Are you thinking of starting a side hustle? If so, you need to start with an idea, of course. Time on your side? That certainly helps. The resolve to keep going even when there are setbacks? A hundred percent. But the sweet spot of landing the ultimate passion project lies in the convergence of just three simple things. One client of mine left a great job at a large TV network to create her own small production firm because all three of these things were true for her, and she’s never been happier or wealthier (there are no income caps for the self-employed)! Read on for the three magical ingredients you’ll need to achieve premium side-hustler status.
1. You love the work you’re doing. Loving your side hustle is critical, because running a business is always challenging at one time or another. Too many people launch businesses they kind of like because they think they’ll be great moneymakers. Then, if the going gets tough, they walk away because their heart is not in their work. Feeling a strong passion for your side hustle will constantly push you forward.
2. You are good at it. What are you naturally good at? What do people come to you for? What problems do you already help solve? What comes easily to you? These are all solid indicators of what could be a brilliant side project for you. It’s all about doing the best you can with skills you already have.
3. People will pay for it. The third component you need in your side hustle? People willing to pay you for it. It’s a moneymaking endeavor, after all! This is where many people get stuck, thinking they don’t have clients yet (and not knowing where they’d come from). But think about all the power in your network (online and offline) you haven’t even begun to tap into yet. Work to find clients from where you are, with what you have.
Bonus step: Ask someone you love what you’re good at.
There’s a powerful quote by Derek Sivers that says, “What’s obvious to you is amazing to others.” We’re so used to our own skills that they don’t always stand out to us. Ask your mom or your BFF what they think you’re good at; they’ll be able to shine a light onto your strengths. Then focus on those skills and strategize how they can be useful to you as you build your side hustle. Once you realize how you can use your strengths to build the business you’ve always wanted, you’ll start to get really excited.
Do you have a side hustle? Tell me about it in the comments!
