Invest It Wisely

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My Plan to Not Go Totally Bust In 2012

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Some netbook computers we are testing at work ...

Image by DanieVDM via Flickr

Some of you are probably wondering how I am going to be generating money, now that I am out on my own! I put a lot of thought into this since before I decided to leave a sinking ship, but the world always changes and plans change, too. Here is where I am currently looking to grow in 2012:

1. I am a software developer by trade, specializing in Android and mobile development.

I want to focus both on writing my own apps and writing apps for other people. I worked as a mobile software developer in my past corporate life, and I started getting into Android in 2011 and loved it.

What do I still need to do?

I have not incorporated for now, and I’m not sure it’s the right point in time to do that. The taxation and reporting regulations are onerous for someone like me who is currently earning less than they did at their day job. As income increases, it becomes more worth it.

2. Write a book.

I also plan to write my first book ever this year. As this will be my first book, however, I would love to network with those of you who are also planning to write a book or for those of you that have already done so!

3. Continue to expand my technical knowledge.

I have been working on a 3D tutorial site called Learn OpenGL ES. This site is all about how to develop 3d graphics for Android devices, and it will also contain more information on WebGL and iPhone in the future. I am a software developer by trade, and I think that there is a dearth of information in this field.

I believe there are so many opportunities to develop this niche and develop my own technical skills at the same time. I am less sure on how to monetize, since the same strategies that I have applied to my personal finance site will not map directly onto a technology and informative site. Nonetheless, I have many ideas in my head, including using the site to branch into consulting and training down the road. I am really looking forward to putting more time into this niche.

I should also look into emerging platforms, such as Windows Phone 8. I think that iOS is a crowded platform, but if it makes sense, I’ll learn about that too and try my hand there.

Read more about the plans of others to boost their online income in 2012.

I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. 🙂

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Comments

  1. Nice plan Kevin, I’d say that you would have a pretty fair chance of getting there. I’ll be interested to see how you monetize both your other sites and in what you do here on this site as well.

    • That is an excellent amount of extra cash to bank or even splurge a bit on a nice vacation or treat. Good luck! 🙂

  3. It appears generating income from multiple sites is the way to go. It’s a lot of upkeep, but the good thing is your income streams are a bit more diverse. I always wonder what someone with one really popular, income producing site does when their site is hacked or unavailable for some reason. Besides run around in circles, flailing their arms about and freaking out.

    • Hahaha, I don’t know. I guess whether it’s a job or a site, you don’t want all of your eggs in the same basket.

  4. Good luck, Kevin. But the book thing will go only as smooth as your marketing plan. Make sure that it’s a good one. Furthermore, the time to market your book will take as much time, if not more, as creating those two new sites. This doesn’t mean that you can’t do it, it just means that it’ll be tough.

    • And even more difficult to stick to it! I like the idea of tracking progress and making a plan for the week and even for the day.

  6. Kevin, I like the ideas. Do you have a plan that will generate money right now? That’s something I’d be focused on. At least earning enough to live or not go broke (I’m assuming you generate some money from this site).

    I don’t know much about writing books, but it seems like a) it take longer than most people think and b) it might not be so lucrative. I’m not sure what type of book you’re planning to write. Perhaps an eBook or Kindle book would be a great place to start and see how it goes? You could probably release something in those formats more quickly.

    Best of luck! Looking forward to following along.

    • I thought I did, but things changed a bit. That might be a good wakeup call for me to focus on what really matters. I do plan on starting some small and growing income streams soon, starting with the first paid app.

      For writing the book, others have shared your concerns. I don’t know to be honest, but I would love to do it just to have the experience. One of the books will be technical and substantially related (if not entirely related) to my field, so it will be something to add on the resume. I might be freelancing, but I consider this as part of my career. I greatly prefer not to go back to just any corporate job, but I don’t rule out going back for the right one. Alternatively, if things build up I would be quite happy with that, too. 🙂

    • What’s important is that it’s achievable, whether big or small. Also good to aim just a bit higher as a push and scare us into action! 🙂

  8. I think it can work, but I would encourage you to look closer at iOS. Yes, it is crowded, but it is a huge platform. Write your code for Android, but use a language that you can easily compile it for iOS.

    • Unfortunately that is easier said than done as the two have very different programming paradigms. However, you are right and I should pay more attention to it. There are also two ways around that issue:

      1) Use a cross-platform toolkit that uses web technologies. I usually don’t recommend these things because they never deliver as good of an experience as native, and you are not learning the actual platform.
      2) Write a game. Most games use good old C code, which has been around for decades and which both Android and iOS support. You can’t do much high-level stuff with it, especially in Android as much of the APIs are Java-only, but you can definitely write a game. 😉

  10. Kevin,

    This is awesome. I have an iPhone & Android app for hotels. This app was built using JQuery plugin JQTouch and standard HTML, CSS. The best part is that I didn’t need Object C to develop an iPhone app. I may seek your consulting work for future development. Anyone can download app from the App store.
    http://www.mistay.net/

    • Hi Shilpan,

      This is your creation? Very cool! 🙂 As an Android developer though, this re-inforces why I do *not* recommend cross-platform tools. The app looks like an iPhone app! It’s supposed to look like an Android app! I do have to admit that this route is a lot more development work and where the cross-platform tools are good is in shaving this time and getting on more platforms in less time. If demand takes off, please don’t hesitate to ping me. 🙂

  12. Here’s what I thought of your book, Kevin. It’s obvious you got really good articles here over the years, now what if you compile some of your best articles – especially the thought provoking ones with examples, case studies…plus, money tips which any person in the street can apply in their daily life.

    • I like where you are going here, LCF. I will provide more updates in the future when things get a little bit clearer. 🙂

  14. A solid plan Kevin. Expanding your technical knowledge is great! I wish I knew 1/10th you did about software design.

    I look forward to following your progress!

  15. Hey kevin! I must say that it sounds like you are on the right track to success! Seriously, you can stress all you want about your 2012 goals but i know you will be more successful at the end of the year than you are today. I say this because i know you are a hard worker (your personal finance blog proves my point). I am a true believer in hard work, and ive carried this quote with me through the years “The harder i work, the more luck i seem to have”

  16. I don’t know much about aps or software, but I do know that everyone and their mother is using them. I say ride that trend to the roof! Also, if you do write a book, I’ll be sure to read it!

    • So long as you’re not in the waters near my place. With all the ships passing by and pollution in the water, I dunno about that fish. 😉

  18. Great plan Kevin! You have a real opportunity with your combination of writing and app development skills to have a very successful year. All the best to you!

    By the way – Stop by BloggersClassifieds.com and place a Free Ad to market your app development business. To get you started email me and I’ll send you a coupon code for a free featured ad! – Paul

  19. Wow…that sounds awesome. My two cents – the reporting requirements may be onerous now, but if you incorporate despite not making very much (by your standards) off of your app sideline, it’ll be in place for when you do make a lot of money. You may find yourself busier then, and regret not incorporating when you were starting out.

    • Hi Anita,

      I agree, and I’ve decided to go for it. I’m now incorporated under Canada, and if the province ever decides to get back to me…. sigh, they like my money but don’t move fast. 😉

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