026 · Helping people with technology

Here’s a perfect idea for teens looking to make some pocket money pretty easily. The principle is to find people who have difficulties using their smartphone or social networks, for example, and help them in exchange for a small bill or two.

So, if you are a teenager, or even a resourceful child, well versed in connected objects and other services characterizing this magnificent 21st century (yes, there is a hint of sarcasm), here is an idea that should please you.

As I briefly explained in the introduction, the idea is to earn some pocket money while making yourself useful. Surely you have an aunt who can’t set up her Facebook account properly and post pictures, or a grandfather who frequently has trouble using his smartphone or laptop? I’m pretty sure you do.

So, why not contact them and offer to help? It’s really not a difficult job, and it will allow you to earn some money while doing a great service to people who need it.

The fields in which you could intervene are quite numerous and don’t stop at just the examples I mentioned. Here is a small list (not exhaustive) of things you could help with:

  • Post images/videos on Facebook and Instagram, change profile picture, leave comments, create a Facebook group or page, etc.
  • Create a YouTube channel, then shoot a video with the smartphone and upload it, manage comments, etc.
  • Find and install an application on a smartphone or tablet.
  • Create an email address and use an email service such as Gmail or other.
  • Navigate the Internet and learn how to use a search engine such as Google.
  • How to use the printer, scan a document, convert it to PDF…
  • Retouching, resizing, or cropping a photo in Photoshop.
  • Show what the traps and dangers of the Internet are, how to manage passwords, what is spam and phishing, and how to recognize theme…
  • Show how to use a laptop, a word processor (Word), or a spreadsheet (Excel), how to unzip an archive…
  • How to buy on online stores and sell on marketplaces.
  • How to manage a bank account via the Internet.
  • How to send large files via WeTransfer or other similar services.

In short, some things that you already do regularly without any difficulty but which can be a real headache for the uninitiated. And it’s not just older people. Although they are probably the majority, I know a few young adults who also struggle a lot with technology.

And, as you will probably have noticed, your task will not only consist in fixing small problems, but you could also be asked to give real courses on very diverse subjects which you certainly already know.

How do you find people to help?

Of course, once you have helped your aunt and grandfather, you won’t have much work left. In that case, you’ll have to regularly find other people you can help. Here are some tips:

  • Offer your services on social networks.
  • Publish a classified ad in local newspapers.
  • Publish a small ad in local businesses (bakeries, grocery stores, supermarkets…).
  • Print small flyers and distribute them in the mailboxes of the neighborhood.
  • Use word-of-mouth.

From a distance?

Yes, why not offer your services remotely? If you have a laptop, there are applications such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, for example, which allow you to connect to a remote computer, see the screen, and control the mouse.

This system even exists on smartphones. If you search a little, you will find similar applications that do the same. I admit I’ve never used one myself (on mobile anyway), so do a little research (I’m not going to do all the work for you 😋 ).

And then, practice first with a family member or a friend because, even if these softwares/apps are relatively simple to use, it’s better to familiarize yourself with them before anything else. If you log in to your first “client” and struggle to figure out how to use the interface, your credibility may be damaged.

For the payment, there are plenty of quick solutions to send money at low cost. Among them, I will mention PayPal, Western-Union, le virement bancaire, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Facebook, Zelle, etc.

Show Up

At first, it will be pretty easy because you will be dealing with people you already know. But things might get more complicated afterwards when you have to find “customers” who don’t know you. People are sometimes (rightly) suspicious, especially when it comes to giving access to their social networks or their smartphones, and even more so if it has to be done remotely.

So, unless you have the head of a bloodthirsty one-eyed pirate, the ideal solution is to show your good head as a brave young person. For this, you could, for example, create a Facebook page, a small website, print your picture on flyers, etc.

Show yourself in your best light—look serious but not too stiff either. People like to know who they are dealing with and will, therefore, trust you more easily if they see you first.

Conclusion

That’s it. Well, the conclusion will be short because I don’t think there is much to add, but if you have other things to say on the subject, feel free to do so in the comments.

EcoTips

Environmental and climate change issues are more than ever at the heart of the concerns of this 21st century, which is why I am proposing a few ideas that will enable you to limit the negative impact that the implementation of this idea could have.

These solutions that I suggest are sometimes largely insufficient to compensate for these negative impacts, such as carbon offsetting. Unfortunately, there is not always an ideal and 100% efficient solution, far from it. And if you have others, please do not hesitate to share them in the comments below.

If you decide to print flyers that you can distribute in the mailboxes of your neighborhood, choose recycled paper and especially biodegradable (not plastic, please).

Pros

  • A small quiet activity to earn a few bucks
  • The pleasure of being useful by helping others

Cons

  • It may not be easy to find other people to help once you have done the rounds of your family.
Disclaimer, please read this

Legal and administrative aspects of the ideas you'll find on Sweekr are rarely discussed because they vary greatly depending on the country you live in. I would advise you to check with your local adminitration before starting any business. Keep in mind that if you make money, the state will ask for "its share" in order to guarantee the proper functioning of schools, hospitals and other public services. Therefore, you will probably have to acquire a micro-entrepreneur status, or any other similar.

Please also note that there are currently NO affiliate links on Sweekr! This means that NO commission is charged when you make a purchase from any of the sites recommended here. Some links are optimized for performance testing only, and each recommendation reflects the opinions or evaluations of the writer of this article. And be sure you'll be notified if (and when) this situation ever changes.

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