From Instagram gurus to vague online ‘businesses,’ this article explores why making money online isn’t as easy as it looks — and why real value still matters

When I used to have instagram, I came across a lot of videos, on how to make money in the easiest way and how they became rich and so can we. While scrolling through their feed, there was never anything about what they actually do, what do they sell, what their business is about. Just flaunting wealth. It doesnt take a lot to figure out that there is something suspicious going on here. With a little search, you figure out that the way they make money, is by selling you a course on telling you how to make money. I even came across a video telling people "why become a nurse or a teacher".... Because the world needs them that's why.

Same thing going through Linked in, successful looking people, quoting success and power and business. Unclear titles about what they do, and no clear explanation about their work. I havent really explored them so much, but the chances are they are selling something. And on facebook, videos of people that you know, speaking to big crowds, but it is never clear what they do. And it is not only terminology issue. For example, it is not a seminar on programming, or cardiology. But no, it is never clear on what they do, just that they are successful and you can be too. Have you noticed the increase of this phenomenon?

In the last 5 to 10 years, there has been such big changes in the way that people approach their careers and fulfilling their dreams. The internet has opened some doors, for working online and advertising businesses. I think it is a great thing, and I love finding small businesses, like crochet tutorials and DIY things. I love the opportunity for people to express their creativity. But, everyone should keep in mind that whatever you do in this world, you should offer something to someone. Because I feel that, the internet gave the impression that with all the opportunities online, you can make money out of nothing.

Remember, anything that you do as a career, is give and take. A baker sells bread, nurses offer care to patients, teachers teach. And when it comes to working online, you should offer something to the world as well. It is understandable to me that a youtube channel posting good recipes in a consistent manner makes money. They are offering something to us. But when you come across something unclear, vague and too good to be true, it probably is.

My rule of thumb is that successful things are consistent, useful, simple and take time. And when it comes to working, there is still nothing wrong with the old fashioned jobs. I have more respect for the people that clean our roads, than a successful businessmen, or a Tik Tok influencer, discouraging people from pursuing jobs that actually make peoples lives easier.

And the internet and instagram gave us the idea that making money is so easy, and everyone is an expert at something. Everyone has a solution for an everyday problem that always existed but we just didn't know what to do. And when it comes to experts, a lot of them are even dangerous. Like those who claim to have solutions about health issues, telling us to not to listen to the doctors. I assume you have come across people that have an essential oil for everything.

These online opportunities also opened the way for a lot of scammers. Isn't it weird that there are people that wake up go to work and their job is to scam people all day, and than they go home. And very often, people claiming that they have sale skills, it often means that they have manipulative skills, convincing people to buy something that actually is useless. Or, an influencer asks for free food from hard working small business, threatening them with a bad review if they refuse. Or, the rise of the MLM schemes which is a problem everywhere in the world.

I believe that it possible to make something out of yourself online. If you have an eye for decor, open a page on inspiring people with affordable decor. If you are good at cooking, make cooking videos. But, most probably you are not going to change the world, or become a millionaire. And that's okay.

Or, there are a lot of people who use the internet in a useful way. Once, I saw this African girl running an orphanage, and she posts videos to attract donations. I think this is an example of using the internet in a correct way.

Of course, everyone deserves the opportunity for success. Online or not. I personally believe that you should have in mind that offering something is very important, doesn't matter how small that offer is. If you are good at math, offer math classes, make math youtube videos. Or if you are good at cleaning, make cleaning videos, while working as a cleaner, so this way you might have two income streams.

Like everything in this life, internet is a tool. And it is an amazing tool and we should just use it smartly.