(Akiit.com) Steve Jobs loved to tinker with computers. Back in the 1980s, he spent hours fiddling about with circuits, trying to figure out how they worked. For Jobs, it was a hobby. But, being the entrepreneurial spirit that he was, a hobby wasn’t enough. He saw an opportunity to turn his hobby into something that would pay off – and pay off big. Twenty years later, Apple launched the iPhone and the rest, as they say, is history.
But Job’s experience serves as a lesson for us all. Some hobbies can transform themselves into real money spinners in the future. Here’s are some of the top hobbies that make money today.
Playing Guitar
We all like to go out and party from time to time. But for many of us,
there just isn’t enough money in the kitty.
There is, however, a solution. If you’re good with a guitar, many bars and clubs will pay you a fee to be an evening entertainer. If you love playing your instrument, this is certainly an excellent way to get out in the evenings. Plus, most places will pick up your food tab for the night.
You don’t just have to go and play at bars. There are plenty of other opportunities to share your skill with others. Start offering lessons down at the local church or community center. Or put up flyers around music stores advertising your services.
Photography
The cool thing about photography is that it’s not just a way to make some extra cash on the side. It’s something that you can actually do as a career. At the moment, the best place to start is at local fairs and boutiques. Here you should offer examples of your work for sale to showcase what you can do.
If you want to make waves as a photographer, you’ll need a real digital SLR. Good examples include the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ1000 or the Nikon D5. Once you’ve invested in a good camera, you’ll be able to start offering your services as a freelance photographer. The biggest demand for freelance work is for weddings and product showcases. Wedding photographers can earn over $4,000 per wedding, depending on the package and optional extras. Remember, for some wedding shots; you might need extra equipment like a tripod and additional lenses.
Web Design
Right now web designers are in high demand. They’re required by businesses all over the country looking to break into the online space. Most companies don’t need somebody who understands the base code and all the technicalities. They’re just looking for someone who can use a template builder and present their site in an appealing way. If you’ve got art in your DNA, web design is a great hobby to turn into money.
The first thing to do is to build a portfolio of work that you’ve already done by yourself. Clients will want to see the type of work you’re capable of producing before they commit to buying. The next step is to approach customers. You can email sites directly, suggesting how they might be improved. Or you can hand out business cards to local businesses in your area. Finally, make sure that you network at events and link up with other professionals on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Staff Writer; Paul Poole