1candela is good for the economy

California's unemployed population increased in February to 10.5%.   That's more than 3.5 million people!!  Is it possible that some of these people have skills or knowledge that they can teach to others? I think so. 

How can you turn skills and knowledge into money? I propose 6 easy steps:

First, make a list of what you know and what you can do. Making the list is a brainstorming session, so it's fine to mention obvious things in addition to any special knowledge or skills that you have. Special projects that you've worked on are a great source of items for this list. 

Second, turn each item in the list into a class topic. For example, if an item on the list is "built online marketplace for learning", then a class topic might be "how to build online marketplaces".  

Third, sort your topics by putting the most interesting ones at the top, and write a short description for each one. Your description should highlight what a student would find most interesting or useful about your class.  

Fourth, decide on a format and price for your class. After you write the description, the format and price for your class might become obvious.  Do you think you could teach what you wrote in your description in an hour? Or maybe it's better suited for a 3-hour hands-on workshop? How much would it be worth to your students?  If deciding on a price is difficult for you, start with $20 for every hour and adjust from there.  So for a 3-hour workshop, you would charge $60 per student.  It's your class; you set the price to whatever you think you can get. 

Fifth, visit 1candela.com and post a class offer in your area.  A class offer consists of a title or topic, description, format, and price.  When someone shows interest in your offer, the site will send you an email.  When there is interest and you are ready,  schedule your class by adding a date, time, and address.  All the interested students will be notified and they will have an opportunity to sign up for your class.  

Finally, show up at the scheduled date and place to teach your class.  After your class, make some notes to yourself about what you could do better next time. Better yet, ask your students for their ideas on how you can improve your class.  If you reach this step, congratulations are in order, because you successfully turned your knowledge into money! You can do this again and again.

Anyone who can follow these steps can make money, and I think economists will agree that when more people are earning money through useful work,  the economy tends to improve.

For help following the 6 steps, visit the 1candela discussion group.