25
Free Online Courses To Equip You With Valuable Skills
Now that the
inspirational sparkle of the new year has worn off, you may be falling back
into your old routines and habits. Statistically, you probably are. One way to
jolt yourself out of a run is to engage in learning new skills. Last year I’ve
had the privilege to do research, interview and report on some of today’s
most successful people and they all have one thing in common. They are
continually learning. Whether it’s reading books, going to seminars, or taking
courses, continuously expanding your mind is a fundamental key to success.
If you didn’t
love school, don’t worry. Today’s online options have come so far, you can
listen on your commute, download everything to your smartphone, or take an
entire class via watching short digestible online videos for free.
1. Programming for Everybody
You’ve probably
seen or heard the headlines claiming “everybody needs to learn how to code.” If
you agree, this University of Michigan course from Coursera is a great option.
2. How To Make iPhone Apps
This course
from Udemy teaches how to finally create that app idea you have. If you are
very computer savvy, take five hours and you’ll be ready to submit your first
app to the App Store by the end of the day.
3. Introduction
to Graphic Design
We live in a
visual world. Just like some people argue that everyone should know the basics
of coding, others feel we should all learn the basics of good design. This
beginner course from Udemy teaches the basic principles of design and the
theory behind creating attention-grabbing visuals.
4. Beginners
Adobe Photoshop
Once you learn
the basics of great design, you’re going to want to start designing! This
tutorial for beginners from Adobe KnowHow teaches the fundamentals of a, if not
the, vital graphic design program. Also a good course idea for beginning
photographers.
5. Internet Marketing for Smart People
If you want to
up your marketing game, Copyblogger is a great resource. This class teaches you
how to systematically implement effective marketing campaigns. You also get
instant access to 14 value-packed ebooks on SEO, copywriting, keywords and
more.
6. Diploma in Social Media Marketing
This course
from ALISON goes beyond how to use the platforms and teaches the ins and outs
of affiliate marketing, email marketing, blogging, social platforms and
increasing site traffic.
7. Social Media 101
Want a social
media overview? This is a two-minute-a-day class from Buffer to teach you the
basics of social media. Learn how to use each platform, how to create a tone
for your brand, and how to understand analytics.
8. Become a
Networking Master
If you’re
intimidated by networking events, meetings and conferences, you’re not alone.
Progress your career or your business with this course from The Muse which
teaches you how to network, communicate and give a clear elevator pitch to
anyone and everyone.
9. Introduction
to Public Speaking
Public speaking
skills can improve your performance in meetings, calls, and of course on the
stage. This edX class from the University of Washington will help you become
more effective and confident on debating, presenting and persuading.
10. Successful Negotiation: Essential
Strategies and Skills
Negotiation is
not just essential for business owners crafting contracts. If you want to
secure yourself a higher salary, better benefits, or that coveted office with a
window, start with this course from the University of Michigan from Coursera.
11. Competitive Strategy
Getting ahead
and staying ahead is a science. This more advanced course from
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München by Coursera will teach you the basic
tools of game theory in order to dissect strategy and gain competitive
advantages.
12. How to Finally
Start Your Side Project
Many successful
businesses started as a side hustle. This class offered by career experts at
The Muse will walk you through how to focus and bring your ideas into the
world, while still working your 9-to-5.
13. How to Start a Startup
Entrepreneurship
is the new black. Stand out from other startups with knowledge on user growth,
fundraising, operations, and more. This Stanford lecture by Sam Altman features
leaders from successful companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, and Airbnb.
14. 21 Critical Lessons for
Entrepreneurs
In the middle
of starting your own business? This is a short course from Docstoc CEO Jason
Nazar. He teaches rookie entrepreneurs key lessons based on his first-hand
experience vetting ideas, raising money from investors, scaling a business, and
more.
15. Scaling Operations: Linking
Strategy and Execution
If you’re filled
with a million ideas but can’t seem to bring any of them to life, check out
this course from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
offered by Coursera. It will show you how to correctly build an idea into an
actual, stable and scalable operation.
16. The Passive
Income Business Plan
If you’ve
looked into entrepreneurship, you’ve probably heard of passive income. It
sounds too good to be true, is it? This basic introduction to online business
from Udemy covers helpful information for entrepreneurs who are considering
starting an online business but don’t know how to.
17. Diploma in Project Management
If you want to
become a department head, speed up the growth of your business, or simply
become more efficient, you need to master project management. This course from
ALISON offers an overview of project management methodology, tools, project
life cycles and case studies.
18. The Secret
Sauce of Great Writing
The more I
study success, the more I realize that good writing is everything. No matter
which career you’re in, whether you’re writing an email, a presentation, a
script, or a storyboard. This course from Udemy teaches you to enhance your
business writing.
19. Writing on
Contemporary Issues
Want to get
your op-ed featured on NYTimes.com? This course is an introduction
from MIT on writing attention-grabbing prose for online audience with a clear
and unique personal voice.
20. Chinese
Language: Learn Basic Mandarin
This is another
skill that is often recommended, especially if you want to climb up the ladder
of international business. This beginner course from edX is free, but you can
add a MandarinX Verified Certificate for $50.
21. Spanish I
Like Mandarin,
many recommend adding Spanish to your resume. This is a beginner course from
MIT that teaches Spanish through a quality drama-filled story.
22. Sports
Psychology – The Winning Mindset
If you want to
win in business, your career, or just in life, think like a winning athlete. Dr
Cliff Mallet offers practical strategies in thisOlympic.org course that will ensure you approach
your next goal with the right mindset.
23. The Science of
Happiness
Who doesn’t
want to be happier? The first class from University of California, Berkeley,
offered by edX, will teach you science-based principles and practices for a
happy and more fulfilling life.
24. Practical
Ethics
If you ever
look around at the world today and think “I don’t know what I believe anymore”
this course will help you figure out just that. Examine your ethical beliefs
with this Princeton class offered by Coursera.
25. Guided Meditations
There’s a
reason many successful people meditate and practice mindfulness. Figure out
those reasons in this introductory class from UCLA, taught by Diana Winston.
http://www.lifehack.org/364226/25-free-online-courses-to-equip-you-with-valuable-skills?mid=20160208&ref=mail&uid=687414&feq=daily
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