Who is Ryan Trahan?
Surviving on $0.01 for 30 Days Series
On June 1, 2022, Ryan kicked off a unique challenge—starting with just a penny and a backpack, he aimed to travel from Los Angeles, California, to meet “MrBeast” in North Carolina within 30 days. The catch? He couldn’t accept any gifts; everything he needed—food, housing, transportation—had to be earned through work or trading. This epic journey wasn’t just for fun; it was also a fundraiser for Feeding America, with a $1 donation providing at least 10 meals. To date, the fundraiser has amassed over $1 million, translating to 10 million meals for those in need.
Throughout the series, Ryan demonstrated some ingenious money-making ideas that required little to no capital. By the end of the 30 days, he had made over $2,000. Below are some of the side hustles Ryan tried, each offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to boost their income with minimal investment.
Ryan Trahan: Selling Bottled Drinks
It’s surprisingly simple to make money selling bottled water, especially if you’re in a high-traffic area. Ryan showed that with a good spot, you could sell anywhere from 20 to 50 bottles an hour, charging $1-$3 per bottle depending on your location.
What You Need to Sell Bottled Water:
- Cooler: A reliable cooler is essential to keep your water cold, which is key to selling your product quickly. Check out some affordable options on Amazon.
- Water Bottles: Any water bottle will do, whether it’s a no-name brand or something more recognized. As long as it’s cold, it will sell.
- Ice: Keeping your water ice-cold is crucial. Stock up on plenty of ice to keep your cooler looking fresh and inviting.
- Sign: A simple sign with your prices helps attract customers. You can even make a DIY sign with a white T-shirt and a black sharpie for a quick solution.
Pro Tip: Keep your receipts and consider returning the cooler at the end of the day if this side hustle is a one-time trial.
Ryan Trahan: Night Entertainment
In one of his more creative hustles, Ryan bet tipsy bar-goers a dollar that he could make them laugh. If comedy isn’t your thing, you could try magic tricks, balloon animals, or any other talent you have to entertain the crowd.
What You Need for Night Entertainment:
- Container: A small container or hat to collect your earnings. Try using a cash box for added security.
- Sign: A sign is essential to let people know what you’re offering. Again, a simple DIY solution works great.
Note: If night entertainment isn’t your scene, you can easily adapt this idea to daytime crowds. All you need is a busy area and your talent.
Ryan Trahan: Mow Lawns Using Homeowner’s Equipment
This twist on traditional lawn mowing allows you to offer services at a lower price by using the homeowner’s tools. If they’re not comfortable with that, offer to pull weeds instead.
What You Need to Mow Lawns:
- Gloves: Protect your hands with durable work gloves. Find a great pair for under $20 here.
- Gas: If the homeowner has a gas mower, you might need to top it off. Consider including a small fee for gas in your pricing.
Ryan Trahan: Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a flexible side hustle that doesn’t require any upfront investment beyond your vehicle. Whether you’re using a car, bike, or scooter, you can start earning money on your schedule.
What You Need to Start with Uber Eats:
- Car / Bike / Scooter: You’ll need reliable transportation to pick up and deliver orders.
- Bank Account: Connect your bank account to the app to start getting paid.
Pro Tip: To maximize earnings, focus on delivering during peak hours and be selective about the orders you accept. Sign up for Uber Eats.
Ryan Trahan: Wag / Dog Walking
If you enjoy spending time with dogs, dog walking could be the perfect side hustle. Platforms like Wag! make it easy to get started, though there are a few steps to complete first.
What You Need to Walk Dogs:
- Waste Bags: Most owners will provide these, but it’s always good to have extra on hand. Get eco-friendly waste bags here.
- Background Check / Endorsements: You’ll need to pass a background check and gather endorsements from people who can vouch for your pet care skills. Learn more about getting started on Wag! here.
Ryan Trahan: Take Surveys / Participate in Focus Groups
While online surveys won’t make you rich, they’re an easy way to earn some extra cash with minimal effort. Market research companies are always looking for opinions, and with a little persistence, the rewards can add up.
What You Need to Do Surveys:
- Internet Connection: All you need is an internet connection to start earning!
