alfreda89 | Let us now speak of passive income....

I’m not speaking specifically of using this term to talk about real estate rents or business interests where the individual does not materially participate. I’m thinking, instead, of attempting to find a passive income stream that will allow me to not sweat money constantly while I work at full recovery of my health.

I’ve had several passive income streams suggested to me. One is an excellent but not cheap makeup and cleanser line called Arbonne. The other is a company of 60+ years standing called Shaklee. People always assure you that the stuff sells itself. But my friend who is starting to do well at Shaklee has a massage therapy clinic, and ten therapists bring through many people in a day. So there’s a lot of potential for people to think: “Hey! My mom used their cleanser; it’s great! Can I order some?” Or: “I bought a bottle of concentrated cleaner over five years ago and I just ran out!”

After the free intro web site expired, I’d need to pay them monthly for the personal site. And there’s just a one-time fee to get in, but I know me – I do not hand sale well. If I believe in a product, I will talk it up, but a constant selling gig? It's probably not a business for me, other than staff at a store I like. Even if I do return to art, I will probably seek out hanging pictures in restaurants I’ve enjoyed as a patron – or using one of those web sites where people sell original art.

I could experiment with a button on a writing site, the “help me keep eating until the next sale” button. I’d be silly about the button, but serious when I said that these products/books/etc. worked for me or where useful to me. Please buy through my link. Still.

What do folks think? Do you do any passive selling? Would it bother you from a writer/artist? Would you rather a writer/artist sell fewer but more expensive stuff, like original sketches, paintings, and jewelry? Or sell writing stories on request/writer’s bowl?

And now...it's time to return to work of some type. I finally made a choice on bread stones and peels...if I have enough flour, and the starter is happy, an orgy of baking will commence!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Me, I sell t-shirts. CafePress, Spreadshirt, Redbubble and Zazzle. I make a few extra hundred a year; I'd probably do better if I spent more time actually designing the graphics than blogging.

I've thought about tee shirts, too. If I need to make a quick cover for an Allie omnibus to hold off Google, I would also do a tee shirt of the cover. But, I'd lean toward also doing an airbrushed few, to have as prizes for drawings, etc.

My father got suckered into Shaklee for a while, and it nearly lost him every friend he had. It's a MLM scheme, much like Amway, and the only way to make any money at it (unless you run a thriving massage therapy clinic) is to get a whole bunch of other people to sign up to be part of your tree, and then to get them to sign up a whole bunch more people. You make your money by getting a cut from everyone who's below you on your tree.

Have you considered becoming an Amazon Associate? That's a true passive income stream; as I understand it, you let your friends know about it, and when they order from Amazon, they do it thru your link, and you get a commission.

I have thought about it. In a previous web incarnation, I had links to fellow writer's pages, etc. Never saw any indication that they were used.

Also...I feel like I should be supporting indies more. Amazon needs no support. Plus, no credit for referring people to used books. It's one of those dilemmas that may end up being solved by sheer financial need. It's possible Powell's or some other may have credits for used leads. So -- worth a try.

Thanks for mentioning your Dad's experience. I don't want to lose the friendship over this, with my friend or anyone else. So I will just try a product, for the time being, and hold her at bay.

Hey, it's almost your birthday! Have a very pleasant day!

Let us now speak of passive income....

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject