Making Money on Your Own Terms With Your Own Small Business
Image via Pexels
As inflation rises in many places, many people are looking for side jobs to supplement their income. And with unemployment at a historical low, there are many jobs out there that you can fill. The key is to look for a job that will not be affected by inflation or one that you can’t be laid off from. That’s when a freelance or gig job can be the perfect solution, as is starting your own small business on the side.
Here, Sophisticated Cloud offers some tips for how you can find a way to earn extra money doing something that’s both inflation-proof and one you’ll enjoy doing.
Small-Investment Businesses to Consider
Students from preschool through college have a need for tutoring for everything from homework to test prep. And it’s possible to do tutoring entirely online. If you want to tutor online, there are several tutoring platforms, as well as creating your own website. The typical hourly rate is £15 to £45 for tutoring subjects like math, language, humanities, and science.
Removals Company
If you have a vehicle that can double as a moving van or truck, you may not need much of an investment to start your own small removals company. The average in-state move costs nearly $1,000. If you can complete the move in a day, you can see how it can easily add up to some serious income.
YouTube Channel
Creating a YouTube channel for entertainment or instruction and monetizing it can be another job with a fairly low start-up cost. Some decent audio-video equipment and editing software will be enough. But it does take time to build enough of an audience to earn money from it. However, once it does, it can produce a very nice income.
Crafter or Maker
Creating things to sell online or at local markets and consignment shops can be a way to turn something you already enjoy doing and turn it into your own small business.
Pet Services
Dog Walking-Pet Sitting can allow you to make money with almost no investment. As long as you’re good with animals and enjoy walking outdoors no matter the weather, this is a very easy start-up. You can build references from friends and family whose pets you’ve cared for, then post them on pet-sitting websites along with any pet first-aid classes or certificates you’ve earned.
Lawn Care Services
Lawn care is another side job with a fairly low investment, but you’ll want to have at least one backup mower in case your primary one is in for repair. And in fall and winter, when the need for weekly mowing decreases, you can still make money shoveling snow, raking leaves, winterizing and cleaning windows, or even putting up holiday lights and decorations.
Smart Business Practices
Remember that when you’re your own boss, it’s critical to become and stay organized, which is where a calendar app can be invaluable. As a freelancer or small business owner, you must enforce time management practices so that you don't find yourself wasting time and money. On that same note, you’ll want to reduce as many unbillable hours as possible.
And always respond quickly to your clients, so they won’t feel you’re too busy to take them on as a client or that you don’t pay attention to your customer’s needs.
You will also want to develop a professional website that matches your branding. If you don’t have the skills or the time to set this up, work with Sophisticated Cloud to increase your web presence through a great new website.
Learn a New Skill
One of the most lucrative and in-demand skills presently is that of information technology. This includes software developers, data engineers, network engineers, and cybersecurity experts. The most important skill an IT job requires is a high level of technical knowledge. Besides a degree and/or diploma, there are various certificates in each of the fields that employers will require you to have. Online classes are available so that you can earn valuable certifications and degrees while still earning an income at your own pace and convenience.
Make a Plan and Make Some Money
Inflation cycles in and out of the economy, but a smart side job can turn into a long-term income if you’re smart about it. Choose something you want to do for the long haul, use smart business practices, and educate yourself in a field that is in demand, and you’ll always have an income.