Hobbies

To gain wealth, you must spend less than you earn. Get Rich Slowly has covered many ways to reduce the spending side of the equation. But how can a person increase the earning side? Consider an entrepreneurial endeavor. Start a small business based around one of your hobbies. It’s not difficult to earn a couple thousand dollars each year doing something you love in your free time. The key is to not let the hobby-as-business overwhelm you. Keep it fun. Don’t let it become a chore.

With that in mind, here is some real-life examples of hobbies I’ve seen people turn into side-businesses. I know people who:
• Repair computers. Are you a tech geek? Start a business providing computer advice for family and friends. Help people set up new computers, add peripherals, remove viruses and spyware, and maintain home networks. Consider offering hour-long training sessions in programs you know well.
• Make photographs. Sell your photos! Take a community college class to enhance your skills. Enter photo contests. Display your photos at the county fair.
• Garden. If you have a huge garden, consider selling produce or flowers. In rural areas, you can run a small road-side stand on weekends selling fresh roses, blueberries, and tomatoes, whatever. If you live in the city, let your neighbors know you have fresh produce for sale (or trade).
• Make music. Can you play an instrument? Hire yourself out to play at weddings or dinner parties. Start a small group. Play at holiday events (especially Christmas). Get creative: play at street fairs and farmers markets.
• Write. Do you write well? Offer your services to friends and family. Edit important letters. Proof papers. Compose pieces on commission. Start a weblog about one of your passions!
• Build things. If you have a shop and some skills, teach yourself to build tables or bookshelves or cabinets or chairs.
• Knit. If you’ve been bit by the knitting bug, put that yarn habit to work. Create simple, beautiful hats and scarves. Take commissioned projects.
• Repair cars. Offer to perform simple car repairs for friends and family. It’s a win-win situation: you make some extra cash, and they save money.
• Cook. Do people rave about your food? Offer to cater events. Provide food for a picnic, for a cocktail party, for a sit-down dinner. Sell cookies and cakes.
• Haul things. If you have a van or a large pickup, offer your services for transporting couches and dressers, etc. Hire yourself out to haul bark dust and mulch. Help people move.
The possibilities are endless. The key is to examine your passions and talents to find something for which people would pay you. You won’t get rich quickly through these side businesses though there’s nothing that says you can’t, but you will boost the earning side of your wealth accumulation. Everyone has something that they can do well. Discover what it is you can do, and then market your abilities. The best part is: you’ll be making money while simultaneously improving your skills so that you can make even more money in the future.