Life Of E's

Question:

For those of us who work primarily with schools, what are some options we have for making money during the summer months? Especially if money is still a concern, this could be a stressful time. Personally, I think I’m going to be okay, however, going a couple of months without any leads could put a damper on the confidence level. I may try to market so a few businesses in the area for programs about workplace bullying.  Also, it is possible that I could get a few speaking engaements at colleges.  Any other ideas or suggestions?

Posted by Billy Simms (originally on the Help Desk) | 4/29/08

Response:

This is a GREAT question and I’ll put some ideas here and it will also be a super one to talk about on this week’s (and upcoming weeks’) Doctor Is In calls. 

This has the potential to be a long answer, so I may just write a little bit each day until I get it finished, but I hope the rest of you comment and keep prompting me for more ideas….

1.  Summer school presentations

Summer school sessions will be starting by early to mid-June and will continue throughout most of the summer.  Contact the principals who are in charge of the various summer schools in your area and offer the type of workshops, presentations, consulting that you can do for them.  I think this is an untapped area.  These teachers need support as they work through the summer, possibly with some difficult situations, and when they, as teachers, have had very little break.

2.  Camps

Look out, it’s camp season coming right up!  There are camps that are as short as a few days and the ones that last for 2 months and there are camps of every type and in every state.  Do a Google search and see what you can find out.  The camp counselors and the children/young adults could use ideas, support, presentations, etc.  Don’t delay if this sounds interesting to you. 

3.  Colleges & universities

This (like many of these) has several possibilities.  You could do something for students.  You could do something for faculty.  You could do something at a “Kids University” that is a special summertime event.  You could do something for staff at the university/college.  Get on line and find out what is happening this summer at the colleges & univerities near where you live (or where you’d like to go).  Start making contacts.  Definitely think outside the box on this one (that’s a tired phrase…but you know what I mean).

4.  Churches

In the summertime, many churches and other religious groups have the equivalent of “Vacation Bible School.”  So I’d explore that option.  There are many that volunteer their time for things like this, but having a professional come in and do something is a special treat, so check into that option. 

Also with religious organizations, there are always singles groups, parent groups, other folks who want to learn–and you can be there to teach them (and charge for that).

5.  Year-round schools

Since many parts of the country now have year-round schools, summer takes on a whole new meaning.  You have schools that are closing out one year in May or June and starting the next one in June or July (or August).  Pretty much, in the “year-round-school world,” there’s always an opportunity for workshops and training and organizing (or whatever it is that you do).  I am doing a back-to-school workshop for a school in June and another for a different school in July.  You can, too. 

Since we have some organizers who are members of MEMc, I particularly want to talk about summer being a PERFECT time to talk with teachers, principals, and others about getting organized for the upcoming school year.  They are a little more relaxed and so think about contacting your local schools for this.   

6.  Open enrollment seminars

• Choose one of the topics that you speak about and offer some “open enrollment” sessions.  These could either be for a fee or as a way for you to let people know about what you do.  You could offer them as “samples” of your other work and you can use them as a chance to showcase your knowledge and some of your products.

7.  Product sales

• Use the summer to really ramp up sales on your products…and remember, you don’t need to only sell your own products.  You can sell other people’s products, too.  This could include books, booklets, seminars, CDs, on-line programs, etc. 

More coming soon….

 Teleseminars

1. Parent groups
2. Community groups

More coming soon.

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Tags: camps, consulting, earning money, employment, income, money, summer