Pokemon Go

Did you watch and play Pokémon growing up? If so, becoming a Pokémon trainer was probably top on your list of things you wanted to do when you grew up. Thanks to the brand new Pokémon Go app, you can make that a reality and earn some real cash as a trainer in a variety of different ways.

Earlier today I came across a business savvy person who posted a detailed craigslist ad offering to play Pokémon Go for you and level up while you are at work or school. While I think you need to work out things like privacy and security when it comes to taking someone’s phone and walking around the neighbourhood for a few hours, it’s a clever idea and a fun way to get paid to play the game.

Another idea is to set up a new Google account and connecting it to the app with the goal of building up a high level account. Play away and then sell the Pokémon account to someone who wants to save sometime, or impress his friends. This has been working well for decades for RPG games like World of Warcraft with people making a fulltime income selling levelled up game characters. There’s no reason it shouldn’t work for Pokémon Go as well.

Here’s another great way to become a Pokémon trainer and earn a little cash. Offer 2 walking tours in your area where you show new players how to get started and introduce them to the local spots they need to know. Since you can work with group of people who each pay you, you can easily make a decent hourly wage. Of course offering one-on-one training sessions for those who want to pay more is another great option.

If you’re a personal trainer, why not incorporate Pokémon Go and make a fun and interactive walking workout. Familiarize yourself with the app and then take your walking class on a fast walk from spot to spot, hatching eggs along the way.

One last idea before I let you go and plot your own strategy for becoming a paid Pokémon trainer. Kids will love to play this game and parents are always looking for ways to keep them entertained and get them outside. Why not offer to take kids out and about for an hour or two to go Pokémon hunting. It’ll be a variation on babysitting that older kids won’t mind.

While I don’t expect anyone to make a full-time income as a paid Pokémon trainer, it’s a fun way to make a little extra on the side. Use it to pay off bills, take a vacation, pay your phone bill, or grab some Pokémon merchandise.