Make Money this Summer! (part 2)

Regina Bish and Arianne Hammond, Youthlink Writers

'Tis the season to cultivate and advance your entrepreneurial skills and the following suggestions require neither résumé nor application letter. All you'll need is talent, a creative mind and willpower. This week's target no particular category but apply to the general public.

Summer is just beginning. Perhaps one or two of these tips apply to you and will be beneficial to you this year. Make it your best summer yet. Whatever it is that you choose to do, Youthlink recommends that you have fun with it and make sure it's worth your while. 

1. Sell your used textbooks

I'm sure many of you have some textbooks that you will no longer need this upcoming school year. You can sell them to others in a lower grade at a discounted price to earn a quick buck. Parents of these students will be grateful for the reduced strain on their pockets when it's time for back-to-school shopping. Literature, sociology and history books are ideal for resale. 

2. Cyber commerce

Since most of us spend a lot of time on the Internet anyway, why not open a new tab beside Facebook.com and try conducting business over the Internet. You can sell new and used items ranging from cellphones and phone accessories to video game consoles and chargers; the list is endless. It's like having a yard sale from your desktop. A good website is shopinja.com which is like the Jamaican version of ebay.com. Youthlink advises that you be mature and sensible when going about business of this nature. We also recommend that you get a parent or trusted adult involved. 

3. Your wish is my command

No, you're not a genie or a fairy, but you can magically turn your organisational skills and reliability into cash. How? Simple. Be a personal assistant. Your teachers, parents and even friends have a ton of stuff they need to get done but, unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in each day. You can make yourself absolutely useful by offering your time to help these persons with whatever errand they need to get done. For instance, mark papers for teachers, buy and do things for friends, then add your service charge to that. Whatever arrangements you come up with, make sure it's reasonable and suits you perfectly. Also ensure that it's something that can expand your clientele for the entire summer. 

4. Hustlers 101

We don't recommend that you go out to Half-Way Tree and stand there selling banana chips or phonecards, but we do suggest that you do it from the comfort of your own home. For instance, you and your friends talk incessantly on a daily basis so why not start selling phonecards to them. Additionally, you can use your creative mind to think of something exclusive to sell that is rarely available or only available from you (legal, of course!). You can also sell pastries, snacks and other sweet treats in your community that children will certainly enjoy and that your community shops probably don't provide. This should keep you busy and rolling in dough all summer long. 

5. Enter competitions

Enter as many competitions and giveaways this summer as you possibly can. It is usually stipulated that you can enter as often as you wish, and don't you often wish for some extra cash? Clearly we are not suggesting that you engage in unauthorised gambling or illegal activities. Look through Youthlink from time to time and you will find companies that have some sort of competition or giveaway going on.