22 Unusually Specific Ways to Earn More Money

Every Sunday I send out something to think about, a question to ponder and something to try to make your life a little more pleasant. The idea is to inspire and encourage positive change. Readers share their progress so we can all benefit from the learnings.

THINK

“Focus on solving real problems and not on making money. There will be enough takers for your solutions. You will help make lives of some people better, and money will follow.” 

– Bhavish Aggarwal

My partner, Lou, doesn’t have to work but she chooses to keep herself busy and help people at the same time. She’s a local ‘Handy Women’. 

Her family run a hardware store in the village. She grew up around tools, materials and supplies. She loves DIY and fixing things. 

I, on the other hand, grew up with a dad that did everything for us. I wasn’t interested in fixing things and he didn’t have the patience to persist. 

The result… 

Lou became the man of the house. 

Despite the constant ribbing I get from family and friends, we’re very happy with our arrangement. 

I make our money and invest it. She fixes stuff around the house. 

“So what’s the point of this emasculating story?” I hear you ask, behind suppressed laughter.

We all have natural tendencies and inclinations. Lean into them. 

This week, Lou was helping out a lady, and she asked if Lou was interested in ‘house sitting’ their dog when they went away on holiday. 

We don’t have pets, despite liking animals, so Lou’s considering it as a one-off. She’d probably do it for free, but she’s been offered money for it. 

It got me thinking… 

What other unusually specific ways are there to make money nowadays?  

Here are 22 to get your juices flowing:

1. Start a pet-sitting or dog-walking service for busy pet owners in your local area.
2. Offer a bespoke gift-wrapping service for customers at your local shopping centre or market. 
3. Participate in paid focus groups and surveys through online platforms. 
4. Design and flog T-Shirts, Jumpers, mugs, etc. on the numerous Print on Demand stores online.
5. Rent out your driveway or parking space to commuters or event-goers. 
6. Offer a personal shopping service for busy professionals or elderly people who may struggle with mobility.
7. Use your expertise in a particular subject to offer tutoring services to students of all ages. You know something others value. 
8. Sell your handmade crafts or goods online through platforms such as Etsy or Amazon Handmade.
9. Rent out your spare room on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms.
10. Offer freelance writing, editing or proofreading services to businesses or individuals.
11. Start a house cleaning service for busy professionals or elderly people.
12. Offer gardening services for homeowners who may not have the time or desire to maintain their gardens. Without Lou, I would hire one. 
13. Create and sell digital products, such as online courses or eBooks, on platforms like Skillshare, Gumroad or Udemy on topics you have knowledge and experience in.
14. Use your photography skills to offer family or pet photography services.
15. Offer a bike repair service for cyclists in your local area.
16. Rent out equipment you don’t use (camera gear, DJ equipment, Scooters, etc.) on platforms like Fat Llama.
17. Use your baking skills to offer cake or pastry-making services for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays.
18. Offer virtual personal training services for clients who may not be able to attend a gym in person.
19. Offer translation services for businesses or individuals who need help communicating in another language.
20. Use your musical talents to offer music lessons or entertainment services for events such as weddings or parties.
21. Offer to help people move home in your local area. Use your van or rent one for the day. 
22. Get paid to be Santa, rather than the real numpty who does it for free.

This list is not exhaustive. The possibilities are endless.

Use it to spark your creativity. 

Lou needed a few nudges from me to finally put herself out there and become a local ‘Handy Women’ but she loves it and earns a modest income from it. 

What possibilities await you?

 Reflect and share this list with someone. 

ASK

If you’re interested in earning more money on the side, consider the following: 

“What would you happily do for free to help someone out?” 

If you’re struggling with ideas, consider:

“Which of the 22 options above do you find the most appealing?”

Poke around those areas online and see what possibilities are out there. 

Write down what comes to mind. 

TRY

You haven’t got to start a business off the bat. Just explore the possibility and help someone.

1. Put out an ad in your local Newsletter, Newspaper, Facebook Community, Shop or Noticeboard. 

2. Offer your services for a modest price.

Don’t expect to nail this on the first attempt. 

Trial and error will play a part but you’ll gain valuable learning, satisfaction and confidence from trying. 

Remember: Little by little, a little becomes a lot.  

SHARE

Comment below and share how it went for you. Let me know if you’d prefer to remain anonymous. 

If you completed Step 1 of ‘Try’, COMMENT and share your wins with the world. 

10 x Huw Points will be distributed to anyone who replies to this email with an image of the actual ad. 😮 (No way!….)