It seems like everyone has a side gig now.
I’m sure you know someone who has started a freelance type business in the last 3-5 years.
Apparently, it’s about one out of every 3 people now.
It’s a good way to make some extra money and work on things you really enjoy like woodworking or underwater basket-weaving.
It’s nice to work when you want and be your own boss.
Now, whether you want to keep it small or make it a massive empire,
I have some rules to help you on the way.
Before I get to those, you must know that if you pick this path, you are a special breed.
You are opting out of the traditional route for something that feels more like you.
Perhaps, you are serving in the way that only YOU can.
Ok, let’s get into it:
Rule #1: There is more than one path, way, or method
Everyone will tell you what they did or what “someone they know” did.
You need to do what works for you.
When they give advice, just smile, nod, and continue on what is working for you.
If it makes you miserable, what’s the point?
The goal remains unchangeable, but there are many roads there.
Rule #2: Your business is serving others, not you
You can have everything you want, but you need to give people what they want first.
Every business serves the public.
Figure out how you can do that in your own way, better than anyone else.
Rule #3: Your side hustle should help you at your day job
Learning new skills will make you a much more valuable employee.
Don’t let your work slide because your heart is really in your side gig.
Do your best at everything and you will find it transfer back and forth and you will be better at both.
Rule #4: Schedule Everything and Stick To It
Always use your time move your business forward.
Get up earlier and work on your business on the bus or anywhere you have a few minutes.
You’re going to be giving up some downtime.
Don’t let anyone or anything pull you from scheduled work time.
Rule #5: Get Clear on Your Fears
You will likely feel fear at different times.
It is normal and you need to learn to work through it.
Fear is common at these times:
right before taking the first step getting started,
when you have to pitch or sell your idea or product,
and when obstacles appear in your path.
If you just plan on that happening, it will be easier to know what it is and move past it.
There is no growth without risk.
Rule #6: Your prices need to keep you around long-term
Your business needs to earn enough revenue to cover costs, growth, and your paycheck.
If you don’t make enough money to survive, you aren’t serving your customers.
I see many new entrepreneurs make this mistake.
See what other businesses in your industry are charging, offer more value and charge MORE.
Rule #7: Get Help
Your business will do better when you are doing the special tasks that bring in revenue and move the business forward.
Outsource everything you can that takes time away from that.
Fiverr and Upwork can help with many of the technical and business aspects.
Rule #8: Don’t overthink it
This is the great news:
People dumber than you have successful businesses.
Just move forward and do the thing.
Challenges will come and you may not know how, but you will figure out a way through it.
Rule #9: Never Give Up
It’s going to be hard.
You are going to get tired and wonder why you signed up for this.
There’s a grind phase that comes after the initial excitement wears off.
You need to fall in love with the work and the service.
If you do this, the result will eventually come.
Everyone that has achieved success is rooting for you.
Your customers want you to win.
Keep going!
If you liked this article make sure to check these out:
Finding Your Niche: How to Stand Out in Business
10 Lucrative Online Business Ideas for Introverts
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