Wendel Abel
MANY PERSONS hope to achieve greater prosperity in 2006. Managing our resources, our money and our life better, can lead to increased prosperity and an improved quality of life.
Here are some tips which you can consider to boost your income in 2006 and beyond.
1. Honesty is still the best policy. Commit yourself to honesty and integrity in your pursuits to earn more.
2. Learn to manage your money. The first rule in making and keeping money is to manage what you have wisely.
3. Save more and spend less. Start on a saving plan today. Make saving a compulsory part of your life. Set aside something for illness and, regardless of your age, set aside something for retirement. A lot of financial institutions provide advice on saving and investment. Remember, the most effective strategies are long-term. I encourage you to join a credit union and, if you have not acquired your home as yet, you may want to join a building society.
4. Stick to core business. Stick to the area you know best and the area in which you have the greatest competence. Avoid jumping from one activity to another.
5. Go find new customers and markets. Go in search of new markets and customers. However, remember your old customers and continue to provide a high level of service to them. Take time out to ask your customers or clients how you can better serve them in the New Year.
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR INCREASING YOUR INCOME
1. Gardening. Gardening is a popular hobby. Many persons have been able to support their income by taking gardening seriously. Last year, a friend of mine told me that he made over $250,000.00 selling plants at a flower show over two days.
2. Selling flowers. There is a great demand for cut flowers especially around Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and at Christmas. Many persons will also purchase flowers on a weekly basis. You may start from home and do a lot of sales on the telephone.
3. Learn to paint. If you have an interest in art, you may want to pursue this. I have seen a number of persons go to art classes to improve their skills. Selling painting can be a great source of income, especially during retirement.
4. Learn to play a musical instrument. If you are interested in music, you may want to pursue this. You can make additional income playing at weddings, parties, funerals and special events. There is a great demand for competent musicians in the tourism sector.
5. Sell used items. Many persons collect used items such as books, items of clothing and furniture and are able to resell them and make money. Garage sales are great places to collect such items. Follow the weekend papers and visit garage sales. This can be a great source to generate additional income.
6. Making pastries and cakes. If you have a knack for baking you may want to produce pastries for sale.
7. Lunch sales. Organising lunch sales can be another source of making additional income. There are many persons who will purchase lunch through a telephone-based lunch service.
8. Producing craft items. If you have talents in this area, you may want to pursue this. There is a great demand for quality craft items in the tourism trade.
These are some suggestions. If you have any other ideas you may want to let us know. Remember, it is always better to work in groups.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
