1001 Ways to Make Money If You Dare (80 page)

494 BE SANTA'S SECOND-IN-COMMAND.
While not as glorious of a position as Pai Natal (that's Father Christmas in Portuguese), Claus' elves play an important part in the holiday festivities at the North Pole — and Northside Mall. Who else would take the pictures, line up the brats, and get them to smile?

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495 HOP TO IT AS THE EASTER BUNNY.
Almost as popular as Santa and repping a holiday second to Halloween for candy consumption, the Easter Bunny is another lucrative costume to fill. And since you don't have to worry about a holiday shopping rush, it's a lot easier to throw on the fluffy tail and ears than the beard and jingle bells.

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496 WORK A PER DIEM JOB WHEN YOU'RE ON COMPANY TIME.
If you work in a profession where it's possible to get side jobs, use one of your paid sick days and work for someone else. Even if your temporary job only gets you a few bucks, factor in the time you're milking off the company clock and it usually proves to be worth your time.

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497 SELL YOUR FRIENDS' STUFF.
Next time a friend is moving or cleaning out her garage, offer to help — then keep your eyes peeled for stuff you can sell for profit. She may be planning on tossing out her recliner with the cigarette burn in the armrest, but maybe you can find a sucker on craigslist to buy it for $25. If you feel bad taking advantage of your friend, buy her lunch — just don't tell her why.

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498 COORDINATE OTHER PEOPLE'S FAMILY REUNIONS.
Trying to plan a trip or party with your own family members usually results in arguments. So take this annoying task on and create a party-planning company that specifically targets families interested in holding a reunion. Advertise on craigslist and sites like
Ancestry.com
, and get ready to be diplomatic as you listen to several great-aunts argue for and against the presence of egg salad on the buffet table.

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499 SELL KNOCKOFF MERCHANDISE.
Paint like Pollack? Sew like a
Project Runway
contestant? Target an overpriced but popular trend; create your own knockoff pieces, then host a party to sell your stuff. If you're any good, you'll be in high demand. If you suck, well, you're going to own a lot of imitation Kate Spade purses.

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