Your side hustle stack

Welcome to Career Insider. Today, let’s dive into the best ways to earn extra money outside of your 9 to 5 job. Because even if you’re paid well (but who actually believes that?!?), a little extra dough never hurt anyone.

If you want to boost your income outside of your 9 to 5 (and maybe start your very own business), this email is for you.

P.S.: Don’t forget that we’re now including fresh work-from-home job opportunities at the bottom of this email. Don’t miss ‘em!

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SIDE HUSTLES
Let’s boost your income with a side hustle

You’re busy. Maybe even overworked. You may not think you have time to start your own side hustle, but you might be surprised.

Maybe you’ve thought about starting a small business on the side. But with limited free time, pursuing a traditional side hustle can feel like adding another full-time job. The solution? Building a "side hustle stack" – a collection of smaller income streams that fit seamlessly into your life.

Over the next few emails, we’re going to talk about the 5-step process for building your side hustle stack:

• Identify your skills and interests

• How to scale your business gradually

• Use the power of automation and outsourcing

• Organization and how to manage your time effectively

• How to avoid burnout by coupling persistence with patience

Today, let’s talk about how to identify your skills and interests.

Here's how to get started:

Identify Your Skills and Interests

The first step to building a thriving side hustle stack is recognizing the valuable skills and passions you already possess. It's about turning what you know and love into income-generating opportunities.

If you don’t know what type of small business to start, let’s address that.

Here's a practical guide to help you unearth those hidden gems:

1. Mine Your Hobbies for Profitable Passions:

• List your hobbies: Write down everything you enjoy doing in your free time, from photography and painting to gardening.

• Identify transferable skills: Each hobby requires a unique set of skills. For example, photography involves composition, lighting, and editing, while gardening requires knowledge of plants, soil, and design.

• Research monetization options: Explore how others are profiting from your hobbies. Are there online marketplaces for your crafts? Can you teach workshops or offer freelance services?

2. Transform Professional Expertise into Side Income:

• Analyze your career path: List your previous roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. What skills did you excel at? What tasks did you enjoy the most?

• Identify in-demand skills: Research freelance platforms and job boards to see which of your professional skills are in high demand.

• Package your expertise: Create service packages or offerings based on your skills. For example, a marketing professional could offer social media management, content creation, or email marketing services.

3. Tap into Your Inner Expert and Share Your Knowledge:

• Identify your passions: What topics could you talk about for hours? What subjects do people come to you for advice on?

• Explore content creation: Consider starting a blog, podcast, YouTube channel, or online course to share your knowledge and passion with a wider audience.

• Monetize your content: Explore options like advertising, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or selling digital products related to your niche.

Take the next week to come up with a couple ideas for your side hustle. You don’t need to have everything fleshed out. The key right now is to get those creative juices flowing and thinking about the type of biz to start.

For instance: Love getting outside? Start a dog walking service (people spend a LOT of money to make sure their pets are happy).

In next week’s email, we’ll move onto step 2: How to scale your business.

NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTS
Don’t let your introverted ways stop you!

Just because you’re an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t meet new people in a professional setting. Here’s how to do just that.

Introverts possess unique strengths – they're often excellent listeners, deep thinkers, and build genuine connections. But how can introverts exploit those skills?

1. Reframe Networking as Relationship Building:

Ditch the transactional mindset of collecting business cards and focus on building genuine connections. Approach networking as an opportunity to learn from others, share your expertise, and build mutually beneficial relationships.

• Focus on quality over quantity: Instead of attending every networking event, prioritize smaller gatherings or one-on-one coffee chats where you can have more meaningful conversations.

• Be genuinely curious: Ask thoughtful questions, listen attentively, and show genuine interest in the people you meet.

• Follow up authentically: Send a personalized email or LinkedIn message mentioning something specific you discussed to keep the conversation going.

2. Join Groups and Clubs For Low-Key Opportunities:

Sometimes, taking it slow can help introverts expand their network, even if it’s outside of their careers. For example:

• Join a book club: Discuss shared literary interests in a smaller, more intimate setting.

• Take a class: Learn a new skill like cooking, photography, or pottery while meeting others with similar interests.

• Volunteer: Contribute to a cause you care about while connecting with like-minded individuals.

• Attend workshops or conferences: Focus on events with smaller groups or breakout sessions for more focused interactions.

3. Practice Your One-on-One Communication:

While large networking events can be overwhelming, introverts often thrive in smaller, more intimate settings.

• Schedule coffee chats: Reach out to people you admire or whose work interests you and propose a quick coffee chat.

• Attend industry events strategically: Choose events with smaller groups, workshops, or roundtable discussions where you can engage in more focused conversations.

• Prepare talking points: Jot down a few conversation starters related to your industry, career goals, or shared interests to avoid awkward silences.

4. Get Online!:

It might seem strange to use the Internet to break through your introverted ways, but there are benefits to getting more involved on the Interwebs.

• Join online communities: Participate in forums, Facebook groups, or Slack channels related to your hobbies or professional interests.

• Engage in Twitter chats: Follow relevant hashtags and participate in industry-specific conversations.

• Take online courses: Connect with fellow students through discussion forums or virtual study groups.

5. Practice Self-Care and Celebrate Progress:

Networking can be draining, especially for introverts. Remember to prioritize self-care and celebrate your progress.

• Schedule downtime: Allow yourself time to recharge after networking events or meetings.

• Focus on your successes: Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small, and celebrate the connections you've made.

• Be patient and persistent: Building a strong network takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight.

By embracing your introverted strengths and adopting a genuine, relationship-focused approach, you can build a thriving professional network that supports your career aspirations and personal growth.

JOBS
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