Unconventional Ways to Make Money: Insights from a Freelance SEO

Imagine making money in the most unexpected ways. From exploiting clients' lateness to playing with tops and flies, these unconventional methods showcase the creativity and resilience required in the business world. In this article, I share some of the craziest and most unique ways I have made substantial amounts of money in my professional journey.

Time is Money, and So Are Minutes Late

As a freelance SEO, time is a precious commodity. Clients pay me by the minute, and even if they show up late for appointments, I still charge from the scheduled meeting time. This practice not only ensures a consistent income but also helps in managing time effectively and proactively.

Top-tastic Business Lessons

In my childhood, we would play with tops during recess. These tops came with a thick cotton string, but often, the ends would fray, causing problems. I found a solution by dipping the frayed ends in rubber latex to make them function better. My classmates had limited access to rubber latex, which made my rubber dipping service more valuable. I charged a small fortune of 5 cents for each dip.

Initially, I got only two customers, but eventually, someone else saw the potential and started a racket of pre-latexed strings for trade. This experience taught me the competitive and cutthroat nature of the business world. Who knew that a minor service could lead to such entrepreneurial intrigue! Today, I would surely recognize that individual as a successful business owner.

Beach Side Income

Living near the beach in Plum Island, Massachusetts, offered a unique opportunity during the summer. Greenhead flies, known for their blood-sucking nature, often ruined beachgoers' vacations. My uncle, Uncle Fred, continued to visit the beach no matter the season. Inspired by this, he offered a penny for every fly I could kill. It was not an easy task, but it was a good source of pocket money and a reminder of hard work.

Urine and Drug Tests: A Entrepreneurial Venture

One of my more memorable ventures involved urine collection for drug tests. My co-workers were in need of some samples for a random test, and I was more than willing to provide them. It's not something you'd typically advertise, but it certainly made a small fortune at the time. This experience taught me the importance of quick thinking and the value of unconventional methods in tight situations.

Organic Water Scam

A neighbor from California asked me if I had any 'organic water' from a well. I initially thought that he was joking, but his next question made me curious. He wanted to know if it was 'chemical-free' and from a 'natural source.' As it turns out, he misunderstood the term 'organic' as it relates to water. This misunderstanding led to an entertaining and amusing interaction but also highlighted the importance of clear communication and a bit of creative marketing.

These experiences, while unconventional, have taught me valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and freelancing. From time management to dealing with niche markets, these stories highlight the diverse and sometimes humorous ways to generate income. The key is to be adaptable, creative, and willing to look beyond the obvious methods.

Regardless of the approach, the core principle remains the same: knowledge of your market and willingness to think outside the box is indispensable in making a substantial income, even in the most unusual circumstances. Whether it's exploiting time, killing flies, or providing a bit of chemical skepticism, these experiences are reminders of the endless possibilities in the business world.