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If building a side hustle is #1 on your list of things to do, now is a great time to be thinking about:
- How do you even start a side hustle?
- What should you be doing?
- What should you be thinking about?
Let’s break down the six steps to getting started so you can build an income stream doing something you love.
1. Think about your why.
What is driving this need to build something of your own? Get clear on your motivations for doing this because it’ll help inform what you do as a side hustle. In addition, this will serve as a reminder on those difficult days when things feel overwhelming. Trust me; those days will happen.
- Are you unhappy with your day job and want to add something that fulfills you?
- Do you love your 9-5, but you are feeling called to do more?
- Do you want to get rid of debt or start a travel fund?
Most of us start a side hustle for one of three reasons. Either we want to earn extra income, pursue a passion, or create a business in a low-risk way. Which one sounds more like you? What is YOUR why?
2. Figure out your side hustle idea.
I love this exercise from my coach, Michelle Ward: set a timer for 15 minutes and brainstorm ten things you can do as a side hustle.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What do my friends come to me for advice on?
- What could I talk about for 30 minutes with no prep?
- What could I charge $50/hour for tomorrow?
Use the answers to write down anything that comes to mind. Put the list away for a day or so. Next, review the list again and pick 1-2 things you are most excited to pursue or that seem like the most fun. Then, figure out what that offering looks like.
Here are some ideas:
- Start a blog and monetize it through ads or affiliate marketing.
- Take the skills from your day job and offer those services in a different market.
- Sell digital or physical products online.
3. Make time to work on your side hustle.
Finding time is often the most significant struggle when starting a side hustle. So, I encourage you to reframe it as making time.
To start, get clear on all of the commitments in your life. If it helps, grab a calendar and block off the time for your existing obligations. Then, see what’s left over.
What is realistic in terms of how much time you can spend every week? Is it an hour every morning or evening? Is it a couple of hours on the weekend?
The goal is to get started, even if it’s 15 minutes at a time.
4. Start putting your offer out there into the world.
Take on a guinea pig client or two. See how that process goes.
Where can you make changes? Where does something need to change? Is this an offer that makes sense? Tweak it if required, and then put it back into the world.
Tell your friends about it, share it on social media, and start working on the plan. As you continue working on your offer and your business, you’ll begin clarifying what you should do next.
5. Celebrate the baby steps.
Starting a side hustle is no small feat. You are choosing to add something to your life that will take time away from other things, which may feel super scary. It’ll bring up all types of fear and impostor syndrome.
But it will also teach you so much about yourself. And this is why you should celebrate. Every time you take action, whether attending a workshop or sharing an image of your work on social media, pat yourself on the back.
Small wins done consistently can lead to big wins.
6. Make time for self-care.
Managing a side hustle and a day job is not easy. However, it can be gratifying and make you feel like you are living a more fulfilled life.
But you will find days where your motivation is waning for your day job, side hustle, or both. And to combat that and not fall into burnout, it’s essential to build self-care into your routine.
To do this, determine what types of things you need to fill up your cup and do them regularly. It could be as simple as reading before bed (this is me!), having time with friends, or working out.
Build it into your schedule so you can fill up your cup.
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So there you have it! Six simple steps to get started on your side hustle journey. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Remember to keep your why in mind throughout the process; that’s what will keep you going when things get tough. And please, don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way!
Giving yourself time and space to relax and rejuvenate is just as important as putting in the work necessary to make your side hustle successful.
Want more side hustler tips and resources?
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