STEP 2
BRAINSTORM PRODUCTS + SERVICES
that could monetize those talents. Consider who your target market is and what they would be willing to pay for.
WHAT CAN MAKE YOU MONEY.
You don't have to have a super special or rare talent to make money from your skills.
Instead, think about
- what skills you have that people want,
- what skills they are willing to pay for, and
- what things you enjoy doing
...because they all equally matter, you need all 3 to be successful!
Remember: It's easier learning from a person that's only a few steps ahead of you than years ahead.
Because that person, who is only 2-3 years ahead of you can actually trace back what they did to get to where they are now. They can explain to you exactly how to get there, too.
So no, you don't have to be an expert, you just have to know more than the average person around you!
Special attention:
If you are a topic expert, then you can offer your expertise as a consultant, public speaker, or through personal or corporate workshops and courses.
MAKE A LIST
of 10-15 different ways you can monetize each of the 3 talents or skills you chose.
Need inspiration? Check out this Monetization Idea Gallery with a list of product and service ideas for 10 different industries, skills, and talents!
DECIDE WHAT YOU LIKE (+ WHAT NOT!)
Setting up an income stream takes time and dedication. You don't want to start a product-based business if you hate dealing with inventory, shipping, or returns. Likewise, if your ideal lifestyle is location independent, opening a coffee shop shouldn't be on your brainstorm list. Figure out first what work preferences you have before deciding on your monetization strategy.
Make a "I like" + a "I don't like" - list (you'll need it for the next step)
DO YOUR RESEARCH
If you are unsure how to monetize your talents, do some research. Whether that is over social media, asking friends or colleagues or asking Chat GPT (which is one of my favorite ways).
LET'S TAKE ACTION
Let's get into brainstorming some products and services.
But before we already make a decision, let's pre-select some offers based on your preferences.
Remember, just because something makes money, doesn't mean it's the right income stream for you.
PRE-SELECT QUESTIONS
Here's how you can pre-select your top 15 list to create your "I like" and "I don't like" list:
- Do I prefer working directly with individuals, with larger groups, or with businesses?
- In what work setting do I thrive the most - independently or as part of a team?
- Do I want to make money from customers or from corporations? Or maybe a mixture?
- What level of flexibility and location independence do I want in my work?
- Do I lean more towards offering products or services? Or a combination?
- Do I want to go digital, physical or a combination?
- What excites me the most about teaching or sharing my expertise with others?
- Do I have a preference for hands-on, strategic or creative work?
- Would I enjoy planning and organizing events or projects?
- How comfortable am I in roles where I interact directly with clients and provide personalized services?
- Are there any specific industries or niches where I prefer to focus my work?
CHAT GPT PROMPTS
I love involving AI in my brainstorming process. Especially when it comes to monetizing. Because you can actually give the AI chat a role to play. In this case a business or career consultant!
Because it draws from a wide range of input (and monetization opportunities!) you might never have heard about before!
A simple prompt you can give Chat GPT is this one:
Act as a business consultant. Give me 10-15 ways to monetize (insert talent).
Consider my preferences:
I like (insert work preferences).
I don't like (insert work no-gos).
A great addition can be:
I want to make at least $ __USD (insert income goal) every month
This prompt will figure out what products or services fit your income goals and earning potential.
MONETIZATION IDEA GALLERY
Click on the + sign next to your selected talents or skills and start getting inspired!