Just about everyone has a useful talent – anything from computer repair to faux painting. Some people exercise their talent from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; but for others, it’s something done “on the side” when they have extra time. Now, a new and unique Web site will connect individuals who want to parlay their “on the side” talents into extra cash – or even a new career – with those in need of services.

OnTheSide.com, creates “person-to-person” connections that allow qualified individuals and those in need of services to do business in an easy and affordable way. The site is designed exclusively for individual service providers – and not established companies – so that service seekers can pay the individual directly – cutting out the traditional middleman and the high mark-ups that come with the same service.

The Web site is unique in that it is free for anyone with a marketable talent – the weekend handyman, the college student looking to tutor, the stay-at-home mom with time and skills – to connect online with people seeking their services. The company is looking to attract more than 5,000 side job service providers by February.

OnTheSide.com was founded by 21-year old and current Emory University student Jacky Lai and Atlanta-based Cool Dog Interactive president Roger Brown. After purchasing a new television, Lai was shocked to find the delivery and installation fees would add another $400 to the bottom line. He had saved for the television – but the extra fees were not in the college student’s budget. Lai asked friends if they knew of anyone who could install it for him and found someone to do it for a fraction of the price. This experience was not the first time Lai had sought “on the side” service recommendations – giving him the idea that there could be a convenient place where “side job” providers and seekers could come together.

“Many people have in-demand skills that could earn extra income, but until now they haven’t had an effective way to market their talents to a large audience,” said Lai. “OnTheSide.com gives them a place to showcase their “on the side” skills, receive ratings on their completed services, and help grow their business base – for free.”

At OnTheSide.com, individuals offering a talent can post a free profile outlining their services, credentials, qualifications, fees, etc. The site provides user-friendly templates for service providers to create, post and maintain their profile, which then acts as a storefront. A detailed search menu enables talent seekers to quickly find profiles that match the job they need completed. For example, a general contractor may post a profile outlining the electrical work he does on the side. A homeowner searching for “electrician” and “residential” would find the profile, resulting in a potential service match.

Once the service is complete, the talent seeker can provide feedback and a rating – similar to eBay® or Amazon®. A profile’s position on OnTheSide.com is based on the feedback received, so highly rated service providers will be listed near the top of the page. OnTheSide’s rating system gives each service provider the added incentive to do a good job because positive ratings can translate into added business.

“Everyday issues like fixing a leaky faucet or decorating a room don’t have to be an expensive hassle,” said Roger Brown – president, OnTheSide. “OnTheSide.com enables people to search for and find exactly the help they need – and working person-to-person with a service provider is both simple and cost effective.”

The site will be continually upgraded with new features launching in just months, such as background checks and the ability to tie individual service providers together into a virtual company, but all without the high overhead.

Visit www.OnTheSide.com to post or seek talent – or for more information about the company.