Anyone can try to quit his or her day job to make money online. But to actually fulfill that dream, you need to know how to avoid online scams and where to look for reliable ways to bring in the dough.
By following these tips, you can not only stop punching a clock but also make just as good a living while working for yourself.
Do Not Pay Anyone to Teach You
The second you Google "how to make money online," you're greeted with dozens of get-rich-quick schemes whose only real outcome will be lining the pocket of the guy who placed the ad. Don't get taken in. There are lots of legitimate ways to make money online; you never, ever have to pay to get in on one of them.
Figure out Your Strengths
Everyone has something he or she is good at. Maybe you're the one who plans city trips for your family because you're a great Internet researcher. Perhaps you could put that skill to further use acting as a researcher for an author working on a book. Professors often post “help wanted” ads for such positions on sites like Craigslist or online writing job boards.
If your passion is cooking, you could develop recipes for a dessert site. Have kids? Blog about being a mom or dad on your own personal site or one of the dozens of sites aimed at parents.
Sell Your Belongings
If you've made a trip to drop things off at Goodwill in the past year, you're missing out on an economic opportunity. You can sell your stuff on eBay, Craigslist and other sites at a much better return than going to a brick-and-mortar consignment store.
Plus, you barely have to put any time into it: Snap a few photos, write a few descriptions and wait for the bids to come in.
Profit off Your Connections
It's not who you know but rather who you know who needs a job. Sites such as Wisestep.com and ReferEarns.com offer a finder's fee for those who help find good job candidates. There are so many potential employers it doesn't matter if your connection works in Orlando visitor information or in the Ohio state school system; you'll be able to find companies that fit their experience.
Sell Your Photos
If you have dozens of shots from your last vacation that you never got around to downloading, do it now — it could open the door to some small but steady payments from photo-buying sites like iStockphoto, Shutterstock and Dreamstime.
Follow these easy tips and you'll steadily build up your online income, allowing you to enjoy the time when you'd otherwise be slaving away for someone else at the office.
