As a woman who’s walked the path of building a successful side hustle, I’ve learned quite a bit, and I believe in sharing the wisdom. I have seen the highs and lows and navigated the bumps and curves, and I would love for you to be able to sidestep the pitfalls. So here are five important things you need to consider before starting your side hustle, along with my personal experiences.
Define Your Goals: When I started my blog and freelance writing gig, I wanted an outlet for my creativity, and the prospect of some extra income was enticing too. Having clear goals in mind made the initial challenges much more manageable. It helped me persevere through tough times because I was able to remind myself of what I was striving towards. So, ask yourself, what do you hope to achieve with your side hustle?
Passion and Longevity: I cannot stress enough the importance of choosing a side hustle that you love. About a year into my side hustle, I hit a patch where the work became tedious. It was my passion for writing that kept me going and reignited the spark. So, always ask yourself, will I still enjoy doing this in the future?
Time Management: Managing a full-time job and my freelance work was a juggling act, especially in the early days. I had to master the art of time management, scheduling work around my day job without compromising my family and personal life. It was tricky but not impossible. It meant sacrificing some Netflix time and working on weekends, but seeing my side hustle flourish made it worth the effort.
Resources and Investment: Initially, I was overwhelmed by the thought of investments needed to start my freelance writing career. However, I soon realized that starting small was okay. I began with just my laptop and a free WordPress site. Over time, I upgraded my equipment and invested in a professional website. Remember, it’s not about having the best resources when you start, but being resourceful with what you have.
Market Research: My first few months were slow. I had the skills and the passion, but my potential customers didn’t know I existed. It took a good amount of market research and an understanding of my ideal customer to turn things around. I found social media groups and forums where my target customers spent time and marketed my services there. This was a game-changer for me.
Also see: How to validate your side hustle idea
Each of these points is based on my personal journey and the lessons I learned along the way. Starting a side hustle is a fantastic experience, but it’s not always smooth sailing. By sharing my experiences, I hope to help you navigate your journey better. Always remember, the key is not to avoid making mistakes, but to learn from them and keep going.
