What do you do if you want to be a self-employed AI expert instead of working for a company?

DIVE IN! There are many different applications of becoming an "expert" in something. This ranges from teaching to actually building AI toolkits or helping to unfunk them or simply using available models. It does not necessarily mean you have to learn Python or any other language unless what you are doing aligns with that. Decide what you do best, discover how it relates to AI and how AI is posed to evolve within that field, train, retrain, experience, immerse and then train some more. When other people start calling you an expert, begin considering your own business and how you can help others with your flavor of excellence. Running your own business is bigger than just what you do best, its everything you didn't consider too!

In AI today there are a few different positions already. If you want to be an independent contributor you need to make some initial decisions: - are you going to be a strategist, consultant or builder? - are you going to focus on specific AI topics? Computer Vision? LLM? Security - data governance? - are you going to build trust and expertise around specific vertical? In terms of job positions, I believe Python is basic know-how, but you also need to decide if you want to become a: - data analysts - data scientist - data eng Generally speaking, is very important to create a portfolio on github too.

Transitioning to a self-employed AI expert starts with a solid foundation in AI skills. This means not only mastering the technical aspects, such as machine learning algorithms, neural networks, but also understanding the application of AI in various industries. Continuously update your knowledge through online courses, workshops, and by staying abreast of the latest research and trends in AI. Specialize in niche areas where you can offer unique expertise, setting you apart in the freelance market.

The move to becoming a self-employed AI expert is the same as any other skillset. Don't follow hype and instead find genuine use cases that deliver real value. Find the new opportunities that arise from the technology and marry it with a niche you're passionate about.

To excel as a self-employed AI expert, focus on mastering core AI concepts like machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. Engage in hands-on projects to apply these skills, leveraging platforms like Kaggle and GitHub. Stay updated with the latest AI trends and technologies through online courses, workshops, and industry publications.

you need drive and discipline to set goals and follow thru because there is no supervision that may otherwise force you to stay on track

Becoming a self-employed AI expert requires a comprehensive and current skill set. Mastery of programming languages like Python, prized for its simplicity and versatility in AI, is essential. Proficiency in machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch is also crucial. Understanding data structures, algorithms, and statistical models is paramount, given AI's reliance on data analysis and interpretation. Continuous learning is integral; staying abreast of new research, tools, and techniques ensures you remain ahead in the field. Online courses, workshops, and certifications offer avenues to solidify expertise and enhance credibility in the ever-evolving landscape of AI.

Microsoft has a lot of courses and information thru Microsoft Learn that you can learn from. In addition, it offers a lot of Industry-Recognized certifications that you can take to build your resume. The certifications may not be free but Microsoft does provide a lot of challenges and promotions in order for you to take these certifications for free. There are also a couple of free Applied skills certifications you can take in order show your practical skills. Microsoft technologies are always continually evolving and changing so you will not run out of things to learn and cover.

Today, you have no excuses for lacking real experience in AI projects ❌. Here are 4 powerful strategies to grow your professional AI portfolio. 1️⃣ Kaggle.com / DrivenData.org: Participate in real-world AI competitions for cash rewards, recognition, and invaluable experience. 2️⃣ Hackathons: Immerse yourself in hands-on challenges hosted by universities and companies, gaining practical skills and forging vital connections. 3️⃣ Hugging Face and Google Colab: Access free AI models on Hugging Face and unleash your creativity using Google Colab, accessible to all! 4️⃣ Hands-on courses: Enroll in practical courses on platforms like Udemy, edX, and Coursera. Gain real-world experience under expert guidance, enriching your portfolio.

Before starting own business.Its best option you work for company at 1 years. Then you got a lot of professional way of deployment and many more. After that make a strong portfolio and post any social place. Be active on social media. Make a lot of interaction with peoples.

There is nothing better than learning from experience. Build proof of concepts, engage customers/clients on what their needs are, try breaking things when coding. If you are just starting out and gaining experience, try creating an application and creating an article in LinkedIn to share your experience.

Build a portfolio of projects! Join hackathons and community event to practice. Partecipate in talks, and take courses. The best way to start is to start from topics you like.

Before diving into self-employment, accumulate a diverse portfolio of AI projects. This can involve freelancing on the side, contributing to open-source projects, or developing your own projects that solve real-world problems. Each project enhances your practical skills and provides tangible evidence of your expertise. Document your process and results meticulously, as this portfolio will be crucial in demonstrating your capabilities to potential clients.

Securing hands-on experience is a cornerstone for anyone looking to carve a niche in the AI sector independently. Immerse yourself in a variety of AI projects, spanning from professional engagements and internships to personal ventures. Broaden your horizon by contributing to open-source AI initiatives or teaming up with peers on innovative undertakings. Such practical exposure not only deepens your comprehension of the myriad challenges and solutions within AI but also aids in crafting a compelling portfolio. Showcasing your prowess in applying AI methodologies to tangible problems is indispensable for drawing in clients and positioning yourself as a seasoned authority in this rapidly evolving domain.

Seek freelance opportunities, internships, or part-time roles to gain practical experience in AI projects. Collaborate with startups, non-profits, or small businesses to solve real-world problems. Document your projects and achievements to showcase your expertise to potential clients.

this is my playbook: Join Online Communities: Engage in AI forums and groups to share insights and connect with like-minded individuals. Attend Conferences and Meetups: Network with professionals, learn about the latest trends, and showcase your work. Utilize Social Media: Follow AI influencers, share your projects, and join discussions on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Contribute to Open Source: Collaborate with others on AI projects on platforms like GitHub to gain experience and build connections. Seek Mentorship: Find experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your AI journey.

You need to recognize that being disconnected from the network that an organization brings introduces new challenges and risks. Perhaps you used to work for a large company that enjoys great brand recognition and existing large contracts. It would be tempting to assume that with your skills and experience, knowing what you know about the industry and its inefficiencies, that you could take your skills and apply them easily as a freelancer to retain more profits. After all, large organizations are able to charge big budgets for work you do, right? It is vital that you compensate by building a strong network, which is most easily achieved by using social media. Build your profile by driving thought leadership, connect and pay if forward.

As I continue to navigate the AI space, I have a paragraph saved on each device that I look at whenever I tap into a network event (I’m an introvert with an extrovert portfolio of experiences) here it goes: Add value to every circle you contribute to. Remain open to learning new skills and developing case studies that move you forward in the industry. People matter significantly in the realm of machine learning, so be proactive in building a network that continually challenges you to level-up and actively supports your growth.

Build a robust professional network that includes not just other AI professionals but also potential clients, industry influencers, and mentors. Attend industry conferences, join AI-focused online communities, and participate in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Networking is key to finding freelance opportunities, staying informed about industry needs, and building a reputation as an AI expert. Remember, your network can significantly influence your success as a self-employed professional by providing support, advice, and referrals.

Build a strong professional network within the AI community through online and offline channels. Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to meet potential clients, partners, and collaborators. Engage with influencers and thought leaders in the field to stay connected and informed about industry trends and opportunities.

Master Your Skills: Be the best at what you do. Say I don't know: Its okay to say you don't know and can go and find the answer. Listen Actively: Always pay attention to your clients needs and wants. KISS: Talk and explain things in a simple way, avoiding complicated lingo. Honesty is Key: Always be truthful with your clients, even about delays or challenges. Be Organised: Keep your projects and paperwork in order. Be Flexible: Sometimes plans change, and you must adapt quickly Never Stop Learning: The contracting world changes fast, so update your knowledge and skills. Earn Trust: Show your clients that they can depend on you to get the job done right. These are some of the foundations of a personal brand and marketing yourself.

here is a lis of 8 tips to get some very good tractions with clients: Showcase Your Work: Create a portfolio highlighting successful AI projects. Professional Website: Build a user-friendly website showcasing services and testimonials. Content Marketing: Share insights through blogs, videos, and social media. Networking: Attend events to connect with potential clients and collaborators. Free Resources: Offer valuable content or consultations to build trust. Testimonials: Display client feedback prominently to build credibility. Collaborations: Partner with other professionals to expand your network. Continuous Learning: Stay updated on AI advancements to offer cutting-edge solutions.

Create a compelling personal brand that highlights your unique skills and experience in AI. Showcase your projects, publications, and achievements on your website and LinkedIn profile. Engage with the AI community by sharing insights, participating in discussions, and contributing to open-source projects.

It's always better to start with a good business set up. Make sure you do some good assessment of startups cost, and find good legal advisors in order to create the correct structure.

Think about the following questions when setting up your own business: 1. Do you want to offer knowledge services (consulting, coding, strategy, research etc) as part of your freelancing work? 2. Do you want to build a product or solution as part of your self-employed business offering? Each of the above has different structure, risks, liability and cost associated with it.

Setting up the correct business structure for your new business is imperative. What people get wrong here is that the setup is NOT all that is required. You have to follow the legal requirements of each type of business. Many business entities have legal, finance, and tax reporting requirements. Follow expert advice when setting up your business entity. Choose the correct business entity to protect personal vs. business assets, and seek the advice of professionals. I have created multiple LLCs and sole proprietorships over the years, but those were based on my needs at the time. Consult the professionals or do your due diligence for your business needs.

Determine your niche within the AI market based on your skills and interests. Develop a clear business plan that outlines your services, target market, pricing strategy, and marketing approach. Consider forming partnerships or collaborations with other professionals or businesses to expand your reach.

Establishing your business properly lays the foundation for long-term success. Choose a business structure that aligns with your needs, whether it's a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC). Familiarize yourself with legal obligations, including licenses, taxes, and insurance. Craft a comprehensive business plan detailing your services, target market, pricing strategy, and financial forecasts. Implementing clear terms of service and contracts enhances professionalism and safeguards your interests legally. Effective financial and time management are as crucial as delivering top-notch AI solutions to sustain your business growth.

As a self-employed AI expert, it is crucial to develop a well-defined and reliable methodology for executing AI projects from start to finish. Having a systematic approach with established processes will allow you to work efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality.

Don't just orbit; make a landing. Identify specific problems your AI company can solve. Tailor your solutions not just to dazzle with tech, but to deliver real-world impact. This isn't just about launching; it's about landing successfully and making a tangible difference . Share your vision, and listen. Great ideas come from everywhere and finally embrace failure like a seasoned space explorer. Not every launch goes to plan, but each setback is a lesson paving the way to success.

In my journey as an AI/ML Consultant, "Deliver Value" has been the cornerstone. It's not merely about the algorithms or the complexity of your models, but how they solve real-world problems. Each project is not just a task but a canvas to craft solutions that resonate deeply with the client's needs, transforming their vision into a tangible reality. The essence lies in understanding the unique challenges and intricacies of their domain, then meticulously applying AI principles to create innovative, efficient, and scalable solutions. This approach not only fulfills the immediate project requirements but also paves the way for long-term partnerships and opens avenues for exploring uncharted territories in AI applications.

Focus on understanding your clients' specific needs and goals. Offer tailored AI solutions that address their challenges and deliver tangible results. Provide excellent customer service, communicate transparently, and strive for continuous improvement in your services.

- Formation continue : l'IA est un domaine qui évolue rapidement. Restez informé des dernières recherches, technologies et méthodes en IA. - Réseau de soutien : construisez un réseau de soutien composé d'autres professionnels indépendants avec qui vous pouvez échanger des conseils, partager des ressources et collaborer sur des projets. - Équilibre vie professionnelle/vie privée : travailler en tant qu'indépendant peut être exigeant. Veillez à maintenir un bon équilibre entre travail et vie personnelle pour éviter l'épuisement.

This is what I think would be feasible to follow from a novice to expert, 1. Establish expertise through continuous learning and practical projects. 2. Build a strong online presence showcasing skills and knowledge. 3. Network with AI professionals and potential clients globally. 4. Offer AI consulting services in niche areas of expertise. 5. Create and monetize AI-related content through blogging or courses. 6. Collaborate with other experts on innovative AI projects. 7. Stay updated on AI trends and emerging technologies. 8. Seek mentorship from established self-employed AI experts. 9. Balance independence with ongoing skill development and market demands. 10. Adapt to evolving AI landscape and diversify revenue streams.

While all of the 6 points above are important at different stages, the big one and the most important one is taking the first step. Being present and making the time to make it happen is critical to your success. Also remember that everything you do has become second nature to you but for most people out there it can be revolutionary for how they do things. Build on your skills and look at what you already know and do and how it can be Ai empowered.

There are many areas where you can focus on in your AI career as a self-employed individual: 1. you can be a consultant providing inputs on AI Architecture, Governance, Ethics/Responsible AI, Adoption and Change management. 2. you can be a builder developing an AI application for a certain client 3. you can be a trainer to help organization upskill their employees.