The more skills you have, the greater your opportunity for success. This has always been true, regardless of the industry. However, in 2016, it’s becoming increasingly clear that online entrepreneurs need a vast set of skills to be successful in a business landscape that is much more diverse than before.
4 Reasons to Prioritize Computer Coding and Programming
In addition to having skills related to sales, marketing, social media, and ecommerce, entrepreneurs may find it beneficial to pursue an education in programming and coding. While this was once a skillset reserved for a specific niche of professionals, it’s an area of expertise that entrepreneurs are discovering can be helpful in a number of different ways.
Here are just a few of the reasons why entrepreneurs like yourself should consider making programming a priority in the months and years to come.
- Convenient Learning Opportunities
In the past, learning coding and programming meant attending weekend training courses in a cold computer lab, or checking out thick textbooks from the local library. If you wanted to learn, you had to really want to learn.
Now, there are more convenient and engaging ways to learn. Perhaps the most popular method is online learning, since it can be completed on your own schedule and is easy to access from anywhere. Many course providers will even let you start a course for free, which gives you time to discover whether or not the material and learning style is right for you.
- Tremendous Cost Savings
As an entrepreneur, you’ll likely be launching websites in the future. And if you’re in the tech-space, you’ll also be building software, developing apps, and producing proprietary technology.
Without a firsthand knowledge of coding and programming, you either have to hire a programmer or outsource your tasks to a contractor or company. This will get the job done, but it’s extremely expensive. By learning how to code and program, you can actually do a lot of these things on your own. Not only does this reduce your expenses, but it also gives you more control over the finished product.
- Additional Revenue Stream
Entrepreneurs are always on the lookout for additional revenue streams. With thousands of businesses needing help with coding and programming, you can benefit from developing skills that qualify you for these positions.
The best part about coding is that you can freelance with different companies and create your own schedule. If you’re busy with your own business, you don’t have to do a single project. However, if you find yourself with a couple slow weeks, you can take on some new clients and earn more money.
- Job Security
When you have a skillset like coding, you’ll never have to worry about finding work. There will always be demand for your work. There may be times that are slow, but the word “unemployed” won’t be in your vocabulary. As long as you build the right connections, set the right rates, and treat your clients with respect, you’ll have work.
Not Just for Geeks
In the past, computer coding and programming has been something that only “geeks” and “nerds” know how to do. However, as the technology industry has progressed and apps, software, and websites have become an integral component of business success, the coding industry has come to enjoy a much more diverse set of professionals.
As an entrepreneur, you should always be on the lookout for opportunities to grow. While you may ultimately discover that coding and programming isn’t right for you, it’s certainly worth the time and effort to find out. If it’s something you enjoy, it could provide numerous career benefits.
