5 Random Ways to Make $$$ from Home

It’s early in the morning and your alarm clock goes off; if there was a choice between getting dressed, ready and out the door and pressing the sleep button, what would you do? Well, we’ve all been there. But what if when that alarm went off, it meant waking up, making your cup of coffee and working right at your kitchen table? No, you’re not dreaming. We’ve found some great ways to make some cash from home—so put those work clothes away and start your workday at your place.
1. Become a virtual assistant. Some people have a bit too much on their plates to handle it all on their own. That’s when a “virtual assistant” comes in handy. This role is typically similar to a traditional administrative assistant. Expect to screen your boss’s e-mail, arrange travel, make appointments and phone calls on behalf of your boss, manage their calendar, and take care of any other random administrative tasks that might come up. There are many websites where you can find gigs like this, including Indeed, WAHM and Elance. Be prepared to present a resume that displays organizational strengths and cold-calling experience and proves your ability to handle these types of tasks efficiently.
2. Make the most of e-commerce. Of course, you already know about eBay and Amazon. But how about Etsy? Etsy is the world’s most vibrant handmade marketplace, along with a community of 15 million buyers and creative businesses. Their marketplace is full of the best handmade and vintage goods…and supplies for making your own.  If you’re not normally the creative type, better start thinking with the right side of your brain, because a fun DIY project can turn into some serious dough.
3. Participate in a focus group. Get on your computer and search for companies that conduct paid focus groups. In most cases, all you need to get involved is to place your name on a list and wait to be called. You can make a quick $50-$100 dollars just for answering an hour’s worth of questions about a product or service—and potentially more if the gig calls for hitting the stores as a mystery shopper.
4. Host parties. Getting paid to throw a party? Sounds fantastic! If you’re outgoing, love to shop and know a lot of people, this may be right up your alley. Try representing a line of products, like Avon, Mark, or Mary Kay. They’ll send you everything you need to get started, and then its up to you to organize a get-together for friends and acquaintances who love to shop, too! There is strong earning potential, plus you have the ability to set your own hours.
5. Become a writer. Many websites need part-time writers. This doesn’t mean you need to be a professional novelist. Examiner.com pays people to write reviews for restaurants, shops, parks and concerts in their area. If you want to kick it up a notch, ProBlogger has listings of sites that are willing to pay semi-professional writers for online content on all kinds of interesting topics. Every website has a different application process, so organize your clips and writing samples ahead of time—then log on and get paid.