Are you looking to start a side hustle? Trying to earn extra money? Having a side hustle has become quite common in recent years. More than 44 million Americans were reported to have a side hustle in 2017.

 

Why Start a Side Hustle?

There are many great benefits to having a side hustle:

• Financial freedom
• Possible future self-employment
• Financial flexibility
• Opportunity to choose your own work schedule

 

Although many people are trying to earn extra money, not everyone is succeeding at it. Having a 9 to 5 while also running your side hustle is no small feat. However, if you’ve set a resolution to earn more money in 2019, the key to success is choosing your side hustle wisely.

 

Choose the Right Side Hustle

Your side hustle is going to be what you’ll be spending most of your free time on, so choosing the right one will ensure that you’re not only successful, but also enjoy working on it. Having a hard look at the skills and expertise you already have can help you decide on the perfect side hustle for you.

 

Some highly marketable skills include:

• writing, drawing, photography
• graphic design, UI/UX
• project management
• virtual assisting/online support
• crafting and artistry, handmade gifts
• tech software and programming
• tutoring, childcare
• baking, meal prep

 

Beyond just looking at what you can already do, also consider what you’re passionate about. For instance, if you’re great with babies and can see yourself working with them, then maybe being a newborn photographer is something you can consider. You don’t necessarily have to already have the photography and lighting skills as those can be learned, but if you’re really passionate about it, you’ll be able to give this hustle the time and energy it will demand from you.

 

Find Your USP

Whether you’re selling a product or service, chances are, you’re competing with other, well-established businesses. Your Unique Selling Point (USP) is what sets you apart from your competitors. This is what’s going to make your target audience choose you over them.

 

After you’ve identified what side hustle you’d like to do, you can then identify what the gap in the market is and how you can fill it. Do other newborn photographers require families to travel to a studio? You can offer in-home sessions to keep baby comfortable.

 

Consider your potential clients’ needs and wants and see how you can meet them. Identifying your USP early on will help you be clear on how to advertise your business to your ideal clients.

 

Set Achievable Goals

While it’s great to dream big, your side hustle is unlikely to be an overnight success. You’re going to need to put in a lot of time and energy into it before you begin to reap the huge rewards that you’re after.

 

In the meantime, you should set S.M.A.R.T (Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant and Time-bound) goals that will help you stay motivated and striving for more. Set monthly, weekly and even daily goals that are practical and will help you get closer and closer to your dreams.

 

When setting these goals, consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to your new side hustle. For instance, if your side hustle is freelance writing and you need around 2 hours to complete one writing project, aiming to write 10 pieces a week while also working full-time is going to be something very difficult to maintain over time. In this area, time management skills will be critical to your success.

 

What Side Hustle Will You Choose?

Starting a side hustle while you have a full-time job is one of the best ways to ensure that you start working towards your dreams and aspirations while also having the financial security of your job. The best time to start the side hustle you’ve been dreaming about is today!

 

Make sure that you join the Back to School Divas Facebook Group to get more exciting tips and learn from others who have started successful side hustles while working and attending college!