Make money this summer (Part 1)
Regina Bish and Arianne Hammond, Youthlink Writers
Ahhhh, summer! If there's one thing that most teens have a lot of during the summer, it's time. With so much time on your hands, why not capitalise on it and earn a little cash for yourselves? The little extra will come in handy for savings, back-to-school expenditure or to fund your summer expeditions. If you are already versed in this practice, good for you! If you've never tried anything of the sort, fret not thyself! 'Tis the season to cultivate and advance your entrepreneurial skills and you'll need neither résumé nor application letters. All that is required are your creativity, mindset and willpower. The following suggestions are categorised to suit your individual talents and skills.
Artsy-craftsy
Great if: If you're good at making items and/or cooking, then this is definitely up your street.
What to do
Use your hands to easily translate your talents and skills into income. You can create original pieces, market and sell them to friends, relatives, neighbours, even strangers for some quick cash. Try making accessories like bags, headwear and jewellery to suit the summer season; even the simplest of things such as bookmarks.
For the young chefs among you, try preparing something simple and portable such as a fruit salad or a variety of cool, refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade or fruit smoothies. In this heat, you won't be short of buyers.
How to get it done
Upload photos of your handmade items on Facebook and tag your friends. Better yet, create a product page for your items and ask your friends to share the page as well. It's summer and many teens have more time for social networking, especially after the recent exams. Use this to your advantage and maximise on the potential for marketing your products. To go about selling your food and beverage items, try going to venues where there is a large contingency of people, such as at a community football match or any other place you may find potential customers.
Tech-savvy
Great if: If you understand how gadgets work and if you can manipulate the Internet.
What to do
In today's technologically charged day and age, you techy people have the most diverse means of earning extra cash. You can offer services along the lines of repairing electronics, including BlackBerrys, iPhones, laptops and all things digital! This, of course, depends on your individual skill level. You could also design and create web logos or build websites for new businesses, even for a few entrepreneurial friends who need some help with marketing. If you fall into this category, you can probably make the most amount of money.
How to get it done
Work of this nature requires business cards for distribution, provided you have the available funds and/or access to printing. As an alternative, you could simply set up a Facebook page to advertise your services as well as market yourself using BlackBerry messenger (BBM) and Twitter
Academically inclined
Great if: If you're what many people refer to as 'bright' and get above-average grades in school.
What to do
Hey, bright sparks, you were obviously blessed with a brilliant brain, so why not share some of your knowledge with others as a payable service? Consider tutoring some of your peers who might need to improve in a certain subject area for the upcoming school year. You can even operate your own 'school' without the restrictions of an actual school. Involve friends and family members who can offer their time and knowledge to expand your venture.
How to get it done
You do not need much marketing. Just spread the word among your schoolmates, fellow teens, friends and so on via messaging, word of mouth and other means.
Summer is just beginning. Perhaps one or two of these tips may be useful to you, make it your most profitable summer yet.
Whatever you choose to do, Youthlink recommends that you have fun with it and make sure it's worth your while. Catch us again next week for general suggestions that apply to all, regardless of special talents or skills.
