Earning money the traditional way is not as easy as it used to. Many employees think that they could make money by depending on the company, but the current financial crisis has hit the world by force. Millions of employees were driven away from their once stable careers, and they now face an uncertain future. However, not all hope is lost.
The Freelancing Revolution
While companies may be willing to shed employees to keep their necks out of the water, this does not mean the retired employee's skills will totally go to waste.
Whether you are a regular line worker or a corporate executive officer, you still possess an intimate knowledge of the work you used to do. And this knowledge is still a marketable money maker, even if you do not get hired by a major company like the way things used to be done.
You just need to learn how to repackage your knowledge in such a way that it can easily and conveniently sold to clients. Once you do that, then you are free to freelance your way out of this recession's backlash.
Repackaging Knowledge
Repackaging knowledge may sound like a strange and esoteric way to make cash, but the process is essential if you want to market your skills on the internet marketplace.
The secret to repackaging knowledge involves two processes. First is evaluating what the community needs, and second is evaluating what you have to offer. Doing one without the other is like trying to sell milk in a biker's pub, or trying to put together a model figure without the manual. They are both possible, but you won't be earning extra money to make it worth your while.
If you do not see your specific line of expertise explicitly being looked for, then you have to modify it with other skill-sets in order to adjust to the virtual market. Your intimate knowledge of industrial machinery, the financial market or even a simple hobby can be marketed by writing articles or doing some consultation jobs. It all depends on your creativity and flexibility.
Where Can You Freelance?
There are a number of sites that will give you an idea of how the process of freelancing works, as well as what lucrative skills are best to freelance over the 'net. These freelance sites are a great place for beginners to start, and they provide very concrete definitions of what they are looking for in a freelancer.
A little easy money is to be expected when you begin freelancing, so spend a little time learning the ins and outs of the deals. Once you have taken your first steps in the world of freelancing, you should then proceed to broaden your horizons and search out more lucrative clientele by setting up your own website.
Time and experience will show you what other online money makers doors are open to you, so be patient and stick with the jobs.
And there is one last thing about freelancing. Take the initiative to buy insurance and social services, as you will not automatically avail of them if you freelance. Making money yourself is considered self-employment, so you will have to handle these affairs yourself if you ever get into a nasty situation.
by Mike Gunderson ©