It really is quite amazing to consider that these days, someone needn’t leave their small apartment to survive with a relatively actualized life. Even if they live on the cusp of a great city, they needn’t visit it. Working from home, they may order their groceries through same-day services such as Amazon, gain all of their content through streaming services and the internet, read everything online or through downloaded PDFs, or again, deliver the items they want.
But why even think of this? We know that when that person actually makes the effort to leave their house, to meet people, to socialize, to experience their city, they will live a better quality of life. Well, we highlight this former example because it’s interesting to think of the power you hold within your hands with a simple computing device and a decent internet connection.
Yes, this means bolstering your income. With an online gig, a subcontracting process, or perhaps even creating your own content online, the possibilities are endless. Millionaires have been made simply due to pressing ‘record’ on webcam software and offering an opinion.
So, how might you make use of this? Well, consider the following:
Internet Radio/Podcasting
Podcasting and internet radio stations are together becoming some of the most-consumed media, as they are practical and easy to absorb anywhere. You cannot watch a television show or YouTube video at work (without sneaking away), or realistically watch them while walking in the park. But you can listen to a podcast, or you can tune into a radio station during your commute to work.
As such, a massive opening for those who wish to provide content is out there. More and more car computing systems are connected to the internet, meaning that premium radio stations are becoming less and less the only option you have for accessing the best networks and content out there.
It might be that you wish to start a podcast based on life advice, business help or even your comedic conversations with those you wish to interview. You may alternatively wish to learn how to start an internet radio station, playing the golden oldies or returning back to the golden days of talk radio and the ‘shock jock’ism often found there. This can be a great side initiative for anyone with the equipment and willingness to apply the know-how. On top of this, you may monetize your approach using PayPal donations, Patreon subscriptions or paywalls for added content, as a means to cover your operating costs and perhaps earn a little incentive to keep the project going.
You’re only limited to your imagination, as with an internet offering, you can almost do anything you like. Of course, certain providers such as iTunes and Spotify have certain stipulations regarding what content you can broadcast, and even if hosting this from your own website you are still tied to legal considerations, that goes without saying. But it could be that your efforts in archiving and broadcasting old wartime broadcasts? This could be a great outlet for it. There are many hobbyist efforts out there that, like this, can provide you with a great opportunity and a great amount of fun at the same time.
Subcontracting
The ability to freelance and become a subcontractor for many individuals and outlets can potentially open the doors to applying your skill as you might have wanted to in the past. For example, you may look online for freelance writing jobs, as there are many great SEO content houses out there looking for great writers to apply marketing copy for their clients. It could also be that through registering for services such as Upwork you can take on more specific clients on a one-job basis, helping you texture your portfolio, giving you much more to play with.
But do not think this is the only avenue. If you have digital illustration ability, you might decide to go freelance, offering your work on a commission-based approach. For example, streaming on services like Twitch under the creative categories could connect you with wannabe content creators who wish for branded content to help market themselves. You might design logos, avatars or streaming screens for them. This is just one tiny example out of many. It could be that you design custom merch, contact short film projects in need of branding help, or become known for providing poster designs in the local music community. All this can begin online, provided you market yourself well, have a regular offering and build your portfolio slowly. On top of that – don’t be afraid to treat yourself as a business. Do not take work without payment, or follow a half-now half-later approach. When you subcontract in this manner, you open the doors to your potential further revenue.
Content Production
Producing content can be an extremely freeing enterprise, especially if it starts picking up steam. When you achieve this, you can make a lot of headway in developing your own platform, which is what many intend to do in the modern-day. You might decide to write a blog, detailing your experiences with business or parenting. You may run a YouTube channel dedicated to your makeup and beauty regimen, and one day use that platform to release your own line of products.
You would be surprised just what skills can be celebrated online. For example, it is not uncommon for professional ‘meme makers,’ to have a platform for donations online, or for those who make mini-documentaries about strange internet culture events to gain a massive following. The producing of content can truly open you up as a person, and give you many avenues to better yourself and your approach. You just need to believe in it to begin with.
With this advice, we hope you can consider your potential output more conclusively, and potentially empower yourself with the tools to make something of these opportunities.