The millennial years roughly between 18 and 36 are a time when Gen Yers are trying to find their footing in the world. We’re still learning, after all. But just because millennials are young doesn’t mean we don’t have life experiences to share with others.
It could be one of the best times ever to build a side hustle, whether you want to pursue it full-time or simply supplement your day job with extra income.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Explore the current market opportunities for side hustles. |
| 2. Leverage your skills and passions to identify potential niches. |
| 3. Utilize online platforms and marketplaces to promote your hustle. |
| 4. Embrace the flexibility and freedom that side hustles offer. |
| 5. Seek inspiration and guidance from successful side hustlers. |
Do Something You Love
If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle, the first thing to consider is whether or not you want to do it.
It’s easy to get swept up in the idea of working for yourself and making money on the weekends, but if you are doing something that isn’t your passion and isn’t something you’re good at, it won’t work out as well you hope.
Doing what’s fun can be great it’ll help keep your energy levels high when times get tough but if there’s no way for this type of “hobby” to develop into a full-time career.
Then it may be best for your future goals (and sanity) to wait until later in life when things start feeling more permanent before investing time into something so tenuous.
Another thing: Make sure that whatever side hustle or project you choose doesn’t compete with anything else going on in life right now!
If other important things are happening such as starting school or getting married soon after graduation day arrives next month…then maybe don’t jump into another new venture just yet!
If you’re a millennial looking to kick-start your freelancing career, check out our guide on 12 Tips to Kick-Start Your Freelancing Career in Less Than a Month. Learn valuable insights and strategies to accelerate your freelancing journey.
Don’t Throw Away Your Day Job Yet
So, you’ve decided that you want to start a side hustle. That’s great! But don’t quit your day job just yet.
Whether it’s taking on freelance work or launching a new business venture, there are some common steps worth following before leaping to full-time freelancing.
The first step is to get your finances in order and make sure you have enough income coming in from other sources so that quitting your day job isn’t going to leave you in dire straits financially (or worse).
It also helps if you can cover any expenses needed for starting up this new business: office space, equipment and technology purchases, etc…
Develop Systems And Routines
Develop systems and routines. As you’re starting, you may find that it’s helpful to develop a routine that works for you. It’s important to be consistent and flexible, but also prepared and efficient.
If something isn’t working well, don’t get discouraged just change it up until it feels right! The point is not perfection but progress, so don’t expect everything to go perfectly the first time around or even ever (yes, even if you’re successful).
Instead of going through all this alone and putting in all the hard work yourself find others who can support your journey and cheer each other on along the way!
Help Others
You can help others by sharing your knowledge, giving advice, and helping them out. You could also give credit to others for their work as it will make them feel appreciated. Be kind, generous, and patient with people who need help in any way possible.
Are you curious about the freelance agency model and how it can benefit your business? Explore our comprehensive article on What Is the Freelance Agency Model? How to Apply It in Your Business to understand this innovative approach and its potential advantages.
Determine What You Want To Do, Then Do It
The first step is to figure out what you want to do. The second step is to do it.
This is easier said than done, especially if you’re an introvert who finds yourself easily overwhelmed by the thought of being “the only one doing this thing.”
But here’s the thing: when it comes to side hustles, there’s no need for perfection or even excellence it’s all about trying something new and seeing where it goes from there.
It doesn’t matter if what you start isn’t perfect; as long as it aligns with your values and interests, then it will still serve its purpose in helping bring more value into your life while also making a difference in someone else’s life (even if that person is just yourself!).
So yes, don’t be afraid of failing, and don’t feel like every single decision needs to be perfect either!
One of my favorite things about starting a side hustle was realizing how much freedom and flexibility I had when starting on my own;
This gave me space both mentally and physically so that I could experiment with different ideas without having any pressure put on myself by someone else (like a boss or partner).
This allowed me to see what worked best for me and once those patterns started showing up consistently over time (for example writing).
Then I knew exactly where my passion lay with regards to being able to earn money online through freelancing jobs related specifically writing articles/blog posts etcetera…
Leverage Existing Skills And Networks
Listen To Podcasts
It’s a bit of an obvious one, but it’s worth pointing out that there are tons of awesome podcasts about entrepreneurship, side hustles, and making money on the side. Obviously, I can only recommend my own so here are a few others that I’ve enjoyed in the past:
- The Side Hustle Show (this one is by me)
- Millionaire Interviews (also by me)
- Fizzle Course on Building a Business from Scratch (of course it’s by me too)
But don’t limit yourself to just listening to these specific ones; there are hundreds more out there!
Get Out Of The House
One way to start is by getting out of the house. Go to events, meetups, and conferences. Meetup groups are a great way to do just that.
You can find many local groups on meetup.com and other social platforms (Twitter, Facebook). When you go to these events, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people and make new friends!
Approach Every Event As A Networking Opportunity
You need to approach every event as a networking opportunity. That’s how you’ll build relationships and make connections that can help you get started with your side hustle.
Networking is one of those skills that can be learned, but it takes time and effort to hone. To start building your networking skills, think about what makes someone successful at networking:
They’re genuine, they give value to others, they know how to ask good questions and listen well they aren’t pushy or self-serving in their interactions with others.
If you can practice being genuinely interested in other people’s lives, then you’ll have a much easier time connecting than if all you care about is selling yourself first.
Discover the various types of freelance jobs and opportunities available in today’s market. Dive into our resource on The Different Types of Freelance Jobs Opportunities to explore different fields and find the perfect fit for your skills and interests.
Build A Following Before You Build A Website
To get people to buy your products and services, you need to build a following first. If you want your followers to buy what you’re selling, they have to know who you are and how helpful your business is going to be for them.
So, how do you build a following?
Create great content that people want to share. This might mean writing blogs or vlogging on YouTube.
You could also create a podcast or teach online classes if those are things that interest you as well! The point is: that whatever works for YOU should be what gets shared around the web.
Try free trials where possible so that potential customers can try out whatever it is before spending any money at all (this makes them feel more confident about their purchase).
If none of those ideas work out for some reason (like maybe there just aren’t enough people interested in what I’m selling).
Then I’ll probably look into paid social media advertising instead; it costs money but sometimes this can be worth paying if all else fails especially since we’ll cover ALL these options in future chapters anyway!
Create A Website Anyway, As An Online Business Card
Why not create a website, even if you’re not sure you need one?
Simply put, a website is the most powerful tool you have to showcase your work and build your reputation as a professional photographer. It’s also an essential part of any business plan.
You could start by creating an online portfolio to showcase your best shots or set up shop selling prints or digital downloads of your favorite photos.
You could build up relationships with customers and make sales through email or social media marketing or even live events like workshops or lectures on photography techniques.
And yes as long as we’re talking about side hustles here your website can be the foundation for this kind of activity!
Consider Blogging Or Podcasting
If you want to make money from your side hustle, consider blogging or podcasting.
Blogs and podcasts are a great way to build an audience and earn extra income with your knowledge. You can start a blog for free using WordPress or Blogger. To get started with podcasting, check out Audacity software for Windows or macOS.
Once you have created your website or show, it’s time to figure out how much you can make! There are many ways that bloggers and podcasters can turn their content into profit:
Affiliate marketing (where you promote someone else’s products), product sales (selling something on Amazon), and sponsorships/affiliates (getting paid by companies in exchange for promoting them).
Sponsorship ads (paying companies money so they can advertise on your site), selling ad space directly on the site itself, and more!
Curious about the surprising reasons why individuals choose freelancing over traditional employment? Read our personal account on The Surprising Reason I Quit My Job to Become a Freelancer to gain insights into the motivations behind this career transition.
Put Yourself In The Right Place At The Right Time With Meetup.com
Meetup.com is a great place to meet people who share your passion and interests, especially if you’re looking to build a side hustle. If you’re interested in starting a side business, it may be helpful to get feedback on your idea from those with experience and expertise in the field.
You can find meetups for most topics on Meetup. com—from networking events for writers and editors to business-related opportunities like networking with fellow entrepreneurs or even hiring new employees.
While there aren’t many meetups specifically focused on building business ideas at the moment, there are plenty of groups that focus on general entrepreneurship as well as specific industries such as health care or technology.
You’ll also find other types of gatherings that can help you learn more about starting up a side hustle like seminars by industry experts at local libraries or university campuses; classes held at universities specifically designed for entrepreneurs;
Conferences where professionals discuss current trends; and even retreats where individuals learn how best practices that have worked well elsewhere could apply locally
Be A Consultant For The Newbie Millennials Behind You In Your Industry
You might have a lot of experience and knowledge in your industry and you’re pretty good at what you do, but there are still many millennials who don’t know where to start.
As a millennial with more experience than others, it would be great if you could help the next generation out by offering consulting services for free or for a fee. Or maybe even for equity in their business? If they become successful, then so will your side hustle!
Never Stop Learning About Your Side Business
You will never stop learning about your side business, so don’t be afraid to seek out resources that can help you master what you’re doing.
Whether it’s reading books like The Side Hustle Book by Chris Guillebeau or finding mentors on Twitter, there are tons of ways to keep expanding your knowledge and skills in this area.
Put Yourself Out There On LinkedIn, But Work It Like, Work It!
Once you’ve put yourself out there, be sure to work it! Like, work it. Be visible, active, and helpful online and in your community. The more active you are in your niche, the more people will notice and want to work with you.
Don’t just go around updating your profile or posting jobs on LinkedIn; make connections with those who can help advance your career or business goals.
Even if they aren’t directly related to what you’re looking for right now, make friends with them any way you never know when they might come in handy down the road!
It’s important that as a young person starting in their career or business endeavor.
Millennials know how important it is for them to build a strong personal brand for themselves online so that other professionals can see what makes them unique and potentially hire them based on this information alone.
Has your Upwork account been suspended? Understanding the reasons behind account suspensions is crucial. Get insights into the common causes with our article on Why Your Upwork Account Was Suspended to ensure compliance and avoid similar issues in the future.
Share What You Know And Who You Know On Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are a great place to share your knowledge and build your network at the same time. You can also use them to share your knowledge with people who already know you, for example, if you have an email list of customers or subscribers.
Make Friends With People Who Understand Your Passion
Make friends with people who understand your passion. You might be surprised to find out how many like-minded people are out there if you look hard enough!
Join Facebook groups. There are tons of forums and groups online where you can meet others who share a similar interest in side hustles, including everything from freelance writing to business opportunities to food bloggers who share recipes and other tips.
Join Meetups. You can join up with local chapters of organizations that have similar interests or passions as you do, such as entrepreneurs working on their businesses and networking events in your area.
Attend conferences or webinars on whatever subject matter you’re interested in learning more about (like blogging).
Not only will this give you access to information from experts in the field it’ll also allow them (and other attendees) the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences too!
Collaborate With Other Creatives/Side Hustlers
One of the best ways to learn and grow as a creative is by collaborating with other creatives. Collaboration helps you build your network, and it provides an opportunity to exchange ideas on how you can improve your craft.
Collaborating with others is also helpful if you want to share your message or product with the world. Working together increases exposure for both parties involved, which makes it easier for people to find out about what you do and who you are.
Remember That Google Is Your Friend
Google is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal. You can use it to find information about any topic you’re interested in, including how-to instructions for building a side hustle, or which apps and sites are best for meeting new people who share your interests.
If you don’t know where to start with Google, try searching “How to build a side hustle” or “How I built my first side hustle.” This will give you step-by-step instructions on how others have done it before!
Conclusion
Taking on a side hustle may seem daunting at first, but if you’re motivated and hard-working, it can lead to some rewarding experiences. Your side hustle could start as a way to make extra money or free up your schedule.
But if you’re determined and committed enough, it can lead to new opportunities that are more fulfilling than any full-time job could ever be.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful for further exploration:
Side Hustle Statistics: Understanding the Rise of Alternative Income: Dive into the statistics and trends surrounding the side hustle phenomenon, gaining insights into the growing popularity of alternative income streams.
How Millennials are Earning $1,000 a Month Through Side Hustles: Explore the success stories of millennials who have managed to generate a substantial monthly income through their side hustles, providing inspiration and practical insights.
4 Reasons Why Millennials Start Side Hustles: Discover the key motivations driving millennials to embark on side hustles, examining the benefits and opportunities associated with this entrepreneurial approach.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about side hustles:
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle refers to any additional job or income stream that individuals pursue alongside their primary employment or main source of income.
Why do millennials engage in side hustles?
Millennials often pursue side hustles for various reasons, such as financial stability, pursuing their passions, gaining new skills, and achieving greater flexibility in their careers.
How much time do I need to dedicate to a side hustle?
The time commitment required for a side hustle varies depending on individual circumstances and the nature of the hustle. It can range from a few hours per week to a significant portion of one’s spare time.
How can I find a side hustle that suits me?
To find a suitable side hustle, consider your skills, interests, and available opportunities. Explore freelance platforms, online marketplaces, or leverage your existing talents to identify potential avenues for generating income.
Are side hustles only for millennials?
No, side hustles are not limited to millennials. People of all ages can engage in side hustles to supplement their income, pursue their passions, or explore new career paths.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.