[Bibliolater]

I know there has been some debate whether or not to charge for classes. I personally charge for mine because I put a lot of time into what I do for the classes and even though I wish I could say I am "giving from my heart", I do need to make a living. And what the attendees get back is so much more than I could ever charge.

ANYWAYS - That being said, I have found another way to add more income whether you charge or not. I do not believe in putting all my eggs in one basket. The more areas/eggs I can bring in smaller amounts of money, it really adds up all together.


I contacted our local newspaper and became a independant contractor for them. In other words, I sell newspaper subscriptions! When I tell my class that I get 10 subscriptions and that the Sunday paper is the best place to get coupons, they are going to want some too! So I contacted the circulation director and he gave me an exclusive outstanding deal on subscriptions which at the end of my class I sell to the attendees. I also use the subscriptions as hostess bonuses on "home party" style classes to encourage larger groups and it's a nice alternative to giving stockpile.

Maybe you can use this idea too. I was thrilled that I came up with it and it has worked out beautifully for me.

P.S. Since there is always so much left over paper from multiple subscriptions, I include a handout in my smaller classes for things you can do with the paper besides recycling it.

HTH!

[Bucktown]

Genius - what were the details you arranged for with the paper? I would love to find out more about that.

[Bibliolater]

They gave me an exclusive deal! Normally if you buy a Sunday only subscription from them it's $91 a year!!

But I can sell them for $35.00. It's a rate they gave me. It's their general summer deal when they are really trying to promote. Plus my commission is $5 PER subscription. It's a great deal. If I sell 10 subs in an evening that $50 for me. Awesome bonus!

I have it in good with the circulation director anyways. He's been getting me a lot of publicity! I was featured on the front page this past Sunday's paper and he called today to see if I wanted to be on a local radio talk show!!

YAY!! This must be a God thing cuz things are so taking off! I hope to quit my day job by the end of summer.

I am going to run with this good thing. It's great that we can build businesses on our passions!!

[mrshorn1975]

That is Awesome!!!! Ya know everything happens for a reason AND WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT!!!

Run girl run!!!!!!!

[Sami Jo]

I think you are my new hero. I really am wanting to get into this instead of the makeup, jewelry, home items that my SILs are into. How much do you charge & what kind of info do you give out? How do you make it so that people will keep coming back to you for info (which is what makes a good business)?

[schmidt00]

You rock!

[jonoma]

LOVED this idea - thanks for sharing!

I finally got to contact the circulation director of my paper directly (after speaking to lots of customer reps who said "we don't have any discounted offers") and I'm hoping to land a contract. Would be even better if coupon class students could pay online and I wouldn't have to collect money, but I'm looking forward to being able to offer students a better rate on a coupon resource they'll need.

[nikiz]

That is an amazing idea!!!!

[pennyamanda0530]

I would really love to start giving classes in my area. I'm a stay at home mom and any extra income would be wonderful. I deliver papers at night to help out. I'm suppose to try giving one at my best friends church to see how things go. And how I like doing it. Any tips would be wonderful.

[erikarogers1]

wow! great idea! thank you for sharing, I am going to call our newspaper on monday.