14 Different Ways the Shared Economy Can Help You Become SELF MADE
Isn’t it nuts that we live in an age where having a Smartphone and an Internet connection are two of the only things you need to actually make a little money? While no one really knows what the future of the shared economy will hold, for the moment it’s a win-win for everyone: the culture of startups not only creates more job opportunities for a lot more people, but the shared economy apps that they build also allow so many of us—from students, to stay-at-home-moms, to the corporate job holder trying to make a little money on the side—to in some way or another, earn some extra cash. These days, apps for entrepreneurs are a win-win for everyone.
Besides the obvious advantages of the sharing economy, we like to think there is also a deeper element at play, too. As Airbnb’s CEO, Brian Chesky, put it: “The American dream, what we were taught was, grow up, own a car, own a house. I think that dream’s completely changing. We were taught to keep up with the Joneses. Now we’re sharing with the Joneses.”
The other thing about the shared economy that we love is how dynamic and creative it encourages people to be on their quest to create revenue. If you look around, you’ll see that there is literally something out there for practically everyone.
14 Apps for Entrepreneurs You Can Make Money With
You don’t even have to choose which one—you can drive for both! The two ride-sharing companies offer benefits to their drivers: Lyft has a page that outlines driver perks for active drivers, and so does Uber. Such perks include discounted movie tickets, gym memberships, reduced costs on new car purchases, and even 15% off your AT&T phone bill. Uber tends to offer highly valued incentives to drive during busy weekends or holidays. For example, during memorial day weekend in 2014, drivers raked in at least $40/hr just for being signed into driver mode.
2. Airbnb
Shack up with your friends or family and rent out your place for some cash. The better you host, the better you’re ranked. In time, you can reach the rank of superhost, which practically makes you a hospitality expert!
3. Spinlister
If you’re a bike-rider, this is the app for you. Spinlister helps active people connect with trusted bike-owners. That’s $15 per month that you could save, on say your Citibike fees!
4. Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace for any possible thing that you make. Gone are the days of crafting in a vacuum. Today, you can create knowing that your wares have a place to be sold. Etsy has over 40 million active members, who are specifically looking for hand-crafted, artisanal or vintage items, and it’s beyond easy to set up your shop.
5. eBay
We live in a world where the term “eBay millionaire” is a thing. People worldwide have made fortunes on the premise that you can list and sell pretty much anything. Look around your house, take inventory of what you may be able to sell, and get on it!
6. EatWith
Are you a secret (or not so secret) foodie? Do you ever wish your cooking and entertaining skills could get you paid? Behold EatWith, the app that let’s you earn money for doing just that. You can make up to $700 per event!
7. Dribble
If you’re a creative working on a slew of cool projects, get yourself on this app, which, in the site’s own words “is a place to show and tell, promote, discover, and explore design.” The more your work is the out there, the more likely are you to get hired in the design world.
8. Yerdle
You may not make any money using Yerdle, an app that lets you trade items with other people, but think of the fortune you can save by doing a bunch of great swaps.
9. Vayable
Are you a natural-born tour-guide? When you sign up to be what the app calls a “Vayable Insider,” you are considered someone who can create unique experiences to share with others. Anyone with unique knowledge, skills or access can make money offering an experience as a Vayable Insider. Vayable carefully vets all Insiders for quality and safety.
10. DogVacay
Think Airbnb for dogs. We know, bonkers. But hey, if you love animals and want to make some extra cash, this is a great way to do it.
11. TaskRabbit
Are you handy? Do you have a whole bunch of free time on your hands? This might be the app for you. As a “tasker,” you set your own rates and those who fully commit to the platform, roughly 10% to 15%, can earn $6,000 to $7,000 a month, said Jamie Viggiano, the company’s president of marketing in a Time interview.
12. Foap
If photography is your thing, this one’s for you. With Foap, you can sell your photos. The app lets companies who might otherwise acquire photos from traditional stock image houses, to post their project needs; so you can clearly see what people are looking for, and chime in when your photos meet their needs.
13. Bookscouter
Have you been hoarding books for decades? Are you a student who never did away with old text books? Time to cash in! This app lets you sell used books for the most money by comparing offers from over 50 buyback vendors with a single search.
14. Postmates
With this app you can earn money by transporting goods from one place to another. Literally all you have to do is pick up and drive. Total no-brainer.
So as you can see, the shared economy is rife with awesomeness—and for the woman starting a self-made journey, it can also very much be an entrepreneurial treasure trove.