Hey, I'm not into offline business but I can think of various reasons for people to expand their business, which is the main reason to go online as you have the chance to blast your market from local to global. I can'T remember who it was but a Wiseman said: "There will be two types of businesses, the ones online and the ones out of the market!" and I think this pretty much describes it.
I own an offline publishing company. It just made sense to combine an online business as well. Two totally different businesses, but some serious similarities - you need to promote, give great customer service and offer a great product.
I am both on and offline. I put up fliers for my seo service and then get them to skype me to discuss what options they are wanting to go after.
It is good to offer both online and offline business,then you can control them well.It will not influence much if online or offline business goes down.
I do web development on Craigslist and work for my department (I'm in college) doing IT stuff. Really easy work and $15/hr.
I'm a freelance writer both in real life and online, and I also taught guitar for a few years throughout high school.
I'm sure a good percentage of the people who frequent this website have a "day job" that isn't related to the Internet. Unless you work for a large company in an Internet-related field or are lucky enough to run a successful website, most freelancers don't make enough to support themselves (at least in my experience).Personally, I file legal paperwork when I'm not lurking the web...
I don't have an offline business, but if I will establish one I am thinking to build a coffee and pastry shop. I think, it will be successful in our place. Anyway, I love my online job.