by Trikel

Created on: May 31, 2007

The best way to make some extra cash is to hire yourself out to family, friends, and neighbors to do odd jobs. The typical ideas include, gardening, mowing lawns, raking grass and leaves, washing cars, etc.

The key is to make a list of items you are willing to do, and how much you would like to get paid for doing those things. Make sure the list has your name and phone number on it, so that neighbors can contact you. Make several copies of the list, and distribute them to family and neighbors. Do not just put the list in the mailboxes of your neighbors! Knock on doors and introduce yourself, explain that you are just trying to earn some spending money and would like to learn more about responsibility, dependability, and that you would also like to learn new skills. Let your neighbors know that you are open to other tasks that may not be listed, and that you are willing to negotiate on the price.

Leave yourself open for tips! When you make your list, charge amounts just below common currency amounts. For example, you could charge $9 to mow a lawn. Many people will hand you a $10 bill and tell you to keep the change. Be sure to let them know if you will be providing a lawn mower, or if they will need to show you how to use theirs.

Remember that your primary targets will be elderly folks and younger couples with small children. The older folks will be happy to hire a young entrepreneur to help them with things that have become difficult for them in their old age. Couples with small children will find that they have little time to do simple gardening or cleaning tasks.

Keep a broad spectrum of tasks that you are willing to perform, from returning trash cans from the street to the garage for $.25 to cleaning the gutters for $10. Every penny helps.

Keep a calendar! Mrs. Jones may want you to mow her lawn every Thursday at 4:00 pm. It's best to make sure you do not double book yourself.

Remember, you will probably make the most money on the smaller tasks. You can fit more of them in per day, and potential customers will be more receptive to paying smaller amounts of money.

Now... GET TO WORK!

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