You’re not the only one who has ever thought, “I need to learn more before I can start.” A lot of people think they need another degree, qualification, or expertise before they can make extra money.
That belief is not only erroneous, but it’s also keeping you from moving forward.
You already know enough to start producing money, though.
People will pay for your skills, experiences, systems, or points of view that they don’t have. Not acquiring more schooling is the key. The most important thing is to understand how to turn what you currently know into something useful, valuable, and sellable.
You may start making money with what you already know right away, without having to pay for a new course. This article will show you how.
You Don’t Have to Be an Expert—Just One Step Ahead
People don’t pay for things that are perfect. They pay for advancement.
You don’t have to be the best at what you do. You only need to be a little bit ahead of the individual you’re helping. That’s enough to help them get through whatever they’re having trouble with.
For example:
- If you’ve gotten freelance writing jobs, you can show newcomers how to get their first client.
- Others would pay to learn how to organize their homes as you did if you did it with a simple technique.
- You can provide strategy sessions to those who still have 500 followers on Instagram if you have 5,000.
You know more than you believe that you can make money from.
Step 1: Write Down the Things You Can Do That Other People Find Hard
Begin with your own story. Think about:
- What have individuals requested me to help them with?
- What have I learned that used to confound me?
- What difficulties do I tackle quickly that other people have trouble with?
- What do I do for enjoyment that other people don’t like?
Don’t think that talents aren’t important just because they seem “easy” to you. Some things are easy for you but hard or stressful for someone else. They will gladly pay to avoid the trouble.
Examples people typically forget about:
- Making spreadsheets or automating tasks
- Making resumes or crafting cover letters
- Planning trips or making a budget
- Making graphics or editing videos
- Making plans for events or keeping track of timetables
- Looking into or summarizing information
You can make money off of each of these things.
Step 2: Make a Service, Product, or Session Out of That Skill
After you figure out what you can do, it’s time to put it together in a way that people can buy it.
Here are three simple ways:
1. Provide a Simple Service
The easiest approach to start making money right away is to do it for you.
Examples:
- Three LinkedIn profiles for $75
- Make five bespoke Instagram layouts for $50
- For $60, you can help someone organize their Notion workspace
- For $40, you may help a busy parent plan their meals for the week
You don’t need a site. You can start with a Google Doc, a link to PayPal, and your contacts.
2. Make a Digital Product
Make your expertise available for download.
Examples:
- A list of things to do before a job interview
- A budget template for people who work for themselves
- A guide on “moving to NYC” with money-saving ideas
- A template for a weekly content calendar for novice creators
You can sell these on Gumroad, Etsy, or even by email or social media.
3. Teach in Person with One Student at a Time
People will pay to get into your head, especially if it makes learning easier for them.
Examples:
- $50 for a one-hour Zoom call to show someone how to set up Google Drive
- $75 coaching call to help someone build their own brand
- $100 for a 90-minute brainstorming session on how to establish a career as a freelance writer
No need for a curriculum. Just what you know from actual life.
Step 3: Set a Fair Price and Start Small
It’s easy to either overthink prices or charge too little when you’re just starting out.
A good formula:
- Think about what you provide people
- Figure out how much that is worth to someone
- Price a little less than the market to make it easier to get in
If your CV helps someone get an interview, that’s worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It is appropriate to charge between $50 and $75.
Begin with the basics. Give one clear result at one clear price. You can always raise it later if you need to.
Step 4: Tell People You Already Know About the Offer
Your initial customers or clients don’t come from ads; they come from people you already know.
Get in touch with:
- Family and friends
- People who used to work with you
- People that use LinkedIn or Instagram
- Places or groups where you’ve been active
Don’t pitch too hard. Just say:
“Hey, I’m giving away [X]. I thought of you or someone you know who might need it. If you want to know more, just ask!”
A lot of individuals would be happy to help you, or they know someone who needs what you have to offer.
Step 5: Get Feedback, Make Changes, and Do It Again
After you get your first few clients or customers, ask:
- What did they like?
- What could be better?
- What made them confused?
- What would they want next?
Use this to improve your current offer or make a new one.
It doesn’t have to be hard to do your side job. With each new offer, your abilities become evident, your audience grows, and your income starts to build.
You Are Already More Qualified Than You Think
You don’t have to:
- Get a course for $997
- Get a new certificate
- Learn how to code better
- Get a lot of people to see it
You have to:
- Have faith in what you already know
- Clearly package it
- Share it with confidence
- Give genuine people actual value
That’s all. And if you keep doing it, your hustle will expand, one client, one product, and one win at a time.
Final Thoughts: Stop Waiting and Start Making Money
There will always be one more class to take. Another book to read. One additional way to “get ready.”
But you don’t have to be perfect to get started.
Begin with what you already know. Give what you can. Help in areas where you are already strong.
There is money waiting for you, not in what you are studying next, but in what you have already done.
Now you’re ready.