Image via kevindooley
Today is a big day! Today is the official opening of Abella Media, my little business of language services! I finally have a decent portfolio built up, enough credentials, and enough revenue coming in so that I can have a professional website. I even added services like copy editing and translation (English and Spanish only)! On top of that, after months of not knowing what to charge I finally figured out what the appropriate rates are for such services. Within the next year I plan to have this set up as an LLC (as soon as I officially have all the tax stuff figured out) and will officially own a business. This is great because a) it is location independent (meaning I can literally make money from Siberia if I damn well pleased) and b) even if I end up getting a traditional full time job I can still run Abella Media as a side business. This also is a big step toward one of my lifetime goals which is to have a completely legit writing business.
This has taken months of trial and error, hard work, planning, and research and I am thankful that I live in such a wonderful country where this can be done! You see, my parents were born in Cuba and they literally had everything taken away from them by the government. Any form of free enterprise is prohibited on the island, for instance my grandfather was once arrested on suspicion of selling bacon. Anything that you make is cut drastically by the government, like my cousin who only sees 12 dollars a month as a dentist in Cuba (yes you read right, 12 bucks a month AS A DENTIST). And above all, free speech is prohibited and punishable by law. My great uncle spent years in prison because he was a journalist who spoke out against Castro’s regime. Unfortunately, many of my Miami friends have similar stories to share.
My family left Cuba (unbelievable stories for another time) to make a better life for themselves and future generations in the United States, a country where a 22 year old woman can one day decide that she is going to make money writing and no one is going to stop her. Ok, so we don’t have affordable healthcare and education is expensive, but we had better be damn grateful that this country believes in freedom and individualism because other places (where more things are handed to people by the government) aren’t as lucky. America is the birthplace of entrepreneurs precisely because we aren’t spoon fed, so take advantage of it.
On that note, given that unemployment is still hovering at 9.6 percent now would be a good time to start a side business of your own. As I have said before, when times get tough people get creative, so if you are looking to make some extra cash here is a list of 20 side businesses you can start on your own.
Writing. A writing business can include anything from writing articles and proofreading to ghostwriting entire books and blogging.
Candle Making. This is actually a really great craft and I know plenty of people who sell candles for some extra cash. If you need any more proof check out Etsy.
Web Design/Graphic Design. Web Design is another popular business that is location independent. I personally love Shatterboxx Media. If you’d rather just stick to buttons and logos you can dabble in graphic design. (P.S. If you happen to be quite handy with these things, give me a shout! I may be requring these services in the future.)
Babysitting. I know plenty of people who have made bank being babysitters and nannies, some of them even got to travel the world.
Computer Troubleshooting. My father actually his own computer side business and if there is one thing I have learned its this: some people just have a God given talent for breaking computers.
Virtual Assistant. This is actually a very interesting business that is growing in numbers. You can see a great example of this at LisaMorosky.com who has a virtual assistant service specifically for bloggers.
Bake. Like to bake? Sell your goodies.
Card Making. Making cards is a fun way to make some extra dough. For some great examples of handmade card businesses check out Artfire.
Craft Business. This can be anything from jewelery making to pottery. I even wrote an article about this to help some people boost their sales this Holiday season.
Sewing and Alterations. And you thought sewing was for grandmas. Truth be told, you can make a nice little profit from making small alterations for people.
Tutoring. Back in high school I had a math tutor (shocked and surprised) who helped out all the kids in the neighborhood with her math skills. She also made a nice little profit for just an hour’s worth of work. Besides, kids are fun.
Housecleaning. People will do everything possible to avoid cleaning and will even pay someone a hefty amount of money to do it for them.
Knitting/Crocheting. Believe it or not there is a huge market for unique hand knitted items, especially in the winter time.
Meal-to-go Preparation. If you like to cook, this is a great way to make a profit while helping others.
Pet sitting. When people go on trips, they are often concerned about what to do with their pets. Many people prefer hiring pet sitters instead of leaving their furry friends in kennels or pet hotels.
Dog Walking. This is a great side job for the dog lover in you. If you have some extra time and love animals this could be a sweet way to make some dough. (Side note: Some people even walk their cats.)
Senior Citizen Assistance. Sometimes senior citizens need help getting around or doing chores around the house. Many children of senior citizens are willing to hire someone to help their aging parents.
Event Planner. Do you find yourself yelling at the tv when watching Say Yes to the Dress? Do you like to plan surprise parties for your friends? Are you organized and great a finding deals? Consider putting your talents to good use by starting an event planning service.
Photographer/Videographer. If you’ve got a Nikon and a knack for taking pictures, you may want to consider starting a photography service. By the same token, people also like to have videos made of special events.
Handyman Services. Invoke your inner Mr. (or Ms.) Fix It and make some cash helping out your neighbors.
If you can think of anything else feel free to share!
Oh, hello, I LOVE your blog. I seriously could not have happened across this site at a better time. (Found you on 20sb.) Your determination, skills and plain old boldness are really inspiring and make my soon-to-be post-grad life not so intimidating. Some of these side businesses are really tempting. I’ve considered advertising my proofreading/editing skills in the past and may end up doing it. And I might have to invest in these finance-related books you’re talking about. Actually, no, I’ll save my money (ha!) and ask for them for Christmas. Thanks!
Hmmm, not sure if my first attempt at a comment disappeared or if it just requires your approval first, but if this is a repeat, please feel free to delete. In any case, as I was saying, I really really love your blog. Came across your site thanks to 20sb and it could not be more fitting for my situation right now. Almost graduating, have no idea what to do, need to start thinking seriously about money, etc. I so badly want to write professionally (and make some money), and the path you’ve made for yourself is really inspiring. So, thanks!
I’m glad you like the blog! Unfortunately the comments are screened, but only because I haven’t been able to figure out how to fix that on WordPress lol. As for writing professionally, as long as you have a computer, internet connection, and determination it can be done!
I blog every day and I now have a page on my blog advertising my writing skills. I haven’t gotten a bite from that and am curious as to how you built up your freelance business. Did you advertise?
I haven’t advertised one bit, unless you count business cards. Niche blogging and proactively seeking clients seems to be working for me as of late. I also use some of the techniques Carol Tice writes about in Make a Living Writing (http://www.makealivingwriting.com). It’s a great blog for freelancers who are unsure of how to market themselves