Since job security is almost as hard to find as well-rested new parents, we have to create our own financial stability by building multiple sources of incomes. That can mean taking on freelance work, starting up our own businesses, or pursuing a potentially lucrative hobby.
With the average worker now holding 10 different jobs before age 36, the only way to guarantee a little bit of continuity is to take matters into our own hands. Here are nine ways to get started:
1. Brainstorm with your network
Ask a friend or family member to engage in some quick back-and-forth to gin up some ideas. What are your talents? Do you daydream about any potential money-making schemes? Have you stopped pursuing a hobby that you used to love? What did you enjoy making or doing as a kid? Write down all the ideas, even the crazy ones, and review the list for any potential pursuits.
2. Take small steps
Maybe you first need to purchase a domain name before launching your small business. Or perhaps you need to have coffee with an editor before pitching a few magazine ideas his way. The first step might also be as small as buying a how-to book on your chosen field. Whatever it is, take it – it will be easier to take the next ones.
3. Check out Craigslist.org
Craigslist isn’t just a great way to find secondhand furniture; the postings can also be a source of entrepreneurial inspiration. People offer all kinds of services, from woodworking lessons to French tutorials. The postings might give you some ideas for what kind of services you could offer yourself. You can always test the market by posting an ad and seeing who responds.
4. Start a small business
If you’re serious about launching a gardening service, or a dogwalking business, get the word out with a website and begin offering key clients free coupons for the work. Then, post their endorsements on your site. Consider advertising in web forums, including Craigslist.org. In Generation Earn, I profile Anne and Tim Bradley, a married couple in their twenties who launched an online pet store after noticing an unfilled niche in the market. During the first month of operation, they made $1,000.
5. Market your mind
If you prefer to work from the comfort of your home, then consider opening up an account at Cafepress.com, where you can create T-shirts with art or witty expressions and then sell them through the site. You keep 10 percent of all sales. Follow pop culture and politics closely, and you could have a winner: After health care reform passed, Vice President Biden’s quote about the reform being “a big #@%*! deal” took off.
Trump’s comments often create a ton of buzz and demand too.
6. Get paid to talk
If you have expertise in something – anything – then organizations are probably willing to pay you to talk to them. You might have to offer a few freebies at first, but soon, you can start lining up the paying gigs. A local or national speakers association (check out the National Speakers Association at nsaspeaker.org) can help.
7. Teach your passion
Maybe it’s yoga, or perhaps art: Whatever it is, find out where you can teach it. Local community centers, gyms, and colleges are often looking for new teachers.
They aren’t open right now, but they will be. Brush up that resume and be on the first to apply when they open their doors.
8. Get crafty
Websites such as etsy.com make it easy to sell your handmade jewelry, soap, or other items directly to new customers.
9. Start blogging
Bloggers don’t usually get rich through their writing, but they can often promote their other businesses or services effectively through their blogs. So once you set up shop, don’t forget to write about it.
David’s Note: This is exactly what I’ve been doing for the past 13 years. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to make a living writing online, but what else do you have to lose in times like these where you are stuck at home?
Want more tips to earn money? Here’s 15 more to check out.
{ read the comments below or add one }
I need help. I got laid off, applied for unemployment but I’m scared to go out. How can I make money unless I feel absolutely safe that I won’t get infected and die?
Hi Jacob,
Good thing you applied for unemployment, because that will tie you over for quite a while.
And no one can guarantee that things will be 100% safe in the future, because if not COVID-19, it’ll be the flu, car accidents, even random gun violence. We were never totally safe going out to work, but we do it anyway without thinking much about it.
We just have to do what’s necessary for us and our family, and hope for the best.
The best advice I can give you is to monitor your situation closely, and start looking for a job soon. Then when it’s time to go out to work, use every precaution you know of to keep yourself as safe as possible and live your life.
It sounds cliche but it’s true – you can’t let the cure, in your case, saying home forever, be worst than the problem itself.
I like how you suggested us to get our resumes ready. Nothing is opened right now but that situation is not going to be forever.
And when things are opening back up, you bet I’ll be the first one applying for a zumba instructor job.
Good attitude Jane!
You know you’ll be ahead of everyone when this is all said and done because you don’t sit around and hope.
This too shall pass!
I was wanting some advice on a mortgage. I bought a home from a lady I was dating several years ago to help her out since she was experiencing some financial hardship. We eventually was married and have been for awhile now, but at the time I purchased the house the agreeement was for her to find her own financing later after her situation improved. At the time the financing was done I decided to use what was referred to as creative financing by the realtor who assisted us in arranging the loan. I was sort of blindsided by him at the time because I told him at the beginning I wasn’t interested but come the day of the signing this is what I was hit with by him. I could have used the GI bill but, didn’t want to because at that point I didn’t know I would eventully end up marrying the lady I was dating and who was experiencing the problems. I had also gone through a divorce and was still dealing with some fallout from that relationship involving a home and didn’t want to muddy the water with VA by financing another home with them so soon. Well, the problem I am experiencing now is trying to get the loan on the home refinanced and the company has told me I don’t qualify to do that because I am not behind in paying them; I didn’t think you had to be behind by several months in order to qualify. I thought you tried to head off the problem before you got to far behind and couldn’t make the payments. I have called a few places that seem interested in helping but, they say I acutally have two mortgages instead of one; I actually pay on two loans which I guess is what you mean by 80/20 loan. I still have some fallout from my divorce, as well with taxes so that too, has hindered me somewhat in my refinancing. I’m having to pay for some backyears due to my ex claiming the kids when I thought that I was the one eligible to do since I was providing most of there support.
I know I have covered a lot of stuff here and don’t know if I have listed enough for you to provide any kind of solid advice but, if you could I would certainly be interested in listening and following through on whatever you can suggest for me to do in getting my home refinanced and maybe get a lower monthly mortgage payment. I will be retiring in a year of two and would like to get this situation under control before I do so.
my husband died in 1989 and he was in the47 bombardment squadron 41 bomb gp.,around 17 when the japs bombed pearl. I have had so much medical my money is gonwe. Iam trying to see as his widow if I can get any help, pension , medcine anything, Does anyone reading this help me if yu can.i would appreciate it sincerly, Kay
Go to the VA for help.
I am really glad I found this website, I have already had several business’s but am now interested in opening a drive-in movie theatre- does anyone know where I might get some help or info on this, I also am going to need funding for this project, It will take more money to open this than any of my other business’s! If anyone knows any info on this I would appreciate it very much!
My family every time say that I am wasting my time here at net, but I know
I am getting knowledge daily by reading such pleasant
posts.
I have found Direct Selling opportunity to be fruitful with good mentor-ship. If you like to use your unproductive time + have keen interest to learn & promote products + ready to overcome initial challenges, you will find it to be an interesting long term career. Personally I fell in love in promoting Sport Nutrition/Health/Nutrition/Fitness products which human race always need & love.
Okay Venkat,
I am just about done with getting myself enrolled in a bacholers degree in Game Art at Full Sail University online program. I have been looking into doing something on line apposed to going out and punching a clock. I hear and get e-mails DAILY about how you can make money online. HOWEVER, all the videos and the constant daily “ITS FREE” e-mails leading up to the FINAL e-mail that says that THIS IS FREE… only to get your name and address and phone number to say … WELL THIS part is FREE but you need a website… bla bla bla.. and thats from 47.00 to 497.00 for this or that software. I AM 150% into doing something that is ON LINE.. and I don’t care if after I am done with school work to work the rest of my hours at the computer doing whatever it is I need to do BUT I NEED TO ACTUALLY make money in something that is LIGAMENT. If you have that… PLEASE share.!
THank you
-Richie-
I was a business advisor until the last year. I used to tell my clients the same things that many of you have said already “Start a business in something you have passion for, in something that you really love, and go from there.” Do a feasibility study to determine if you would be able do it or not.
Experience is a major factor. If you are planning to start a business and you don’t have the experience, just start working as a volunteer or get a job in the field.
Do anyone have any resources on drop shipment for women fashion shoes? Trying to start a shoe business online.
Does anyone have some resources or information about scanning the barcode on books for resale?
It sounds interesting to me since I am always looking for great books and might as well try to make a little extra money at the same time.
The last one: blog is like an entire post (or series of posts) in and of itself! I’ve been blogging full time for about five months and only recently is it starting to take off. It’s a heck of a lot of work, but it’s worth it!
Thank you for providing such a great resource. There are so many ways to earn extra income. From starting your own podcast, creating your own iPhone apps, starting a direct selling business or finding a part time job as a taste tester. The opportunities are endless. Persistence is also key. Never give up.
I am in the process of starting my own exporting business. Have learned so much from Linkedin. Everyday, I do research, and read as many articles or discussions as possible.
I still need to find a way, as to the needs of clients abroad. For example, what are they in need of, that I can get here in Cape Town South Africa and export it to clients abroad. Basically, I need to find a client base (no matter how small) and the products they are looking for. Baby steps I say. If there is anybody who can help me with advice, I would appreciate it hugley. Send me a mail. Let’s do business and make money!!!!!
Warm regards
Tania
i would love to hear from you, I am Zimbabwean looking to import products from South Africa, that i can sell here in the USA. Anything, wines, toys, footwear, whatever you think can sell. Let me know
A friend has gotten into online forex trading and claims to make around $5000 per month. He says that the software that he uses for trading minimizes any losses. Does anyone have any info about online forex trading from home?
Are your products available in the Philippines? I think I’m quite late by 2 weeks. Can you still consider me joining your group? I love organic products and i believe lot of pinoys love them also
I’ve noticed that the hardest thing is for people to figure out what they really want to do. You can make money at just about anything.
Great point, I will emphasis on one main issue is to translate your dream to action, and the best way to do that is to start small and grow gradually.
There is nothing better than starting a business and following it, but your ideas together, set a mini business plan , test the market, analyze the market feed back and set the action.
Even if the results is not promising keep on holding and it will work as far as you know what ou are doing.
The best thing to start with is your know how and service market.
Be brave and proud.
I trade stocks online to earn extra money, as well as several other things.
About 3 months ago my wife gave me $500 to trade some stocks for her and a week later it was at over $2,500.
Trading can be stressful at times but it is worth the reward.
This sounds very intresting, how would I be able to get started, is there an online legal site where people trade stocks for you. Please let me know it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
A good website to make some extra money if you enjoy writing is Helium.com. I’ve written several articles for them. Some of the articles pays a small amount to write 400 words but it adds up over time. There are also opportunities to get picked up by other companies to write or your article can be picked up and used by magazine companies in which they pay you for.
There are many great ideas here and great comments as well. For the last 15 years I have been in and out of the home business arena and there are many great low start-up cost opportunities out there that a person can start part-time 10-15 hour a week and generate a great side income. Best do your homework though. Just as traditional business they come and go. Remember what you put in is what you get out. Best of luck.
Most of the tips listed here are well worth exploring, except for blogging…blogging is overrated and requires an immense amount of time and dedication towards something that might never pay off. A better option would be to become an article writer online – the payout might not be great, but it’s guaranteed income for your time.
The easiest way to get started working freelance is for sure the freelance websites: odesk, vworker, freelancer etc. What puts people off is that in order to get jobs, you first must take on some really cheap projects and work really hard for peanuts. But once you done a few, got a reputation, you can increase your fees and eventually you’ll have more work than you can handle. It took me about 2 months of hard work to get there.
E-bay at one time seemed to be the perfect avenue. Has that changed? I’m actually looking for how to register on e-bay. Can someone help? Thank You.
It’s easy to register right on the Ebay site.
I did some selling on Ebay for a few years, but the last few years there were changes that caused me to give it up. EBay changed their commission structure, charge a higher commission (called ‘value fee’) plus then PayPal takes a chunk, plus shipping rates have risen dramatically. Another problem many smaller sellers have that has caused many to quit is EBay’s, shall we say “generous” buyer guarantee policies….EBay won’t stand behind small sellers, buyers complain, they just reverse the charges and the seller is out their goods, as well as the selling cost and the shipping they paid. And, unfortunately, a lot of people have caught on to that, so it has become a frequent problem. So, bottom line, I’d not reccomment it for a small seller, or an individual, at all anymore.
Great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
I would like to add that, what ever “side lines” that we are going to do, we need to have a passion in it, else it would just end up as “another job”.
Start small by selling stuff on sites like eBay, Etsy, ArtFire, AtomicMall, Bonanza, or Ebid.net. Most are free or low-cost to sell items. Etsy and ArtFire focus on handmade and vintage goods. eBay, and the others all allow you to sell most anything.
Avoid trying to sell “designer” goods due to the problems of counterfeiting and restrictions. Stay away from trying to sell commodity goods like electronics. You can’t compete against the pricing that the big guys (think Amazon) can offer. Also, some areas of handcrafted items are oversubscribed, like jewelry or soapmaking. Try to find niches that don’t have much competition. Don’t waste money on selling “programs” or services. They’re expensive and won’t really tell you anything you can’t find in a good book or by spending some time researching online. Only the authors/providersof these things will make money with them.
Start small and don’t invest in a lot of inventory before you see if it will actually sell and make you a profit. Remember, that not everyone will share your taste. You may think a particular item is the best thing since sliced bread, but others will think it’s nothing but trash. Some of my own best sales have been things I found completely unappealing.
Most of all, take your time, keep good records of your expenses and income (a simple spreadsheet or even a paper ledger will do), and have fun with it!
I am so glad I’ve came across this blog. As of this moment, I’m business student that dreams of owning online business in the next three to five years. However, without funds to actually buy a domain name or the materials for the shop, my dream business is still…well just a dream. So I’ve taken marketing and finance courses to see what I need to do. All it boils down to is writing down business, marketing and financial plan, visit website that talk about business loans, etc. I know its a hard road ahead of me. However, I know in my heart that it will be great.
I too, am a business student working on my Bachelor’s Degree. I have a passion of writing. I have wrote a few things, more of an essay type, but I have one in particular that many people have told me to try and publish, but I have the slightest idea of how to even begin doing this!
Hi Bobbie,
I have a story that I would like to write about but I cannot find anyone to help me. The story took place 30 years ago. Do you think you can help me that? Many people told me that I should write a book about it but I can not find the right words to say. Thanks, chandra
Chandra
Get the software called “DRAGON”. It types everything you say as you go. Tell the story to the computer – that way you can see it in black and white. Read it over and make any adjustments that need be. Get someone else to read it over to see if it makes sense and has continuity. It’s a start on writing a book.
Does anyone know about medical transcription home business and how to start with it? I’m interested in doing it to augment my monthly retirement fee.
I tried doing that thru a correspondence course when my oldest son was little (he’s 18 now). Unfortunately I discovered that it’s one of those things where you need experience to get the job, but you need the job for the experience. Didn’t work out really well for me, but if you can do it, I wish you good luck.
You really do not want to do MT work. It is a dying business. I have been in the field for over 20 years and it is essentially computerized sweat shop labor. Pay is minimal, yet you have to have knowledge that most people do not have.
There are lots of work you can do aside from engaging in an 8 hours full time job.
You can do retailing or direct selling which doesn’t require big capital some only require membership sign up which is very minimal then you earn 30-50% profit.
Compare with other business there’s no risk, you don’t have people to monitor, no inventories to be done, no accounting matters, no monthly bills like electricity, less paper works & no rental fees.
You can bring your business anywhere you go anytime; in other words you have the freedom to live life with the family while earning…
To name a few here are the list you can check…
AVON – apparel, make-up, accessories
Nuskin – anti-aging & beauty
AIM Global – health & well ness
Florie, what business did you go into???
Take that which you are passionate about and write down its challenges, concerns or problems that many people face. Now offer a solution for that challenge, concern or problem and then build a mobile app and give it away for free. Once you have a favorable number of subscribers, offer a premium version (paid) of your mobile app. You can outsource all of this except your passion, so do what you do best and leverage the skill sets of others (crowdsource) and even other people’s money (crowdfunding) to help you reach your goals.
Someone said fill a niche.
Start a photo booth biz. Think of how many weddings, birthdays take place in your hometown on a weekly basis. Adding a photo booth to these venues is the latest thing. The costs and expenses are low and profits high. Did I mention its a fun way to earn $$.
Since this is also the trend most of the occassions now have this photo booth, others have video…If you’re talent is in photography then this is the best business …you enjoy while making money on your hubby.
I have always loved photography .
Get involved with your local government, town and city councils, zoning boards etc. These all pay for meetings, coursework and you get to play a part in what happens to your community. Its rewarding both in the money you earn but also thru your involvement in something larger than yourself that is separate from your work life. It goes back to the old line ‘Are you part of the solution or part of the problem’.
It is a commonly acknowledged fact that VERY, VERY few people actually make any money on blogging.
It’s like saying people should start investing in automated FX. 99% lose in that market (invest more than they gain). Only specialists or very gifted persons will actually earn anything.
There are some great starting points posted here. One piece of follow-up on the thoughts noted above: you must put yourself in a position to learn and to get help, otherwise you may find yourself doing what you love while you go bankrupt. (In other words… learn and get help making a specific PLAN to earn more money doing what you love.) The learning part can at least start out free or low-cost because there are vast amounts of information online– in places like this blog, articles, videos, tutorials, etc. Beyond that, you’ll find that if you find the right business coach, which will be an investment, you can save vast amounts of time and/or money and/or stress over the course of time because you avoid mistakes (often BIG mistakes) by learning from someone who is an expert in your area of interest. I maintain a full schedule coaching clients who are entrepreneurs and speakers because I already have an expertise in that area. On the flip side, I engage services of other coaches and/or Virtual Assistants to guide me or support my work in areas where I am less familiar or less effective (for example, website coding or client scheduling or invoicing, etc.) Never stop learning, and get help as often as you are able. And a bonus piece of information: don’t ever hire a business coach or VA without doing your homework. Research their past projects and success, and ask for referrals. These people will be guiding and influencing significant decisions in your work. They also will often have significant influence on your brand. Whichever way you proceed, do what you love, bring great value to your client, and absolutely ask to get paid for it. Good luck!
There are many ways to make extra money. Identify a need and fill it. I also agree with doing something you know. It can be a dream of yours, but if you know nothing about it, it will most likely cost you money before you will make money. The internet is a good way to make money, but you will probably work at it awhile before you make money. You will also have to be able to spot the “get rich quick schemes” and steer clear of them.
Very much agree with this… a lot of get rich scheme are on the internet so do make some research before joining or accepting any of those.
found your blog interesting…I am interested in doing something like a PMC…since my mother-in-law has produced a history of her mother’s ancestry. A 8 year journey of research and travel. I am passionate about history to include families and friends….Do you think their is a niche for this type of hobby or passion to make some income? Your blog has encouraged me to take a closer look…If you have anything you would like to contribute on this I would be grateful for your comment..
With the present economy, I think it becomes even more important to use it as an opportunity to turn your passions into a business. For example, I really love genealogy and ancestry as a hobby. I came across a home-based business based just on this passion. From their site, it says “The most important factor in determining if you would be successful as a Practical Memoir Consultant is whether you would enjoy telling people about the importance of sharing their personal life stories. If this is something you enjoy doing, then you could turn your passion for genealogy, ancestry, family history and historic writing and storytelling into a real career.”
I think whatever you do to earn more money, it ought to be centered around your values and interests.
The best advice is capitalising on something that you are already good at or knowledgable on because that way it won’t seem like a chore or task and you will have fun whilst looking for ways to make money out of your passion or interest. Also whatever you decide to do make sure you invest time and money in your project and plan and have a mentor i.e. someone who is either already successful doing what you plan to do or a talented business person.
I love the internet and have found that it is a REALLY good source of information even if it does involve a lot of woman hours. Invest in a book and I wish all your dreams become reality ; )
Craigslist is a waste. I put so many ads on it and only got one response. It turned out to be a dud. Also the scammers came in like a snow blizzard. Don’t waste your time on that list.
Tried it too same results…Then finally another business online that works with friends, family and love ones…not even going out just for personal use.
I became a Notary Public two years ago and am trying to make a million $5 at a time. I took the course on-line but some community colleges have a Saturday morning class for you to attend and get all the paperwork started at once.
I always feel that people focus too much on cutting expenses and not enough on generating income. i am glad to see this post. Expenses can only be cut so much. Income can be grown infinitely.
I speak, read and write Spanish well and I have been tinkering with the idea of starting a translation service from home charging a reasonable rate. Still can’t get started yet. Perhaps I could post something on Craig’s list. Any comments? Thanks
Craigslist, classified ads, bulletin boards in your local supermarket or coffee shops. Find everywhere and anything that lets you post and start there. Everything starts small but when people find out about how good you are, your customer list will eventually grow.
Courthouses have a need for interpreters, as do legal professionals (attorneys, police, private investigators). You probably have to be certified, but they can probably point you in the right direction. Good luck.
Places like Health departments need interpreters.
You can find freelance translating jobs on Elance.com; you could check that out.
I know my company needed some basic training docs translated into Spanish, you could target companies that have Spanish speaking employees…
I am trying to get back into translation after a car accident is keeping me home. I am getting up my profile on Elance and will see how that goes. Maybe we could brainstorm together?
Hi Elsa, check out http://www.fiverr.com – a great way to start your translating service!
Many school corporations, Head Start programs, and public service offices need bilingual literature and interpreters. You may want to check with them in your location.
I’m all about trying to earn extra income. I started my blog as part of an extra money-making initiative, although it’s evolved into more of an avenue for practicing my rusty writing skill.
I imagine my extra earnings potential should go up once I’m out of the Army.
Hi, we’ve started a business and I can do it anywhere in no time…I’ve learn a lot and i have help a lot of people to. First we’re skeptic to try to go into business then we’ve just give it a try then it’s growing and growing everyday… Good thing aboth it I can spend time with the kids while doing the business
I liked your post. If you can share some ideas of how you did this and/or what sources you went to and/or used, I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you
I’ve tried to start my own business and failed. But I know it can be accomplished. There are too many web sites out there for everyone to have failed.
I’m looking for the right guidance – a mentor to show me how or point me in the right way.
Needs Guidence — google “Dale Partridge” and check him out. Might find some interesting guidance!
I love these comments, thank you. I definitely agree with the niche idea and testing the waters… as for Twitter, I would love to hear of anyone who has had success with that, too.
I like the idea of taking small steps at first and test the waters. That small step may give the answers that you are looking for, it may encourage you to go further or discourage you to stop and look for something else. That small step is the key.
I looking for more ways to make some extra income. I hope to use my blog for that purpose. I am just starting out, so I have a ways to go, but hopefully my passion for finance and life will generate followers. I am just excited to share my journey. Thanks for the post.
Good ideas. Don’t forget Twitter. Its still new, but people are making money as micro blogers.
These are awesome ideas. I never thought about being a speaker or a teacher. Partnering that with a blog could be a great way to make some (somewhat) passive income
Taking small steps is crucial and as long as you keep trying to walk to the light, you will succeed eventually.
I would say the best thing is to fill a niche market that isnt’ filled yet (the online pet store example) . with all the resources at our fingertips it can be very rewarding to cash in on your passion.