Are you living paycheck to paycheck, feeling the stress of trying to make ends meet? Whether you’re unable to find full-time work, straddled with student debt or working a low-wage job, you’re not alone. Many Americans are looking for ways to earn extra cash, aka a side hustle, to boost their income.
The side hustle provides a new form of job security by giving you another income stream. It also allows you to flex your entrepreneurial muscle or do something you love without giving up your day job and the pay that comes with it.
Here are some tips on how to create a successful side hustle:
Identify your special skill set: What are you good at and what do you love? Focus your side hustle on something you want to spend your time doing. Are you an avid runner? Coach beginning runners who want to run their first race. Are you good with tools and small house projects? Offer up your handyman skills in your neighborhood.
Find out what people need. What service do people in your network need that you can provide? Are your neighbors too busy to walk the dog? Start a dog-walking service. Are your friends’ kids preparing for college entrance exams? Provide SAT and ACT tutoring. Find an unmet need that you have the expertise to provide.
Network. Once you’ve identified a need that your skill set can meet, connect with your personal network to let them know you can help. Start with your close connections and ask for referrals once you’ve built a positive reputation.
Make time for your side hustle and manage it well. Create a schedule and stick to it. To succeed, you have to meet the expectations of your new clients while maintaining your performance at your day job. Don’t risk your steady paycheck by doing side hustle tasks while on the clock at your regular gig.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Do you know someone in a service industry job who goes above and beyond their expected role? Do they take pride in their vital, yet under-appreciated job? Nominate them for an Essential Service Award.
