When people think about saving money, what immediately comes to mind are the little things. They think that not eating out will get them a few extra dollars here, and skipping the morning latte will net some there. Moving past this they will start to negotiate bigger items. Refiguring what is paid for car insurance can save several hundred dollars, and getting out of credit card or bank fees can be just as profitable. At the end of the month, cutting back on expenses will certainly make a difference to a person’s net worth, but it might not be quite enough. In these situations, the individual needs to earn more money.
Everyone has talents. Some people have yet to realize what they are, and other people know they have a talent but they do not realize that anyone would pay them to perform that talent. They think that their hobbies are just that, hobbies that provide them with some peace of mind when stress builds up. In order to capitalize on making more money on the side, a person needs to step back and look at all the different businesses out there and the services or products they provide. Things that come easily for one person might be difficult for another. There are a number of different interests: landscape design, working on computers, art, interior design, workplace organization, cooking, cleaning, leadership skills… I could go on. The bottom line is, take what you are good at, what you enjoy, and turn your hobby into a side job.
The hardest part about trying to make more money with a side job is figuring out how much energy one wants to put into it. Nearly any hobby could turn into a full time job, or it could remain as freelancing income on the side. The important thing is that regardless of how much is made, the main focus is the customer. Too many people fail at business because they offer a service that they want to do. Instead, a few minutes of talking to the customer and understanding what he or she wants will go much further than offering a perfect skill tailored to the wrong person. If you can figure out what problem the customers have, and offer a solution before they even suggest it, they will pay you whatever you are asking. You have suddenly become an invaluable resource to them. And better yet, they will tell their friends.
Cutting back on unnecessary expenses is great. It always feels good to know that you have saved money. But sometimes bills pile up, or pop up unexpectedly, and there needs to be some extra money coming in. All it takes is a three step process. Figure out what talents you have. Learn who will pay for that skill. Market it directly to them, tailoring your service to their needs. This can all be done through word of mouth; fancy websites, networking events, and business cards are not necessary. Just the drive to succeed, and knowing who could benefit the most will bring in the extra cash needed each month.
What is a side job that you have tried in order to make more money?
Really interesting and useful post, customer is always right. Side job can sometimes turn out to be better investment then full time job.
thanks for sharing
I think the part that most people struggle with is just having the motivation and confidence to jump into doing some kind of side job. They might tell themselves that they don’t have the time or that they don’t think their skills are valuable enough. Those are usually just excuses to be lazy though. If they actually had the drive to get started, they would find ways to overcome all of that.
For me my side income is all about making money online. Most of that income is via affiliate sites, but I also do some freelance contract work. It does take time to manage, but it’s nice having that extra money or having it to fall back upon between jobs.
ebay selling is a great way to earn money on the side check out how im doing here http://savingyouth.blogspot.co.uk
I delivered newspapers. It wasn’t lucrative, but paid some extra bills. Plus, I was done by 6 am every day and ready for work. You haven’t lived until you’ve thought about the world through the eyes of a paper boy. Clear skies in the winter suck (super cold) and don’t get me started on dogs….
I don’t have a side job. Right now I don’t have much time, but I do make money from my blog.
Years ago I use to sell cruises as a side job and I loved it!! More recently I have done freelance work on oDesk to make some extra cash.
That’s a great post. I just finished an entire series that goes into a little more detail about How To Make Quick Money on my blog. You are so right about the talent. Everyone is talented at something, and the great thing is… if you think hard enough, you will find a way to monetize it.
I’m a bit side gig guy. It’s a bit tough to commit to something requiring set hours because of work, but ebay, blogging or something that’s a bit more flexible has worked well for me.