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The microbusiness is huge! That's not just a play on words but an indisputable fact that millions of budding entrepreneurs have already figured out. On top of adding to their income and creating safety nets in case the ax falls at work, they have been able to unlock their creativity and find a sense of fulfillment they never dreamed possible--or rather day-dreamed possible from their uninspiring cubicle.In The Economy of You, author and microbusiness owner herself Kimberly Palmer illuminates the everyday faces behind this growing movement, starting with her own journey. Readers will meet a deli employee who makes custom cakes at night, an instrument repairman who sells voice-overs on his website, a videographer who started a profitable publishing house on the side, and many other inspirational examples of those who have discovered how to turn their joys and hobbies into a profitable microbusiness. Interwoven in the profiles are concrete guidelines for readers looking to launch rewarding businesses of their own, including: - Tips for figuring out the ideal side gig - Ideas for keeping start-up costs low - Advice on juggling a fledgling enterprise and a full-time job - Branding and marketing basics that bring results - When and what to offer for free - And much moreYour employer can guarantee nothing but today's wages. It's up to YOU to build real financial stability. It's empowering, gratifying, and now easy to do with The Economy of You.
List of contents
Contents
Acknowledgmentsix
Introduction: Do the Hustle xi
Chapter 1: Give Me a Reason1
Chapter 2: The Master Plan13
Chapter 3: Banking on It29
Chapter 4: Finding Friends51
Chapter 5: Putting It out There67
Chapter 6: Time Is Money87
Chapter 7: Dust Yourself Off113
Chapter 8: Karma 123
Chapter 9: Endgame137
Epilogue: The Future of Side-Gigs147
The Economy of You Handbook: Exercises and Worksheets161
Appendix A: The Top Fifty Side-Gigs173
Appendix B: Star Side-Giggers 228
Appendix C: Five Common Pitfalls to Avoid 231
Index233
About the Author240
About the author
KIMBERLY PALMER is senior editor and personal finance columnist for U.S. News World Report. She writes the popular Alpha Consumer blog and is the author of a series of financial guides, Palmer's Planners, sold through her Etsy shop.
Summary
The microbusiness is huge! That’s not just a play on words but an indisputable fact that millions of budding entrepreneurs have already figured out. On top of adding to their income and creating safety nets in case the ax falls at work, they have been able to unlock their creativity and find a sense of fulfillment they never dreamed possible--or rather day-dreamed possible from their uninspiring cubicle.In The Economy of You, author and microbusiness owner herself Kimberly Palmer illuminates the everyday faces behind this growing movement, starting with her own journey. Readers will meet a deli employee who makes custom cakes at night, an instrument repairman who sells voice-overs on his website, a videographer who started a profitable publishing house on the side, and many other inspirational examples of those who have discovered how to turn their joys and hobbies into a profitable microbusiness. Interwoven in the profiles are concrete guidelines for readers looking to launch rewarding businesses of their own, including: • Tips for figuring out the ideal side gig • Ideas for keeping start-up costs low • Advice on juggling a fledgling enterprise and a full-time job • Branding and marketing basics that bring results • When and what to offer for free • And much moreYour employer can guarantee nothing but today’s wages. It’s up to YOU to build real financial stability. It’s empowering, gratifying, and now easy to do with The Economy of You.
