Earning real money on the side isn’t a fantasy—it’s real life. Consider how these people created income and security for themselves, often in surprising ways.
By mastering the skill of observation, you’ll learn to spot opportunities wherever you go. That’s what the people featured in this chapter did—and the results speak for themselves.
III. Use the Skills You Already Have
Don’t go back to college; use what you know now. The people featured in this chapter’s stories used a skill they already had to make extra money—sometimes a lot of it.
This business opportunity started approximately 150,000 years ago. It’s evolved a bit since then, but the principles remain the same. These modern-day merchants find ways to buy goods at one price, and then sell them at a higher one.
Your knowledge is valuable: take what you’ve learned and share it with others.
Have a knack for producing events or experiences? Use the power of community to connect people while getting paid.
If you have a penchant for a paintbrush or a love of making pottery, you might be able to turn your creations into money—just like the people in these stories did.
“Earn money while you sleep” is the ultimate promise—and for these people, it’s part of their daily routine. These stories illustrate how working smarter, not just harder, can help you create systems that will pay out over and over.
IX. See the World Without Going Broke
If you don’t want to be confined to a desk, how about living in an RV or jetting out on a series of one-way plane tickets around the globe? For those looking for a room with a view, preferably one that someone else pays for, read on.
Cookies, coffee, ice pops, and beer—these stories really take the cake.
Don’t choose between profit and philanthropy—do both. You can do good while doing well.
Social media and the “sharing economy” aren’t just about being neighborly. There’s money to be made! These stories feature affiliate marketing, mobile applications, and more.
Some side hustlers start young, and some parents involve the whole family in their entrepreneurial adventures. These stories feature kids, families, or partnerships.
If you build it, will they come? Maybe, but first you have to build it. The people in these stories learned about sourcing, manufacturing, or both. Even complex projects (a boat in a backpack?) can be done part-time, without quitting your job.
XV. Ramp Up: Million-Dollar Side Hustles
Side hustles are great for earning extra cash—and sometimes they earn a lot of it. These stories represent people with hustles that produce high six figures or seven figures in annual income.