We’ve heard it way too much: times are tough, unemployment is high and its looking like we’re headed for a double dip in the recession. Tell me something I didn’t know, like how the heck I can make some extra money! For those of you walking around with a smart phone there maybe an easy way.
1) Gigwalk (iPhone only): Grab your iphone, download the app and start taking some panoramic pictures. When I first signed up gigs were kind of few and far between, but Microsoft recently came on board with gigs galore for their search engine Bing. There are currently 6,900 gigs in Los Angeles alone at an average of $4 a pop, that’s $27,600 up for grabs. Not that you want to be a career Gigwalker, but if you’re not doing anything else mine as well get out, explore the town and make some money.
What is Gigwalk? from GigwalkTV on Vimeo.
2) Task Rabbit: As the name suggests this is more task based, go clean a house, help someone move, pick up and deliver food, drive someone to the airport, etc. This one is relatively new, but there seems to be a good team behind the app. These tasks are a little more lucrative, but you're usually on someone else's schedule rather than just taking picture when you feel like it.
3) Zarly: This is an app that is redefining the way people get what they want, think Craigslist 2.0. Zarly is a location based app where people request what they want, could be stuff to buy or services they need. It's really easy to scrub through what people are looking for and make an offer if you have it or want to do it. Zarly is also relatively new, but they are doing a fantastic job.
Zaarly Introduction from Zaarly on Vimeo.
4) Field Agent: Want to feel like a corporate spy? This is the app for you. Most of these gigs involve you going into a store and taking picture of specials, verifying pricing or reporting what you see. They don't have that many gigs in my area, but it's worth checking in now and then to mix it up.
5) Craigslist Gigs: An old standby, I only list this one last because It's the least efficient. You usually have to scrub through a decent amount of crap to find something worthwhile. Great short term gigs definitely exist. Don’t limit yourself to one gig category, you’d be surprised where people post things. Grab your favorite free CL app (currently using CraigsPro - the free version) and start browsing. Gigs go fast so don't bother going past a day or two.
Generally speaking snagging these short term jobs requires you to be quick, curious and capable. Have you used any of these apps or sources before, how did they work for you? What other ways are there for making some extra cash these days?
Lazy Bum is Mike DeHart- borderline obsessed with new media and harnessing emerging technologies to make people's lives easier and more cost effective. With an urge to one day retire and open up a half baked dessert shoppe, old Italian style pizza place (the rectangular kind with the thick crust) or maybe both under the same roof; he's learning all he can about personal finance and savings all while keeping up with the Jones' in the online world. Spelling and sometimes homonyms tend to become afterthoughts for Mike and if caught should be swept under the virtual rug. Mike is also passionate about socially responsible businesses and you can read more about that at FromDeHart.com.