Practical Advice for Winning at Your Side Hustle

We’ve previously discussed the idea of pursuing our passions outside of the workplace here on the blog, expounding upon the life-giving benefits of finding time in the margins to do the things we love.

Today we want to take this concept one step further by sharing some practical ways that we can monetize our interests, turning them into real side hustles that can bring in additional funding, ignite our passions and even turn into a full-time job.

Evaluate how you spend your time.

One of the main roadblocks that can prevent us from launching our side hustle projects — writing a book, building a business, starting a blog — is the belief that we don’t have enough time to dedicate to the dream. We are working full-time, we have other responsibilities and relationships to pursue and we carve out time for rest and rejuvenation. So how can we possibly squeeze one more thing into our agendas?

The key is remembering that we often have underutilized pockets of time where we can be working on our side hustles. Use a time assessment tool to document the amount of time it takes to accomplish your weekly tasks, including everything from work and sleep to exercise and meal preparation. You’ll get a clearer picture of the nooks and crannies of time that can be made available to work on your side hustle.

Once you determine how many free hours you have to dedicate to your project, create a schedule that dictates how to use them. For example, if you have four available hours per week, prioritize the tasks you need to complete and schedule specific times for those to be done within your available four hours. Whether those hours are tackled all at once or spread out amongst several days is irrelevant; what’s most important is that you follow through with the schedule you have set for yourself.

By creating a habit of carving out previously unused (or, in some cases, poorly used) time to pursue your passion, you are one step closer to making your dream become a reality.

By blocking out segments of time on your calendar, you are committing to accomplishing necessary tasks for your side hustle in the same way you would at work or at home. As much as possible, try not to cancel these scheduled side hustle hours. Treat them as you would a work deadline or an important appointment, rearranging your schedule only if something crucial comes up. By creating a habit of carving out previously unused (or, in some cases, poorly used) time to pursue your passion, you are one step closer to making your dream become a reality.

Find mentors in your field.

Eliminate some of the guesswork related to your project by identifying role models in your field who are willing to give you guidance and insight. Invite these prospective mentors for coffee or happy hour or a Skype date. Prepare for your conversation by identifying a few concrete questions that you’ve struggled to find the answers to on your own. Ask for advice and input and really listen to the answers. Jot down ideas so you can refer to them later and make sure to send a thank-you note afterward expressing your gratitude for their time and expertise.

For those who you really connected with, consider asking them to serve as a mentor as you build your side hustle. Ask if they’ll serve in an advisory capacity as you grow your business/launch your brand/write your book and set up monthly meetings to help with accountability and vision.

Forming relationships with people who are passionate about the same type of work as you are will not only provide necessary connections in your industry but will also give you the guidance you need to fulfill your dreams and avoid mistakes in the process.

Simplify, simplify, simplify.

Often in the world of side hustles it can feel like there is no limit to what we can do. While we love encouraging others to dream the biggest dreams, we also believe that a quality project, business or brand is the result of a focused vision.

When you’re in the throes of launching your passion project, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and decide to add all sorts of layers to your already brilliant idea. Resist this temptation in favor of simplifying your vision and your brand, thereby perfecting your product or craft in such a way that makes it desirable for others to consume. Set yourself up for success by honing in on the one thing you want to do really well and delineate a list of steps to achieve that goal.

Less is more!

Set yourself up for success by honing in on the one thing you want to do really well and delineate a list of steps to achieve that goal.

Prepare for the leap.

Everyone has different outcomes that they want for their side hustles. Some people really love their day jobs and simply want a passion project to pursue on the side. Others need a way to generate additional income, while still others want to leave their current jobs in order to transition a side hustle into a full-time gig.

Regardless of the path you choose, start considering the ways you’ll need to plan your calendar and your finances in order for your vision to be seen through. Do you need to contribute more to your savings account each month so you can go part-time in your day job or quit entirely? Do you need to say no to an impending commitment or hobby or opportunity because it infringes upon the time you need to complete tasks for your side hustle? Do you need to seek out investors to contribute financially to your project?

By understanding the sacrifices you’ll need to make in advance, you are setting up healthy expectations and boundaries that ensure you’re taking the necessary strides towards achieving your goal.

Do you have a side hustle? What is it and what do you hope it grows into?

Images via Sarah Dorweiler