A teenager has converted his 'useless' hobby into a money machine and earns Rs.23,000 a month. Making money has become his new hobby. What is your hobby?
Naren's father told me, "My son is a spoiled brat. He has stopped going to college. I don't have any savings. So, he has no future." Naren was not disturbed a bit by his father's complaint and I felt he would be the last person to worry about his future. His bright teenage eyes laughed at and challenged everything they saw.
"What a wise decision! I believe Naren is thoughtful and has better plans for his future than going to college," I said.
Naren's father pursed his lips in disappointment. Naren shot a friendly smile at me. "Yes, I don't like the way the world treats me. I want absolute freedom and want to do only what I want to do regardless of what others think or feel about it. I can think for myself, I have the courage to pursue my goals and I can take care of my needs," Naren said. "Really? I will remember your words next time you ask me for your pocket money." Naren's father was angry.
"Naren is trying to express his true individuality. I think he has a great future. Naren, why did you stop going to college?" I asked. "I like photography. I have an expert knowledge in digital photography. I am looking for an opening in cinema industry," Naren said. "Every day he spends all his time at the gates of cinema studios," Naren's father said.
"In a year just a few hundred movies are made. There are tens of thousands of aspirants that want to enter the dream world. The producers invest crores of rupees and only one or two will like to take the risk of introducing a new photographer. I don't discourage you from pursuing your goals. You have a responsibility to generate income for you and your family. Your parents criticize you because they love you. Why don't do you start earning money and simultaneously pursue your goals?" I said to Naren.
Naren said after a few moments of silence, "I don't know how to earn money." I told him, "Every one has some knowledge that many other don't possess but need. You can sell that knowledge to others and make money. When we go for a job, we work for salary. Our mind becomes conditioned to do just what the job requires. However, we carry on a hobby out of a passion for it. We love to do it. Naturally we will have expansive and energetic attitude towards our hobbies. All your hobbies are income opportunities."
"How do I make money with my knowledge in digital photography?" Naren asked me. "I believe that's the most productive question you have ever asked in your life. Millions of people buy digital cameras every month. Most of them don't know beyond auto focus click. Help these people and you will make money," I replied.
"How do I do it?" Naren asked me. "Read as many books and web pages as possible to make your present knowledge perfect. Then prepare how-to articles for new users. Answer all the questions that a new user may have in his/her mind. Then create a web site. Publish your articles and promote your website. Any hard working person can do it. It is not a rocket science," I told him and continued, "Offer your photographs for sale through your website or other stock photo websites. Become an affiliate of online merchants such as amazon.com and overstock.com. Review new digital cameras and books on photography. If a visitor buys a digital camera through your affiliate link, amazon.com will pay you get 5% to 10%. That can be as high as Rs.2,000. Statistically, 1% of web visitors are converted into customers. If you can attract 100 targeted visitors to your website a day, you can earn Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000 a month. Thousands of photography enthusiasts are already doing it on the web."
Naren's eyes widened. "If what you say is true, I am ready to forget my present goals and embrace new ones!" A broad smile sprang on the face of Naren's father.
After seven months, the father and the son met me.
"Only after I started an Internet business, I realized the infinite income potential that the Internet offers. I did everything exactly as you said. In the past seven months, my average income has been Rs. 23,000 a month. I give whatever I earn to my father," Naren said.
"Today is his birthday and he is 19. I have bought a Maruthi 800 car on hire purchase and have given it to Naren as a birth day present," Naren's father said happily. "Had he gone for a job, probably he would have bought a bicycle or at best a motorcycle after seven months."
I agreed with him wholeheartedly. Do you agree?
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