The first decade of the 21st century saw the world economy turned on its head, and the knock-on effect has been dramatic, creating a feeling of fear and instability.
There is no guarantee of job security, and people realize the old model of depending on one stream of income may no longer be enough.
The positive side of this upheaval and instability is that it shakes people out of their comfort zone and forces them to consider alternatives.
Companies also look at different ways to reduce their costs, which can include outsourcing and offering telecommute options for employees.
Which is where you come in.
If you are unhappy in your job, if you need to generate some extra money, if you want to start doing something you love, there has never been a better time than now.
You can create an alternative income and improve the quality of your life financially, physically, and emotionally.
An alternative income will mean different things for different people: - A part-time opportunity to earn some extra cash - An opportunity that starts part-time, but eventually grows to full-time - A complete change of career - Getting experience in a different field - Getting paid for a hobby they enjoy Traditionally your choices were to work in a regular "job," or go all-out and run your own business.
The reality is the jump from paid employee to freelancer, to business owner, to entrepreneur, will most likely take several steps.
The desire to create a change in your financial circumstances has to be balanced with the responsibility of bills to pay and/or a family to take care of.
Some people can burn their bridges, leave everything and focus full-time on making a change, especially if they know what they want to do.
Most people will start slowly, as they navigate through the mind-boggling amount of information that is available.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of different ways to make money, but only a handful that will make you money.
Why? Because if your heart is not in it, if you don't like what you are doing, you will, at best, be average.
To be good at something, you need to like what you are doing.
To be successful, you need to love what you are doing.
When you do something only because you need the money, there is a burden of "must" and it can be a struggle to do it.
When you love what you are doing, you are more creative, more motivated and more committed, putting your heart and soul into a project.
Passion for a project is a great motivator.
You might not be passionate about the topic itself, but passionate about the journey.
For example, a salesperson sells anything from paperclips to manure, neither of which are particularly exciting products.
However, the thrill of the chase, the challenge of getting someone to buy your product, to win new contracts, that could be a passion and an adrenaline rush.
The important thing is not to be limited by straight-line thinking.
Don't be put off because what you love to do does not seem to be profitable, or have much opportunity for growth.
Once you start, other opportunities for growth appear.
- You meet new clients - You network with similar people - You get recommendations and referrals Once you start connecting with people in your chosen field, you can create a mastermind group to discuss opportunities, get new ideas to build your business, create new products, or offer new services.
A "product" defines anything you plan to offer your clients and can include an online product like an eBook, a physical product like chairs, or a service like consulting and freelancing.
They all need the same ingredients: Preparation - Research your product and target market Planning - Decide how you are going to reach your target market Persistence - Consistent action to create long-term income Take stock of your situation and do as much as you can with the time and resources you have available.
The path to success is different for each individual, but one common theme exists if you want to make changes in your financial situation: you have to take action.
There is no guarantee of job security, and people realize the old model of depending on one stream of income may no longer be enough.
The positive side of this upheaval and instability is that it shakes people out of their comfort zone and forces them to consider alternatives.
Companies also look at different ways to reduce their costs, which can include outsourcing and offering telecommute options for employees.
Which is where you come in.
If you are unhappy in your job, if you need to generate some extra money, if you want to start doing something you love, there has never been a better time than now.
You can create an alternative income and improve the quality of your life financially, physically, and emotionally.
An alternative income will mean different things for different people: - A part-time opportunity to earn some extra cash - An opportunity that starts part-time, but eventually grows to full-time - A complete change of career - Getting experience in a different field - Getting paid for a hobby they enjoy Traditionally your choices were to work in a regular "job," or go all-out and run your own business.
The reality is the jump from paid employee to freelancer, to business owner, to entrepreneur, will most likely take several steps.
The desire to create a change in your financial circumstances has to be balanced with the responsibility of bills to pay and/or a family to take care of.
Some people can burn their bridges, leave everything and focus full-time on making a change, especially if they know what they want to do.
Most people will start slowly, as they navigate through the mind-boggling amount of information that is available.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of different ways to make money, but only a handful that will make you money.
Why? Because if your heart is not in it, if you don't like what you are doing, you will, at best, be average.
To be good at something, you need to like what you are doing.
To be successful, you need to love what you are doing.
When you do something only because you need the money, there is a burden of "must" and it can be a struggle to do it.
When you love what you are doing, you are more creative, more motivated and more committed, putting your heart and soul into a project.
Passion for a project is a great motivator.
You might not be passionate about the topic itself, but passionate about the journey.
For example, a salesperson sells anything from paperclips to manure, neither of which are particularly exciting products.
However, the thrill of the chase, the challenge of getting someone to buy your product, to win new contracts, that could be a passion and an adrenaline rush.
The important thing is not to be limited by straight-line thinking.
Don't be put off because what you love to do does not seem to be profitable, or have much opportunity for growth.
Once you start, other opportunities for growth appear.
- You meet new clients - You network with similar people - You get recommendations and referrals Once you start connecting with people in your chosen field, you can create a mastermind group to discuss opportunities, get new ideas to build your business, create new products, or offer new services.
A "product" defines anything you plan to offer your clients and can include an online product like an eBook, a physical product like chairs, or a service like consulting and freelancing.
They all need the same ingredients: Preparation - Research your product and target market Planning - Decide how you are going to reach your target market Persistence - Consistent action to create long-term income Take stock of your situation and do as much as you can with the time and resources you have available.
The path to success is different for each individual, but one common theme exists if you want to make changes in your financial situation: you have to take action.