21 Top Tips For Ways To Earn More Money:

I recently read someone's opinion that many people have no way to earn more money. This may occasionally be true - but more often it is not. There are many ways to earn more money that are available to all kinds of people.

Although this site started as an investigation of possible ways to make money while you sleep - I thought it would be helpful for people to get as many money-making ideas as possible. So I started to branch out into all aspects of the subject.

Here is a list I compiled of some ideas for ways to make money. Many of these fall into the category of "extra money" rather than bread-and-butter - but in truth this is more often a question of how hard you go at it and how big you scale your operations.

It's up to you, your patience, brilliance and determination - and if you can do more work than other people, you can often earn more. If you can create a system or network that empowers many people and gets them all to work on the same project, you might be able to create an empire.

Watch this space - if I come across more possibilities in the future, I will add them to this list. And if you think of any good ones, let me know and if I include them I'll thank you with a link.

-- Alex Newman

1. Asset consolidation.

Consider trading in assets that are not making you much money for assets that will earn greater revenue. This could be anything from a stock that is going nowhere through to an old painting that is gathering dust. Also, do not leave money lying around idle - put it to work, invest it!

Asset management is one of the real keys to wealth and I have discussed it in much greater detail in my books.

2. Sell some of your old stuff on eBay.

Most people have items they no longer really need - and it never ceases to amaze me that so many people here in the good ole' USA have basements stuffed to the ceiling full of things they will probably never actually use again.

Many of these items are potential candidates for selling on eBay. Think in particular about items that are smaller, not too fragile, easy to mail, and would fetch over $50. Sort out your stuff, get rid of your junk and take a bite out of your money problems at the same time. I did this and it worked really well for me. Bigger items could possibly be sold locally on craigslist.com. And I'm sure there are still companies that will sell your stuff for you on eBay for a percentage if you have other things to do.

You'd be amazed at what you can sell on eBay. I once sold a dead laptop on eBay! I explained with absolute clarity that the computer was dead as a doorstop, that some of the parts may or may not be working, and that I made no guarantees whatsoever. I sold it and received positive feedback from the buyer - because they knew what they were getting and were obviously planning to "scrap" the computer and salvage some working parts.

I always select the "buy now only" option when selling on eBay. I find I get better sales that way - so long as the item is priced to sell. Many serious buyers prefer to buy there and then when they have decided they want something. They don't want to wait for a few days and see if they won (or up their bid).

Another thing that's hugely important is being a "good seller". Always be meticulously honest when describing your items and any flaws they may have, package your items impeccably with excellent padding, and follow through well with communications and transaction details. You want that good feedback. I have 100% positive feedback from well over 100 transactions and the amount of trust it builds is invaluable.

You might even be able to clear out enough space with all the junk you get rid of, that you can also free up some space and make some money renting it out (see no. 5 below). And there's also potential to create an "eBay store" and turn buying and selling on eBay into a business.

I've actually written a free guide to eBay (PDF).

3. Sell your skills.

Everyone has developed and acquired skills and knowledge of some kind. You can make money from these. Possible monetization options to investigate include one-on-one tuition, giving workshops or lectures, creating PDF "how-to" documents, creating a "free tips" type blog or web site which features some advertising.

Many people have amassed great expertise or experience of some kind, and if you are one of these, another fantastic option is consultancy. True experts in their field can often make great fees as consultants helping others to success.

4. Content libraries.

There are many content libraries - such as Shutterstock and Fotolia which enable you to upload digital content (in the case of shutterstock and fotolia, this is photos - but there are other options out there such as audio content). You then profit every time this content is downloaded. This could be a wonderful way to earn some extra cash. If you have a good digital camera and some photography skills, there is unlimited potential here. Can you think of imagery that is rare in other places but common in your location?

5. Rent out a room.

Clear out that spare room and find a tenant! Be careful to find a good, respectful person and you have a great source of additional revenue. Background checks are valuable. Also, if you work for a big multinational corporation, the kind that often flies people around, you may be able to earn money making rooms available to people who work for the company. Another option, if you live in a picturesque or touristy area, is to consider creating holiday or B&B accomodation. Other options to consider, if feasible, include renting garage, workshop or studio space.

6. Work from home / your computer.

There are many genuine ways to do this. From web / graphic design, working for call centers through to data entry and other computer work, there are plenty of options.

Do you have access to a computer, talent and skills as a writer, and fast typing speed? Associated Content pays money for articles - either a flat rate or pay-per-view. Headline quality is paramount in attracting pageviews and I recommend researching how to write good headlines. Use a google search on the terms "killer headlines" and "power words" to get some excellent ideas for this.

Special tip - if you are a good talker, there is now dictation software available which enables you to dictate to your computer at full speed and it is three times faster than typing. Something to consider - such as Macspeech for Mac and Dragon for Windows. I tried Associated Content and it definitely has some potential, I just didn't feel like cranking out masses of articles to build someone else's online real estate, when I could develop my own!

Another work-from-home option - teaching English. I met a lady who teaches English online using Skype. She basically chats in English with people in other countries and they pay her. She gives them a great opportunity to practice conversation and they pay for her time.

There is much freelance work available. Here are more options to investigate for freelance computer warriors, coders and designers:
Getafreelancer.com
Guru.com
Odesk.com
Limeexchange.com

Here's a great post listing more good ways to make money from your computer:

Now a measure of caution is required with the whole world of Making Money Online, as there are a number of "snake oil" type products that promise fabulous, easy riches - and under-deliver.

It is possible to make gigantic wads of cash through internet marketing - but if we study closely the people who actually did it, profit rarely comes overnight; and they most likely worked like ants for a while - possibly even for a few years - before finally achieving the skills, network, investment power and brilliance to achieve the kind of "push button dollars" they boast of. By all means try something if it really appeals to you, but be aware that internet marketing is typically a complex art and science. It is possible to make money while you sleep, and some do so very well - but not usually without serious work, knowledge and brilliant ideas first.

As an aside, internet and authorship opportunities can be especially valuable for people who need to stay at home or are limited in some ways in mobility. I once injured my back and could barely walk. I could not do my regular work for a month. But I could sit at my computer and type! Some people have children and need to keep one eye on them - so this kind of work might be perfect for them also. Others already have work-from-home businesses and may be looking to earn extra money on the side.

7. Busk.

(Note - being a street performer may not be legal or may require a special permit in some locations, please check.)
If you have circus skills, are a great instrumentalist, or are a theater performer of some kind, street performance can be a fantastic way to earn some extra money. It's either your thing or it is not. You also gain a huge amount of exposure to your work this way and it may also be possible in theory to use it as an opportunity to sell CDs, promote performances / sell tickets, or collect names for an email list.

8. Create and sell art and crafts.

From making clothes through to making candles, carving wood through to making stained glass, there are many avenues for the crafty. A good thing about this is that you can do it small-scale - and turn an enjoyable pastime into a way to make some extra cash. An option for artists is to approach businesses (typically small retail or cafes, but there are many options here so be creative) offering them a percentage of sales in return for hanging their paintings.

One of the challenges of making crafts is that you may be competing head to head with foreign imports of products that are made far cheaper than yours can be.

9. Get a raise.

The first step towards this is in doing excellent work. The next step might simply be to ask for it! Done in the right way, it can demonstrate ambition, drive, value. You are the kind of person that they want to keep around - this is what you need to "sell" here.

10. Develop a new business.

The sky is the limit here, but the concept is simple: First you need to have something that people greatly want or need - whether it is skills, or the ability to create certain items. Everyone has something to offer. The trick to generating interest is in focusing on creating high value, and on working in markets that are growing and have real potential.

11. Get an extra part-time job.

Let's face it. There is always work that needs doing. One of the key skills here - ask for it! One tactic I have pursued very successfully on several occasions is to send a mass email out to my entire list of friends and family simply asking if there is any work available. Another tactic is to use spare time such as a lunch hour simply approaching businesses and straight-up asking if they have any work. There's also the option of "odd jobs": Mow lawns, clean, wash cars, do dump runs or deliveries.

12. Garage sale.

Team up with your neighborhood to hold a big one, a lot more people show up that way.

13. Collect recycling.

Instead of just handing it in, consider that there are organizations that will pay for separated recycling. It might seem "low status" to some - but you're helping the environment and therefore your children's children. What could possibly be higher status than that? Also, if you don't think there's any money in this, check out this surprising youtube video.

14. Collect missing money owed to you.

Missingmoney.com is a famous web site that enables people to search for money that may be due to them. An amazing number of people find money that is due to them this way.

15. Can you proofread?

Typobounty.com pays people to read through documents and find typos. It's a relatively new site but there could be some great potential here.

16. Sell produce or flowers from your garden at a local market.

Something for the gardeners and greenthumbs among you.

17. Get focused.

Are you spending much of your time actually performing the actions that will make money? Or do you easily get distracted?

18. Get more leverage.

A classic way to do this is to market yourself and your services / product as a brand. This can greatly increase marketshare, visibility, and the amount you can charge. Another classic is to collect and maintain a customer or client leads database. Many people do not keep good lists of potential or past clients. There is huge gold in this method.

19. Sell bottled water.

Buy bottled water in bulk, and take it to events where there will be lots of thirsty people. Note - I haven't actually done this, so for all I know, there may be some legal / operational restrictions on this in your area - so you will have to check whether you need some sort of street vendor's license or something; but the potential here is great. Think of parks, open air free concerts, street fairs, large free gatherings etc - especially those that are futher from civilization.

20. Put Adsense or other advertising on your web site.

If you have a web site that gets some decent traffic, put Adsense on it, pay careful attention to the terms of use, and you'll start earning money while you sleep. I did this. There are plenty of tips online for how to maximise Adsense revenue which are worth further research - but the best simple advice I can give is this; you need lots of traffic. Create high quality content and generate interest in your pages through having something people really want.

21. Pet sitter.

Funnily enough, I am actually doing this one right now as I type! My friend is on vacation and his dog is asleep in the garage. We have a large area out back with a high fence - and all I really have to do is check up on the dawg and give him some "human time" a few times a day, take him for a walk, feed him according to instructions and with food provided, and make sure his water bowl is topped up.

It's easy money for me, this one - and my friend is happy knowing his Best Friend is with someone who will be nice to him. This could be ideal if you love animals, have a calm, kind temperament and enjoy / have experience and skill working with them. I love dogs and lived with them from as early as I can remember through to when I moved out of my parents house! I found a great article with more details on this here.

22. (Bonus tip! ) Do some further research.

What I've brought you is truly the tip of the iceberg. Go to your favorite search engine and type in "ways to make more money" or "ways to earn extra cash" or similar. There are a mountain of them. Special tip - read the comments sections of the lists you will find in blog post form. There are many valuable tips shared there.

23. (Another bonus tip! ) See it through.

Many people try something, and then when it doesn't make profit as fast as they would like, abandon it in favour of something else.

This was me. I dabbled in all sorts of things whereas if I had concentrated on one good thing with an actual revenue model and real potential, I'm sure I would have risen much more quickly.

There's typically more money to be made by being really good at one thing than by being half as good at twice as many things. So long as it is the right thing.

So pick something that has an actual revenue model with real potential and stick to it. "An actual revenue model with real potential" means that the actual method of making the money is solid, not vague or dangerous; that a good number of people are known to already be doing well at it, it has rising potential and that there is a high overall success rate.

* * * * * * *

Summary

Well, there it is. I hope you have seen from this that there really are a mountain of possible ways to earn more money. Often, people say they cannot make more money. Perhaps they just needed some ideas, passion and the motivation to give up some of their leisure time. I hope you've found some here. You'll never do anything if you sit around making excuses or saying "I can't". You can! So get going...

-- Alex Newman

© 2009