How to Put Your Past Experience to Work Now
May 9, 2009 by Ina Hikmatullah
Filed under Home Based Business
Whether you are looking to start a new full time business, want to work from home, or simply want to make some extra income on the side, you may be looking in the wrong place!
When many people think of a new business opportunity, they believe that they have to start out in an industry entirely different than what theyve been doing. This can cause a lot of extra work on your part, since you will need to learn everything about the new industry, ranging from the product itself to the competition you will face.
What you may be surprised to learn is that you can make more money and get started faster and easier by looking for a business opportunity that takes into account your past experience. If you want to start a new business, use the skills that you have already learned to do so. You will be much more successful doing what you know instead of learning something entirely new.
Freelance, Consult, Contract
There are many ways that you can use your current industry to allow you to create a new business opportunity to work from home or otherwise earn extra income. In a struggling economy, those with the motivation to take freelance or contract work will find that they have an advantage. Businesses are often more willing to hire freelancers and contractors because they do not have the additional costs of insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. You could also save the company money and other resources if you do your work from home. In most cases, consultants and freelance workers are paid either by the hour or by the project, allowing you and the company hiring you to know how much you will be paid and exactly what the job will entail. However, keep in mind that a lot of motivation is needed in this line of work, since you must be able to sell yourself successfully and continually.
Those Who Have Done, Teach
At some point in your working career, you are going to want a change of pace for one reason or another. You may want to work fewer hours or a less stressful job or simply earn more income without going back to work fulltime. One thing that you can consider doing is teaching. If you have been in the industry for some time, then you may be able to teach that profession at a local college or technical school. Regardless of the type of background your employment history has been in, your experience may be highly valued by institutions because you can teach more than just book smarts. Check your local community college for openings or speak to the head of the department. You may even have success offering to teach an off campus class or night course. These courses can be hard for colleges to fill with regular professors.
Even if teaching is not your forte, there may be other income opportunities available for you. Make a list of your skills and try searching an online job site. You may be surprised at the business opportunities that are available to you. You could also consider writing about what youve learned and selling the articles to trade magazines and websites. Freelancers with actual work experience can often expect a higher premium than those that are generic writers. Look for a creative way to market yourself and your experience and you will be surprised at how far a little motivation can go.[I:http://www.w3buck.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/InaHikmatullah0.jpg]
