As the global economy continues to falter, everyone is looking for ways to make a little extra money. Most seek second jobs or pick up extra shifts at their current workplace. But what about harnessing the power of the Internet to earn more cash? On the worldwide Web, you can turn a profit for your own pocket by selling products you create, services you're good at or customized content you produce, like articles and how-to videos, on topics that you're passionate about.
Creating a Web business can also be empowering to both you and your bottom line. Besides the cash infusion it gives you, owning an online business allows you to be your own boss, work from home and do so at your own pace.
Almost everyone, including you, knows a lot about at least one subject. Maybe you're into baking, bull riding or ballroom dancing. Whatever it is, there are millions of people around the world who converge in cyberspace because they're interested in exactly the same things you are. You've already got a captive customer base. Use that to your advantage.
''Think about creating a site -- with products, content or services for sale -- for your fellow enthusiasts,'' said branding guru Bruce Turkel, author of Building Brand Value. ``The advantage is you're an instant expert and you know what they want because it's what you want, too.''
If you're an unemployed accountant, use a website as a digital business card to sell your consulting services at tax time or until you find a permanent job. If all your friends rave about the great desserts you make in your spare time, create a website and sell your signature cookies, cupcakes and other delicious treats.
Here's what I did: After the success of my dating advice site http://www.dontdatehimgirl.com/, I decided to create http://www.chickcentric.com/, an organic beauty site. I hope to build it into a brand women will embrace. But it's early yet, and I've got a long way to go. In future columns, I'll chronicle my successes, failures and impart the valuable lessons I learn along the way to Business Monday readers as I try to launch a profitable site in a down economy.
How well you do with your online business depends on you.
Your immediate goal is to inject extra cash into your budget. But just think about what you could do if you thought a little bigger?
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