Invent Your Lane

Not every job is on a website.

And some of the best ones?

You make up yourself.

If you’ve ever looked at a company and thought, “You lot are missing a trick,” this chapter is for you.

You’re not here to beg for work, you’re here to bring value.

You just need to show them how.

What Do We Mean by “Make Your Own Job”?

We mean spotting a gap in what someone’s offering and showing them how you can fill it.

It might be:

• A business with no online presence — but you’re good at Instagram

• A charity with a great cause — but clunky admin systems

• A hair salon with a strong walk-in crowd — but zero customer follow-up

  
  

You’re not just asking for work.

You’re pitching a solution.

Step 1: Start With a Problem You Could Solve

Think about:

• What frustrates you when you visit places?

• Where have you seen poor systems or missing services?

• What kinds of businesses or causes actually excite you?

  
  

Then ask:

• Do I have a skill or system that could help them?

Example: You’re good at social media and your local café has no socials.

✨ You offer to build and run a basic IG page for them.

Example: You love spreadsheets and know a local tradesman who’s always losing invoices.

✨ You offer to help them set up and manage a simple booking tracker.

Step 2: Do Your Homework

Before you pitch anything:

• Research the business — what do they do well? What are they missing?

• Find out who makes decisions (not just the receptionist)

• If possible, check their budget range or what similar services cost elsewhere

  
  

This doesn’t need to be deep market research.

Just get familiar with what they do, what they need and how you fit in.

Step 3: Build a Simple Pitch

Keep it short, clear and confident.

You’re not asking for a favour — you’re showing them something they didn’t know they needed.

Your pitch can be:

• A short email

• A voice note (if you know them already)

• A casual proposal on Canva

  
  

Structure:

1. Intro – Who you are and why you're reaching out

2. What You Noticed – Gently point out the gap

3. What You Offer – Explain how you can help

4. The Benefits – Time saved? More customers? Less stress?

5. Call to Action – Invite a chat or trial period

   
   

Example Pitch: Digital Support for a Local Business

Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name] and I live locally. I noticed you’ve got a great community vibe in your café but no social media presence — and I think you’re missing a big opportunity there.

I work with small businesses to build simple, consistent Instagram pages that attract new customers and keep regulars engaged. I’d love to offer a one-month trial to set up and run your IG with weekly posts and customer engagement.

If it helps you get more bookings or takeaway orders, we can talk about a regular rate after.

Would you be open to a quick chat this week?

I’ve got some ideas that wouldn’t take up your time.

Best, [Your Name]

Step 4: Make It Easy For Them to Say Yes

You’re not trying to add stress.

You’re showing up to remove it.

Keep it light.

Offer a trial.

Show what you’ll do, what they’ll get and how much smoother their day will feel.

If you get ignored?

That’s not failure — it’s redirection.

Try again with someone else.

Sometimes people don’t know they need help until someone shows them.

A Note on Pay

For trial periods, you can:

• Offer a low flat fee for 2–4 weeks

• Or agree on a one-off task (e.g. “Set up your IG and post 3 times”)

  
  

After that, switch to hourly, weekly or project-based rates.

Do NOT undervalue your time.

Even if you’re starting small, your skills are real.

✨ You’re not “just helping out.” You’re creating value.

✨ You don’t need a qualification to make someone’s business better.

You’re Allowed to Think Differently

Neurodivergent?

Full-time mum?

Long work gap?

You’re likely more observant than most.

More strategic.

More creative in how you solve problems.

If traditional work structures don’t work for you — build a new one.

Income Opportunities