Home Bound? Explore Options for Making Money Online

BY SUSAN SCHABACKER

Maybe you lost your job or need another stream of income. Or, maybe you just want some extra spending money. Good news! There are options for working online and from home to support yourself and your family financially.

First, conduct a personal assessment and decide what you are best at. Stick with two main things: 1) what you love, and 2) what you are good at. Hopefully, they go hand-in-hand. You’ll be a lot better off when you have a strong sense of who you are.

BE BOSS OF YOUR OWN BIZ

Rather be your own boss? Consider becoming an entrepreneur, starting your own business, and working from home. You will save money on transportation and not have to travel far for food and drink. But, before you jump into your new role of becoming a CEO, remember to do your research, plan out your business with a thorough business plan, consider your contacts and prospective customers/clients, and also figure out a plan B in case your business doesn’t pan out. It’s always smart to have a back-up plan.

IT CAN BE TAUGHT!

Are you an expert or particularly knowledgeable about something – be it math, music, cooking, or Spanish? You can make money and pass on what you know. There are plenty of opportunities to coach, teach, tutor, and mentor that you can explore. Want to teach a language, but only know English? Consider teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) and work in the comfort and convenience of your own home, teaching students from all around the world.

PRINTS ON PRODUCTS

For those who are creative and good at photography and/or graphic design, consider selling your prints online and getting them printed on t-shirts, bags, mugs, and other products that show off your work. Branding can become your business. Enjoy customizing and personalizing? Offer your photography and graphic design services to clients who can make your creative work their own.

TIME TO RESELL?

Not everyone wants to buy something that’s brand new. When it comes to books, household goods, and cars, sometimes used items and vehicles can be in high demand. Make a list of all the things you can resell and make note of their condition. Before you just drop ‘em off at your local consignment store or chuck ‘em in the garbage, decide if you want to resell them online. Yes, it can be some extra work to get them listed, follow up with customers and ship them out, but depending on the value of the item, it can be worth the extra effort.

BLOG IT UP!

You don’t even need to be good at writing to have your own blog and make money off of it. You can hire a writer or write your own. Keep your voice (and branding) authentic and consistent. Let it reflect the true and unique you, your brand, and your business. Check out other blogs and network with other bloggers to keep building your knowledge and resources. Be sure to include visuals with your copy since people are accustomed to being visually stimulated (and enticed). Words alone usually won’t cut it, so add in at least one image and/or video. Want professional photos, but don’t have any? Try a free account on Pixabay.com. Search for keywords and download professional stock photos to use in your blog posts.

OTHER OPTIONS FOR ONLINE MONEY-MAKING

Other ways to make money online: online surveys, referral programs, write reviews, write eBooks, sell your music, edit/proofread articles and/or books, become a translator, become a virtual assistant, podcasting, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, data entry, develop an app, create/edit promotional vids, and design/develop websites.

Think of the world as your oyster! Money doesn’t make the world go ‘round, but we all need it to survive. Enjoy the process and reward yourself along the way. A little positive reinforcement can’t hurt. Be practical, don’t expect too much too soon (be patient) and just do the best you can to make it work. Happy money making! And, even if you’re still low on means, you can always be rich in spirit!

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Susan B. B. Schabacker

Susan B. B. Schabacker is a proud writer, team member, and fan of Forsyth Magazines and writes multiple articles every month for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family. She loves writing and is also pleased and honored to write for National Geographic and National Geographic Kids. Susan is a co-author of a children’s book, Huckleberry Robin, based on a three-generation true family story and hopes to write more children’s books. Susan is also a local singer/songwriter/musician (and aspiring artist) working on recording her third album about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), called Beyond the Virus, that has become both a local and international collaboration. Currently, she lives in the Winston-Salem, Piedmont Triad area of NC, where she has resided for over 20 years. Susan graduated with a B.A. in Corporate Communications and a minor in dance from Elon University. She has had the opportunity to travel internationally to Budapest, Hungary for classical ballet, when she attended UNCSA (University of North Carolina School of the Arts); London, UK; and Beijing, China, where she studied abroad through Elon University. In Stockholm, Sweden, she had a marketing internship at Hachette-Filipacchi, publisher of Elle and other magazines. She also had another marketing internship in London with the Bramah Museum of Tea. Susan is the founder, owner, and master tea blender of a local tea business, Tea-lation! (@Tealation on FB + IN), which she has designed ads for in Forsyth Woman. She hopes to share her love for life + teas and encourages everyone to share, sip, and savor their cuppa happy! Susan looks forward to writing more articles and books and embarking on a long and successful career in music. Susan’s other passions include: photography (@SBBSPhotography on FB + IN), acting, cooking, and arts + crafts.

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