To encourage you all to ask more questions during this week’s
Open Mic Monday topic, I thought I should answer one of the questions that was posted. And, in the process, add a new Q & A section here at JMMO.
So, here you go.
Here, Scott Allen started off with a real tough challenge/question:
“OK, I got one for you, Shai… I know there’s no way to get rich quick, but let’s say that you had, oh, less than $50 to start with, no established reputation, no web site — what is the fastest way to start earning money online — doesn’t have to be big money, but let’s say significantly more than minimum wage.
For example, if you wanted to make an extra $1,000 in the next two weeks, starting from scratch, what would you do?”
Ooookkkaayyy. First of all, two weeks to make an extra $1,000 certainly sounds like a lot of moolah to make from scratch. And yes, after looking at every possible “make money opportunity” on the web over the last decade, I can attest that there’s no such thing as a get-rich-quick scheme that really works. At least, not in my experience. And yes, there are things that I’m just not in the market to try (even though I have been invited).
Having said that, let me try to answer Scott’s question with my Best Case Scenario Hat on.
So, if I had just $50 to spend and with absolutely zero web presence to work with, here are 3 ideas on how to make money online as quickly as possible:
1) Look and/or Post at Job Boards. Even if I’m not looking for a full time gig, other work (consultancy, work-for-hire, etc) can definitely lead to a good part-time income. In fact, I made my first few dollars online doing a variety of freelance work.
Some possible ideas: Writing content for various publications, editing/copywriting, and offering various services for a fee. Whether you’re good at organising, designing, or speaking - there’s a job out there for you.
2) Source for a Great Product to Sell. Then, do an all-out campaign to sell it in at least 3 ways: eBay, my own site/blog, and through active participation in a relevant community (forums, Facebook, etc). If I haven’t got something that I can produce, I will do some flea market treasure hunting and/or I’d hit the garage sales. And maybe, check storage rooms of friends and family.
During the days when I was actively selling on eBay, I’ve heard of a few good stories of sellers making big bucks in unexpected ways. For example, there was a seller who found a popular old book in a garage sale for about $5. Then, she thought of having it appraised and was surprised at the valuation. I believe the book ended up sold for a few hundred dollars.
Oh, and sometimes, it’s not The One Big Great Product. Often, it’s just a collection of small good products that people would love to have.
Of course, there’s a catch here: To know what products to sell and to know how to sell them - you’ll need to have done some market research and such.
3) Do Something Crazy or Wild. This is one of those things that I just can’t - and won’t - try first hand. But, I know some people doing all sorts of online experiments - from trying silly stunts that attract plenty of attention (and cash) - to doing something “in secret” (like getting in to the adult industry). But, other than these, something crazy or wild might simply mean trying lotto/sweepstakes, getting involved in sports betting or some kind of ‘online busking’.
Yes, I know that #3 won’t be for everyone. And, I’m not at all endorsing illegal and indecent activities. I’m just trying to point out the different ways people make money cheaply and quickly.
Hmmm… any other ideas, anyone?