Starting a side hustle might not be as difficult as you might think. Here are some tips, tricks and suggestions to get you started. After you are established, expand your side hustle into the real deal.

Be Prepared

Before you get started, make sure to research the type of side hustle you want to start. Understand the positives and negatives, and always have a backup plan in mind. It’s also a good idea to figure out how much time you can dedicate to your new entrepreneurial endeavors without taking away from your full-time job. Too many responsibilities can lead to rapid failure. Your side hustle should be something you enjoy and will want to dedicate additional time to. Finally, do not spend money until you are fully committed to launching. Give yourself the ability to pivot, as you may find that your direction changes as you expand on your plan.

Design Your Side Hustle Operations

Make sure you have a clear idea of how you want to set up and operate your side hustle. This includes how often you plan to work on it, what kind of skills and resources are needed, and the amount of capital that is required for your MVP – minimal viable product. Also, design a way to expand your main job into your side hustle. Utilize what you already have available! For example, if you want to run a digital marketing agency, look into ways in which your current job skills, connections and knowledge can apply. LinkedIn, for example, can be used as a way to connect with other influencers and help develop your network.

Build Your Skills

As mentioned above, your main job may be able to build on your side hustle skills. Think about how you can use your current job as a foundation for your side hustle business. Find ways to create more opportunities at work by looking into new projects and seeking out mentors that can help you grow professionally. Do you have additional talent available in your coworkers that you want to tap into?

There are also many online resources to grow your skills. For example, Google’s Skillshop has a multitude of options to learn more about expanding your digital marketing knowledge. HubSpot’s Academy has modules regarding content marketing, inbound sales and social media marketing among others.

Be Creative

While it’s good to have a solid plan, your side hustle may take a few different turns. Be open-minded and flexible and try new things as you go. Be spontaneous! That may be the time you come up with the next revolutionary idea. This is how some of the greatest companies were started, like Google when they had only one server and a chair.

Create a Side Hustle Business Plan and Marketing Strategy

Create an organized plan for your side hustle. You have your research, skills and resources, now build your business mission and explain what you are solving for your customers. Next focus on who your target customers are, and what decide platforms are most appropriate to reach them. Social media, search engine advertising and utilizing influencers are all fantastic ways to build a community for customers to engage with your business. What is the minimum viable product that you need to launch? Building a business can take time, and you can expand as you analyze how your customers are interacting and responding. Start with what is necessary and build as you go. Maybe in the long run you want to open your own storefront, but for now you sell through a 3rd party like Etsy or Amazon.

Define Side Hustle Success

Utilize SMART goals to track your progress! What are SMART goals?

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-Bound

Clearly defined, attainable goals are important to guide you along and keep you on track. Make sure to amend and update your SMART goals are met or deemed not necessary!

Review, Refresh, Retire

Successful businesses are able to adapt. Review marketing materials, content, your SMART goals, even your business plan to ensure that you are relevant and keeping up with what your customers are looking for. Some parts of the business might need a refresh – like a new Springtime themed campaign or imagery. Some might need to be retired if not resonating with customers. Be sure you are monitoring your progress!

You have a plan, you have a strategy, now…

Get Hustling!

You have the foundation to build a successful side hustle at your fingertips. With a bit of inspiration, a plan and some hard work, your side hustle venture is ready to implement. Let’s take a look back…

• Be Prepared
• Design Your Operations
• Build Your Skills
• Be Creative
• Create a Business Plan and Marketing Strategy
• Define your goals
• Review, Refresh, Retire

Let us know in the comments how your hustle is coming! We are excited to see what you come up with!