We all possess an abundance of, as yet untapped, skills that are waiting to be exercised. These are skills we have learnt and developed over time, without realising it and written them off, without so much as a second thought. Then we proclaim we are short of money; we can’t afford this . . . and we can’t afford that .  . .

If you give yourself time to sit and reflect on the skills and knowledge you have acquired; you will begin to realise just how much you know and how much value you really have. You are a mass of resources; cable of many different skills which are of great financial value to your. You’re a walking gold mine or treasure chest because these skills can earn you money. It may mean to have to take your personal growth and self development a little more serious but that’s no mean feat when you consider what it will help you achieve. It’s time to tap into your skills and realise your true wealth.

The appearance of the Internet has introduced you to a whole new world of business and related industries. It has placed you in a very strong position in terms of the skills you currently have and your access to learning new skills and knowledge.  It allows you to base yourself at home and access facilities that had previously been inaccessible. From the benefits it has introduce it is easy to see how it has brought a whole new meaning to your life. This of course is whether you want it or not. The changes it has brought are set to continue at an alarming rate for the foreseeable future. The eventual outcome is unknown; however the story so far is very exciting and if you are ready to accept it the quality of your life will be improved.

The following are just a few areas where you could earn extra income using your skills, not all of them are Internet based, however the use of the Internet could make them much easier and more profitable. With a little more time and thought you could easily extend that list and give yourself many more options.

1. Blogging

A weblog or blog, as it is more commonly referred to, is a phenomena that has appeared in our daily routines and for many of us, has become instrumental how we live our lives. There are many bloggers, as blog writers are known, who are now earning a handsome income from their blog. However, this has not come about without a great deal of hard work and sacrifice from the blogger. The uptake of new bloggers wishing to ‘try their hand’ at blogging is reflected with the number of new blogs appearing on the Internet on a daily basis; some are successful, others not so.

So if you think blogging is an option for you to earn an extra income, or become your main income, please tread carefully and listen to the wealthy of support that’s available from the experienced bloggers. They are only too willing to help you out.

This is certainly a viable option for an extra income, however don’t expect miracles overnight. This is not a ‘get rich quick’ scheme.

2. Administration service (Virtual secretary)

As more and more people are choosing the leave the drudgery of the 9 to 5 routine and either become self employed or work from home, there is an opportunity for people who are skilled in administration to provide such a service to organisations. New start ups and other such organisations only requiring an ad hoc administration service are not willing to pay for a full time administrator.

This a great way to earn an extra income; it will allow you to set and work your own hours and only take on jobs to want to.

3. Home tutoring

Many parents are pushing their children into grammar schools, the children are required to pass an entrance examination. There are also a glut of parents who wish their children to just perform ‘better’ at school.

In both these cases the parents are prepared to pay for their children to receive ‘out of hours’ home tutor. This can either be in the tutor’s home or the child’s home. You decide which way you want to operate and set your hourly rate.

This is a great way to earn an extra income, help our younger generation and keep your brain active. this is great for your personal development. You may want to read, “help your children with homework and improve your personal development”.

4. Write a book

Writing a book is a secret desire of many people, however they fail to get past the first hurdle because of their procrastination. They have so much to write about; whether it be a fiction or non-fiction. Their own confidence, in their own ability, becomes a big stumbling block to them taking the first step, where to go or what to do.

A quick search on the Internet will help them identify a number of different options where they can source valuable information and support, such as

• Writing coach
• Blogs
• Forums

These are three great starting place as you gain confidence and enlighten yourself other options will appear. This is a great way to make extra money by telling your story.

5. ‘How to . . .’ videos

Producing ‘how to . . .’ videos and uploading them to ‘You Tube’ will raise your profile about the knowledge and skills you are offering. You could send viewers back to you blog or website for further information. ‘You Tube’ is now the third most popular website on the Internet and receives millions of daily views; this is a great way to brand and publicise your product. Start my creating an account at You Tube.

6. Accountancy and book-keeping service

As the number of people becoming self employed or working from home increases, the demand for accountancy services or book-keeping services is having a similar rise in popularity. If you are able to offer this service it’s certainly a viable proposition and if you can build a large enough client base it will prove very profitable.

If you don’t currently have the skills or qualifications your local college will provide you with information about the options and routes available to you.

7. Arts and Crafts

Have you got a burning desire to use you motor-skills and return to using your art and craft skills. Maybe soft furnishings, greetings cards or small ornaments is the answer to you making extra money or a full time income, if that’s what you are looking for. Whilst this may not generate a wealth of income, if you are operating as a sole trader, it can be therapeutic and stress relieving.

The Internet will provide you with a mass of examples where people have had or are having success with this option.

8. Childminding

There is always a demand for childminders, however you do need to be qualified and there’s a mass of ‘red tape’ and paperwork to complete. your local college will be a good starting place for further information. You’ll may also have to make some structural changes to your home, however don’t let this put you off if it’s want you want to do.

This is definitely a profitable option, especially if you like children.

9. Private car hire

If you have a full driving licence and you love driving this is a great way to earn an income. You have a few options:

• Work for another private hire company
• Work for yourself with links to a local private hire company
• Work totally for yourself

Which ever option you choose it’s certainly a worthwhile option. You’ll have to register you and your with your local council and it will cost you money, however in the long run it’s worth it.

10. Freelance photographer

If you love photography this is a must. With the advent of digital photography, Internet technologies and home computers it is now much easier to produce your own output more quickly and cheaper. there may times when you need to use the professionals so keep that option open.

Depending on your current skill level you could sign up for a photography course at your local college.

If you are looking for an alternative way to earn an income from your skills; whether you choose one of the above or one of your own you’ll find an abundance of information available to help you. The following are just a few examples:

• A course at your local college
• A blog that covers your subject; sign for the newsletter update and/or a feed reader
• Join an Internet forum
• Your local library

If there’s one thing you could do, that is to do at least one of the above or one of your own. Don’t leave your skills unused to stagnate and deny the world of what you are capable of. Make it part of your personal development training and help you personal growth. If you’re working with a life coach tell them what you are thinking about and including it in your goal setting.

Thank you for reading this post, please let me know what you think and share your experiences.  While you’re here please take the time to sign up for the newsletter or alternatively you may prefer to subscribe for regular updates in your favourite reader or by email.

photo credit: laurgasms

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Tags: accountancy, administration, arts and crafts, Blogging, book-keeping, childminding, freelance, Goal setting, home tutoring, how to . . ., Life Coach, Personal Development, personal development training, Personal Growth, photographer, private car hire, Technorati, write a book

This entry was posted on 15 November 2009 at 4:22 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted in Lifestyle by Paul Worswick View Comments