We’ve all heard the stories about a mom who had a great idea, started working on it after the kids went to bed, and turned it into a super successful business. And if you saw that mom and thought “Hey, I could totally do that,” welcome to the Side Hustle Generation.
In addition to all the other stuff you do day in and day out, there’s that thing you’re so passionate about that you’re devoting your spare time (LOL “spare time”) to making it happen. A passion project is an amazing way to creatively express yourself but it’s also a way to pay the bills and, who knows, become one of those success stories.
This is the year to take it up a notch. We’ve got some ideas.
Help Yourself First, Then Round Up Your Squad
One of the best things you can do for yourself, your family and your side gig is to actually, you know, DO for yourself. Maybe that means a massage or declaring to everyone in your life that you’re making space and time to work on something that brings YOU joy.
To free up your creative time, think about what you can ditch and what you can get someone else to do. Maybe a volunteer commitment can go, and an app can handle grocery shopping, while setting up automatic bill pay will free up some much needed brain space. Plus, don’t forget your Mom Squad! Round everybody up on a group text and figure out how you can help each other make more time for side projects.
Think About the Experience You’re Selling
The truth is that with so many people side hustling these days, there’s a good chance there are other people selling a product or service that’s verrry similar to yours. So how do you stand out?
You think about the experience someone gets when they hire you as a coach or buy your cross-stitch. Every interaction customers and potential customers have with you is an opportunity to set yourself apart. More than ever, people want to spend their money on something that feels authentic and personal.
One simple way to give people a special experience is with paper and packaging. There’s a reason why unboxing videos are some of the most popular content on YouTube. It’s just exciting to open a thoughtfully designed box. Add in folded tissue paper with a custom-branded sticker keeping everything safe and secure along with a personalized thank you note, and your paper and packaging goes from practical to magical instantly.
Set Micro Goals
To really make your side hustle happen, set small goals. Maybe even micro-goals. Setting goals and then meeting them takes your passion project from cool idea to actual money maker. Want to sell your candles? Make it a goal to set up a booth at a farmer’s market in the next 30 or 90 or 365 days. Or decide when and how you’re going to set up social media accounts that show off your stuff.
With your micro goals set and your social media accounts ready to go, now it’s time to focus on your business cards. Splurge a little by selecting heavy card stock with matte finishing and bold text highlighting your social handles. Once your potential customer leaves your farmer’s market table, you’ll want them to stay connected. Business cards are an inexpensive way to gain brand recognition. By taking steps, even small ones, you’re already movin’ on up.
Don’t Be the World’s Best-Kept Secret
One of the hardest things for most of us is actually telling the world what we do and how good we are at it. But for the love of moms and side hustlers everywhere, just do it. Toot your own horn, bang your own drum, sing your own praises.
We’re not talking about the hard sell. It’s the worst when someone corners you at a neighborhood barbeque to ask if you’ve ever wondered how essential oils can change your life. (Looking at you, KAREN.) But there’s nothing wrong with letting your people know what you’re doing and how much you love it. They can’t buy from you if they don’t know what you’re selling, right?
When you level up a little at a time, today’s side hustle might become tomorrow’s full-time gig. But whether your side hustle becomes your ticket to riches and fame or just a fun way to pick up a few more coins, make this the year you go all in.
The right Paper and Packaging delights customers and makes an amazing first impression for your side hustle.
