Times are tough all over. Really tough. What’s even tougher about this particular economic recession is that it appears, in America at least, that the old ways of doing things and finding jobs are going by the wayside.
Instead, what’s happening more often is that people are developing their own creative ways of gaining income. Even though it can mean a radical change in lifestyle, many folks are using this global economic recession to think deeply about their talents and interests, and then finding ways to turn those into incomes to sustain their households.
Many people have discovered that they can write about their interests online, and make money blogging. Short for ‘weblog, ‘ a blog is a type of online column through which people write about a limitless array of topics and interests. Not only does this help restore the self-worth of people who’ve lost their jobs, it often becomes a financial lifeline. People use their blogs to sell online ads, links to other blogs and websites and even digital publications or other products.
Some people branch out using the Internet as their marketing tool. The Internet offers such a limitless range of information that people with computers anywhere in the world can launch a business or a product with ease. These products often include printed materials that previously would have taken a specialist to produce.
Others take advantage of the Internet’s ability to let anyone publish their knowledge. What once took a specialist, or perhaps several specialists, to produce can now be done by a single person who knows how to use a computer. For instance, perhaps a local grower known for the quality of his organic vegetables has experimented with ways to get the maximum yield out of the soil types in his environment. He collects his knowledge into a manuscript typed on a computer, and turns it into a gardening book. He can then sell his book online. Instant income!
Naturally the Internet, which is a virtual environment, isn’t the prime business tool for everyone, especially those who engage in what’s called ‘high-touch’ professions such as doctors, lawyers, hairdressers, childcare centers and those in the arts. However, using the Internet can help even these folks in their businesses.
Many ‘high-touch’ professions now promote their services via the Internet through e-newsletters, emails, article marketing and web sites. One example would be a local musician with an Alvarez acoustic guitar who specializes in flamenco music. With his own website, he can announce his appearances, give samples of his work through audio files, and even set up new appearances through the Internet.
Yes, the world has experienced a radical social and economic shift because of the Internet. The best new ‘digital pioneers’ are learning how to make a living in cyberspace.
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