6 Strategies to Start a Successful Side Hustle

Did you know that 44 MILLION Americans have a side hustle?
Whether you side hustle as a retiree, to make some extra money to pay the bills, or just to fund your hobby, you have to wonder, what else is out there?

Side hustles can be anything from driving Uber in the evenings to babysitting, to painting custom murals, to life coaching.

With so many options out there, how does one decide what they best side hustle is for them?
But first, what exactly IS a side hustle?
Simple...

A side hustle is a business, not hobby cuz you are tiring to make money here, you run in your free time. It allows you the flexibility to pursue things you are interested in. Or just something you do to make some extra cash. It also gives you a chance to explore the things your day job does not allow you to.

My first side hustle was selling my husband's nerdy things on eBay. Things like action figures, video games, baseball cards, etc. I started that mostly because he had a lot of stuff to get rid of, but it wasn't selling in the local Facebook buy and sell sites. So why not give eBay a try?

After getting more into the world of online marketing and spending ALL MY FREE TIME researching, I took it to the next level and started blogging full-time. And also I got fired from my job, so there was that lol!

I recommend a side hustle to just about everyone. First of all, you never know when you might need some extra cash. Secondly, you might discover or rediscover talents that have been lying dormant.

Having a side hustle is not always easy (that's why it's called a hustle!), but with some dedication and planning you can successfully handle a side hustle and your "day job."

Here are a few tips to get started:
1. Start with something that interests you.


Sure, there are the side hustles like delivering pizzas on the weekends, but how long do you really want to do that for? If you are starting a side hustle that you would like to do long-term, then focus on things you enjoy.

It should fit this criterion:

You are good at it
You enjoy doing it
There is a need for it
You can get paid for it

It's natural for your business to evolve over time. So don't overthink things and just get started. Pick a direction and run with it!

If you are interested in starting a blog, here are a few related posts that might help you out:

How to Start a Successful Blog: The Complete Newbie Guide

12 Mistakes Newbie Bloggers Make and How to Avoid (or Fix) Them
2. Use your network


It can be scary when you first start out to let people know what you are doing. I didn't tell anyone about my blog for the first couple months because I was afraid of what people would think when I said I started a blog. Don't be afraid to let people know what you are up to. You never know who might be looking for your products or services.

Just don't be that person who blasts their personal social media accounts with the latest "business opportunity."

Most of the time people are pretty supportive and willing to help spread the word about your new venture. You might even inspire someone else sot start a side hustles of their own!
3. Schedule your hustle hours!


When I first started my side hustle, I did it whenever. In the evenings when the kids went to bed, a nap time here or there. It was super inconsistent. I know it can be difficult when you have kids to spend time on something for you, but do your best to make the effort.

Even if it is after the kids go to bed, be consistent about it. "I will work on my Monday-Thursday evenings from 8-10pm. Schedule it on your calendar, make it a recurring event. If you are going to be serious, make it a non-negotiable.
4. Collaborate with others


Other side hustlers and entrepreneurs are always looking for people to collaborate with. I got my first virtual assistant gig by scrolling through Facebook and came across another entrepreneur I knew who was looking for a VA. She didn't know that I was looking for VA work, so I reached out to her and did some work for her.

Don't be afraid to ask someone if they are looking for help. You never know who might say yes.
5. Step outside of your comfort zone


It can be scary to reach out to people. If that is outside of your comfort zone, get used to feeling uncomfortable. Most of the gigs I've landed is because I reached out to someone that I wanted to work for or collaborate with.

Join Facebook groups for your niche and look for people that are asking questions about things. Just make sure you are following group rules, some groups can be really strict about self-promotion and kick you out.
6. Show off your work


Try to start a portfolio of work that you have done (if it's that kind of side hustle. Or get testimonials from people that you have already worked with to showcase to prospective clients. It generally helps to have a website to show off your work and makes it easier for clients to find you.

Related post: 9 Little Known Ways to Start Working From Home

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What is your side hustle (or what do you want it to be?)


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