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How I ACTUALLY Made Money Online (Not a scam, not “passive income”, not "easy money")

Introduction

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a financial rut? You might be following the same worn-out advice that just isn’t working. You watch video after video about making money online, but it seems like all the methods either don’t work, require years of experience, or just simply are not appealing. Trust me, I’ve been in that same boat. Years ago, I found myself homeless, desperately searching for ways to earn a decent income, and what I discovered changed my life entirely.

In this article, I'm sharing how I transitioned from that challenging chapter in my life to making multiple six figures per month. I’m going to walk you through three unconventional money-making methods that anyone can apply, regardless of background or experience. Spoiler alert: These aren't scams, “get rich quick” schemes, or passive income offers. These are genuine, practical strategies that can potentially transform your financial situation.

My Journey

To give you some context, I didn't start in the best situation. I grew up poor, constantly moving between trailer parks, Section 8 housing, and even dealing with periods of homelessness. Those experiences taught me valuable lessons: primarily, you need to proactively seek out opportunities; when others zig, sometimes you need to zag.

The Three Money-Making Methods

1. Selling Physical Items

While the online world is booming, there are still opportunities in the physical realm that shouldn’t be overlooked. A pivotal moment in my journey came when I met someone in Western Kansas who sold eyeglass cleaner at various events. It may sound quirky, but I learned the ropes from that person and saw an opportunity for myself.

After relocating to Eastern Kansas, I launched my own eyeglass cleaner business and set up shop at state fairs, gun shows, RV shows, and more. On a great day, I could earn over $ 1,000, and in one weekend, I pulled in $ 1,800. That income was life-changing.

From this experience, I gained three vital insights:

  • Go where the opportunity is; don’t wait for it to find you.
  • Learn in-demand skills, especially sales and communication. This skill set continues to be valuable, regardless of how technology evolves.
  • Don't follow the crowd; sometimes the best prospects are found in less obvious niches.

To get started with this method:

  • Identify a product or service that people need but isn't oversaturated.
  • Consider buying low and selling high, utilizing platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
  • Start small at local events to gain experience, then scale up as you learn.

2. Tutoring

Another successful strategy was tutoring in subjects where I had expertise. My turning point came when I became proficient in the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), earning a near-perfect score. Through extensive research, I found the best study materials, and once I mastered them, I started to tutor pre-pharmacy students.

What’s amazing is that I was able to charge over $ 100 per hour. My results spoke for themselves; I helped students improve their scores significantly, and word-of-mouth referrals led to a steady stream of business.

Here are three key takeaways:

  • Become exceptionally skilled at something, whether it's in academics or any craft.
  • Use your proven results for credibility, as they will help justify your rates.
  • Remember, word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool.

To kickstart your tutoring journey:

  • Identify a subject or skill you excel at and are passionate about.
  • Seek to become an expert in that field through dedicated study.
  • Offer lower rates initially to gather testimonials and build your reputation.

3. Documenting Your Journey

The third method, and my personal favorite, is documenting your journey. I started a YouTube channel to share my experiences, including the challenges and successes I faced, especially with education. Initially, growth was slow, but after meeting a mentor, everything shifted.

I gradually focused on being genuine and providing real value, which paid off; my channel now generates multiple six figures monthly. Documenting my journey allowed me to not only help others but also secure financial independence.

Key lessons from this approach:

  • Authenticity is crucial; people can detect pretense easily.
  • Provide real value by solving genuine problems for your audience.
  • Consistency is vital; success is rarely instantaneous.

To start documenting your journey:

  • Choose a platform, with YouTube being an excellent option.
  • Create content regularly that emphasizes value and problem-solving.
  • Be patient; building an audience takes time, but the rewards are significant.

Final Thoughts

A common thread in all these methods is the principle of seeking opportunities. Each strategy emphasizes finding and filling needs that others may overlook. This requires a mindset shift: don’t assume that just because something is popular, it’s a good opportunity. Sometimes, the best paths are less traveled.

Today, I enjoy financial freedom and the ability to influence and assist others, doing what I love. Remember, your mindset is your greatest ally or your biggest obstacle. It's crucial to move beyond your comfort zone to achieve success.

Now, if you're unsure where to start and wish to explore different career paths, consider checking out various free or low-cost professional certification programs, which can offer insight into what resonates most with you.

Keywords

  • Financial rut
  • Money-making methods
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Selling physical items
  • Tutoring
  • Documenting journey
  • Authenticity
  • Building skills
  • Opportunities

FAQ

Can anyone make money online?
Yes, with the right mindset and strategies, anyone can find methods that resonate with them.

Do I need special skills to start?
Not initially; you can develop skills over time with practice and dedication.

What if I’m not comfortable sharing my journey?
Start small. Growth often occurs outside your comfort zone, and building confidence takes time.

How long will it take to see results?
Results vary by individual and method, but consistency and dedication typically yield improvement over time.

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