Is Making Money On-Line possible? – Is it a myth or a reality, we explore the scams and find potential place to earn
Not long after the birth of the internet back in the 80’s, get rich schemes started to be touted with get rich schemes for limited work. Some did succeed but the majority were devious scams that ended up costing people money rather than rewarding them.
The Internet has matured and with an estimated 4.66 billion current users it provides us with vast opportunities to a worldwide audience. Our Inboxes and posts still receive enticing sales spiel on an hourly basis, designed to gain our attention. However, can you actually produce some, legally and risk free on the internet?
Work from home 
Working with friends 
Extra income to enjoy life
There are variety of ways that you can actually earn some additional income legally and safely. The obvious are the Cosmetic, Health Supplements and Essential oils. These are often brand name products that are sold on a MLM (Multi Level Marketing) principal. You join a downline and the people above you earn on your sales. You then create your own downline and then you earn on their sales. This is a legal operation, but many enforce minimal monthly sales so you are effectively buying product just to maintain your position.
Some people have been resourceful and have earnt considerable income and stature through MLM. Classic examples are Amway, Avon, Herbalife, Mary Kay, Forever, Nature’s Sunshine and many more. MLM opportunities can provide additional income but you have to be highly motivated and able to sell an ‘overpriced’ product (how else can so many levels of commission be paid?)
Whilst MLM’s are a form of the infamous Pyramid Systems there are many differences. Pyramid schemes rely on receiving income from the masses at the lower end of the pyramid to pay out dividends to the few people at the top. Whilst some pyramid schemes can produce you some income as they start, they generally become un-stable as they grow with the organisers generally pocketing the money and leaving thousands of very unhappy small investors.
The general rule is: If it Sounds Too Good to be True – It Probably Is!
The internet also provides vast opportunities to buy and sell product using Amazon, E-Bay, Shopify and many similar operations. Now highly competitive some opportunities remain if you can find an un-exploited niche. Be creative and you might be able to make some income.
Many opportunities also abound to sell one’s services. Just look at the myriad of offers available on Fiverr, Freelancer, Upwork, Mentor List or Seek a Guru. Here you have the chance to be remunerative with your knowledge or expertise. Generally, no cost to join, safe and well controlled. However, very much peer powered. You have to be efficient and satisfy your clients as negative reviews will greatly limit your potential.
Video makers can enter the vibrant world of Youtube where, once you have sufficient subscribers, currently min 20,000, you can start earning from Google Ads. However, to start to receive serious income more than 1 million views are required to become influencers and start to create substantial, regular income. Alternative income from videos can be garnered from ‘Stock Photos/Videos with organisations such as Getty Images, Shutterstock, Stockphoto. Whilst initially specialising in high definition, professional camera shots, new Apps are also providing opportunities to sell stock images.
Myth or reality? 
Earn extra income anywhere
We often see the headlines “Make money on-line by liking products on Facebook”. There are some genuine platforms, but many are scams. Their trick is to get you started and then to demand a payment to enable you to enter the next stage. The general rule is never to work with any system that requires a payment you will just sacrifice your money and your time with no reward. If you do find an interesting proposal you can check if they are genuine by making some research into their standing.
Are they DBD Registered (in Thailand) and is their web traffic verified for example by TrueHits (again in Thailand). Another very useful resource is TonyLeeHamilton.com who openly reviews digital marketing opportunities. You can see the results of a search that I made on an offer that had interested me https://tonyleehamilton.com/2021-networkerslist-review-new-launch/
So, is there a way to supplement your income/pension whilst living in Thailand? Yes, I think that there are opportunities. For example, I recently came across www.youaremia.com which is a Thailand based Internet marketing organisation created by long term and well-established experts in this industry. Their policy is never to ask for any payments from ‘Influencers’ and to provide transparency and results for their paying clients. It is at an early stage, but the backing impresses me and it could be an opportunity for expats and their Thai spouses to supplement their pensions/incomes. This is not an endorsement, but I have registered and will see how it progresses. Click here if you wish to join YouAreMIA.com as an Influencer – no charges!
Most of us have a computer, laptop, pad or smartphone and many have a great deal of spare time that could be used effectively. Good luck, but stay safe!
Kim Waddoup
Founder
Kim Waddoup enjoyed a lifetime in the tourism business and is an active ‘Silver-Ager” living in Thailand. He writes for his age group with high varied articles covering subjects relevant to retirees living in, or visiting Thailand. Any questions or comments on this post? Please do feel free to contact me through our ‘Contact Form’ or directly kim@meanderingtales.com