This is a post by Chelsea who is currently doing a Spending Fast®.
Since starting my Spending Fast a little over three months ago, I have learned quite a bit more about myself than expected. One of the main things is that I have a lot of marketable talent that I completely didn’t realize. Last Monday I started a new job (hallelujah) and my title went from “Clerk” to “Information Technology Specialist.” I tell you this because my college degree is in Spanish. I have no formal training in computers, I just happen to enjoy working with computers. I realized this a few months ago and added my skills to my resume. After meeting a new friend, I mentioned to her that I was good with technology and she told her boss; the rest is history.
How To Figure Out Your Skills and Sell Them for Cash…
There are so many skills that each of us have that could be making us money! If you’re on a Spending Fast then this is a wonderful way to get out of debt faster. If you’re not, and if you’re just looking to save extra money, then it’s still a great way to earn some extra cash.
Step One: Preparation
Sneak away to a quiet place and sit down with a pen and paper. This step only takes five minutes but the challenge is to write for the entire time. Don’t sell yourself short! For literally five minutes make a list of your favorite things to do. Do you enjoy gardening? Are you one of those people who organize their closets by color? Write down anything that allows your brain to relax. I happen to enjoy writing and painting. Once you’ve exhausted your mental hobby list, start writing your talents. I am fluent in Spanish so obviously Spanish went on the list. What do your coworkers ask you to help them with? What comes naturally for you?
I decided on five minutes to make the list because it caused me to dig deeper then I would have normally. After you’re done with your list, scan through it to see items that could be turned into side money makers.
For example, I can teach Spanish to high school kids in the evenings because that’s an area I excel in. If you’re a graphic designer, you could sell your services via the internet to increase your exposure. If you’re good at baking, you could hold a bake sale or start a dog treat delivery service. There are so many possibilities!
Step Two: Execution
Now that you have an idea of what you can do, you have to start making things happen! If you’re comfortable working online, start by visiting local sites to post your skills. Craigslist is in virtually every town, so that website seems to be a great option. It would also be a good idea to look into local publications. If your skill is working with animals then research to see if there is a local publication that focuses on animals where you could advertise. I enjoy writing so I sent emails to every local magazine and offered my skills. The worst they could do is tell you no, which really isn’t that bad.
If you are not comfortable with the internet then you can find local areas where you could post flyers. You could post at the local library or recreation center. Try to think of places where the people who would need those services would go.
Step Three: Exposure
Now that you have done the initial grunt work of putting yourself out there, it is time to increase exposure! A large number of people these days have some sort of social media page. If you have a Facebook or Twitter then write a short status update informing your friends of your new services. Someone once told me that I if we don’t promote ourselves then who will?
What are some ways that you have used your talents to make extra income?
Chelsea Overton is in the midst of a Spending Fast® and writes about it from Ohio with her boyfriend and bulldog, Xena the Warrior Princess, by her side.
P.S. Looking to make more money? CLICK HERE for over 195+ side gig ideas
I love this post! I think it can be challenging to think of ourselves as having diverse skills, but it’s so true. I just discovered this myself when a friend asked me to be her personal chef because she admired the lunches I brought in to work. After a layoff, it was fantastic to spend some time meal planning and cooking for her. I just wrote a blog post today about the experience and am hoping to keep it going strong!
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for responding! What is your website? I would love to read it. Learning to realize my skills has been pretty challenging. It’s so rewarding when we finally realize our strengths. More rewarding when we use those strength to pay debt!
Keep cooking!
-Chelsea
Thanks Chelsea! My website is http://thegreenchest.com/. I’m now updating weekly about the cooking ventures!
Congrats on the new job. I AM one of those people who organize my closet by clothing type and color, all on white hangars. I also have all my documents scanned in and they’re in digital filing cabinets (and are backed up). Weird, I know. Craigslist borders on creepy sometimes but I should try to see if anyone needs help organizing for some cash!
Meghan,
Thanks! I am also one of those people who organize their closet by style and color (I have pink hangers). Craigslist is completely creepy but staying super public and not responding to spam makes it a little less weird. I have actually seen a bunch of postings in Ohio for people wanting to organize…it may be worth the effort!
-Chelsea
I just answered an ad on CL for someone who needs help cleaning out closets. I feel like I need to interview THEM though! Who are you? Are you shady? Where do you live? Can you send pictures? LOL
Maybe I’d be better stuffing envelopes and writing on post-it notes too. :D
One way to ward off creeps would be to charge a bit more for your services. $100 isn’t much for someone to pay who’s just looking to creep on some random. Charging professional prices will tell people you mean business and will likely result in more legitimate inquiries.
Normally, that would be the case. This was a creeper with a lot of money. I saw his bank statements and wire transfer receipts and was shocked that someone who could have it so together professionally/financially was such a train wreck. His income was in the 300-400 k range from what I remember. Actually I think that is why he was such a slime ball. Other women may see the $$$ and put up with it for the benefits. I think I will stick with other ways to make cash.
I think you make a good point… we never truly know what someone’s financial life is like. It’s so easy to be like, “Oh, everything looks great so they must have their life together” but I think that’s dangerous territory. It could just mean their financial mess is a WHOLE LOT BIGGER.
I agree with you on this Jennifer- plus then, you’re making it more worth your time too.
So, that did not go very well. I went to a condo and while the guy did need help organizing, he also thought it would be an appropriate time to hit on me, ask if I’d sleep with him, and make inappropriate comments. I didn’t know what to do and didn’t really feel unsafe, so I laughed it off and earned $100 but then he didn’t have the cash and he stopped by the ATM on the way to DINNER. Ugh. The most uncomfortable part happened today, when I told him via text that I didn’t want to come back because he made me uncomfortable with the advances, etc. I didn’t think his behavior could get worse, but it did and I ended up sending a final message that said simply “Please f off” (only I used the complete word). Not good, and I’m kicking myself for not leaving at the first sign of weirdness.
What’s hard though is that I received an email from another potential customer. I haven’t renewed my CL ad and thought that I’d be far enough down in the listings to not get noticed. This guy wants someone to digitize records. Maybe that’s not as bad? Side gigs are great but my personal safety and peace of mind isn’t worth $100.
Ugh. Sorry to hear about that experience! Gross! Please, keep your safety as your top priority and leave ASAP at any sign of weirdness!
Actually I just had an idea. Do you, or do fellow readers, know how to start freelancing for ebook conversions? I can find people willing to do the work, but am still looking for info on how to get work, what you need to learn, etc.
Sometimes we really miss how much we are good at. It’s so easy to get stuck and not see all we have to offer. Congratulations to you on figuring out your side skills and promoting them to get you a new job.
Right now, I’m focusing on starting a side business in social media, as well as writing. Anything to bring in some extra income to pay off that debt quicker!
Kimmy,
Thanks for the encouragement!
I have actually been doing some social media on the side as well. There is a huge need for it so your skills are so useful! Keep up the good work.
-Chelsea
Great post, Chelsea! Also, hello from a fellow Ohioan! :)
This is something I’ve been thinking about lately–trying to figure out what I really enjoy doing and if/how to make a little side cash from it. I really like your idea of taking five minutes to list all your hobbies and skills. I may have to try that out myself; I’m sure I could dig up more things that I haven’t already thought of. Thanks for the tips!
I’m sitting here trying to write a flyer to showcase my skills – (house cleaning, closet organisation and grocery shopping) to earn extra cash and came across this blog! The Craig list creepiness is so spot on! Are there any safer ways to earn a few $$$$ without exposing yourself to danger?