How to Make Money If You Can't Find a Job, Part 2

If you're having a hard time finding a job and making money in this tough economy, then it's time to get creative and start your own business. After all, you don't need a financial advisor to tell you that any kind of work is better than no kind of work!

In Part 1 of "How to Make Money If You Can't Find a Job", you learned about how to start a business by making some simple investments-investments into equipment and goods. However, not all financial advisors would suggest that unemployed people take any investment risk at this time-even for business purposes. Here are some tips for starting your own business without any money at all-and you can still deduct your business expenses!

Be sure to learn about developing your business plan and effective business marketing strategies in order to grow your business-who knows what your ideas could blossom into in a short amount of time with the right marketing plan!

Write and publish an e-book online

You've got something to say-now here's your chance. Since you can't find a job, you may also have some extra time on your hands during those few hours when you're not busy looking for ways to make money. Why not spend that time writing an e-book and selling your e-book online?

E-books are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are self-publishing their manuscripts. Plus, an e-book doesn't have to be very long. Take some time now to outline 20 pages about something you'd like to say. From there, you can start to market your e-book by taking on professional speaking jobs-and getting paid to speak, too!

Be a pet sitter

Tell your friends, former co-workers, family, neighbors-everyone you can think of-that you're available to take care of their pets as a pet sitter. Pet sitters can make a substantial amount of money-and sometimes even get a great opportunity to spend the night in a fun house while they're out of town.

When determining your pet sitting prices, be sure to find out how much it costs in your area to send a dog to the kennel overnight. Your price should at least be commensurate with kennel rates-plus you offer personalized service!

Sell your stuff on Ebay

Set up an Ebay store and get started selling all of your old belongings that you no longer want or need. You can also sell belongings for your loved ones and take a standard commission rate. You'll be surprised by how much your income can add up-and by how clean your space can be once you've sold some of your things! You can also sell your things online through your own website-not just Ebay.

Get paid to shop

Okay-you won't make a ton of money as a paid shopper...and you may not even make any money if you are paid for your time with reimbursements for your expenses. However, if you can enroll in a paid shopper program, at least you'll be able to have some fun experiences without spending a time on it. Look for opportunities to rate hotels-you may get a free night's stay! You may also be able to rate restaurants, bars, and community events and get reimbursed for your fee.

While you're developing your business, it's okay to continue looking for a job. Just remember, when you own your own business, chances are good that you won't run into some of the same problems and annoyances you may have had while working for someone else...you know the ones! If you can't find a job, you can make money and be independent when you go at it alone.