99active

The Value of Your Skills

30.01.2025 5 min reading time

Why Winter Acts Are Worth Getting Paid For

Transform Your Winter Passions into Meaningful (and Profitable!) Experiences
Let's be real - right now, as January fades into February, there's this special energy in the air. The days are slowly getting longer, the morning sun sparkles on the snow, and we're all looking for ways to stay active and connected. It's exactly when those New Year's resolutions are being put to the test that people are most motivated to learn new skills and grow.

Here at 99active, we've noticed something incredible: those skills you might take for granted? The ones that make your friends say "I wish I could do that!" - they're not just hobbies. They're valuable experiences that people are genuinely excited (and yes, willing!) to pay for, especially during these mid-winter weeks when everyone's seeking something meaningful to brighten their days.

If you've ever caught yourself thinking "Sure, I'm good at this, but who would actually pay me to teach it?" - stick around. Whether you're skilled in the kitchen, experienced at crafting, or someone who knows every hidden trail in your area, your knowledge isn't just valuable - it's essential. And right now, as winter reaches its peak, we're about to show you exactly why (and how) to share it with the world.
From Kitchen Newbie to Pasta Pro: Your Authentic Cooking Experience
Let's talk about cooking classes - but not those intimidating, chef-level ones. We're talking about real, approachable, "mess-up-your-first-pasta-and-laugh-about-it" kind of classes. Because here's the truth: people aren't just looking to learn recipes - they're craving the experience, the stories, and yes, even the kitchen fails that make learning authentic and fun.

Why Your Cooking Skills Are Gold:
  • Life-changing skills: You're not just teaching recipes - you're giving people confidence to create their own kitchen adventures.
  • Memorable moments: From flour-covered selfies to that perfect pasta twirl, you're creating lasting memories.
  • Community vibes: Nothing brings people together like sharing food and stories around a table.
  • Cultural exchange: Your family's tiramisu recipe isn't just dessert - it's heritage worth sharing.

Value Your Expertise:
  • €35–€60 per person - remember, they're paying for your knowledge, not just ingredients.
  • Create different price points - from basic classes to premium experiences with wine pairings.
  • Pro tip: Offer a BYO ingredients activity to keep costs lower while focusing on your expertise.
A person in a black apron is preparing fresh pasta in a rustic kitchen. On the table, there is a pasta machine, rolled-out dough, flour, spaghetti, tomatoes, and other fresh ingredients. Warm light is streaming through the window in the background.
Beyond the Trail: Winter Hiking & Storytelling
In a world of Google Maps, your knowledge of local trails and nature is more valuable than ever. You're not just leading a walk - you're creating an escape, a mini-adventure that breaks the monotony of city life. And those homemade cookies at the end? That's the kind of authentic touch that turns first-time hikers into regular adventurers.

The Real Value You Bring:
  • Safety first: Your experience means people can explore confidently, even in challenging conditions.
  • Local secrets: Share those hidden viewpoints and secret trails that no app can reveal.
  • Nature connection: Help urban dwellers reconnect with the outdoors in a meaningful way.
  • Community building: Create a space for like-minded adventurers to meet and connect.

Price Your Adventure:
  • €20–€45 per person - adjust based on duration and extras included.
  • Create special themed hikes: photography walks, mindfulness hikes, or local history tours.
  • Pro tip: End each hike at a cozy café or viewpoint - it gives hikers time to connect and plan their next adventure with you.
Three young women in winter clothes sit laughing in the snow with a wooden sled. A snowy path stretches behind them.
Crafting with Purpose: DIY Wooden Board Workshop
Think about it - in our digital age, there's something incredibly satisfying about creating something tangible with your own hands. Your carpentry skills aren't just about working with wood; they're about helping people disconnect from screens and connect with their creative side.

Why This Matters More Than Ever:
  • Sustainable living: You're teaching people to create lasting pieces in a throwaway world.
  • Practical creativity: Each board tells a story and becomes a conversation piece at their next dinner party.
  • Confidence boost: Nothing beats the pride of saying "I made this myself!"
  • Digital detox: Offer a much-needed break from the screen-heavy routines.

Price It Right:
  • €45–€80 per person - remember, you're offering both materials and expertise.
  • Create tiered experiences: from beginner-friendly boards to advanced projects.
  • Pro tip: Consider couples' workshops for date night experiences - charge a premium for these special sessions.
A rustic wooden board with creatively arranged bruschetta, garnished with basil and cherry tomatoes. A red and white checkered napkin lies beside it on a wooden table.
Winter Wildlife Detective: Snowshoe & Track Reading Adventure
This isn't just a hike - it's a journey into understanding the secret life of winter wildlife. In an age where most nature documentaries are watched on Netflix, you're offering something real, tangible, and absolutely unforgettable. Your knowledge of animal tracks and behavior isn't just interesting - it's a window into a world most people never get to see.

Why This Experience is Priceless:
  • Unique perspective: Transform an ordinary winter walk into a wildlife detective story.
  • Memorable photos: Offer photo opportunities that stand out in social media.
  • Educational value: Parents love activities that combine fun with learning.
  • Year-round potential: Your tracking skills are valuable in every season.

Value Your Knowledge:
  • €30–€60 per person - equipment rental can be extra or included.
  • Create special packages for photography enthusiasts or wildlife lovers.
  • Pro tip: Offer parent-child activities - kids love being wildlife detectives and parents appreciate educational bonding time.
A person in a red winter jacket and snowshoes walks through a snowy forest landscape with a dog. They are pulling a canoe through deep snow as snowfall continues.
Make the Most of Winter's Peak Season
Now, as January fades into February and winter reaches its deepest point, people are yearning for experiences that lift them out of their daily routines. The New Year's resolutions might be waning, but the desire for meaningful connection remains strong. We've seen it firsthand at 99active - when someone shares their passion during these peak winter weeks, whether it's crafting, cooking, or exploring nature, they're not just teaching a skill. They're creating bright spots that people carry with them through the rest of winter.

Think about it - your unique talents, the ones that light you up inside, could be exactly what your community needs during this mid-winter moment. When winter fatigue starts setting in, you have the power to create spaces where real magic happens and new energy flows.

Every skill you've mastered, every passion you've pursued - these aren't just hobbies. They're gateways to bringing people together, creating joy, and yes, building a rewarding business that can carry you through the rest of winter and beyond.

The best part? This is the perfect time to start. With holiday gifts long unwrapped, people are seeking authentic experiences to carry them through the final stretch of winter.

Ready to help others through the mid-winter with your unique skills? Your community needs what you have to offer right now. Join us at 99active and let's brighten these winter weeks together.
Kathleen's profile picture
Written by Kathleen Bartho

Last winter, I watched a friend teach her grandmother's pasta recipe to a small group in her kitchen. The joy and connection in that room sparked something in me - it showed exactly why I created 99active. We all have these incredible skills that might seem ordinary to us but are pure gold to others. Whether it's crafting the perfect pasta or knowing the best hiking trails, these aren't just hobbies - they're opportunities to create meaningful connections while earning what you deserve. That's what inspired this article, and it's what drives our community every day.