While everyone else is busy spending January at the gym, why don’t you focus on starting that side hustle that you spent 2019 dreaming about? Rarely will all the stars align as a perfect opportunity presents itself. More than likely, if you want it to happen, you have to make it happen. Thankfully, you’re not all on your own. If you follow these six steps then you can launch your side hustle in as little as 48 hours.
Ready to get started?
Sept 1: Figure out exactly what type of side hustle is best for you
Before you can start on your how you must first focus on your why. Are you looking for a second income, not feeling fulfilled with your current job, or maybe you’re passionate about traveling and looking to explore career options in that industry?
Quarter-life crisis or after-work boredom aside, you’ve decided that it’s time to make a career transition. The why behind your new endeavor will affect what type of side hustle you should be pursuing. If you’re still not clear on what direction you should be moving in, Career Contessa has a side hustle-style quiz built just for you!
Step 2: Reflect on your strengths and interests
What are your strengths?
This is an important step for obvious reasons. Knowing what you do well, even without applying much thought and energy, is key. If you’re able to build your side hustle around those skills then you will maximize your chances of success. For some, this will be a hard step. If you’re having trouble nailing down skill sets, it might be due to imposter syndrome. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends what they think you’re skilled at. Who knows, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.
What do you like to do?
What makes you feel energized? Sure your side hustle might make money, but if you struggle with being interested in your hustle then you will never stick with it.
Getting your project up and running will be a lot of work. However, it should be fun and fulfilling work. For this to happen, ideally, your side hustle will incorporate both your strengths and your interests. If painting is a strength of yours but you do not get enjoyment from it, do not start a customized sneaker painting Etsy page. Otherwise, your side business will drain you rather than motivate you.
Step 3: Have clear next steps in place
Just thinking about launching a new business can be overwhelming! If you spend your energy on solely big-picture items, you will likely never get off the ground. But, when you break it into bite-sized pieces, you will be able to stay focused and walk one step at a time until you’re off and running. If you don’t know where to start when making a to-do list, Career Contessa is a great resource with printable templates and organization ideas. Make sure your list includes setting up a website (Squarespace is a great tool), designing a logo, creating/cleaning social media accounts dedicated to your business, defining your personal brand, and setting a launch date for yourself.
Step 4: Create a business plan
Possibly the most important step, this plan will be the foundation of your side hustle. Take time to consider the purpose of your business. Make sure your business plan answers the following questions.
What is your unique value?
What services are you offering and how you will set your rates?
Why should clients choose you?
How much time are you willing to give to your hustle?
What is your marketing plan?
If you need help writing a business plan, Squarespace and Career Contessa have teamed up to create a complete e-guide.
Step 5: Build your site
Having a landing page for your side hustle is crucial because it gives your business and brand a face. It will help answer a potential client’s questions as to who you and your company are as well as convince them that you’re the best bet for the job. Your finished site should be user-friendly and easy to navigate, aesthetically pleasing, and highlight your work.
When building your website, make sure to include an about page explaining who you are and what your hustle is, a clients page with information for current and/or past clients, an online storefront if you’re selling products, a testimonial page because others bragging about you will always mean more than you bragging on yourself, and a contact page to make it easy for potential partners/customers to reach out.
Step 6: Spread the word
This is the moment you’ve waited for! You’ve poured your heart and soul into this business and you want to share it with EVERYONE! Hang up posters, share your website on your personal social media ask others to do the same, drop business cards from the rooftops, and start an email campaign. Whatever makes sense for your business, do it!
Hustle on!
