Making Money on the Road: How Network Marketing, Photography, and Freelance Writing Make Full-Time Vanlife Possible

Kareem DiengJune 25, 2019

Making Money on the Road: How Network Marketing, Photography, and Freelance Writing Make Full-Time Vanlife Possible

Cash Rules Everything Around Me…C.R.E.A.M. get the money. Cash is King. Money makes the world go round. And all the other cultural references to the importance of cash in modern society (shout-out Wu-Tang Clan). It may be one of those taboo topics that we are not supposed to ask each other about, but money is a necessary evil when it comes to life on the road. Some of us grew up with access to plenty of money and it has never been a concern. For the vast majority of Americans, money is something we work hard to earn and keep.

We have met many travelers who want to transition to full-time but don’t know how to make the financials work out. The extended road trip is part of the American dream. Folks from all walks are designing their lives around travel, adventure, and vanlife – not possible without financial support.

Overland travel can be a costly affair. Depending on your approach it can either break the bank or fill the tank. For those of us who have taken to full-time travel as our way of life, making money on the road is critical.

Here is how we make it happen:

 

Network Marketing

Real estate mogul Robert Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” is a huge advocate for Network Marketing. He hails it as “the industry of the 21st century.” He believes that it is the place to be for “people who like helping people.” I could not agree more.

Network marketing is simply word-of-mouth marketing. It is direct sales. Companies with incredible products recognize the trends. People watch less television, read fewer newspapers, and no longer listen to the radio. We stream Netflix, listen to Spotify, and get our news from social media. Word-of-mouth is nothing new. But it has become a lucrative way to capitalize on your network.

Today, people rely on friends, family, and influencers for what trends are new and now. We often regard the traditional advertisement in a negative light. We rarely act on it. When we want to know where to go for dinner, what to watch, how to get fit, we listen to people in our social networks.

Enter Network Marketing.

We are so grateful to make money sharing products that changed our lives while making residual income in the process. The effort we make this week will continue to pay dividends indefinitely. Friends and family continue to use the products because they love them and the company pays us for the introduction. Every time they order, we get a kick-back. We wake up every Monday morning to a paycheck for our efforts.

Companies recognize that our introduction means so much more than an ad on TV. It creates a long-term relationship with customers that would not have been possible otherwise. So, it is a win-win-win. Our network gains access, the company sells a product, and we all get paid.

When we introduce friends to the systems we use they have the same opportunity to grow a business. When they share with their friends we make money too and vice versa.

Network Marketing sometimes gets a bad rap. Like every other industry, there have been some bad players. Take the time to make sure you find the right company to work with. It’s a winning combination when you come across one that lives by their word and is committed to the customer.

Whether you are looking to build an empire or pay for groceries, Network Marketing is the best way to grow your passive income. Help others while helping yourself. I’m in.

Photography

As a couple, Taylor and I are fortunate to have many shared interests. We both have a deep love for the outdoors and wild places. We both appreciate beauty and storytelling and combine these passions to offer photography as a timeless service. People will always value memories, it is in our DNA. Photography is a way to capture the moment and suspend it in time. It is a method by which the creator is able to express themselves. It allows those having the experience to be fully engaged. They can rest assured knowing we are documenting the good times.

There are many genres and business models in the field of photography. We built our business around the niche of Adventure Elopement Photography. Adventure Elopements are when couples go into wild places to marry either alone or with a few of their closest loved ones. The focus is all on them and having the time of their lives.

I have been fortunate to step into this artistic medium with Taylor’s guidance. She has been a professional for years has become my mentor over the past two years. Traditional weddings are, and always will be, a staple in society. While we appreciate them but have found our style and lifestyle align more with the Adventure Elopements.

The experience is all about the couple and how we can tailor the experience to the wedding of their dreams, and they are able to tailor it to fit their dreams. Whether you envision a helicopter ride up a remote mountain or backpacking into a desert canyon, we make it happen.

There are many ways to make money as a photographer. You can stock photos through services or photograph newborns and families. Many people even leverage their social media accounts. With a compelling Instagram, you can build a following and partner with brands. The possibilities are endless.

Freelance Writing

You are reading this right now, and I got paid to write it. Straight up.

Have you ever wondered who is writing those blogs and articles? We are – freelance writers. Like advertising, companies recognize there is a new paradigm in content creation. Rather than rely on full-time staff, they see the power in building a network of freelancers.

Consider how many outlets there are on the web. Imagine any topic, there is most certainly a dedicated website and corresponding organization to match. Which one do you align with? That is where you begin.

Do some research, find the right editor for your interests, and pitch a story that you know you can cover. Get on platforms like UpWork and Freelancer.com to find jobs. Check out sites like The Write Life and Pitchwhiz for ideas and best practices. The space is growing and you can grow with it. Whether they pay by the word or by the article, you can find creative ways to write your way to payday.

Keep Exploring. Onward, through the fog.

 

Wilderness guide, photographer, ultra-endurance athlete. Full time #vanlife with @TaylorDieng and @NorthStarFrenchie. Follow us @StrongWon and #SullyTheSunrader.


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