Read & write

For many people the economy has had devastating effects. Many are out of work and searching for alternatives to nine to five employment. For many of these people this search has resulted in frustration and devastatingly low self esteem. For others the downturn has provided them with the motivation to begin a new career based on a home business. For others a home business is a way to get a second income in order to cope with the increased cost of living. Whatever the reason now is the ideal time to take a good look at the opportunities that are available for those who have the discipline and entrepreneurial spirit to start and maintain a home business. By leveraging their knowledge from their hobbies or even the knowledge that they have gained during their working career these people are finding that a home business is not only helping to make ends meet, but also providing them with a creative outlet.

One of the reasons that the environment for a home business is now more suitable than has been the case in the past is because of the increased opportunities that are being made available by using the Internet to make a living. There are various options when it comes to harnessing the power of the Internet. 

Among the most popular ways to make extra income is through writing for various websites that offer even inexperienced writers a steady stream of articles that pay either per word of for the finished product. Some of the rates per article may not seem very high, however the aspirant Internet writer should realize that these websites are not looking for great prose. For the most part good spelling and grammar, combined with a knowledge of how to write and introductory paragraph and a closing paragraph is enough to set you up as a provider of writing services.

This is by no means the road to wealth and riches, however those who apply themselves can move on to other sites which allow them to bid for specific jobs in their interest areas. These websites are potentially more lucrative markets. By specializing in a niche writers can gain experience until they are recognized experts. Once this happens they can begin maximizing their income and searching for better freelance opportunities.

There are other ways to use the Internet to make money. Among these is to leverage specialist knowledge. 

If you have a hobby such as making fly fishing lures or even quilting there is a market for the goods that you produce. There are also websites that specialize in providing a showcase for these goods. Some will charge a flat monthly fee to host pictures and descriptions of products, while others will take a portion of each transaction. Once again the key is specialization, if you can fulfill the demand for specific products that are in short supply and your products are high quality then there is certainly a market on the Internet for the goods that you manufacture.