My money-making wish list after 5 years: a home business conundrum

        In 2019, I published Hip Replacement Adaptive Equipment and the Sport of Recovery. I learned many skills in the process of making the book, such as creating a website, YouTube videos, and my business, uduforu, LLC. The list has grown to include other interests that could make money, but writing, photography, and digital art are the wellsprings of the business. Learning never ends at uduforu, LLC., and despite its money needs, it is the least expensive hobby I have ever had.

        My hip replacement surgery was in 2018, and the surgeon stated that I needed to change occupations to prevent damage to the implant. I work a full-time job when I am not on the uduforu clock or doing life. Initially, my home business pursuit was a way to show employers that I could do more than restaurant and hotel stuff. Apparently, working in those places equates to not being able to do anything with technology or having a brain. I’ll skip the list of technical skills I have added over the past five years, but intelligent employers should recognize that I will learn what I need to get the job done. The positions I have applied for are entry-level, and I meet the job requirements, so unless artificial intelligence is going to replace them, I feel I deserve a chance.

        And yes, I can work with AI. One of the selling points of artificial intelligence is its ability to equalize skill levels in the workplace by accelerating the training of new hires. If this proves to be accurate, employers' familiarity with the technology will determine how effective the tech is for the organization. No one deserves to be held back by obsolete thinking.

        My wants are simple, and I am not asking for an entitled position or status symbols. I don’t want to feel that a hobby is my only chance to supplement or replace my income. I want to be fairly compensated in a job that is appropriate for my post-surgery body.

        Getting back to my business: Social media is a catch-22. I can’t buy ads without enough followers/ view time. In addition, even with the needed followers/ view time, I am disqualified from buying ads because I do not have a physical inventory. I am a digital artist/ writer, not a printing press. I understand the need for ad scam prevention, but I can prove my business is legitimate with a government-issued tax ID number.

        The workaround for this is limited to increasing the volume and frequency of posts and letting organic traffic find my products. Just keep trying until luck favors the effort. I do not have the time or desire to do social media marketing, and if I did, I would seek employment in the field. If I could, I would pay someone to do it for my business. I like sharing and making videos, but I shouldn’t need to document my creative process in real time for social media. Also, my business is not about listing things you are doing wrong, how to get more, gaming the system, or making money while you sleep.

        So onward I go. I have built the foundation for a better me. I continue to improve my skills as best I can. The solitary nature of my creative work sometimes drags me down. I want to include more social interaction to gain techniques and perspectives – driving my wife crazy doesn’t count. I love getting out with a camera and going places for walks. I bring the experiences and scenery home for artistic inspiration. As for my work situation, you will not regret hiring me. If I decide to start another business, I can skip a considerable learning curve. In any case, I welcome the challenge.

        If you have a question or would like to share your home business puzzle, please email me through my website, uduforu.com, or LinkedIn. Links are below or in the video description.

Visit uduforu.com for more about Martin E. Dodge and get email updates.

The uduforu blog and uduforu vlog post every first of the month. Follow social media for uduforu on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.