HUSTLE HACK .01

It’s easy to talk ourselves out of things, especially things that make us feel vulnerable. But sometimes, leaning into those moments is what unlocks our greatest potential for growth—and if you don’t take the risk, you may miss the chance.

This couldn’t be more true when it comes to the internal debate we’ve all had about whether our passion project could become a career.

Whatever your favorite excuses are, we’re here to encourage you to dismiss them and go for it!

A side hustle doesn’t have to require a ton of capital, you don’t have to be the world’s leading expert on the topic and you don’t need operational plans down to the last detail to get started.

You just actually have to start. So, here are some simple tips to help you do just that.

Nothing will give you more confidence to move forward than validating that there is, in fact, a market for your idea. How do you do that? Take your competitive analysis a step further and talk to people. Start with your network, but include unbiased responders even if that means a few cold calls. Tell them about your idea, but more importantly ask questions to gauge, not just interest, but purchase intent.

Scalability is important for every side hustle. Scalability allows you to grow. Conversely, it allows you to start small. Whether that means launching with one product instead of a whole line or an online shop instead of brick and mortar retail, take your long term vision and scale back to a place that allows you to launch with the tools and resources available now.

Take an honest look at your daily routine and assess where there is opportunity to carve out time for your side hustle. You do, after all, need to hold down the 9-5 that currently pays the bills. Once you identify your working time blocks, stick to them. Making your side hustle part of your regular routine will help you stay on track and reduce the daily stress of wondering how you’re going to fit it all in.

Not business goals – though you’ll need those too – start with goals to launch. Things like naming your business, registering for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), securing a domain name and/or social media handles (even if you don’t plan to use them right away). Create a list of the bare essentials required to take your business from an idea into reality and then set deadlines against them until one by one you’ve completed your list and have officially launched your business.

We’re not here to sugar coat it for you, launching a side hustle is hard, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Do yourself, and your business, a favor. Begin building a network of support. Seek out mentors, industry contacts, other entrepreneurs, and contractors with skills to offset the ones you’re lacking. That way, whether you need advice or someone to make a flyer, help is just a call or email away.

What are you waiting for? Get started and let us know how it goes @Velo_US using #TheVeloUSHustle.