The world of business is constantly changing, evolving, and mutating. With so much innovation and growth, industry trends are just that – trends; what might be a huge deal today might be old news tomorrow. Sure, there are established industry standards that remain relevant year after year. The trick to keeping up with business is to focus on the emerging job markets on the horizon. With 2020 around the corner, let’s look at the four major emerging industries in business.

P2P Payment Apps

Innovators in the banking industry have long-since used technology to simplify monetary transactions. The debit card replaced cash and check, online banking removed the need for trips to a physical bank branch, and the credit card chip has made payments more secure. So, it makes sense that developers would take advantage of our preference for mobile devices through peer-to-peer payments. P2P payment apps like Venmo, Paypal, Zelle, and Square have made it easy for individuals to send, receive, and request direct payments. By linking your smart phone with a bank account or credit card, you can easily transfer money to anyone, anywhere, all with the tap of a button.

With the simplicity and security of P2P payments, adoption of the technology has seen rapid growth. According to statistics by eMarketer, by the end of 2022, over half of mobile phone users will have made at least one P2P payment within the past month. With such a huge demand for these apps, job openings are increasing in areas like cryptosecurity and blockchain development.

AI and Machine Learning

The applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are seemingly endless. Automation has become a part of our everyday lives, whether it’s in our car’s GPS, our thermostats, or our smart home devices. Even beyond this observable impact, AI and machine learning represents an even larger shift in the business world abroad. Machine learning is about improving the efficiency of software. Applications built with machine learning are suddenly able to make laser precise predictions and analyze data instantly. The result is a more effective and self-sustaining piece of technology, one that improves the function of nearly any system it touches.

This kind of power can be applied to nearly any industry imaginable. Artificial intelligence and machine learning plays a role in healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, bioinformatics, telecommunications, and transportation, to name just a few. A report published by Zion Market Research states that the global machine learning market was valued at $1.58 billion back in 2017. However, that same study projects that the market will reach nearly $21 billion by 2024, representing a 44 percent increase in just 7 years. With such rapid growth, it’s no surprise that the industry came in at number 2 on LinkedIn’s Emerging Jobs Report.

Solar Power and Wind Turbines

As climate scientists continue to urge immediate action across the globe, it makes sense to turn to alternative energy sources. Not only do options like solar and wind power equal lower carbon emissions, they also provide a more sustainable energy option than crude oil or coal. Along with natural gas, these types of resources are unlimited and provide savings to consumers. However, depending entirely on renewable energy can’t happen until the necessary equipment is in place.

Alternative energy – specifically wind power – has led to a rapid growth in the installation and management fields. Wind turbines need wind farms, and wind farms need planning and oversight. According to IBIS World, the wind turbine industry saw a 53.5 percent revenue increase from 2018-2019. Part of this is due to government-sponsored incentive programs and a growing mandate for the use of these sorts of technologies. The industry rise is also thanks to the wide variety of renewable energy types and the increased manufacturing of all associated equipment. LinkedIn’s 2018 report listed Solar Power Consultant as its 11^th fastest growing job title.

Big Data Science

At this point, saying that technology is everywhere seems like the understatement and cliché of the century. Tech isn’t just ubiquitous, it’s everything and all-encompassing and dictates how we live our lives. So, with this endless stream of technology accepted as the status quo, should we really be shocked that data has become more valuable than ever? Servers and hardware and software are all running 24/7, and are collecting infinite amounts of data at every endpoint. Forbes published figures in 2019 showing Americans use over 4.4 million GB of data per minute. The sheer amount is staggering. But, in the right hands, this simple byproduct of technology can become a window into the future of the world.

Analyzing data is a key factor to the success of any industry, anywhere. Whether it’s information technology, manufacturing, transportation, social media, or food production, data analytics is big buck business. According to research from Inside Big Data, the data industry is projected to grow to $40.6 billion by 2023. Data scientists are tasked with breaking down massive datasets and interpreting the results to establish trends and predictions for the future. With these efforts replicated in every single modern market, and no signs of slowing down, Big Data is primed to become a key industry in the years ahead.

Staying in touch with emerging industries is a great way to grow a career. Whether you’re still in school, graduating, or just looking for a new career direction, keeping an eye on these markets might get you a few steps ahead of the pack.

Servant Leadership is one of Alpha Kappa Psi’s founding principles because of its positive effects on culture in business and beyond. Practicing servant leadership means considering the needs of all company or organization personnel, not just a bottom line. Common characteristics of a servant leader include empathy, commitment to people’s growth, good listening, and community awareness. With the 2019 calendar year in the past, let’s look back and identify three of the best servant leaders we spotted in 2019.

Mat Ishiba, United Shore Mortgage

As an industry leader in wholesale mortgage lending, United Shore Mortgage knows the value of its employees. When Mat Ishiba took over as CEO in 2009, he fronted a massive hiring push for the company, and it has grown from less than 500 to over 4,700 employees in the past 10 years.

While the Michigan-based business is thriving, the employees haven’t sold out their ideals in the process. One of Ishiba’s primary focuses is the Firm 40, a workhours initiative that ensures equal amounts of hours in the office and encourages employees to relax and move away from work while at home. His appreciation and respect for the work/life balance of his employees is clear, and it has positively impacted the company’s success.

Vineet Jain, Egnyte

Egnyte has made a name for itself in the world of file sharing and security. The Silicon Valley-based company is touted as the only secure content platform that works exclusively for enterprise, giving full control to creative and IT teams in the pursuit for efficient cloud storage. This company, which ranks in the top three file sharing platforms according to Owler, has also gained a following for the way it treats its employees.

While Egnyte continues to grow in size, it has been recognized by Business Insider as a top five company for work/life balance, and a high ranking for happiest employees. Additionally, CEO Vineet Jain has been named one of the best leaders for minority workers. In a recent interview with Ladders, Jain said, “Your employees come first. If you have employees who feel valued, people who feel that there’s a career path, people who feel that they are respected, then they will be happy.”

Ben Valore-Caplan, Syntrinsic Investment Council

After making it in the world of finance, Ben Valore-Caplan found himself unsure of his next move. The year was 2008, and he had just left investment monster Lehman Brothers only days before its collapse amid the recession. He decided rather than jumping into another large financial company, he wanted to see a different future, one where employees – not just employers – had power.    

He eventually started his own company, Syntrinsic Investment Council, as a 100 percent employee-owned business. He also created a holistic workplace culture through efforts such as financial support for leadership programs. In a recent interview with Conscious Company Media, Valore-Caplan said, “Make your leadership about unleashing others to do more good in the world. Managing can often be more about cultivation than control. Make good people even better. Make those around you more powerful. That’s easier if you’re doing something important. You can prove that values and business not only go together but thrive together.”

Acting as a servant leader creates a culture of giving, growth, and equal opportunity for employees and coworkers. Though these three leaders have instilled their own ideals for empathy, listening, and culture, the lessons they impart to employees inspires others to do the same. Whether you’re a CEO of a company or just getting started, you too can impact positive change by thinking of yourself as a servant leader in 2020.

The concept of branding can sometimes feel inauthentic. Branding is the process of establishing a public identity, and so often it comes off as being very sales-heavy. However, when brands are genuine and sincere, they feel less like an advertisement and more like a personality. Branding plays a huge part in professional relationships companies make with their customers. Though the process is nuanced, there are still some general guidelines to get the most out of your own brand.

Building a Business’ Brand

The truth is out: people want to engage with and buy from recognizable brands. A study published by Nielson found that 59% of consumers prefer to shop with brands they trust and know. Despite being from a company, many individuals will see a business’ brand as being like a friend. Branding works best when customers feel less like they’re being sold to, and more like they’re engaging with a pal. So, when developing your company’s brand, there are some important tips to keep top of mind.

1. Know Your Brand’s Audience

The best brands understand their target market. They create messaging and social media posts that engage and inspire the individuals they want to speak to. Imagine if you were giving a speech at a convention. You’d undoubtedly want to tailor your presentation to be relevant to those in the audience. Perhaps they’re a group of dentists, and your business creates medical software for their billing and office needs. Even if your product can be used by any type of health provider, you’d want to illustrate how it works specifically for a dentistry firm. The same is true for any aspect of your brand: know your audience and learn how to speak to them.

2. Understand Your Industry’s Trends and Set Yourself Apart

Whether you’re a small startup or a larger enterprise, your undoubtedly have competitors. It’s important to know what these companies are saying about their products, and how they’re developing their brand.

However, it’s not a great idea to simply mimic what they’re doing. For example, in 2017, the desert treat Moon Pie began a strange and befuddling journey into “weird Twitter.” Rather than posting company updates, the business’ social department began crafting beauties like this:

“I am a brand

B ringing all the fun

R ap music is actually really good

A llow me to explain why I like rap

N ow let’s listen to some rap

D ang that is some good rap.”

This kind of Tweets sparked major interest in the treat’s brand. However, it wasn’t long before other companies began jockeying their style and going for their own off-center humor. It certainly garnered attention, but it was more or less a pale comparison. Your business’ brand should be personal and well-defined; just because other companies are doing it doesn’t mean you need to as well.

3. Don’t Underestimate a Logo

Brands have a big visual component as well. Though it may be tempting to simply choose a font and minor design, customers identify your business by your logo. The MIT Sloan Review performed a large-scale study on corporate visual branding and found some interesting takeaways. For one, they create a “point of connection.” That means when a customer sees your design, they instantly think of your company’s values and mission.

For example, the Nike swoosh logo suggests movement, activity, and flow. This is in-line with Nike’s brand and communicates their ideals without saying a word. Furthermore, the study found that separate visual logos were more effective than a jazzed up version of the company’s name. A logo should be a symbol that reflects your brand and what your want to communicate.

Developing a public brand takes time and careful consideration. However, the process is still rooted in a simple maxim: be yourself. When curating this public image, be sure to let the voice of the company and the people in it shine through. By understanding your audience, demonstrating your uniqueness, and giving thought to your logo, you’ll be on your way to creating a brand that resonates and informs.

Much like a large company, individuals can also harness the power of their personal brand. This idea is an extension of your personality, but filtered into a way that engages others. Your brand is personal and appealing, and convinces others to not only trust you, but turn to you for answers. Social media influencer is becoming a real profession. A study published by the Digital Marketing Institute found that nearly 50% of consumers rely on influencer recommendations before a purchase.

Even if you’re not selling anything, you can think critically about how you’re presenting yourself to the world. Here are some helpful tips for getting started on a personal brand.

1. Find Out What Your Brand Already Looks Like

Not every aspect of your brand is completely within your control. It’s becoming quite natural to Google others and find out what information exists on them. If you’re developing your personal brand, you ought to be doing the same. Do some deep dives online and find out what information is already out there.

For instance, you might have an old social media profile or blog that you’ve since abandoned. If you can find this data, then anyone can. Be sure to scrub the web of anything unsavory or personal you’re not comfortable having people know. Remember, your brand is public-facing!

2. Be Credible and Authentic

Personal branding should be about speaking from the heart. You want individuals to not only enjoy your content, but to trust it. If you’re reposting a ton of content from other personal brands or being untrue to yourself, others will notice it. In fact, you may consider asking followers and friends for some insight.

Maureen Cunningham, of Up Until Now Inc, recently said, “Others can often see your unique value better than you can. What is the truest version of the best you and of what you offer?”

Whether you’re speaking to people in public or online, be genuine. Don’t try to sell yourself too hard or pat yourself on the back. Be friendly and congenial, while also thinking about what value your brand has to offer. Are you someone who shares a more serious tone and information, such as news and political insights? Perhaps you’re more of a jokester and want to engage with others by being the life of the party. Whatever feels most honest to yourself will likely resonate with others.

3. Build Up Relationships with Others Personal Brands

No person is an island. When it comes to personal branding, it’s a tremendous help to be part of a community. If you’re using social media to build a personal identity, don’t be afraid to follow and repost other similar accounts. In fact, send them a message and try to develop a relationship with them.

So often we see our activities on the web as being anonymous. But with social media, everyone has a brand and these relationships can often be quite symbiotic. Ian Cleary of RazorSocial recently said in an interview with Forbes that, “I didn’t think about what influencers could do for me; I thought about what I could do for them. I promoted their books, shared their content and commented on their blogs.”

If you’re working on branding “IRL,” approach in the same way. Go to conferences and expos, or even local meetups and focus on getting to know your peers. There’s already a common thread of you both being at the same event, so simply be yourself and work to find other similarities. Also, don’t be afraid to follow up with these individuals after you’ve met them. Fostering and developing those relationships can be a huge help to both yourself and the other person. At the very least, you may end up with a new friend in the process.

Generating a brand shouldn’t be a foreign concept. Ever since you started engaging with the world from a young age, you’ve likely been trying to carve out an identity. This process is extremely human and when we attempt to build brands for our companies or personal lives, others will recognize and empathize. Be sure to stay genuine, connect with an audience, and stay aware of what you’re saying and how you’re saying it.