Hey, Oddies.

Jen Glantz here.

I know July 4th is almost here and you might be thinking:

Jen!!!!! It’s too late for me to make money on the holiday.

But that might not be true. Some of the side hustles i’m sharing can be set up in just a few hours — or might spark an idea to reach out to other people doing these gigs and ask if they need help.

Either way, if you’re ever lonely on a holiday or you just don’t have any plans — come here to find out the jobs you can do to make a little extra cash — sometimes even from your own couch.

Love,

Jen

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But First: 💻 My Tech Stack

I’ve been eyeballing a lot of X threads of people’s tech stacks — the tools they swear by for their business and life. So I decided to keep a running list of my own right here. I’ll update this each week with the best tools I use as a solopreneur:

Social Media & Marketing:

• Tailwind: Makes it super easy to schedule 100+ pins a month on Pinterest.

• Flodesk: Marketing emails that are easy to design and send.

• Event Share: Lets all guests upload photos to one spot at/after an event

• Any Email Finder: Gives you anyone’s email. I use this for outreach.

• 48-Hour Logo: A speedy fast way to get logo designs for your bizz.

• ReplyGuy: A service that mentions your bizz on Reddit and Twitter.

Website:

• Showit: Both of my websites are designed on this platform.

• InstaWP: A fast and easy way to build a Wordpress website.

• Weebly: Free website builder that requires zero coding or skills

• Opt-in Monster: Helps you capture leads on your website in a handful of ways

• Swift Brief: Scans your website and suggests + writes SEO blog posts for it.

Content Creation:

• Fiverr: Outsource work and get quick results. I use it for editing, social media, and design.

• Typefully: Writes you catchy, personalized, and engaging Linkedin posts

• Hemingway: Edits your writing in real-time to make it perfect and professional

Random but Good:

• Toggl: A time-tracking tool that organizes how you spend your minutes.

• Cratejoy: My go-to last minute gift for a birthday or holiday.

• Classpass: Not tech but it’s part of my life stack. I take workout classes using this app.

Make Money Stack:

• Poshmark: I sell clothes and other items around the house

• Etsy: Dreaming up what to sell on this platform.

• Survey Junkie: Get paid to take surveys

• Howl: How I get affiliate/brand deals as a creator

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10 Quirky Ways to Earn Cash on July 4th

Did you know:

The Fourth of July holiday isn't just about barbecues, parades, and fireworks – it's also a prime opportunity to earn some extra cash.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent over $7.5 billion on food items alone for July 4th celebrations in 2023 — that’s a lot of hot dogs!

This spending spree creates a a lot of odd jobs and temporary positions that can help pad your pockets. Let's explore ten unconventional ways to make money during this patriotic holiday.

1. Fireworks Stand Operator

• What it is: Manage a temporary retail location selling consumer fireworks

• Job details:

  • Set up and stock the stand with various fireworks products

  • Ensure compliance with local laws and safety regulations

  • Educate customers on firework safety and proper usage

  • Handle cash and credit card transactions

  • Maintain inventory and restock as needed

• Potential earnings: $3,000 - $5,000 for the season (typically 1-2 weeks)

• Qualifications: Must be 18+, obtain necessary permits, and have basic sales skills

• Learn more:

  • American Pyrotechnics Association

  • National Fireworks Association

  • Check with your local fire department for specific regulations

2. Patriotic Face Painter

• What it is: Create patriotic designs on faces at July 4th events

• Job details:

  • Set up a booth or station at local events

  • Paint designs like flags, eagles, or fireworks on faces

  • Manage a queue of customers, especially children

  • Maintain hygiene standards with paint and brushes

• Potential earnings: $50 - $100 per hour

• Qualifications: Artistic ability, patience with children, and hypoallergenic face paint supplies

• Learn more:

  • Face Painting Tips

  • Online courses on Udemy or Skillshare

  • Local art supply stores for workshops

3. Flag Planter

• What it is: Install American flags in yards or along streets

• Job details:

  • Coordinate with homeowners or businesses for flag placement

  • Properly install flags according to flag code

  • Remove and store flags after the holiday

  • Potentially offer flag retirement services

• Potential earnings: $200 - $500 per day

• Qualifications: Physical stamina, reliable transportation, and knowledge of flag etiquette

• Learn more:

  • U.S. Flag Code

  • American Legion Flag Services

4. Fireworks Clean-Up Crew

• What it is: Clean up debris after fireworks displays

• Job details:

  • Work late night/early morning hours after displays

  • Collect and properly dispose of fireworks debris

  • Ensure area is clean and safe for public use

  • Potentially sort recyclable materials

• Potential earnings: $15 - $25 per hour

• Qualifications: Ability to work late nights, attention to detail, and physical stamina

• Learn more:

  • Contact local municipalities or parks departments

  • Event clean-up services like Clean Vibes

5. Patriotic Pet Sitter

• What it is: Provide care and comfort to pets during fireworks displays

• Job details:

  • Stay with pets in their homes during fireworks

  • Implement calming techniques (e.g., music, ThunderShirts)

  • Ensure pets don't escape due to stress

  • Potentially administer medication if authorized by owners

• Potential earnings: $50 - $100 per night

• Qualifications: Experience with animals, first aid knowledge, and a calm demeanor

• Learn more:

  • Rover

  • National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

6. Liberty Bell Ringer

• What it is: Ring a replica Liberty Bell at parades or events

• Job details:

  • Transport and set up the replica bell

  • Ring the bell at specific times during events

  • Share historical facts about the Liberty Bell

  • Pose for photos with attendees

• Potential earnings: $100 - $200 per event

• Qualifications: Physical strength, historical knowledge, and a booming voice

• Learn more:

  • Liberty Bell history

  • Contact local historical societies or July 4th event organizers

7. Declaration of Independence Reader

• What it is: Publicly read the Declaration of Independence

• Job details:

  • Memorize or dramatically read the Declaration

  • Dress in period-appropriate costume

  • Engage with audience and answer historical questions

  • Potentially participate in mock signings

• Potential earnings: $150 - $300 per reading

• Qualifications: Strong public speaking skills, historical knowledge, and period-appropriate attire

• Learn more:

  • National Archives' Declaration Resources

  • Contact local libraries, museums, or community centers

8. Fireworks Photography Assistant

• What it is: Assist professional photographers during fireworks displays

• Job details:

  • Help set up and manage equipment

  • Scout locations for best viewing angles

  • Assist with lighting and composition

  • Potentially help with post-processing and image delivery

• Potential earnings: $100 - $200 per event

• Qualifications: Basic photography knowledge, ability to carry equipment, and late-night availability

• Learn more:

  • Fireworks Photography Tips

  • Join local photography clubs or online forums

9. Patriotic Balloon Artist

• What it is: Create patriotic balloon sculptures at events

• Job details:

  • Design and create balloon sculptures with patriotic themes

  • Interact with customers and take custom requests

  • Manage inventory of balloons and supplies

  • Potentially teach basic balloon twisting to children

• Potential earnings: $50 - $100 per hour

• Qualifications: Balloon twisting skills, creativity, and customer service ability

• Learn more:

  • Qualatex Balloon Network

  • Online tutorials on YouTube or balloon art forums

10. Uncle Sam Impersonator

• What it is: Portray Uncle Sam at various July 4th events

• Job details:

  • Dress in full Uncle Sam costume

  • Pose for photos with event attendees

  • Deliver patriotic speeches or messages

  • Participate in parades or other holiday activities

• Potential earnings: $200 - $500 per day

• Qualifications: Theatrical skills, knowledge of American history, and a commanding presence

• Learn more:

  • History of Uncle Sam

  • Contact local talent agencies or advertise on freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork

From managing fireworks stands to impersonating Uncle Sam, these odd jobs not only provide a chance to earn extra income but also to become a fun part of your community's celebrations.

Always remember: As you consider these unconventional career paths, remember that many require special permits, insurance, or adherence to local regulations. Always research the legal requirements in your area before pursuing any of these opportunities.

Need help taking one of these ideas and making it your own?

• Take our Side Hustle Course. It walks you through everything you need to launch a business in 30-days or less.

Let's Go

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