I feel that there is a really great opportunity in life and business at this present time to:

1. Make stuff
2. Share stuff
3. Help others do the same

Doing the above not only makes us feel great and gives us purpose, but there are also business opportunities in part 3 – getting paid to help others make and share stuff / learn new things, which I will explore a little below.

I have noticed lately that wherever people are creating great and inspiring work / art, people gather and ask questions. They want to learn how to do exactly what that person is doing or has done.

Some areas I have personally noticed this taking place include:

• hand lettering
• calligraphy
• war hammer figure painting / sculpting
• paint spraying bikes
• sewing
• quilting
• knitting
• DIY
• DJing
• fitness
• diet
• cooking

This applies to practically any field. Don’t believe me? Think of any subject, type it in google then add the words “how to” afterwards. How many results come up? How much information is out there? People are constantly searching for “how to” information.

In particular, I have noticed this quest for knowledge whilst learning and exploring the topic of “hand lettering” and “calligraphy” on instagram. There is a community of highly talented lettering / calligraphy artists that share their work for all to see. These are people who have spent time on their craft. Time after time, people ask the same questions over and over:

• How did you do that?
• What pen did you use?
• What is your process?
• I got stuck when I tried to do this, can you explain x?

Similarly, my experience of this is people asking me the same questions over and over on my YouTube Scratch DJ tutorial channel and website:

• What equipment do I need / can you recommend?
• I am stuck, can you give me pointers on x technique?
• What record do you use?
• What music are you using?
• Is this piece of gear any good?
• I’m having this problem with x, what should I do?
• How did you get started?
• How long does it take to get good?

More and more people are creating “toolbox” pages to answer such questions. More examples here and here.

I see more and more people reaching out and asking the people they look up to if they teach online classes. Or how they can learn.

People are definitely willing to pay to learn “how to”. I for one have paid and will continue to pay to learn from others.

Some popular paid learning sites that I have used and have gained from include:

• Lynda.com – monthly or yearly paid membership to a wide access of video tutorials
• Skillshare– classes start from $20.

So, if you are someone that makes and shares stuff, my question to you is:

What can you create that helps others learn how to do what you do? 

Some suggestions:

• An eBook
• Video Tutorials
• A membership site

Why not explore this further? You might be surprised what comes of it!

Please leave your thoughts and comments or share any experiences of how you are already doing this below.

– Emma