Are you interested in earning extra income or pursuing a passion project outside of your full-time job? You’re not alone. Starting a side hustle while working a full-time job may be just the solution you need. A side business can provide the extra income you need to pay off debt, save for a vacation, or invest in your future. Plus, it can be a way to pursue your passions and build a business of your own.
However, balancing a full-time job with a side hustle can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll explore tips and strategies for hustling on the side while working full-time. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or simply looking to earn extra cash, this article is for you.
According to a recent survey, 1 in 4 workers have a side hustle. While it may seem like a great idea to earn some extra cash, it’s important to consider the amount of time you’ll need to dedicate. 45% of workers with a side job find themselves working over 40 hours per week, and 25% dedicate over 50 hours to their various projects. So, you might find yourself working at least an extra workday every week.
However, the financial opportunity is exponential if you’re willing to put the work in. 16% of UK adults claim to earn upwards of £1,000 a month from their new venture, starting since COVID-19. The pandemic seems to have caused an increase in the number of side ventures, with 19% of Brits starting a side business since March 2020.
Now, let’s get into the steps to start your own side hustle…
How to Start Your Side Hustle
1. Time management
Organising time for a side hustle can be a challenging task, especially when you’re already juggling a full-time job and other commitments. However, with some planning and discipline, it’s possible to find the time you need to build a successful side hustle. Here are some tips for organising your time effectively:
- Create a schedule: Start by creating a schedule that outlines your work hours, side hustle hours, and other commitments. Consider using a digital or physical planner to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Be realistic about the time you have available and prioritise your tasks based on their importance.
- Find pockets of time: Look for pockets of time throughout your day that you can use for your side hustle. For example, you might wake up an hour earlier in the morning to work on your business or spend an hour after dinner each night on your side hustle. Use your lunch break at work or your commute time to make progress on your side hustle tasks.
- Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries to avoid burnout. Consider setting specific hours for your side hustle and sticking to them. Let your friends, family, and co-workers know that you’re working on a side hustle and need to dedicate time to it.
- Use productivity tools: There are many productivity tools available that can help you manage your time more effectively. Consider using a time tracking app, project management tool, or automation software to streamline your work.
- Focus on high-impact tasks: When you’re short on time, it’s important to focus on high-impact tasks that will move your side hustle forward. Identify the most important tasks each day and prioritise them first.
2. Choosing the right side hustle
Choosing the right side hustle can be a challenging task. There are so many options available, and it’s important to find something that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals. Here are some tips to help you choose the right side hustle:
- Identify your interests: Start by identifying your interests and passions. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What hobbies or activities do you find fulfilling? Consider turning your hobbies into a side hustle, as you’ll be more motivated to put in the time and effort.
- Assess your skills: Next, assess your skills and expertise. What are you good at? What knowledge or experience do you have that could be valuable to others? Consider leveraging your existing skills to start a side hustle that provides a service or product.
- Consider demand: When choosing a side hustle, it’s important to consider demand. Is there a market for the product or service you’re offering? Are there other businesses or individuals offering similar services? Research your potential market to ensure there’s a need for your side hustle.
- Evaluate income potential: While you may be passionate about a particular hobby or interest, it’s important to evaluate the income potential of your side hustle. Consider the time and effort required to start and maintain the business, as well as the potential earnings.
- Stay flexible: Finally, it’s important to stay flexible and willing to adapt. Your side hustle may evolve over time, and you may need to pivot based on changes in the market or your own interests.
3. Networking
Networking is a key component of building a successful side hustle. It allows you to connect with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors who can provide valuable insights and support. Here are some tips for networking to build a successful side hustle:
- Attend events: Attend networking events, conferences, and workshops related to your side hustle. These events provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and potential clients.
- Join online groups: Join online groups and communities related to your side hustle. Participate in discussions and provide value to the community to build relationships.
- Use social media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with individuals in your industry. Share valuable content and engage with others to build your network.
- Ask for referrals: Ask your existing clients or customers for referrals to other potential clients. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool and can help you build a strong client base.
- Volunteer: Volunteer your time and skills to organisations or events related to your side hustle. This can help you build relationships and gain exposure to potential clients or collaborators.
- Attend meetups: Attend meetups or groups related to your side hustle in your local area. This is a great way to build relationships with individuals who are also building their own businesses.
Read our article for a more in-depth guide on how to successfully network.
4. Marketing and branding
A strong brand can help your side hustle stand out in a crowded market. Create a brand that resonates with your target audience. Develop a unique value proposition and messaging that communicates the benefits of your products or services. Use social media and other marketing channels to promote your brand and reach potential customers. Read our article on how to market your business with a low budget, and how to build a marketing plan.
Here are some tips to help you effectively market and brand your side hustle:
- Define your brand: Start by defining your brand. What does your side hustle stand for? What values does it embody? Develop a mission statement and brand messaging that resonates with your target audience.
- Develop a website: Create a website that showcases your products or services, your brand messaging, and your story. Make sure your website is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly.
- Leverage social media: Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to promote your brand and engage with your audience. Share engaging content, respond to comments and messages, and use hashtags to expand your reach.
- Offer free content: Offer free content such as blogs, podcasts, or webinars that provide value to your target audience. This can help you build trust and credibility, and attract potential customers.
- Collaborate with influencers: Partner with influencers in your industry to promote your products or services. This can help you reach a wider audience and build credibility.
- Attend trade shows and events: Attend trade shows and events related to your industry to showcase your products or services and connect with potential customers.
- Utilise email marketing: Use email marketing to keep your customers and followers informed about your brand and any new products or services you’re offering.
5. Financial management
A successful side hustle can generate extra income, but it’s important to manage that money wisely. Start by setting financial goals for your side hustle, such as paying off debt, saving for a vacation, or investing in your business. Create a budget that includes both your full-time income and your side hustle income. Set aside money for taxes, expenses, and savings. Consider investing your side hustle income in a retirement account or other long-term investment.
Side Hustle Ideas
There are many side hustle ideas that you can pursue while working full-time. Here are some suggestions:
- Freelancing: If you have a skill that you can offer as a service, such as writing, graphic design, or programming, you can offer your services on freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
- Online tutoring: If you have expertise in a particular subject or language, you can offer online tutoring services to students. Platforms like TutorMe and Chegg offer opportunities for tutors to find students.
- Social media management: Many small businesses and entrepreneurs need help managing their social media presence. If you have experience in social media management, you can offer your services to these businesses.
- Selling products online: You can sell products online through platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy. You can create your own products or source products from wholesalers and resell them.
- Blogging: If you enjoy writing and have a topic that you are passionate about, you can start a blog and monetise it through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.
- Pet-sitting or dog-walking: If you love animals, you can offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services to people in your community. Rover is a great example of a dog-sitting platform.
- Renting out a room on Airbnb: If you have a spare room in your home, you can rent it out on Airbnb and earn extra income.
- Delivering food or packages: You can sign up to deliver food or packages for companies like Uber Eats, or Deliveroo.
Remember to carefully consider your time and resources before pursuing any side hustle, and be sure to comply with any legal or contractual obligations you may have with your full-time job.
Let us Know About Your Side Hustle!
Starting a side hustle while working full-time can be a great way to earn extra income and pursue your passions outside of your regular job. With the right planning and dedication, you can build a successful side hustle that can even grow into a full-time career.
It’s important to carefully consider your time, resources, and legal obligations before starting a side hustle, and to research potential opportunities thoroughly. With a little hard work and persistence, starting a side hustle can be a fulfilling and profitable way to achieve your goals. So, don’t be afraid to take the first step and start exploring your options today!
Let us know about any ventures you’re looking at beginning – we’d love to hear them! Give us an email at [email protected], or let us know on our LinkedIn or Facebook Pages!
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