​Diversification and solutions

​Today I want to talk about a type of diversification that is more relevant for this moment.
Income diversification.
Here in Northland NZ, we have been put into, at a moment’s notice, a lockdown that restricts thousands of people from being able to work. This has been occurring on and off for a while. And given the changes to laws and the crisis that we find ourselves in, this will probably continue for some time. For many this will be the last straw, it will create serious stress and debt, and destabilise an already precarious financial position. So now it is critical that we look at how we can become more diverse in our income streams. To give solutions, to avoid depression, anxiety and hopelessness. Please, I encourage you to share your ideas too. This is the time when we need to support each other, business is not high on the priority list right now and it is critical that we diversify income.
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- Mind map. List all your skills, and look at how you can share those with others in a way that brings you an income. There are free programmes that can help with writing and delivering short courses.
- Do you have land, could you rent some of that to a tiny home dweller, or for grazing.
- Are you a tradie, but not able to get to your normal job, put up a post on social media offering your services.
- Are you happy where you are living, is it time to move closer to family who can support you.
- Can you collaborate online in groups in a way that supports the wider community, such as health care providers giving regular talks with a small subscription fee attached.
- Can you barter with others, swap your vegetables, baking or sewing for a service they provide.
- Are you tech savvy, look at how you can teach this to others.
 
While we are “fighting a virus” let us not forget the social harm and economic destruction that is occurring through our approach. Let’s support each other in ways that create new ideas and communities that can step out of a crumbling system and into a more sustainable and resilient future.