The global economic recession has caused not only loss of jobs, but radical changes in the ways people earn their livings. After nearly 18 months of trying to recover, it has become very clear that previous ways of getting jobs and doing work have been irrevocably altered.
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.
Self-publishing has turned out to be one of the gifts of the Internet. Because computers can produce documents that are easily transferred over the Internet, anyone who is computer literate can create his or her own article or booklet. Becoming computer-savvy, even if computers aren’t one’s primary business, is indispensable for this new economic era.
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.
We live in radically changing times, it’s true, and these changes have proved hard for many to cope with. However, like all authentic pioneers, the ‘digerati’ are learning quickly how to earn income online.
