There are various times in life when it is important to reflect on what we can do well. In the past year I have found a need to carefully consider what marketable skills and interests I have developed over the years. Through this evaluation – both with my husband and alone, as well as some brainstorming with a counselor at our local small business center – I came up with the idea of teaching breadmaking and sewing. These are two skills that I have maintained since I was young and are almost second nature for me, enhancing the opportunity to make some money on the side by holding some classes.

I have found that the actual teaching of the classes has not been the most difficult thing; rather it has been in finding venues to market and teach these classes. I called local area Parks and Recreation departments and I contacted Girl Scouts. Most offer fall and spring classes. Advertising in the local paper or even on a bulletin board at a grocery store are two other possibilities for getting the word out.

Both the Girl Scout liaison and the Parks and Recreation Director  I contacted showed a genuine interest. The Parks and Recreation Director encouraged me to take a smaller class size, due to the amount of interest – which was under my desired minimum students. I did this with the recognition that if these ladies are satisfied with their experience, they will spread the word to other friends, increasing the likelihood of similar, more financially productive classes to come. Although it is easier to work with a smaller group, especially when one is getting practice on how to best teach something to people who are inexperienced, the financial trade-off must be considered. For my 6-week class, I charged $10 for the material kit and $12 – 15 per class session for each attendee. I also allowed the ladies to only pay for the weeks they would attend. To teach this sewing class, I needed to consider the supplies I would need to have available for my students – irons, ironing boards (compact and regular), cutting mats, rotary cutters and enough scissors for 10 students. The ten dollar charge for the material kit was intended to cover the cost of fabric, a pattern and thread. Planning ahead by purchasing appropriate supplies at estate and garage sales will make the cost of this outlay more manageable.

For my breadmaking class at the Parks and Recreation Department, I put on a demonstration but gave the women the opportunity to feel the bread dough and see each step in the process. I ground some grain for them, as well. And I passed out copies of the step-by-step routine of making bread from scratch. The honorarium for this class was $150. As someone who already has most of the essentials in my kitchen, I found that I only needed to replace my measuring cups and spoons to maintain a professional look. After 15 years, well loved utensils begin to show their age. This time I invested in stainless steel instead of plastic.

I have found that driving to and from and teaching these classes do not take up much of my time. However, it is important to recognize the need to allot time to both make a list and gather supplies beforehand and plan for sufficient time to unload the van and get supplies inside and set up. Inquiring about any needed power cords and running water at the facility were details I needed to remember. Practicing doing my presentation to someone who would not be critical but give me opportunity to express aloud what I had planned to say and give me constructive input helped give me confidence in my ability to communicate. Bringing samples of the desired result – whether it is a simple garment that I had made or samples of bread and rolls, with corresponding recipes – has helped pave the way for the ladies to invest the time and effort to begin to learn a new skill, as well.

Evaluating as I have gone along as well as at the conclusion of the course gives opportunity to learn from one’s mistakes and recognize growth in one’s own skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Overall, I like the benefits of teaching these classes because they do not take me away from home for excessive amounts of time. I can make a contribution to our income while building my confidence in my abilities. It is much easier to make money through what one already knows. I would like to suggest that you also brainstorm with your husband and friends to see what you can come up with to make money teaching what you already know.

This article was originally written for an ebook project for Marilyn Woodard at www.CreatingGreatHomes.com.