. Different types of materials/goods made from a 3D printer have better chances than others at selling, as well as different difficulties (availability, time, and costs) when it comes to creating said goods.
Today I learned about the different soft skills needed within the business world. Learning how to interact with potential investors, clients/customers, co-workers, etc., as well as learning how to negotiate are important skills that allow you to be successful as a business owner. For example, speaking skills, confidence, and manners, can all determine the outcome of potential business partnerships and can count as soft skills.
Today I learned the importance of applying for, receiving, and managing funding for a project or business. Funding can come from your own individual budget, where you manage the costs and expenses of your startup. Funding can also look like endorsements from investors, donors, etc, but these are conditional, based on the idea/vision you are also selling them.
Today I learned about different technicalities/formalities that need to be considered when running your own business. For example, properly registering your business is important, due to the fact that it determines: the type of taxes you pay, what happens if you encounter legal trouble, the way your income is determined, etc. It will vary based on the type of entity you register it as, for example: a corporation, sole-proprietor, LLC, etc.
Today I learned about more specific factors that come into play when managing a startup. Besides planning your services, marketing, and evaluating the market, there is also something called an exit strategy. Exit strategies are a means to a comfortable end to your business, and can look like the data or business itself being bought by another company for payment.
Today I learned about different aspects of the typical business market, and what aspects can affect your personal growth as a startup. For example, competition is a huge factor and can either provide more consumers or the opposite depending on if there are similar businesses or if the market is oversaturated with the same type of service.
Today I learned more about business/profit models and especially how they can be used to benefit the development of small businesses and help them grow. For example following strategies used by former small businesses such as starbucks, etc. It is possible to gain traction in a similar way. Specifically, profit models can be any one of the four options: Production, Rental/Leasing, Advertising, and Commission. Technically all of these steps (depending on the type of business) can be used to gain more info on the product/service being offered, the space or materials from third parties that can be used, the way the word is spread and marketed, and the payment or fee earned from charging for a type of good/service.
Today, I finished both Introductory units and moved on to the entrepreneurship & leadership unit. I chose the sub-unit "Selling digital goods", since it relates to me being a lash technician and operating my own business as well. It emphasizes the relationship between goods and demand for those goods, as well as which type of digital products do well, and which do not.
Today I learned about different ways that it is possible to travel frequently whilst being able to keep up with the expenses of being a "digital nomad". Remote jobs allow a person to work from anywhere as long as it is in a place with internet/wifi & quiet enough to have meetings, etc.
Today I learned about different ways to improve my quality of life, when it comes to: diet & exercise, building healthy habits, maintaining healthy relationships, planning a lifelong career, and etc.
Today I learned several tips and strategies for managing my time better when it comes to academic, financial, and occupational responsibilities. For example, there are different apps or websites that can help with dividing work, planning ahead, making checklists, etc. Additionally, I also learned ways to make the most out of my time as well as not loaning time to unnecessary things.
Today I learned different ways to manage and save money + costs of various necessities. Allotting funds for different categories such as: food, bills, furniture, a car, housing, etc, can allow you to keep track of your funds and only spend money when necessary.
Today, I found different resources that taught me ways to be productive as a remote worker. This included ways to avoid remote workplace conflicts, build strong bonds with coworkers & managers, zoom meeting etiquette, avoid remote job scams, and ways to maximize productivity while working in a comfortable space such as your own home.
Wednesday:
I explored the different strategies used to manage money as well as the different job opportunities that might operate with unique payment systems. Additionally, there were also discussions and articles on the pros and cons of remote work, and if it may be the right fit for different people.
Thursday:
Today at techie youth, I gained some insight into the Job application & hiring process. I learned about the different requirements most hiring managers are looking for, ways to prepare for an interview, and even some of the questions they might ask.
Today I explored the different topics within the first introductory unit "How to earn money online". It covered things like different benefits of working remotely (transportation, environment, careers, etc.), how it's possible for people to find remote positions and what those positions could be, and even things that are needed to be successful, such as an online payment system if one wanted to start their own business.