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Are you following a path in life because it's what's expected? Life coach Martha Beck says you should find your purpose and follow joy.

Are you following a path in life because it's what's expected? Life coach Martha Beck says you should find your purpose and follow joy. | SUCCESS

Go Straight for the Joy and Follow Your Purpose

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How to Find Your Purpose and Go Straight for Joy | SUCCESS

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Amy Anderson is the former senior editor of SUCCESS magazine, an Emmy Award-winning writer and founder of Anderson Content Consulting. She helps experts, coaches, consultants and entrepreneurs to discover their truth, write with confidence, and share their stories so they can transform their past into hope for others. Learn more at AmyKAnderson.com and on Facebook.

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Amy Anderson

photographer balancing work with side hustle

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

<p><strong><em>Q:</em></strong> I’d love advice on <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/08/how-to-start-a-successful-side-hustle-while-keeping-your-full-time-job.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balancing my photography side hustle</a> while working an 8-to-5 job. How do you keep your head in the game? How do you manage your company’s perception of your devotion when you’re (likely) openly marketing <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-art-of-the-side-hustle/">your side hustle</a> online?</p>



<p><strong><em>A:</em></strong> You are not alone. Today, 36% of people in the U.S. “have started or plan to start <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-side-hustle-handbook/">a side hustle</a> in 2022,” and spend an average of 13.4 hours working on it each week, according to <a href="https://zapier.com/blog/side-hustle-report-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a 2022 Zapier report</a>.<strong> </strong>While it’s rewarding, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/14-ways-to-make-time-for-your-side-hustle-from-entrepreneurs-who-know-what-it-takes-to-balance-a-schedule/">it can be a tall order</a>, especially <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-balance-work-and-family-without-feeling-like-a-failure/">when you add family obligations</a> to the mix.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-balance-work-and-a-side-hustle">How to balance work and a side hustle</h2>



<p>To keep your side hustle progressing <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-simple-self-care-questions-to-address-burnout-before-you-well-burn-out/">without burning out</a>, I’ve found two practices are essential:</p>



<h3 id="h-1-leverage-your-time">1. Leverage your time.</h3>



<p>You’re already stretched thin trying to balance work and your side hustle. Explore systems that could help you earn more money from your photography business without requiring you to invest more time in it, such as selling products online, outsourcing tasks or providing group training on common pain points for your clients. The idea is to escape the time-for-money trade-off with systems that produce revenue you can then reinvest in the business to keep it growing. If your goal is to eventually <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-to-do-when-your-side-hustle-overtakes-your-day-job/">quit your full-time job</a>, then more money in less time is the path to freedom.</p>



<h3 id="h-2-take-time-off-to-just-think">2. Take time off to just think.</h3>



<p>This feels counterintuitive when you’re insanely booked and everyone needs something from you. But if you don’t step back, think, consider, plan and evaluate, you won’t move forward. If you can’t take a full day off for a strategy and creative session, then block off three hours one evening. Leave the phone outside the room, grab paper and pen and see what bubbles up. You’ll be surprised at how many answers you already have within you.</p>



<p>When it comes to balancing work with your side hustle, try these steps:</p>



<ol><li><strong>First, make sure your side hustle is allowed.</strong> Some companies have strict policies against them or require you to disclose outside income.</li><li><strong>Talk to your boss.</strong> Make sure you have a sit-down <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/should-you-encourage-your-team-to-pursue-side-hustles/">to explain your side hustle</a> and show there’s no conflict of interest.</li><li><strong>Treat your job like an investor.</strong> Your paycheck is funding your side hustle right now. That’s a big deal if your side hustle <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-steps-to-take-before-you-turn-your-side-hustle-into-a-full-time-business/">is your dream job</a>. So show the 8-to-5 folks the respect an investor deserves by making sure they’re happy with your work.</li><li><strong>Market your passion.</strong> As long as you’re focusing, doing the work and showing respect to your full-time job, marketing your passion project shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. But keep talk of your growing business to yourself.</li></ol>



<p>Happy snapping!</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-spring-2019-tony-robbins.html">Spring 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a> and has been updated. Photo by FREEPIK2/Shutterstock</em></p>

So you have a passion that you want to turn into a side hustle. But how do you balance full-time work with a side hustle? Follow these tips.

So you have a passion that you want to turn into a side hustle. But how do you balance full-time work with a side hustle? Follow these tips. | SUCCESS

6 Tips for Balancing a Successful Side Hustle

How to Balance Work and a Side Hustle: 6 Tips | SUCCESS

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During a Recession, Entrepreneurs Are in the Driver's Seat

<p>OK, first let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: the recession. We will likely soon be in one. It’s frustrating and sometimes scary to think about. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get to the real issue: you.</p>



<p>You are where you are today because of your choices. Sure, recessions, layoffs and stock tumbles have happened before and will happen again. Jobs end. Recessions come and go. Life happens, and it isn’t always easy. But what you must understand if you want to thrive while everyone else around you is floundering is that you have choices, and those choices create your reality.</p>



<p>Mel Robbins, international best-selling author and motivational speaker, calls attention to the recession mindset. “Maybe it’s the words: recession, depression, collapse, layoff. They’re very powerful words,” Robbins says. “Powerfully depressing. And we hear them all day long. They dominate the news.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>But there is some good news. Changing your recession mindset is a matter of choice. “If you have the right mindset, it simply doesn’t matter what the market does,” Robbins says.</p>



<p>Waiting for the nation’s financial health to improve before you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-make-finances-part-of-your-self-care-routine/">focus on your financial health</a> is folly. You determine where you are in life, not the government or the stock market or the boss of a company you don’t own. As Robbins says, “Your mindset controls everything.” You are the one with the power to change your financial health—and now is the time to change it.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-s-the-solution">What’s the solution?</h2>



<p>If you’re ready to turn around that recession mindset and make the choice to prosper, you’ve got to consider your options. Get another job? Find a risk-free investment? Borrow money from family? None of these sound very promising.</p>



<p>The bottom line is that if you want to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-recession/">take control of your income</a> during a recession, you have to take control of your income source. As Jack Welch, business guru and former chairman and CEO of General Electric, said, “Control your own destiny or someone else will.” People who control their income sources are entrepreneurs who, just like you, decided to stop opting out of their financial choices and take control of their destinies.</p>



<p>Robert Kiyosaki, best-selling author of the <em>Rich Dad Poor Dad</em> book series, said entrepreneurs who break away from typical jobs and create their own sources of income are in the best position to weather an economic storm. They aren’t dependent upon a boss or the economy to determine their annual income—<em>they</em> determine it.</p>



<p>Statistics prove Kiyosaki right. <a href="https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/17095726/Small-Business-Facts-Business-Owner-Wealth.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A 2019 report</a> from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy found that “the median net worth of self-employed families at $380,000 in 2019 was over four times that of families of workers ($90,000).”</p>



<p>Small businesses aren’t only beneficial to their owners—they’re integral to their communities and job markets as well. During a White House event in February 2021, President Biden said, “Small businesses are the engines of our economic progress; they’re the glue and the heart and soul of our communities.”</p>



<p>During another event in April 2022, after the passing of the American Rescue Plan, President Biden expanded on the benefit of small businesses. “Small businesses typically account for more than 40%... of the gross domestic product of the United States. They create two thirds of all new jobs. And they employ nearly half—nearly half of all the private sector workers,” he said. “And today, thanks to the economic strategy, more… small businesses are being created, and small businesses are creating more jobs faster than ever before.”</p>



<p>So why wait to take your shot? Being an entrepreneur, especially at this crucial time in our history, is not only a choice for your prosperity, but a choice for the country’s as well.</p>



<h2>Why now?</h2>



<p>But isn’t becoming an entrepreneur right now too risky? No. The truth is that starting a business carries risk no matter when you make the leap. The conditions during a recession may actually make entrepreneurship a safer bet. In fact, according to <a href="https://republic.com/blog/investor-education/why-startup-investments-might-be-the-best-option-during-a-recession" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an article in <em>Republic</em></a>, “Because startups and other private investments have such long time horizons—five to 10 years on average—they… typically aren’t impacted by the ups and downs of the public markets.”</p>



<p>So let’s take a look at the economic facts—not to dwell on what you already know, but to illustrate how even in the worst financial times there is opportunity for growth.</p>



<p>The U.S. was in a recession from December 2007 to June 2009—the longest since World War II, exceeding the recessions of 1973-1975, 1981-1982 and 1990-1991.</p>



<p>Executives, middle managers, administrative employees and blue-collar workers were all at risk. Even the healthcare industry, often considered a safe zone, trimmed areas of its workforce. And companies that weren’t cutting jobs cut benefits, from retirement funds to healthcare coverage.</p>



<p>Does it really make sense to bet on a traditional job when job security is so clearly <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-new-career-path/">a thing of the past</a>? World-renowned economist Paul Zane Pilzer saw a dramatic shift in mentality for many workers. The conventional career structure is being replaced, he said, with a new, entrepreneurial mindset: “The traditional wisdom in the second half of the 20th century was this: Go to school, get a good education and go to work for a large company. The idea of going into business for yourself was most often regarded as risky. Admirable, perhaps, but risky… and maybe a little crazy. Today, it’s completely the other way around.”</p>



<p>If the idea of becoming your own boss and taking control of your income appeals to you, but you’re not sure if it’s the right time, consider some facts:</p>



<ol><li>If your finances are stable, now is a good time <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/buying-home-during-recession/#:~:text=Recessions%20and%20the%20housing%20market,-Economic%20recessions%20%E2%80%94%20and&amp;text=During%20a%20traditional%20recession%2C%20the,to%20more%20opportunity%20for%20homebuyers." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to invest in real estate</a>. If your company is based out of your home, you have plentiful tax benefits, including tax-deferred savings and multiple deductions.</li><li>New web tools make starting a business easier and more financially feasible than ever, and simple design templates allow an entrepreneur to have a web presence in no time. Social media sites provide endless opportunities for marketing, networking and support from other professionals in your industry.</li><li>As your own boss, your income isn’t based on a salary cap or an education requirement; it’s based on your activity level, on how much you’re willing to put into your new business. Plus, the freedom and flexibility to work where you want and when you want are priceless.</li></ol>



<h2>Where to start</h2>



<p>If you’ve been spending hours figuring out ways to save money, why not spend that time on figuring out ways to earn it instead? There are countless small-business opportunities, depending on your industry, your interests and your investment.</p>



<p>In many ways, it’s become easier to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-should-start-a-business-now/">start a small business</a> than it was in the past. According to Bank of America’s <a href="https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/dam/newsroom/docs/2021/2021%20SBOR%20FINAL%20ADA.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2021 Small Business Report</a>, “62% [of small business owners] have adopted new digital tools/strategies in response to the pandemic,” which included interacting with both customers and employees virtually and utilizing social media. The virtual approach can allow businesses not only to reach more customers, but to expand their search for employees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, according to the UPS Store® <a href="https://www.theupsstore.com/about/pressroom/small-business-survey-reveals-insights-about-strength-and-resiliency-of-small-business-owners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2021 Inside Small Business Survey</a>, “majorities of both the general population and small business owners (56% and 67%, respectively) indicate that they’ve made plans within the past year to buy more products or services from small businesses.” Despite economic challenges, consumers are still rallying around small businesses and the services they provide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Online classes and increased opportunities for networking and learning also benefit new entrepreneurs, allowing them to learn the skills necessary to start—and succeed at—small businesses with greater ease.</p>



<p>Pilzer agrees: “The greatest opportunities today are to go into business for yourself as an entrepreneur.”</p>



<h2>Why wait?</h2>



<p>“Can you imagine the possibilities for yourself, in your business and your home, if you could become excited by the opportunities created by this recession?” Robbins asks. “How different would your life be? What a game changer.”</p>



<p>But every aspect of life is steadily growing more expensive. 64% of Americans were living paycheck-to-paycheck as of January 2022, according to LendingClub and PYMNTS' <a href="https://ir.lendingclub.com/news/news-details/2022/48-Percent-of-Americans-with-Annual-Incomes-over-100000-Live-Paycheck-to-Paycheck-9-percentage-points-higher-than-first-reported-in-June-2021/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7th Paycheck-To-Paycheck Report</a>. In <em>Rich Dad Poor Dad</em>, Kiyosaki warns of the long-term effects of this kind of lifestyle: “Financial struggle is often directly the result of people working all of their lives for someone else. Many people will have nothing at the end of their working days.”</p>



<p>We’ll all be affected by the recession in one way or another, so finding a reason to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-should-start-your-own-business-today/">start your own business</a> is as easy as turning on the news. But why not turn off the negative messages and start focusing on your positive plan for the future? When you are in control of your income source and your time investment, your money goes further, your attitude is better and your future is more secure.</p>



<p>You’ve always wanted to be your own boss. So what are you waiting for? Stop telling yourself that it’s too late or that you’re underqualified. Stop listening to people who tell you that it’s the wrong time, and instead, pay attention to the experts who say that now is the best time to start a business. With your passion and the willingness to work hard, you can bring your dream to life. Now is the time to take control of your destiny.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article was published in June 2009 and has been updated. Photo by Vadym Pastukh/Shutterstock</em></p>

Waiting for the nation’s financial health to improve before you focus on your financial health is folly. You are the one with the power to change your financial health—and now is the time to change it.

Waiting for the nation’s financial health to improve before you focus on your financial health is folly. You are the one with the power to change your financial health—and now is the time to change it. | SUCCESS

During a Recession, Entrepreneurs Are in the Driver&#8217;s Seat

During a Recession, Entrepreneurs Are in the Driver's Seat | SUCCESS

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When It Comes to Pleasing Difficult Clients, Sometimes It’s Better to Be Fired

<p>When I first started my business, I was terrified of disappointing my customers. I would hit “send” on a completed project and slowly sink from that exhilarating high of having met a deadline into<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/fake-it-and-5-other-ways-to-conquer-self-doubt"> </a><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-overcome-self-doubt-and-become-the-hero-of-your-story/">a swamp of self-doubt</a>.</p>



<p>Would the client like what I produced? Or would they wonder why they even hired me in the first place?</p>



<p>My mind filled with dire images of my clients rolling their eyes and shaking their heads as they looked at the finished product I had labored over with love.</p>



<p>Now, you may not suffer that extent of self-doubt at this point in your career—I’m glad to say I’ve grown out of that stage myself. However, the idea that losing a client <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-makes-good-customer-service/">due to customer dissatisfaction</a> is one of the worst things that can happen to a business owner still persists among most entrepreneurs I talk with.</p>



<p>I’m here to go against this pervasive belief and tell you a different story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-challenge-of-customer-satisfaction"><strong>The challenge of customer satisfaction</strong></h2>



<p>I was once fired by a client we’ll call Jane.</p>



<p>Of course, I had no idea our professional relationship would end that way when we met. Jane was referred to me by a trusted friend who had done business with her previously. From the beginning, I thought Jane’s industry, business and attitude seemed like great fits for my services. I love working with people who are on a mission to improve people’s lives and businesses, and Jane was passionate about helping entrepreneurs reach the next level.</p>



<p>Jane tasked me with helping her to write three articles. She wanted to send one per week to her mailing list. If all went well, we’d collaborate on an ongoing basis.</p>



<p>I <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/03/23/15-ways-to-reignite-enthusiasm-for-a-long-held-job/?sh=69f213f25d71" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">set to work with enthusiasm</a>. As I wrote, I envisioned a fruitful, long-term relationship with Jane, including weekly chats, brainstorming, and the joy of watching Jane’s business grow as she helped coach other business owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Then I turned in the first article. I got a polite but slightly dissatisfied response with a request for multiple changes. Now, as a writer, I can tell you that this isn’t all that unusual—sometimes it takes a while to really learn someone’s voice and style. But even after I made the changes I thought she was asking for, she seemed unhappy.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, we pressed on. But the same thing happened with article number two. Only this time, Jane made no secret of her disappointment in my performance.</p>



<p>I was mortified. Not only was one of my worst business fears coming true—I was failing to make a client happy—but I was failing to make a <em>referral</em> client happy. The person who introduced me to Jane was someone I deeply respected, so I buckled down with renewed commitment to get the third article right no matter what.</p>



<p>I failed. She hated it. But this time, she wasn’t even polite about it anymore.</p>



<p>OK, let me just say that <a href="https://hbr.org/2022/01/a-very-simple-way-to-improve-your-writing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">I’m a decent writer</a>. I’ve won an Emmy. My articles have been featured in countless publications over the last decade. So while I’m sure there were things I did wrong and just couldn’t see, in my estimation at the time, I was doing the best I could with what was some pretty vague direction. I asked Jane clarifying questions and tried to get at the real issues she was having with my work, but again and again, we failed to come to an understanding.</p>



<p>This is what I want you to pay attention to here: Neither of us was at fault.</p>



<p>Was she a cryptic communicator? Yes, I think she was. But was I also perhaps not skilled enough to read between the lines and understand what she wanted? No question.</p>



<p>The last email I got from Jane was a notice of receipt for the third article. No edits, no attempt to salvage the work. Just a thank you and a request for my invoice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-the-customer-always-right"><strong>Is the customer always right?</strong></h2>



<p>So when we say, “The customer is always right,” what does that mean?</p>



<p>In the days when I was a waitress at a steak restaurant, it meant that no matter what they asked for or how they asked for it, the people who were paying for their meal got their way.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a business owner, I’ve come to understand that this phrase means something slightly different. Yes, the customer is always right, but not because they get all their demands met or they get to be dictators about timelines, processes or fees. The customer is right because ultimately the customer is the only one who can say <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-ways-to-thrill-your-customers/">if they’re happy or not</a>.</p>



<p>Customer satisfaction can only be judged by one person: the customer.</p>



<p>Jane was unhappy. It didn’t matter how good of a writer I was or how hard I had tried to understand her conceptual directions. It didn’t matter that just about every other client I’ve ever had has been not just happy, but thrilled with the work my team and I have done for them.</p>



<p>As the customer, Jane was right about her level of satisfaction.</p>



<p>So what if she hadn’t fired me? Should I have <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-win-back-a-client/">tried to keep her</a>?</p>



<p>Let me tell you what would have happened.</p>



<p>Since that time, I’ve encountered another Jane. A customer who I have not been able to please. A customer who insists that she is dissatisfied. And let me tell you, I have no problem letting her be right, and therefore, letting her go.</p>



<p>Slamming your head against the wall trying to make someone happy after you’ve given them your best doesn’t help either you or your client. You’re keeping your customer from seeking help from someone who might actually be able to help them. And you’re keeping yourself from being of service to people who want what you have to offer in the way you have to offer it.</p>



<p>The customer may be right, but that doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It may just not be a good fit.</p>



<p>In the end, Jane was right to not hire me again.</p>



<p>I will never please all people. Neither will you. The question is, how long are you going to beat yourself up about it before you set <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-customer-isnt-always-right-but-how-do-you-know-where-to-draw-the-line/">yourself and your customer free</a>?</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article was published in December 2015 and has been updated. Photo by</em></p>

When we say, “The customer is always right,” what does that mean?

When we say, “The customer is always right,” what does that mean? | SUCCESS

Pleasing Difficult Clients: Sometimes It's Better to Be Fired

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3 Rules I Learned from Hiring the Wrong Person (Twice)

<p>As an entrepreneur, I didn’t think <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-a-team-that-supports-multiple-creative-styles/">hiring a team</a> would be that big of a deal.</p>



<p>Step one: Figure out what I needed someone to do.</p>



<p>Step two: Find someone to do it.</p>



<p>Voila! Good hire. Right?</p>



<p>Um, yeah, not so much.</p>



<p>The process of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/guides/business/how-to-hire-the-right-person" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hiring the right person</a> has been one of the most challenging parts of growing my once-solo operation into a team of happy, productive people <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/8-tips-to-improve-team-collaboration/">working toward the same goals</a>.</p>



<p>There are two massive mistakes I made early on that I want to warn you about so you know what to pay attention to—and then I want to give you three little-known rules of making a good hire. Here we go.</p>



<h2 id="h-warning-no-1"><strong>Warning No. 1</strong></h2>



<p>When I relaunched my solo business into an LLC, one of the first people I brought onto my team was a certified professional accountant. I got a recommendation from a trusted colleague. I contacted my CPA, asked for a few more references, then hired him.</p>



<p>Within a month, I fired him.</p>



<p>Look, I don’t know about you, but before owning a business I had never hired a CPA in my life. I had no idea what that relationship was supposed to look like. Nor did I understand that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-find-the-right-accountant-for-you/">each relationship looks different</a> depending on CPA style and client needs.</p>



<p>Turns out, I am a very needy client for a CPA.</p>



<p>I’m decent with numbers and for years <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/should-i-do-my-own-taxes-or-hire-accountant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">did my own taxes</a>. But I am terrible at dates, organization and regulations. For me, this means that the date when my quarterly taxes are due will fly right by me, even if it’s on my calendar. And if I happen to catch it, I have no idea where I put that form I’m supposed to fill out. And if I get that filled out, I’ll probably have to look up the rules of filling it out again, even though I just filled it out three months ago. Dates, organization and regulations are my weaknesses.</p>



<p>The problem is I didn’t tell my CPA any of this. So when the date for my first tax payment came and went without any word from him, I called him. Long, uncomfortable conversation made short: He was subtly annoyed that I couldn’t remember something so simple, but promised to remember next time.</p>



<p>Then the franchise tax date came and went. Same phone call. Only this time, I fired him.</p>



<p>I felt bad, too, because it wasn’t his fault. It was mine.</p>



<p>There’s a myth that if you do your due diligence, it will give you enough information to find and hire the right person. But I had asked peers for recommendations. I had asked my CPA for references. I had even called those references and asked if they were happy with his work. It was not enough.</p>



<p>I didn’t ask what their relationship was like with their accountant. How information was passed along. Whether they had to remember all the requirements while their CPA just processed the paperwork. If I had spent more time learning about this kind of relationship and what was common practice, I would have realized that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-even-the-most-successful-people-can-benefit-from-a-business-coach/">what I needed was a coach</a>, not just a CPA.</p>



<h2 id="h-warning-no-2"><strong>Warning No. 2</strong></h2>



<p>The next hire I made was <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/are-you-ready-to-hire-a-virtual-assistant/">a virtual assistant</a>.</p>



<p>After doing research through a professional VA organization, I narrowed my list down to three candidates. Then I hired the least experienced person on my list. We’ll call her Vera.</p>



<p>Now, I told myself that I chose her because I was strapped for cash and since she was just starting out, Vera had the cheapest packages. But the truth is it was a pity hire.</p>



<p>Vera had a blog. She didn’t advertise this blog as part of her professional online presence, but I’m a researcher and found it. In this blog, she talked about her family issues, her cat, her general lack of friends and her dream of making some money while working in her pajamas so she could finally <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/youve-been-conditioned-into-low-self-esteem-heres-how-to-get-it-back/">feel some self-esteem</a>.</p>



<p>There is a tiny Rescuer in me that immediately fell for Vera. (I should know not to listen to this Rescuer after a couple of interesting boyfriend experiences, but what can I say? I’m human.)</p>



<p>I wanted to help Vera get started. I envisioned a sort of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/modern-mentorship-is-changing-but-its-still-about-relationships/">mentorship relationship</a> where I could pull Vera along and—oh my gosh, seriously, I can’t believe I didn’t see it.</p>



<p>I wanted to pull her along? What was I thinking? I was hiring a VA not a puppy. I should never have to pull her along. Encourage, train, even coach? Maybe. But pull her along, no.</p>



<p>And pull her along is what I did. She couldn’t master the app I was using for project management. She couldn’t create the payroll spreadsheet I needed. And she didn’t respond to my other team members promptly.</p>



<p>It was a disaster—and I had paid for 10 hours upfront. I ended up using the last three hours on data entry and that was the end of a fruitless relationship and the teaching of a valuable lesson.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-3-hiring-rules-you-don-t-hear"><strong>The 3 Hiring Rules You Don’t Hear</strong></h2>



<p>Since making these huge hiring mistakes, I’ve stuck with three rules that have saved me a lot of headaches:</p>



<p><strong>1. Do your research on the relationship, not just the person. </strong>Ask for referrals, yes, but then ask more questions. Find out about the relationship style, the expectations on both sides, the duties of each and the level of professionalism vs. friendliness if that’s a concern for you. If the answers don’t jive with the style of relationship you’re looking for, why even bother to interview?</p>



<p><strong>2. Never hire out of emotion.</strong> <strong>Never. Ever.</strong> Look, we all want to help out the new gal. We all want to bring on the funny guy. We love to be around people who make us feel good—whether it’s for our magnanimity or our sense of humor. And if you were hiring an intern or someone to MC your celebrity roast, I’d say go with your feel-goods. But you’re not. So hire for what you need, not just what you like.</p>



<p><strong>3. Be brutally honest from the start.</strong> First, with yourself. If you are someone who can’t remember the due date for your taxes, you need to be realistic about this weakness. If you get a little snippy after a long day and expect people to overlook your rude emails—well, first of all you might want to work on that—but you need to admit that this is part of your current work style. Then, be honest with whomever you’re looking to hire. If you don’t give them an accurate picture of who they’re going to be working with and what you truly need from them—as a fallible human being, not just a boss with a to-do list—then they will end up disillusioned and you will end up without an employee.</p>



<p>Here’s what all of this means: The responsibility is on you for a bad hire. But it also means that the opportunity is yours to make a great hire. Take time today to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/unlocking-the-power-of-self-awareness/">get honest with yourself</a> and make a list of questions that will guide you to the right person. I know you can build a team that you’re proud of and that makes you feel truly supported.</p>



<p><em>This article was published in January 2014 and has been updated. Photo by @Korneevamaha/Twenty20</em></p>

Hiring the right person has been one of the most challenging parts of growing my once-solo operation into a team of happy, productive people working toward the same goals.

Hiring the right person has been one of the most challenging parts of growing my once-solo operation into a team of happy, productive people working toward the same goals. | SUCCESS

3 Rules I Learned from Hiring the Wrong Person (Twice) | SUCCESS

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12 Productivity Tools and Strategies to Help You Seize the Day

Personal Development

Personal Development Archives

Personal Development | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Legendary UCLA basketball coach <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/timeless-lessons-from-john-wooden-the-greatest-coach-of-all-time/">John Wooden</a> said, “Don’t mistake activity for achievement.” You may be busy from the moment your alarm goes off in the morning until the time your head hits the pillow at night, but are you accomplishing anything meaningful toward the fulfillment of your goals? Are you making forward progress, or are you just running in place?</p>



<p>Make a decision today to stop wasting time—or just spending time—and, instead, invest some time in learning how you can be more productive in the areas of your life that really matter.</p>



<p>Our <em>SUCCESS </em>team has put together tips and strategies from experts and readers alike for enhancing your productivity at the office, at home and on the go. Read our favorites, and then feel free to join the discussion on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/successmagazine" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.twitter.com/successmagazine" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a> and share some of your own best practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-plan-your-day"><strong>1. Plan your day.</strong></h2>



<p>Although many people rely on their computer’s calendar, writing down events and to-do lists in a day planner or journal forces you to spend a few minutes each day setting short-term goals and prioritizing tasks. Reader Simon Ponce uses the <em><a href="https://workwithsian.co.uk/shop/90-day-success-planner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">90-Day Success Planner</a></em>. Of course, the <a href="https://amzn.to/3CgS9Wj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Franklin Covey planner</a> is a beloved classic. And other readers have discovered <em><a href="https://the7minutelife.com/">The 7-Minute Life Daily Planner</a></em> by Allyson Lewis, who suggests the strategy of a “5 before 11” list—the five things you want to accomplish before 11 a.m.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-list-your-goals"><strong>2. List your goals. </strong></h2>



<p>Hopes and dreams remain fantasies until you identify them, write them down and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/rohn-how-to-create-a-master-plan-for-your-life/">create a plan</a> for achieving them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-determine-your-best-time-of-day"><strong>3. Determine your best time of day.</strong></h2>



<p>Are you a night owl? An <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-wake-up-earlier/">early riser</a>? You may already know your peak times of day for energy and creativity. If not, take a week and chart the times of day when your energy and attention seem to peak or lag. When do you work quickly or creatively? When do you make the most errors? Once you know your peak times, schedule activities accordingly, keeping in mind that everyone has highs and lows throughout the day; it’s what you do with them that counts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-journal"><strong>4. Journal .</strong></h2>



<p>Not only a diary, a journal is an all-encompassing log of thoughts, ideas, discussions, phone numbers, tasks, planning, reminders, etc. By keeping a journal, you’ll have only one place to look for previous ideas, thoughts and plans. As <em>SUCCESS </em>reader Jim McMonagle says, “My journal is my productivity tool. It keeps me focused on what is most important every day.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-commit-to-a-peak-performance-partner"><strong>5. Commit to a peak-performance partner. </strong></h2>



<p>Once a week, have a 30-minute accountability call with another super-achieving peer. Discuss your wins, losses, fixes and ah-has, and challenge each other for better results the following week.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-rethink-and-renew"><strong>6. Rethink and renew. </strong></h2>



<p>Historian Arnold Toynbee said, “Nothing fails like success.” Using old strategies to tackle new circumstances may be keeping you from taking greater strides. </p>



<p><a href="https://store.success.com/shop-all/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-by-stephen-r-covey.html">Stephen R. Covey</a> recommends taking time to rethink. “We have to examine our paradigms (our view of things), our tools, our skills to determine if we’re approaching the problem in the right way. As a first step, we may even step back and make sure we’ve correctly defined the problem. Then we need to see if, based on the evidence of results or lack of results, we need a new approach.” </p>



<p>If you find you need some new tools or skills, don’t be discouraged. “This can be an exciting proposition because you will most likely find new growth and development in the process—this is success!”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-narrow-your-focus"><strong>7. Narrow your focus</strong>.</h2>



<p>What three projects, tasks or priorities will most contribute to the accomplishment of your biggest and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-lessons-for-chasing-your-biggest-goals/">most important goal</a>?&nbsp;Write them on a notecard, and then spend 90 percent of your day on those tasks. Spend the other 10 percent delegating,&nbsp;reassigning or in rapid response.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-leverage-technology"><strong>8. Leverage technology.</strong></h2>



<p>Although your smartphone can be a distraction, it is also a valuable productivity tool, aiding in last-minute research, emergency file downloads, calendar management, social networking or grocery lists. Explore your phone’s capabilities and see what it has to offer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-get-real-with-your-to-do-list"><strong>9. Get real with your to-do List</strong>.</h2>



<p>“I make a to-do list by the week,” says <em>SUCCESS </em>reader Eva Pauline Scott. “Then I can see everything at a glance and pick what I need to do at the time that will fit the day. Also, I like David Allen’s <em><a href="https://amzn.to/3fxjHg6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Getting Things Done</a></em> idea that If it will take less than two minutes (in my case 10), do it now.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-take-personal-responsibility"><strong>10. Take personal responsibility</strong>.</h2>



<p>You are the only one responsible for handling your time and productivity, says Laura Stack, author of <em><a href="The Six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SuperCompetent: The Six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best</a></em>. “Never lay the blame on anyone else,” she writes. “Unless you live in a totalitarian state or are an indentured servant (unlikely), then, when it comes to productivity, it’s all up to you. If something or someone gets in your way, it’s your duty to go around.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-outsource"><strong>11. Outsource</strong></h2>



<p>Calculate how much your time is worth and spend it doing what you do best. Then hire others to clean the house, pick up the dry cleaning, complete mail-outs or answer routine e-mails. “I don’t do it all myself. Delegation to well-trained and talented staff is the key,” says <em>SUCCESS</em> reader Shelly Larson Lisoskie.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-remember-your-why"><strong>12. Remember Your Why</strong></h2>



<p>Whether it’s your toddler at home, your spouse on the beach or a group of lifelong friends that’s more like family, remind yourself what you’re working for: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/time-is-your-most-valuable-resource-dont-waste-it/">time with the people you love most</a>. As <em>SUCCESS</em> reader Joan Graham says, “I stay focused. I have photos of my family at my desk, which motivate me and keep me centered.”</p>



<p style="font-size:12px"><em>This article was published in August 2010 and has been updated. Photo by fizkes/Shutterstock</em></p>

Make a decision today to stop wasting time—or just spending time—and, instead, invest some time in learning how you can be more productive in the areas of your life that really matter.

Make a decision today to stop wasting time—or just spending time—and, instead, invest some time in learning how you can be more productive in the areas of your life that really matter. | SUCCESS

12 Productivity Tools and Strategies to Help You Seize the Day | SUCCESS

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Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Committing time to your side hustle was a big decision. The hours and resources you spend need to pay off in a tangible way. But are you really sure that what you’re putting in is actually producing what you need?</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><strong><em>Related:</em> <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-side-hustle-handbook/">The Side Hustler's Handbook&nbsp;</a></strong></p></blockquote>



<p>The way smart business owners ensure that they’re investing their time and money resources well and actually winning in their side hustle is to measure the right numbers. Metrics are simply the numbers that reflect how well the business is operating. The details might be different for a creative contractor than for a real estate agent, but overall, you’re looking at:</p>



<ul><li><strong>What you’re working on</strong></li><li><strong>How fast you’re working</strong></li><li><strong>How much revenue is coming in</strong></li><li><strong>How many resources you’re using along the way</strong></li></ul>



<p>Your goal is to create revenue with the lowest investment of resources possible for you and your business. In some cases, that might mean adjusting work hours to accommodate the flow of customers. In others, it might mean subcontracting and temporarily increasing expenses to maximize personal productivity. Whatever your side hustle, consider tracking these metrics:</p>



<h2 id="h-1-clients-or-jobs">1. Clients or Jobs</h2>



<p>The number of clients or jobs you take in your side hustle has a direct impact on how much money you can make. It’s vital to keep track of what you’re juggling so you can be realistic about what you can take on next. With this metric, also track the type of clients you’re working with, how big or small their projects are, and what type of work each entails. If you take jobs on Upwork.com, for example, your projects will vary. That kind of up-and-down, feast-or-famine work can be exhausting. But you have the option of offering set project parameters for specific fees that provide more predictable work. Tracking your jobs for a while will allow you to see what’s most popular with clients. Then you can create a package offer that new clients will like.</p>



<h2 id="h-2-time">2. Time</h2>



<p>Tracking your time on each job may be cumbersome if you’re not used to it, but this metric will have a huge impact on your business vision. If your designing time is completely taken up with projects from only three clients, you can’t add any more. But what if those three projects aren’t providing enough revenue to pay for your software, website hosting, and continuing education—and still leave you any profit? Then your business model needs to be adjusted so you can take on more clients. Maybe it’s time to hire subcontract help for the smaller tasks, like production edits, and spend your valuable time on the things only you can do.</p>



<h2 id="h-3-productivity">3. Productivity</h2>



<p>Related to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/12-time-management-techniques-to-make-the-most-of-your-24-hours/">time tracking</a>, productivity measures how much you get done in a given time period. If you drive for a ride share, for example, your productivity metric will reflect how many rides you complete per hour over the course of your week. Your productivity will rise and fall in different situations, but if you track it for a week or two, you’ll be able to see patterns. Maybe you’re most productive with short-term fares for errands and least productive when you pick people up from the airport. This info can help you plan your ideal location for the day and target your most productive times.</p>



<p>For freelancers, productivity will be related to times of day, the work you’ve mastered and breeze through, and the mood you’re in. Keep in mind that everyone has rhythms, but your goal with tracking this metric is to find the ideal productivity window for you. And of course, if you have a team, their productivity needs to be measured too.</p>



<h2 id="h-4-revenue">4. Revenue</h2>



<p>If you’re not tracking how much money your side hustle is bringing in each month (revenue), now is the time to start. An app like QuickBooks can help you send invoices and track revenue while synching to your bank account and preparing tax reports each year. The goals with tracking revenue are to be clear about how much you’re earning and to recognize seasonal patterns. Perhaps winter is slower for you than summer. In that case, you can set aside more of your income in the summer to pad your finances come December.</p>



<p>You’ll also want to<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-serious-money-lessons-for-new-solopreneurs/"> track the major sources of your revenue</a>. Are the bulk of your sales coming from one customer? If so, that might seem like an easy way to earn money, but what happens if that customer falls on hard times and has to stop their monthly order? Diversifying your revenue streams is vital to safeguard the health of your side hustle. Look for opportunities to spread out the source of your revenue over multiple customers and offerings.</p>



<h2 id="h-5-expenses">5. Expenses</h2>



<p>Tracking revenue is only part of your side hustle’s financial picture. You need to see how much money you’re spending in order to earn all that new money. If you’re investing too much, you won’t make a profit (the money left over after you subtract your expenses from your revenue). Expenses include things like taxes, software, website hosting, advertising, babysitting to free up your time, subcontracting, and overhead for your vehicle maintenance or office utilities.</p>



<p>Metrics like these can give you a clear picture of how successful your hustle is now and how you can keep it growing in the future.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h1>Side Hustles by Season</h1>



<p><strong>A side hustle</strong> doesn’t have to last forever. You can find a gig that’s seasonal for extra cash and even a little sunshine. Check out these side hustles that change with the weather:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Spring</strong> arrives along with jobs in dog walking, temp work at amusement parks, and working for tips at local resorts.</li><li><strong>Summer</strong> brings life guarding, lawn mowing, and house sitting while homeowners are on vacation.</li><li><strong>Fall</strong> side hustles include tutoring those back-to-schoolers, selling concessions at sporting events.</li><li><strong>Winter</strong> gigs include holiday rush retail jobs, personal shopping, and ski instructing.</li></ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h1><em>Ask</em> The SideHustler</h1>



<p><strong>Q:</strong> The pandemic hit my career trajectory hard. Rather than wallow in what I’ve lost, I’ve decided to see it as a chance to start over with a side hustle. But are there still gigs that make money?</p>



<p><strong>A:</strong> Grieving a lost career vision is hard. Focusing on what you can be grateful for is the best path to progress. The beauty of a side hustle is that you can try it out and decide along the way if it’s right for you long-term. In fact, you can try several. Here are a few hustles that help folks stay ahead in tough times:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Creative contracting</strong> – If you’re handy with writing copy or designing websites, being a creative contractor could be a viable side hustle. Skills in IT, design, and marketing are suitable for freelancing, and you’ll find a number of online platforms to help you get the word out to potential clients. Some freelancers even find their previous employers can become their clients. While freelancing can be tough to break into, offering services in exchange for lower prices or even testimonials can help you quickly gain a roster of previous clients that gives you a boost with prospective ones.</li><li><strong>Affiliate marketing</strong> – If you’re looking for something that can provide passive income, affiliate marketing is a popular option. By promoting products on your website, blog, or social media platform, you gain a small profit from each sale. Simply place an ad on your page or write a post that advertises the product and provide a link to it on Amazon, eBay, or primary product website. Then when people click the link and purchase, you get a small percentage of the purchase price. With the right search engine optimization, your affiliate page could bring you a nice passive income to supplement other endeavors.</li><li><strong>Direct selling</strong> – With a variety of products and services to choose from, the direct selling industry has something to offer just about anyone. And direct selling is one of the few industries that has actually been thriving during the pandemic, with many companies tracking record-breaking numbers. Direct selling companies offer stability, mentorship, and back-office logistics to the small business owner who wants to join an existing organization on their own terms. Over time, one business owner can gain enough clients with repeating orders to generate a nice income stream. Another benefit is the opportunity to work with products or services you believe in, creating customer relationships based on integrity.</li></ul>



<p>Starting over may feel daunting, but in the age of the side hustle, it’s doable. Find the right gig for you by trying the ones that appeal to you, but also <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-tips-to-keep-an-open-mind/">be open to new experiences</a>. You never know what might pay off.</p>



<p style="font-size:12px"><br><em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-mar-apr-2021-daymond-john.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March/April 2021 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a>.</em><br><em>Photo by <em>crystalmariesing/Twenty20</em></em></p>

Metrics can give you a clear picture of how successful your hustle is now and how you can keep it growing in the future.

Metrics can give you a clear picture of how successful your hustle is now and how you can keep it growing in the future. | SUCCESS

Side Hustle Smarts: 5 Metrics to Measure Success

Side Hustle Smarts: 5 Metrics to Measure Success | SUCCESS

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<p>At no other time have side hustlers needed more help than now. With challenges from finances to health issues, solitude to stress, if you’re running a side hustle, you likely have hit a hurdle lately that you’re unsure how to jump.</p>



<p>The good news—and we’re sure you could use some—is that help is available. Resources online will lead you to new solutions, but you have to reach out.</p>



<div id="om-wssoarixtgtwp2gdvxgb-holder"></div>



<p>As you think about ways to move forward, start by evaluating which areas are troubling you most. Make a list of challenges, obstacles, and goals. Consider the structure of your business, financial goals, technology needs, and even team member challenges. Choose the top three issues you feel would help you move forward now.</p>



<p>Then take a look at these resources:&nbsp;</p>



<h3>1. Startup help.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>If you’re just getting started with your side hustle or small business, you could benefit from an outside perspective. A startup consultant works with you for a short time to offer their expertise, help you make decisions, and even share their networking connections if you’re lucky. Search for startup consultants in your area on LinkedIn or find them on Fiverr.com, Upwork.com, or Toptal.com, which are freelance websites with a variety of contractors. Always vet your startup consultant before hiring by asking for references and reading reviews. Also pay attention to any areas of expertise or focus they emphasize so you’re sure to get the right person to help with your particular concerns or weak spots. Startup consultants will either charge hourly or have a package that comes with a specific number of hours up front.</p>



<h3>2. Tech help.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>If you need more advanced technology than a pair of noise-canceling headphones to get the job done, it’s important to have the best IT team you can get. But if you’re working solo as a freelancer or consultant, tech troubles can feel like massive headaches you’re expected to cure yourself. From WiFi connectivity to website setup, device glitches to software installation, remote tech support services can provide the help you need. If you’re building or working with a team, Support.com offers phone and online help for up to five team members starting at $49.99 per month. If you only need help for your own laptop and phone, USTechSupport.com has plans that start at $19.99 per month and can help you with basics like setup, processing speeds, viruses, and software issues. For more in-depth issues like website or app programming, you can try Guru.com to find expert freelancers ready to lend an expert hand.</p>



<h3>3. Funding help.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Whether your small business was impacted by COVID-19 or you’re just looking for startup cash, funding is available if you know where to look. The list of COVID-19 impact resources starts with the U.S. Small Business Association, which offers relief to businesses affected by the pandemic. For work-from-home creatives or consultants, the Freelancers Union offers grants and relief funds to those who qualify, along with help with things like health insurance, discounts on commonly used services, and retirement investment advice. Membership to the Freelancers Union is free. For other side hustlers, organizations for your industry may offer similar grants. Don’t forget to check with local small business nonprofit organizations that may offer relief funds or grants to people in your location or demographic.</p>



<h3>4. Mentorship.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Sometimes, all you need is a helping hand from someone who’s been there and done that. A mentor could be just the person you need to help you out of a frustrating or confusing situation. You can find a mentor through networking—asking those you already know to recommend someone who has achieved success in your area. SCORE, an arm of the U.S. Small Business Association, offers weekly mentoring for those who apply and qualify. And the app Mentorship offers an easy matching service to help you find the advice you need. When creating a mentorship relationship, be sure to lay out expectations at the beginning, including what your goals are, how often you’d like to meet, and when you’ll know you’ve achieved success. Some companies, such as network marketing organizations, have a mentorship program available for all members so ask your side hustle organization for ideas as well.</p>



<p>As you vet resources to get the help you need, remember you can always combine solutions. Work one problem at a time, and if the resource you’re using doesn’t continue to work for you, try another one. Or if you’re struggling to connect with your mentor, ask around and find advice from someone else. The most important thing is to ask for help in the first place.&nbsp;</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator is-style-wide"/>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Ask-The-SideHustler.png" alt="Ask the sidehustler. " class="wp-image-59238" width="429" height="97"/></figure></div>



<h5><strong>Q:&nbsp;</strong>Working alone&nbsp;has really affected my motivation and mood. Is there a way I can work with others while still running a solo business?&nbsp;</h5>



<p><strong>A:</strong>&nbsp;Solopreneurs have long struggled with this question. The human need for interaction with others can be tough to meet when you’re spending the majority of your time alone at a laptop. Even if you’re offering ride sharing as your side hustle, a 20-minute ride with a stranger isn’t the same as creating relationships with coworkers. So how do you meet your need for interpersonal relationships? Here are a few ideas for reducing your solo time:</p>



<p><strong>√</strong> <strong>Lunch dates.</strong>&nbsp;Whether you meet on a patio, at the park, or on Zoom, pausing in the middle of your day to take time for yourself is a great chance to connect with others. You’ll recharge your emotional batteries as you air out any challenges you’re facing, and the act of helping someone else with their daily struggles will fill your own cup to overflowing. Spending your lunch with others even once a week will make you feel less lonely.</p>



<p><strong>√</strong> <strong>Mastermind.</strong>&nbsp;Small business owners and side hustlers join masterminds to benefit from the expertise of the others in the group and share their own experience to help their fellow members. Not only are masterminds great ways to make new business partnerships and enhance your professional skills, they’re also perfect for making deep connections with other people. You won’t hit it off with every person in a mastermind, but you’re bound to find some like-minded folks who really get you and your dreams. Having these people to meet with weekly or monthly will give you the sense that you’re on the road toward success with others side-by-side.</p>



<p><strong>√ Networking group.&nbsp;</strong>Different than masterminds, networking groups are geared toward people who want to expand their professional circles. While many groups won’t be meeting in person, even a virtual meeting where you have the chance to learn about others’ businesses is a great way to feel connected. Partnerships and friendships—and even customer relationships—can be formed in these groups, not to mention getting to share a friendly chat.</p>



<p><strong>√ Coworking space.&nbsp;</strong>Renting a desk or shared space in a coworking office will give you the opportunity to work with others on a daily or weekly basis. Prices start quite low for shared space, and most organizations also give you access to conference rooms, printers, and other office perks you might be missing. While you could take your coffee and ear buds and work solo, opening yourself up to conversation with your fellow coworkers could lead to friendships or other networking opportunities. If coworking spaces aren’t open near you, try an open-air space like a plaza, park, or temperature-controlled patio.</p>



<p><strong>√</strong> <strong>Remote team.</strong>&nbsp;If you’re a solopreneur who works on projects with other contractors, try forming a team. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, reach out to a copywriter you know and ask if they’d like to join up to work on projects. Then when one of you gets a new client, you can recommend the other and work with the client together. You can also begin to scale your side hustle into a small business by subcontracting work to people who can do some of the same work you do but at a lower fee. Remember: You’ll be the head of this type of team and will need to send out 1099s to your subcontractors.</p>



<p>With a little effort, you can work alongside others while still working alone. The benefits of human connection during your day will far outweigh the inconvenience you’ll face as you go out of your way to connect.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tech-Trends-1024x233.png" alt="" class="wp-image-59239" width="429" height="97"/></figure></div>



<p>There are nearly 4 billion active mobile internet users worldwide, which means you’ve got ample opportunity to reach customers and grow your side hustle.</p>



<ul><li>Internet users spend an average of&nbsp;<strong>6 hours and 42 minutes</strong>&nbsp;online daily. And they’re spending&nbsp;<strong>48 percent</strong>&nbsp;of that time on their mobile devices.</li><li>The most visited websites are&nbsp;<strong>Google, YouTube,</strong> and&nbsp;<strong>Facebook</strong>.</li><li>Worried you’ll run out of customers? There are&nbsp;<strong>1 million</strong>&nbsp;new internet users each day.</li></ul>



<p>As you create a strategy to grow your side hustle, you’ll find ever-increasing chances to earn on the internet.</p>



<div id="om-b7ugoi3vyiokb42jlfcd-holder"></div>



<p class="has-small-font-size">*<em>Sources: Digital 2019: “Global Internet Use Accelerates” by You Are Social and Hootsuite; “The Top 500 sites on the web” by Alexa</em></p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><br><em>This article originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-jan-feb-2021-mark-cuban.html" target="_blank">January/February 2021 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a>.</em><br><em>Photo by marvent/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

If you’re running a side hustle, you likely have hit a hurdle lately that you’re unsure how to jump. The good news is that help is available.

If you’re running a side hustle, you likely have hit a hurdle lately that you’re unsure how to jump. The good news is that help is available. | SUCCESS

Need Help With Your Side Hustle? Try These Resources

Need Help With Your Side Hustle? Try These Resources | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Not-So-Solo.jpg

<p>Balancing side hustles can feel like skipping rope sometimes—you’re always on your toes. But with millions of people out of work or accepting reduced hours at their full-time jobs, the side hustle has become more important than ever.</p>



<p>Since one side hustle might not be enough to meet your big goals, you’re probably feeling stressed and pushed to the limit some days. How do you handle more than one side gig and still take care of your well-being?</p>



<p>The answer to this question is going to differ depending on the type of side hustle you’re working, but in general there are some ways you can manage your multiple streams of income and still maintain your sanity.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>1. Create a central organizational hub.</h3>



<p>Whether it’s on paper, in your laptop, or in an app, a central place to track hours, commitments and deadlines is imperative to keep you organized. Apps like Asana and Basecamp can track projects and deadlines, while Toggl and aTimeLogger help you track your hours spent working. If you’re more hands-on, set your schedule and log projects in a paper planner. Save notes in a folder or in an app like Evernote, which can store photos and links as well as text notes. Keeping all your dates, times, and responsibilities in one place will help you feel more in control of your schedule.</p>



<h3>2. Dedicate a workspace.</h3>



<p>Even if your side hustles take you out of the house most of the time, having a place where you can sit down, review your calendar, and keep track of things like receipts, taxes, and communications can really help you feel supported. Dedicate one place in your home as your workspace, and then ask others in your household to respect your boundary. Keep all your pertinent papers, files or notes in your workspace to stay organized.</p>



<h3>3. Block off time for you.</h3>



<p>Since you’re the one in charge of how much work you accept, why not set your own days off? Even if you split time off over a few afternoons rather than two full days in a row, having those times to refresh and rest are vital to your sanity and the health of your relationships. Be sure to block them off of your calendar and commit to yourself to uphold them, so you don’t accept work during your downtime.</p>



<h3>4. Defend your priorities.</h3>



<p>Just as you block off time for your family and yourself, you also need to block off time for work. Let people know your working hours, and really focus while you’re on the job. When you don’t have one primary, full-time job, people can look at what you do and see it as less important. This leads to interruptions. Show by example that your work is serious by taking it seriously and setting down the phone during work or closing the door to your workspace.</p>



<h3>5. Try outsourcing.</h3>



<p>If you’re running your own knowledge sharing or creative service business on the side, consider outsourcing administrative or communication tasks. Answering emails, sending invoices, and uploading documents can all be done by someone without much knowledge of your business. You can create email templates they can use or record video instructions for a project where you want more in-depth help. Delegating and outsourcing are vital to growing your business, so start early and set a productive habit.</p>



<h3>6. Look for passive income opportunities.</h3>



<p>To really maximize your return, invest your time up front in a side hustle that can give you passive income down the line, such as direct selling, affiliate marketing, or real estate investments. While these ventures may not pay loads at the beginning, you could be setting yourself up for a steady stream of additional income later on.</p>



<h3>7. Stay encouraging.</h3>



<p>When you’re juggling a lot, it can be easy to slip into a negative attitude or even subject yourself to negative self-talk. Rather than berating yourself for not getting enough done, focus on how you can get help, get organized, and stay focused. To do those things, you’ll benefit from some encouraging self-talk and a little understanding.</p>



<p>If you’re only considering a side hustle at this point, all of this may sound like a lot to manage. But think of this like you would your day job: Your priorities, workload and schedule there have probably shifted countless times over your career.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Change is as inherent to a side hustle as it is to a straight gig. You’ve got to learn to deal with it—and odds are, you will, especially if you stick to the above rules.</p>



<p>The big difference? In a side hustle, you’re in charge.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/7-Tips-for-Balancing-Your-Side-Hustles-745x1024.png" alt="Side Hustle Surge: To make up for lost hours or boost income during an uncertain time, millions of people are seeking side hustles.

54% of all adults in the United States are planning a side gig, according to a recent survey by personal finance site Self.inc.

64% of all Americans age 24 years and older who lost a job or have reduced hours either plan to seek or already have a side hustle, according to figures from TD Ameritra.

As we approach the time for year-end data to be released, we’ll likely see these numbers rise even higher." class="wp-image-52564" width="444" height="610"/></figure></div>



<h2>Ask&nbsp;The SideHustler</h2>



<h4>Q: I hear the term “passive income”&nbsp;a lot, but it seems to mean different things to different people. Can you explain?&nbsp;</h4>



<p><strong>A: </strong>Passive income requires little to no effort to maintain. Most passive income opportunities do require some financial or time investment up front to establish them, but once they’re going, they can be self-sustaining. When evaluating a passive income source, consider your interest level and required up-front investment. Here are a few of the most reliable passive income opportunities:</p>



<p><strong>Direct selling&nbsp;–</strong> With a variety of products and services to choose from, the direct selling industry has something to offer just about anyone. Direct selling companies offer stability, mentorship and back office logistics to the small business owner who wants to join an existing organization on his or her own terms. Over time, one business owner can gain enough clients with repeating orders to generate a nice passive income stream.</p>



<p><strong>Real estate investments&nbsp;– </strong>Whether you start by renting a room in your home or find a rental opportunity, real estate is a market that provides solid passive income. A tried and true way to start is to find a rental you can live in first, and then move out when you’re able to buy a second property, renting the first one to someone else. The rent will cover the home’s expenses, as well as provide you with passive income. Your involvement can be minimal if you hire a management company to deal with day -to -day&nbsp;issues.</p>



<p><strong>Dividend stocks&nbsp;–</strong> When you invest in the stock of a specific company, you become a shareholder and are entitled to payment at regular intervals from the company. The more shares you own, the higher the payout. Of course, most people hold these funds for long periods of time, as day trading (trading stocks based on daily fluctuations in the market) is quite risky. In the case of stocks, your return on investment would be long-term rather than a quick turnaround. In addition, as we’ve all seen recently, the stock market is a gamble when the economy takes a dive.</p>



<p><strong>Affiliate marketing&nbsp;– </strong>Ready to sell someone else’s product on your website? Affiliate marketing lets you gain a small profit from the sale of products you promote on your blog, website, or social media profile. You simply place an ad on your page or write a post that advertises the product and provide a link to it on Amazon, eBay, or other marketplace. Then when people click the link and purchase, you get a small percentage of the purchase price. With the right search engine optimization, your affiliate page could bring you a nice passive income to supplement other&nbsp;endeavors.</p>



<p><strong>Financial strategies&nbsp;– </strong>If you’re looking for a low-effort, safe passive income opportunity, check out online banking for high yield savings accounts or CDs that offer above-average interest rates. You could also invest in a bond ladder, which is a series of bonds that mature in a sequence over time. These strategies aren’t flashy, but they are safe and only require a little research and the initial funds.</p>



<p>Whatever passive income strategy you choose, keep in mind that you may have to invest some sweat equity up front to really build it on the back. But the automatic deposits in your future could be well worth&nbsp;it.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><strong>Read next:</strong></em> <strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-reasons-why-you-havent-started-your-side-hustle/">4 Reasons Why You Haven’t Started Your Side Hustle</a></strong></p></blockquote>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-nov-dec-2020-payal-kadakia.html" target="_blank">November/December 2020 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a>.</em><br><em>Photo by DimaBerlin/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Learn the fundamentals of maintaining multiple income streams.

Learn the fundamentals of maintaining multiple income streams. | SUCCESS

7 Tips for Balancing Your Side Hustles

7 Tips for Balancing Your Side Hustles | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/7-Tips-for-Balancing-Your-Side-Hustles.jpg

<p>You want extra income. You like the idea of working on something interesting, fun, or new. And you want more time flexibility than you’ve had in the past. A side hustle is perfect. Now may be just the right time for you to get started.</p>



<p>But wait! If a side hustle is so good for your sense of fulfillment and your pocketbook, why haven’t you already started one (or scaled the one you have started)?</p>



<p>I’ve heard a lot of reasons why people aren’t chasing their side hustle or aren’t all-in on their dreams to reach the next level of their lives. Here are a few you might be familiar with:</p>



<h2 id="h-1-you-are-scared">1. You are scared.</h2>



<p>The fear of starting something is usually about two main fears: What happens if you fail? What happens if you succeed and can’t sustain it? I’ve found the best way to move through these fears is to play them all the way out to the end. What will actually happen if you fail? You’ll lose the hours you spent, the $50 you invested, and the hope that this thing will make you any money. Is that really enough to stop you from trying? And if you succeed and find yourself overwhelmed, ask for help. You just might be the one giving someone else a side hustle one day.</p>



<h2 id="h-2-people-will-see-you-do-stuff">2. People will see you do stuff.</h2>



<p>I don’t know why, but putting ourselves out there and showing the world—or at least the people in our immediate sphere of influence—what we’re thinking, feeling, and hoping for is hard to do. The idea that others might judge us, laugh at us, or even reject us is a real stumbling block toward following our hearts to a side hustle. But think about it this way: If they’re judging you when you try something new, what are they already saying about you when you’re stuck? People are going to talk and have opinions no matter what you do. Why not do what makes you happiest?</p>



<h2 id="h-3-you-re-already-doing-so-much">3. You’re already doing so much.</h2>



<p>Whether you’re a single parent, a full-time employee, or someone juggling multiple part-time jobs, you probably already feel like your time is limited. The idea behind most side hustles is freedom—earning that little bit extra so you can take time off and enjoy it with family or finally being in charge of your schedule so you can be there to help with your kid’s science project. Be realistic about the time you have, but also consider what time you’ll get back if you go for it.</p>



<h2 id="h-4-you-don-t-know-anything-about-technology-marketing-fill-in-the-blank">4. You don’t know anything about technology/marketing/fill-in-the-blank.</h2>



<p>Everyone is learning. As the author of this column, I probably qualify as one of the preeminent solopreneurial experts in the country. I am the authority. But you know what? I still take continuing education courses online regularly. The world is constantly changing, and so are the skills you need. Don’t take that as an indictment against your abilities. Take it as a challenge. Pick one area you want to learn about and find a mentor—maybe a neighbor, an online teacher, or even your teenager. Learn as you go. But go!<br></p>



<p><br>If you’re thinking of starting a side hustle, remember that while some obstacles are very real, others are only in our heads. Take some time to sort out what’s really holding you back and then move ahead with clarity.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator is-style-wide"/>



<h2 id="h-the-industry-that-s-still-growing">The Industry That’s Still Growing</h2>



<p>With nearly every industry&nbsp;scaling back or experiencing a loss this year, it’s important to find the areas of growth that still exist and see if you can join in.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Just as the world was closing its doors and businesses were facing permanent shut-down without profits, the direct selling industry picked up steam.&nbsp;<strong>Between March 2020 and April 2020, 80 percent of the top 50 direct selling companies in the United States showed revenue growth—in some cases, record-breaking growth. That progress continued through the spring, according to survey results.&nbsp;</strong></p>



<ul><li>12 companies achieved all-time&nbsp;<strong>record</strong>&nbsp;revenue in June</li><li><strong>70 percent&nbsp;</strong>of surveyed companies reported growth from June compared to May</li><li><strong>28 percent&nbsp;</strong>remained flat or declined</li><li><strong>30 percent&nbsp;</strong>showed single-digit growth</li><li><strong>42 percent&nbsp;</strong>grew double-digit and&nbsp;</li><li>much more</li></ul>



<p>Direct selling companies provide products and services backed by research, funding and fully formed marketing systems to independent entrepreneurs or side hustlers. The individual has constant access to the marketing, support and technical resources of the company providing the products or services.</p>



<p>If you’re searching for a place to anchor yourself but all you’re seeing are sinking ships, look closer at&nbsp;direct selling. You might just find a whole new&nbsp;adventure.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator is-style-wide"/>



<h2 id="h-ask-the-sidehustler">Ask the SideHustler: </h2>



<p><strong>Q:&nbsp;With everything going&nbsp;on&nbsp;in the world and so many unknowns, I can’t see how this is a good time to start anything. What am&nbsp;I&nbsp;missing?</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>A:&nbsp;</strong>Listen, I can’t make a guarantee that any time is the perfect time for you to start a side hustle. Your levels of experience, skill, and motivation all play a part in how well you do no matter when you start a new side business. I can however point you to companies and success stories that began during difficult times and hope you feel inspired to push ahead anyway:</p>



<p><strong>General Motors&nbsp;–</strong> Way back in 1908, after the San Francisco earthquake and a financial panic led to a recession, William Durant and Charles Stewart Mott, who were already the owners of Buick, founded General Motors. Heard of them?</p>



<p><strong>Electronic Arts&nbsp;–</strong> Known as EA to gamers and kids alike, the company was founded at the tail end of the recession and global energy crisis in the early 1980s. Trip Hawkins actually left a job at Apple to launch EA in 1982—talk about a gutsy&nbsp;move.</p>



<p><strong>Chicken Soup for the Soul&nbsp;–</strong> Now a full-fledged media company, this emerged from one book, a side hustle for author Jack Canfield, who went through 144 rejections by publishers before finally releasing his now-international bestseller in 1993. Tough times require persistence and&nbsp;belief.</p>



<p><strong>Mailchimp&nbsp;– </strong>Ben Chestnut and Dan Kurzius founded this contact management service in 2001, at the time when Nasdaq had lost 75&nbsp;percent of its value following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and corporate scandals like Enron. Can you imagine founding a digital contact management service during the dot-com recession?</p>



<p><strong>Uber, Airbnb, Groupon, and Square&nbsp;–</strong> All founded during the recent Great Recession between 2007 and 2009. Sometimes what seems like a small, simple idea is the start of&nbsp;something big.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator is-style-wide"/>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><a href="https://www.successacademy.com/successinsider" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Do you need weekly inspiration, success tips and self-help resources? Click here to sign up to join our weekly newsletter to help you achieve all your goals!</a></strong></p>



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<p class="has-small-font-size"><em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://store.success.com/patchworks-imported-products/success-magazine-sept-oct-2020.html" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in the September/October 2020 issue of SUCCESS magazine.</a></em><br><em>Photo by GaudiLab/Shuttersock.com</em></p>

Fears, foibles and fallacies can hold you back from solopreneur success. What's stopping you?

Fears, foibles and fallacies can hold you back from solopreneur success. What's stopping you? | SUCCESS

4 Reasons Why You Haven't Started Your Side Hustle

4 Reasons Why You Haven&#8217;t Started Your Side Hustle

4 Reasons Why You Haven't Started Your Side Hustle | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/4-Reasons-You-Havent-Started-Your-Side-Hustle.jpg

<p>A year ago, if we had listed the industries we thought were recession proof, they would have included movie theaters, restaurants, food and alcoholic beverage companies, and home improvement retailers. Today, we know none of these industries are safe from certain types of recession events.</p>



<p>So how can you keep income flowing and guarantee control over your future and your family’s security?</p>



<p>Well, there may not be any 100 percent guarantees, but there is a way to take more control of your future: turning your side hustle into a full-time gig.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’re driving for a ridesharing company or running tasks, your hustles will likely remain on the side. But if you have a side hustle that is scalable—one that can grow while remaining profitable with your available time and money resources—then you could be an island of financial security in a sea of uncertainty.</p>



<p>The important first move is to select the right side hustle, if you haven’t already. (See our sidebar <a href="#askthesidehustler">“Ask The SideHustler”</a> below if you are in need of inspiration.) Then you can follow these steps to turn your bonus cash into your bread and butter.</p>



<h3>1. Evaluate demand.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Before you commit to buying all your eggs with the money from your side hustle basket, make sure there’s enough demand. Are your products and services popular enough to provide a full-time living? If you’re local and you’ve tapped your market, can you easily expand without a lot of additional resources? If you’re online, how much will it cost you in time, design services, and advertising fees to attract customers through ads?</p>



<h3>2. Lay a financial foundation.</h3>



<p>If you still have a primary job, divert as much money as you can into savings. This will offset the risk of spending more time in your side hustle and less in your job. Aim for enough savings to cover three to six months of expenses, including those for your side hustle expansion. If you’re making this move out of necessity and don’t have the luxury to start with a lot of savings, try socking away a small percentage of everything you earn to start an emergency fund. Even 2 percent can add up: Save 2 percent of $10,000 and you’ve got $200 saved up for a rainy day. It’s not much, but now we know how to spend that emergency money on what matters.</p>



<h3>3. Expand, but don<strong>’</strong>t go nuts.</h3>



<p>You don’t need a fancy office right away or three new assistants. What you do need in order to expand is more customers. Look at where you can grow your reach and how you can reach them. Then increase your marketing and advertising accordingly.</p>



<h3>4. Improve systems.</h3>



<p>Bringing more people into your business will backfire if you don’t have the proper systems in place to support them. Add a virtual assistant, accounting software, or a customer service hotline to help deal with new customer needs and growing administrative requirements.</p>



<h3>5. Spread the word<strong>.</strong></h3>



<p>Finally, let the world know that you’re growing. Show up on social media with video and let people see who’s behind the brand. Post often, and interact with people who might be looking for what you sell. Don’t just sell online. Be helpful. Be the expert on what you know.</p>



<p>If you’re in financial fear, upping your side hustle game can feel urgent. But it’s usually a gradual process. To speed things along, focus on areas of quick wins: Circle back with existing clients and try to upsell them on additional services; touch base with previous clients and ask for referrals and testimonials you can post online; and focus on building relationships with business owners in related fields who might offer a helping hand.&nbsp;<br><br></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1-500x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-51760"/><figcaption><br></figcaption></figure></div>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TRICK-NO.-1-4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-51754"/></figure>



<p id="askthesidehustler"><strong>Q:&nbsp;I want to diversify my income by starting a side hustle, but as a parent, I can’t afford to lose time and money on something that will fail. Any ideas on something low risk?&nbsp;</strong></p></p>



<p><strong>A:</strong>&nbsp;The good news is there are still a lot of ways to earn extra money. Any new venture is going to come with a certain amount of risk, but with the right commitment, support and skills, you can diversify your income sources and help provide more security to your family. Here are some characteristics of the lowest risk side hustles:</p>



<p><strong>Low skill entry:&nbsp;</strong>Unless you’re diving into the creative or consulting world, a side hustle that doesn’t require you to have any particular training is often the fastest way to earn extra money.</p>



<p><strong>Large consumer pool:&nbsp;</strong>If you build it, they won’t automatically come—unless it’s something they actually want to see. Make sure you’re stepping into a field with a wide audience of ideal consumers.</p>



<p><strong>Profitable track record:&nbsp;</strong>Your neighbor might tell you that going into affiliate websites is the next big thing, but if their affiliate site hasn’t had any SEO success in the last year, that’s not a good sign. Look for a side hustle that has a proven track record of success among people who have similar skills, availability and resources as you have.</p>



<p><strong>Existing inventory or service model:</strong>&nbsp;If you want to take the pain out of sales, opt for a business that you can run with someone else’s products or service model. Direct selling is ideal for people who already believe in a company’s products and want to earn extra money.</p>



<p><strong>Mentorship or support:</strong>&nbsp;If you get into trouble with your new gig, who will you turn to for help? It’s vital to answer this question early. Look for a company that allows you to use their training resources, while running an independent business.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><br><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://store.success.com/patchworks-imported-products/success-magazine-july-aug-2020.html" target="_blank"><em>This article originally appeared in the July/August 2020 issue of SUCCESS magazine.</em></a><br><em>Photo by Flamingo Images/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Your solopreneur adventure may be key to overcoming the economic downturn.

Your solopreneur adventure may be key to overcoming the economic downturn. | SUCCESS

5 Steps to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Gig

5 Steps to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Gig | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Untitled-design-4.png

<p>If you’re looking for a side hustle, you’ll do a double take when you see the changes lately in an established business model. Direct selling has come a long way since your parents were ordering Amway.</p>



<p>In fact, this new channel is giving Amazon and other eCommerce platforms stiff competition. From changes in compensation structures to innovative new products, you’ll be surprised to see what’s happening in the world of this customizable business opportunity where you can choose your own adventure.&nbsp;<strong>Here are some highlights:</strong></p>



<h4>1. You run your own business without reinventing the wheel.&nbsp;</h4>



<p>If a franchise sounds good to you for the established business model and products, but the overhead and upkeep sound like a nightmare, direct selling’s business-building model could be ideal. You not only get to run your own business and reap the rewards of your sales, but you also often have pre-researched, guaranteed, and fan favorite products to sell right out of the gate. Can you say easy start?</p>



<h4>2. It’s about social selling.&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Instead of going door-to-door or relying on sales tactics, today’s direct selling companies are teaching independent business owners how to create authentic customer relationships based on real results and honest feedback. This kind of social selling is similar to what our great-grandparents had at their local dry goods store: a relationship with a business owner who would go out of his way to meet their needs.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Copy-of-Untitled-1.png" alt="direct selling side hustle" class="wp-image-50905"/></figure></div>



<h4>3. Customers are king.&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Yes, you can build a business with a direct selling company backing you, and you can teach others to build their own businesses. But you could also just sell your products to customers online and cash your profit checks. Many direct selling companies have refocused their compensation plans to ensure that retail sales—not recruiting—are the primary goal for business owners. This means you’re building a business with a loyal group of retail customers who love your products.&nbsp;</p>



<h4>4. Products are ahead of the curve.&nbsp;</h4>



<p>The latest popularity of CBD products is a perfect example of how direct selling companies stay on the forefront of research and development. As some of the first major companies to offer a stable of CBD products, direct selling organizations continually find ways to innovate new products and improve existing ones. If staying on the cutting edge of beauty, health, wellness, and lifestyle products is your thing, you’ll find a direct selling company that’s out in front.</p>



<h4>5. You can sell services, too.&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Today’s direct selling companies are offering services that were once the closely guarded realm of local companies. From electricity to travel planning, you’ll find services you’re already using at discounted prices—and you’ll get rewards for purchasing from your own business. Imagine being able to book your next vacation or pay your electric bill and earn rewards for even more great savings.&nbsp;</p>



<h4>6. Ordering is easy and discounts abound.&nbsp;</h4>



<p>If you love Amazon’s subscription option that allows you to place products on automatic reorder each month for a discounted price, you’ll be right at home with the same practice in direct selling companies. You can switch up your products each month or keep the same ones coming in. Either way, your automatic order will give you points for free products down the road, a perk Amazon and other eCommerce platforms can’t match.</p>



<p>Today’s direct selling companies are taking a social approach and redefining the channel. Don’t assume that because you looked into a direct selling company a few years ago, you know what they’re all about. Keep an open mind. This updated business model is changing the face of retail and small business. It could be just the side hustle you need.&nbsp;</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/hustle-from-home-podcast/">Is a side hustle your next big move? Check out the <em>Hustle From Home</em> podcast for secrets to starting&nbsp;and&nbsp;scaling&nbsp;a side hustle, and find out! </a></strong></p></blockquote>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Copy-of-Copy-of-Untitled-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-50915"/></figure></div>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.successacademy.com/successmagazine" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in the May/June 2020 issue of SUCCESS magazine.</a></em><br><em>Photo by GaudiLab/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

From changes in compensation structures to innovative new products, you’ll be surprised to see what’s happening in the world of this customizable business opportunity where you can choose your own adventure. Here are some highlights.

From changes in compensation structures to innovative new products, you’ll be surprised to see what’s happening in the world of this customizable business opportunity where you can choose your own adventure. Here are some highlights. | SUCCESS

Is Direct Selling the Right Side Hustle for You?

Is Direct Selling the Right Side Hustle for You? | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Social-Selling-1.jpg

entrepreneur narrowing his focus to find his business niche

<p>It’s beyond a buzzword now: The concept of a business niche is everywhere. Chances are you’ve either tried to find your niche or you’ve planted your feet firmly on the broad ground you’re used to and refused to narrow anything down.</p>



<p>In working with small business owners, solopreneurs and freelancers, I’ve found that avoidance is the more common response to the challenge of finding a niche.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But if you’re not <a href="https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/what-is-a-niche-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">narrowing down your focus</a> in some way, you may be <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-riches-are-in-the-micro-niches-how-to-grow-your-business-by-narrowing-your-focus/">missing out on business</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-find-your-business-niche">How to find your business niche</h2>



<p>Let’s take a look at a few ways you could narrow down your focus—or find your business niche—so your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-steps-to-make-marketing-work-for-sales-in-any-industry/">marketing and sales efforts</a> will result in more clients.</p>



<h3 id="h-1-who-are-the-customers-of-your-niche-business">1. Who are the customers of your niche business?</h3>



<p>Who is going to buy your product or service? This is where I challenge you to think “dream client.” Who would you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-ways-to-identify-your-ideal-client-and-prime-your-business-for-growth/">absolutely love to help</a>? Who would really—and I mean, <em>really</em>—benefit from your help? These are the people you should be helping. Could their cousins and neighbors also benefit? Maybe. But they aren’t the ones who will see rapid, amazing transformations thanks to you.</p>



<p>Aim for the people who have the means to apply your work. That doesn’t mean crank your prices up for only the wealthy clients—you can offer discounts, promotions and even scholarships if you want. But the main focus of your time and money should be the people who are capable of paying you and doing the legwork to get the results they want. Niche down your audience.</p>



<h3 id="h-2-what-do-your-customers-actually-want">2. What do your customers <em>actually</em> want?</h3>



<p>What questions are these buyers asking? If you already have a narrow audience, make sure you understand how they think about their problems. Business owners can try to sell to people by focusing on what they see as the problems their customers face, but what they should be focusing on is what <a href="https://www.zendesk.com/blog/what-is-customer-focus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the customers themselves are saying</a> about their issues.</p>



<p>For example, maybe you have a social selling business and your focus is nutritional products. You know with the help of your products, people generally lose weight, have more energy, sleep better and have improved digestion. But do most of your potential customers even realize that their nutritional intake is their problem? Or do they think they just need to get more willpower around carbs, take a sleeping pill and keep popping antacids? Probably the latter, right? So if you go at them with a lot of information about how to up their nutrition, you’ll fail to capture their attention.</p>



<p>Instead, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/serving-your-ideal-client-starts-with-understanding-their-buying-motives/">narrow your promotional language</a>, including social media posts, to the issues they’re having and how they think about them. Niche down your marketing.</p>



<p>Not sure what your audience actually wants? Try one of these methods and ask:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Segment new subscribers.</strong> When people opt in to get your emails, ask them a question to see what interests them.</li><li><strong>Post a poll on social media. </strong>Facebook has a ready-made polling format you can use.</li><li><strong>Send an email.</strong> Be sure to offer an incentive for filling out 2-5 questions.</li><li><strong>Use a tool like Survey Monkey or Typeform to create a multiple-choice survey.</strong> This works well if you have a large list or need help compiling the answers.</li><li><strong>Create a survey funnel. </strong>Ryan Levesque’s book <em>Ask</em> offers insight into how asking the right questions can direct people to your solutions.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-3-what-solution-does-your-business-offer">3. What solution does your business offer?</h3>



<p>What solution are you focused on? I drove through a small town in Texas one time and saw a business called Auto Parts &amp; Laundry. How are those things even related?</p>



<p>Are you confusing your potential customers with what you offer? Sure, you might have access to a wide variety of products you could sell through your business, but do you need to talk about all of them? Or maybe you have varied professional experience and offer differing services to maximize your potential earnings. But is that the best use of your marketing time and money?</p>



<p>This is where an audit of your previous sales comes in handy. Take a look at what you sold last year. How much did you sell in each category? How often were those sales directly related to any promoting you did? If you talked your head off on Facebook about your new products but no one wanted them because they initially came to you for the old, unrelated products, you’ve got a decision to make.</p>



<p>Ask yourself what services or products you can really get behind and put your focus on providing that general solution. Keep a clear message. If you’d like to offer other items to your existing clients, go for it. But keep your cold message to prospective clients streamlined. Niche down your offerings.</p>



<p>By narrowing your focus in these three areas, you greatly improve your chances of attracting the right people for the right sales.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-finding-your-business-niche-when-you-have-various-skills-interests">Finding your business niche when you have various skills/interests</h2>



<p><strong>I don’t mean to brag, but I can do a lot of different things well. It’s made it hard for me to decide what type of business to run. Can you help?</strong></p>



<p>That’s what I’d call a nice problem to have, my friend. But I also know how hard that can be when you’re trying to get a business plan in place. First, review the business niche pointers I talk about here in this month’s column. The ideas for narrowing your audience and offerings apply to you too. Really put some thought into who you want to help and how you could help. Then try these steps:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Make a list of everything you love. </strong>This can include professional activities, but it should also include activities or interests that you don’t see as viable business ideas, such as coaching your kid’s soccer team or doing charity 5k runs.</li><li><strong>Now make a list of everything on your résumé. </strong>This list should include your skills, talents and experience as a professional. Make sure you break items down enough to see what actions you’re able to take and how you take them.</li><li><strong>Ask yourself.</strong> How could I apply my skill to one of my loves? You might be surprised to see the results if you stay open to mixing and matching.</li></ol>



<p>Keep in mind: A lot of people make the mistake of thinking they have to feel super-duper passionate about their chosen field before they ever make a go of it. The truth is, a lot of small business owners started with one niche and altered course as they went along and discovered their passion.</p>



<p>So my main advice is this: Stop overthinking and just try something. Sometimes, we find our destination on the way to something else.</p>



<p>Happy choosing!</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article originally appeared in the March/April 2020 </em><a href="https://store.success.com/patchworks-imported-products/success-magazine-march-april-2020.html"><em>issue of SUCCESS magazine</em></a><em> and was updated May 2023. Photo by mavo/Shutterstock</em></p>

When your focus is too broad, you may be missing customers. Here's how to narrow your focus to find your business niche.

When your focus is too broad, you may be missing customers. Here's how to narrow your focus to find your business niche. | SUCCESS

Finding a Business Niche: Know When to Narrow Your Focus

How to Find Your Business Niche: Narrow Your Focus | SUCCESS

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<p>You are not stuck. Or at least, not as stuck as you might feel.</p>



<p>The truth is you’ve got a lot more opportunities to refresh and reinvent yourself than you might know. In today’s YouEconomy, the chance to start over or just start something new is in the palm of your hand. From apps to side gigs to solo sales opportunities, you can find a way to get unstuck in no time at all.</p>



<p>The key of course is figuring out how to participate in the YouEconomy in a way that energizes and inspires you. That’s where you’ll need to do a little self-reflection. Sometimes that feeling of being stuck is so general, we don’t know where to begin in helping ourselves. If that’s you, try free writing—that is, put pen to paper and see what comes out. You might find there’s one area where you’re really feeling the strain.</p>



<p>Focus on that one area first and see what kind of joy you can inject into your life. Even small changes can help you get unstuck and engaged.</p>



<h2>Here are some of the ways you can hit refresh in the YouEconomy:</h2>



<h3>1. Creatively </h3>



<p>When you’ve got bills to pay and obligations to meet, it’s easy to push your creative self to the side. What used to be space and time for hobbies and artistic pursuits is now filled with must-do’s. Justifying that creative time would be a lot easier if you could make a little money at it though, right? If you’re crafty, why not duplicate each project and put one up for sale on Etsy? Visual artists can turn their paintings or drawings into products with websites like Society6 or Zazzle, which handle the production side and share the profits with the artists.</p>



<h3>2. Financially</h3>



<p>The most empowering aspect of the YouEconomy is its broad range of income options. If you’re ready to take more control over your income ceiling, opportunities like direct selling or online marketing can offer you unlimited potential. Yes, everyone starts at the bottom, so you might need to juggle a day job for a while. But once your income develops with your customer base, you can say goodbye to a paycheck and hello to an ongoing revenue stream. Or if being your own boss is taking it a bit far for you, a monthly side-gig income could be just enough to ease the monthly money stress.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Copy-of-Untitled-731x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-43956" width="445" height="623"/></figure></div>



<h3>3. Professionally</h3>



<p>Always dreamed of pursuing a career in a certain area but never had the chance? Well, the time is now. With a plethora of online educational resources, community groups, and career coaches, you can learn on demand and grow into the professional you always wanted to be. The first step? Talk to someone who is doing what you want to do and get their take on the best way to begin. Develop a clear plan of action that suits your goals and personality. Then get plugged in to the resources which resonate with you the most. Maybe it’s a mentor or online expert. Or perhaps a video course is more your speed. Whatever you choose, remember that professional development comes in all shapes and sizes these days, so do what lights you up.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator is-style-wide"/>



<h4 class="has-text-color has-text-align-center" style="color:#6a349b"> With a plethora of online educational resources, community groups, and career coaches, you can learn on demand and grow into the professional you always wanted to be. </h4>



<hr class="wp-block-separator is-style-wide"/>



<h3>4. Locally</h3>



<p>The YouEconomy isn’t all online. In fact, a lot of it is on foot and in person. Whether you’re lending a helping hand through a task app or meeting like-minded industry folks on social media, you can grow your local influence with the help of the YouEconomy and its technological reach. Start by searching local groups in your industry or interests. Check for area festivals or events that showcase local talent or feature local speakers. Creating a community around yourself pays off in terms of systems, support, and camaraderie. If you’re dreaming of greener pastures, don’t dismiss local resources. Getting involved on a local level could be just the stepping stone you need to reach a higher level of influence.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Copy-of-Copy-of-Untitled-1-1024x838.png" alt="" class="wp-image-43957"/></figure>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><br><em>This article originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://store.success.com/patchworks-imported-products/success-magazine-jan-feb-2020-grant-cardone.html" target="_blank">January/February 2020 issue of&nbsp;SUCCESS magazine</a>.</em><br><em>Image by Ohahladiy/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

In today's YouEconomy, the chance to start over or just start something new is in the palm of your hand.

In today's YouEconomy, the chance to start over or just start something new is in the palm of your hand. | SUCCESS

4 Ways You Can Reinvent Yourself in the YouEconomy

4 Ways You Can Reinvent Yourself in the YouEconomy | SUCCESS

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Setting out on your own and embracing the freedom of entrepreneurship feels exhilarating… until the first time you look up and realize your finances are a mess. Hey, it can happen.
<blockquote><em><strong>Related: </strong></em><strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-5-biggest-challenges-in-the-youeconomy/">The 5 Biggest Challenges in the YouEconomy and How to Face Them</a></strong></blockquote>
Among all the other tasks you’re juggling as you make your way in the YouEconomy, money management is one of the most important and the most often avoided.

The good news is that money management for solopreneurs can be simple and straightforward. It doesn’t have to take a ton of your time, and there are plenty of tools to help ease your way. The basic building blocks are the same for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/successful-solopreneur-renaissance-people/">most solopreneurs</a>. I’ve found a few over the years that have made a big difference in the health of my business and made it much easier to scale as I added others to my team.

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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6636c6;">Now's your chance to prove yourself capable and confident in money matters. </span></h3>

<hr />

<h4><strong>Check out these money management building blocks:</strong></h4>
<h3>1. Face your fear.</h3>
Until you take a look at what’s really holding you back from tackling your money woes, even the best financial app won’t make much of a difference. Ask yourself: How would I rate my ability to manage money? Why? What am I afraid will happen because of my money habits? Once you’ve answered these questions, talk over your answers with someone you trust. Now’s your chance to prove yourself capable and confident in money matters.
<h3>2. Set aside regular time.</h3>
When I first got serious about managing my money consistently, I knew I had to overcome my fear of just sitting down and looking at it. I started by opening my checking account online every day. I looked at each transaction, thought about what bills would be coming in that week, and then closed the browser window. I didn’t take any action—just looked. After three months, I finally got rid of my fear around looking at my money. Now, I do a monthly money session so I can check the budget, print reports, and analyze my revenue potential.
<h3>3. Separate your personal and business funds.</h3>
Opening a business checking account might seem like just an extra step if you’re not operating as an LLC, but it makes a big difference in both your mindset and your accounting. It also makes your taxes a lot simpler. Be sure to reimburse yourself for any personal contributions to your business account, and don’t use your business account for any personal purchases.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-37362 size-large" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/You-Economist-1-683x1024.png" alt="money management for new solopreneurs" width="683" height="1024" />
<h3>4. Save for taxes as you go.</h3>
You can either use the quarterly reporting forms the IRS provides, or you can keep it simple as I did in the beginning and pull 20 percent out of every payment you get from clients. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/tips-for-freelance-taxes/">Set that money aside in a savings account for your taxes</a>, and then mail the balance to the IRS once a quarter. Consult your accountant for more on tax best practices.
<h3>5. Give financial documents a home.</h3>
If you’re old school and want a filing cabinet, that works, but so does a digital receipt scanner and the Evernote app. Whatever you use to keep your financial documents organized, set up a schedule to make sure they don’t pile up waiting for you to organize them.
<h3>6. Run regular reports.</h3>
Monthly reports that are essential are the income statement and cash flow statement. These reports show what’s coming in, going out, and why. If you have any assets in your business, such as property or major equipment, or you have significant debt, such as a business loan, you’ll also want to run a balance sheet each month to show your overall equity and liquidity. Again, your accountant can help you get started with these simple reports.
<h3>7. Use the latest apps.</h3>
<a href="https://quickbooks.intuit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">QuickBooks</a>, <a href="https://www.xero.com/us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Xero</a>, and <a href="https://www.freshbooks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FreshBooks</a> are all apps that can help you keep track of your money. Check them out after you consider what you really need. I started with a free app online, then moved to a paid QuickBooks account when I was ready for more in-depth reporting. The right app can help you budget, track savings, and even invoice clients.
<h3>8. Ask for help.</h3>
No one learns to maintain their business finances all on their own. It’s important to reach out and ask for help if you feel stumped or can’t get rid of your inner resistance to this part of your business. The healthier your money management habits are, the more peace of mind you’ll have as you make the right choices for the future of your solopreneur journey.
<blockquote><em><strong>Related: </strong></em><strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/validate-your-business-idea/">How to Know If Your Business Will Succeed in the YouEconomy</a></strong></blockquote>

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<img class="aligncenter wp-image-37364 size-large" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Dollars-and-Sense-759x1024.png" alt="" width="759" height="1024" />
<div></div>
<div><em>This article originally appeared in the <u><a tabindex="-1" title="https://store.success.com/patchworks-imported-products/success-magazine-nov-dec-2019-marie-forleo.html" href="https://store.success.com/patchworks-imported-products/success-magazine-nov-dec-2019-marie-forleo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">November/December 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a></u>.
</em><em>Photo by Nina_P_V / Twenty20</em></div>

Among all the other tasks you’re juggling as you make your way in the YouEconomy, money management is one of the most important and the most often avoided.

Among all the other tasks you’re juggling as you make your way in the YouEconomy, money management is one of the most important and the most often avoided. | SUCCESS

8 Keys to Money Management for New Solopreneurs

8 Keys to Money Management for New Solopreneurs | SUCCESS

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The Pros and Cons of Joining the YouEconomy at Any Age

Your age could impact how successful you are in the YouEconomy.

Before you assume I’m saying you’re too young or old to make a go of it on your own, let’s get this straight first: Anyone of any age can join the YouEconomy and find success with the right work ethic, attitude and resources.
<blockquote><em><strong>Related: </strong></em><strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-should-join-the-youeconomy/">Why You Should Join the YouEconomy</a></strong></blockquote>
But your stage of life will have a big impact on how you succeed and what your journey looks like. Here’s how your age group might stack up against the others and what you can expect as you create your career.
<h3>Teens and 20s:</h3>
As a tech native, you see and feel your way through social situations, problems, and tasks in a way the older generations may never. The foothold of GPS technology in the 2000s and the proliferation of the internet in most U.S. households gave rise to what we now call the YouEconomy—a cultural wave you’ve always taken for granted. You are tech savvy, are less attached to the old ways of doing things, and have given innovation a cultural boost. On the other hand, you may lack funding to back up new YouEconomy endeavors, and your age means you lack experience comparable to older generations in leadership and work/life balance. If you’re in your teens or 20s and are ready to join the YouEconomy, look for an older mentor who can help you make up for these challenges while you pursue your significant strengths.
<h3>30s:</h3>
Your 30s are a decade of self-awareness. You believe in yourself and your worth far more than in your 20s, so your potential is even greater. At the same time, life may have gotten more complicated with increasing financial and family obligations—all the more reason to take advantage of the flexibility of the YouEconomy. A part-time entrance might be ideal for you at this point. And since 72 percent of American adults have used at least one shared or on-demand service (with one in five using four or more of them!), you’ve got a big market of potential customers. You’ve also acquired advanced skills at this point, so freelance work in creative or consulting fields are open to you in a bigger way. If you decide to make the leap or are ready to expand your YouEconomy footprint, look for opportunities to build a regular client base and establish consistent income with those repeat buyers.
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36736" title="Industries for Independents 1" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Industries-for-Independents-1.png" alt="joining the YouEconomy" width="1100" height="733" /></h4>
<h3>40s and 50s:</h3>
The conventional opinion is that younger people are better at taking risks when it comes to starting a business, but a recent survey by Kellogg Insight of 2.7 million company founders shows the opposite is true. A startup founder who is 50 years old is 1.8 times more likely to start a company that ends up in the top 0.1 percentile of their industry than a 30-year-old founder. It’s even more significant when compared to founders in their 20s. A 40-year-old founder is 2.1 times more likely to found a successful company than someone who is only 25. Even when it comes to technology companies—those mythical fountains of youth and balance ball chairs—the average age of founders was actually 45. At this point in your life, you have everything you need to succeed, except maybe time. So delegation and streamlining will be your challenges. Look for ways to outsource even a few hours per week as you get going.
<h3>60s and 70s:</h3>
The number of people in the YouEconomy who have long careers behind them is growing. Your skills as an accomplished and mature asset are in demand at large organizations and corporations. In fact, a May 2018 report by Civic shows there are 1.5 million experts helping companies with their knowledge and expertise. Because your market has deeper pockets, your earning potential is greater. Experts who consult for companies earn up to $1,000 per hour. Your challenges might be with seeing how technology is impacting your market, so be sure to get educated on the latest trends by someone in the know. Then put away your résumé and hang out a shingle—you just might be at the start of a successful second (or third) career.

If you’re ready to join the YouEconomy or up your independent game, remember that in the right circumstances your age is not an obstacle but an advantage.
<blockquote><em><strong>Related: </strong></em><strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-5-biggest-challenges-in-the-youeconomy/">The 5 Biggest Challenges in the YouEconomy and How to Face Them</a></strong></blockquote>

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<blockquote><em><strong>Related: </strong></em><strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/class-is-always-in-session/">How to Use the Classroom Mindset to Experience Significant Change</a></strong></blockquote>
<em>This article originally appeared in</em> <em>the</em><em> <a href="https://store.success.com/shop-all/success-magazine-sept-oct-2019-kathy-ireland.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">September/October 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a>. </em>

Thinking about joining the YouEconomy? Anyone of any age can find success with the right work ethic, attitude and resources.

Anyone of any age can join the YouEconomy and find success with the right work ethic, attitude and resources, but your stage of life will have a big impact on how you succeed and what your journey looks like. | SUCCESS

The Pros and Cons of Joining the YouEconomy at Different Ages

The Pros and Cons of Joining the YouEconomy at Different Ages | SUCCESS

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<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><strong><span class="CharOverride-14">Q:</span> <span class="CharOverride-15">I’ve been doing a lot of research on the topic of resilience. I wondered what insights you could offer for anyone who has endured a personal or professional setback? </span></strong><em><span class="CharOverride-16">—Wayne Pernell, Ph.D., best-selling author and high performance advisor</span></em></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><strong><span class="CharOverride-14">A:</span></strong> <span class="CharOverride-17">Resilience is the most vital skill for an entrepreneur to thrive.</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">But let’s clear this up: When people in business discuss resilience, they’re usually referring to our ability to adapt to disruptions and keep going without losing assets or people.</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">That’s a description of survival. We all know people who have survived trials and struggles. Maybe even catastrophes. However, some of those people aren’t exactly thriving on the other side, are they?</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">With every disruption, every challenge, they’re knocked down a little further into the pit. They become bitter, pessimistic, and only out for No. 1 because they’re constantly afraid of the next struggle. You know people who live in the pits, right?</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">True resilience is about more than surviving. It’s about thriving in spite of loss, challenge, and disruption. That’s not to say that everything is hunky dory all the time. We all struggle, we all falter, and we all have days when we want to quit.</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">Real resilience is our ability to absorb life’s challenges and transform them into something positive or productive through our improved attitude and action.</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">That means on the other side of a disruption, your business survives, and you gain something you didn’t have before. Yes, you may also have losses. But you’ve learned lessons, gained new insights, or found a lot more gratitude.</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">Because of this new attitude and outlook, you’re able to act in new ways. Your performance increases, your influence expands, or your community broadens.</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">All because you, the business owner, ended up better than you were before the disruption.</span></p>
<p class="Body-Copy ParaOverride-6"><span class="CharOverride-17">The best thing about resilience? You get to share your new attitude and actions with others, increasing their resilience along the way. Knowing you’ve helped others will propel you when the next tough time hits, and you’ll have the resilience to come out better than before.</span></p>

<blockquote><em><strong>Related: </strong></em><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/validate-your-business-idea/"><strong>How to Know Your Business Will Succeed in the YouEconomy</strong></a></blockquote>
<em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-fall-2019-the-side-hustlers-handbook.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fall 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a>.
</em><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Koy Jung/Shutterstock.com</span></em>

Real resilience is the most vital skill for an entrepreneur to thrive. It is the ability to absorb challenges and transform them into something productive.

Resilience is the most vital skill for an entrepreneur to thrive. | SUCCESS

What Real Resilience Means for an Entrepreneur

What Real Resilience Means for an Entrepreneur | SUCCESS

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Future of Work

Future of Work Archives

Future of Work | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

If you’ve dreamed of traveling the world or waking up in a new, exotic location every few months, the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/introducing-the-youeconomy/">YouEconomy</a> could have your ticket to travel.
<blockquote><em><strong>Related: </strong></em><strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-should-join-the-youeconomy/">Why You Should Join the YouEconomy</a></strong></blockquote>
While finding a digital nomad used to be like finding an actual unicorn, today they’re everywhere you look. By 2020, an estimated 40 percent of Americans will be making their living independently, according to a recent study by Intuit. Why not be location independent too?

The variety of ways to make money while you’re traveling is growing steadily, thanks to advancing technologies and our increasing cultural ease with remote work. Here are a few categories of location independent gigs:
<h3>1. Creative Work.</h3>
If you can write, design, compose music, edit, or do other creative work online, you can operate anywhere with wifi. Gig sites are low paying but can be a great way to start. Once you’ve developed clientele, you can take your work around the world.
<h3>2. Consulting.</h3>
Your technical expertise doesn’t have to be delivered in person. A video consultation and a remote project management system can keep you up to speed and connected with even the largest corporate client.
<h3>3. Coaching.</h3>
From helping new entrepreneurs to guiding new parents, coaches make up a large portion of location-independent YouEconomy pros. Personal development, health and wellness, and business are the biggest coaching arenas.
<h3>4. E-Commerce.</h3>
Opening your own craft or resale shop online is a viable alternative to the traditional brick and mortar store. If retail or material sales is your strength, why not take your sales on the road?

<hr />

<h2>Buy Low, Sell High on Amazon</h2>
For people ready to take their YouEconomy lifestyle on the road (or just work from home without taking any meetings), the latest trend in resale (or flipping, where you simply buy products at a budget price and sell them for a profit) might be the path to success.

Fulfilled by Amazon (also known as FBA) is a business model and platform in which a seller buys products to then resell on Amazon. The seller looks for deep discounts on whatever products they want to sell, from cosmetics to tools and everything in between. They buy them and then turn around to resell them for a profit on Amazon. Online storefronts like Etsy and eBay also offer potential for resellers who know how to find the right deals.

<hr />

<h3>5. Direct Selling.</h3>
With more and more direct sales companies offering easy access to products and services without the need to store inventory, direct selling has the potential to help you make a living and create the lifestyle that suits you best.
<h3>6. Virtual Tasking.</h3>
From administrative assistants to database managers, online help is big these days. The plus side is that no matter where you are, you can also pick up in-person work via task apps that let you assist anyone in your vicinity.
<h3>7. Online Marketing.</h3>
If you’re tech minded or willing to learn, affiliate marketing and other online revenue streams are viable options. You could start small with a blog on a particular topic and grow it into a passive income stream. That would certainly fund a few round-trip tickets.

The opportunities are as endless as your imagination and capabilities. Consider these three things before you make the leap to location independent work:
<h4>• Financial responsibility is the key.</h4>
Travel can be stressful if money is tight. If you don’t have enough in savings to pay for the out-of-pocket medical care you need when you catch a stomach bug in another country, that’s not conducive to carefree living. Set yourself up financially by making a realistic budget before you go.
<h4>• Be prepared to simplify… everything.</h4>
You’ll need to travel light, which means selling a lot of what you own or paying to store it. Simplifying also means ratcheting down the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-simple-reminders-to-uncomplicate-your-business/">complexity of your business</a>. Bring on virtual assistants to help with the detailed day-to-day work, or seek out a business partner who has a craving for adventure too.
<h4>• Ask for help and take advice.</h4>
Find a digital nomad who has been where you want to travel, worked how you want to work, or knows people who have. You might be setting out into the great unknown, but it shouldn’t all be a surprise. Getting prepared for the pitfalls is smart business.

If a location independent lifestyle is calling you, the YouEconomy is waiting. Grab your ticket and go!
<blockquote><strong><em>Related: </em><a class="row-title" href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-lessons-for-growing-a-youeconomy-business/" aria-label="“3 Lessons for Growing a YouEconomy Business” (Edit)">3 Lessons for Growing a YouEconomy Business</a></strong></blockquote>
&nbsp;

<em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-summer-2019-rachel-hollis.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Summer 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a>.</em>

Don’t just go solo in your career—go wherever you want. Joining the YouEconomy could free you up to travel the world and make a living along the way.

Don’t just go solo in your career—go wherever you want. Joining the YouEconomy could free you up to travel the world and make a living along the way. | SUCCESS

7 Gigs That Can Make You Money While Traveling

7 Gigs That Can Make You Money While Traveling | SUCCESS

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<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">@alliecandice via Twenty20</span></p>

<h4>Q: What practical steps can I take to help shift myself out of bootstrap mode, where I am doing everything for myself, and into a position to hire some support help?</h4>
A: First, congrats on reaching this transitional milestone. You must be doing a lot right to have scaled your business to this point. The good news is the next phase of your business will help you grow even more.

Of course, I get that this is also a frustrating time. To figure out if you’re ready to hire help (part- or full-time), consider these principles:
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• <strong>Working IN your business is not the same as working ON your business.</strong> One will grow your business exponentially, both in the income and the freedom you gain, and one will drive you insane. All of us start out working in our businesses. We handle every facet. When we begin working ON our businesses instead, it’s a powerful mindset and time shift.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• <strong>Any new hire must generate revenue.</strong> Now, this doesn’t mean that your virtual assistant is out there selling your online courses for you. Some hires increase your revenue indirectly by freeing you up to pursue clients.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• <strong>The right person will do the job right.</strong> Here’s the thing: If you hire the right person for the job, they will do that job better than you ever have. Wouldn’t that be lovely?</p>
So here are a few steps you can take to apply these principles right now and step out into the next phase of your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/christy-wright-launching-a-youeconomy-business/">business growth</a>:
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Step 1:</strong> Write down what the next five years of your business could look like if you took your hands off the day-to-day, a little at a time, and allowed yourself to show up only as your best self.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Step 2:</strong> Put on your research cap and gather some data to see how much revenue even a part-time virtual assistant could bring to your business. Write down every task you do. Rate each 1-5 based on how much you enjoy it and how good you are at it, with 1 being “I hate this and I’m terrible at it,” and 5 being “This is why I was put on the planet.” When you’re done, calculate how many hours each month you spend on tasks rated 1 or 2. Multiply that by your hourly fee. That’s how much you’re already paying someone (yourself) to do those tasks.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Step 3:</strong> Finally, look inward at what is truly <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-startup-myths-business-growth/">holding you back</a>. Is it spending the money and returning to a lower overall bottom line? If you’re budgeting, remember that you can start small with a contractor and $100 a month to get used to the mindset shift. If you’re holding back because you don’t trust anyone else to do the work as well as you can, then it’s time to get clear with yourself on what your strengths really are and are not. There is someone out there who can do some of your tasks way better than you. Let them! Your business needs your best.</p>

<blockquote><em><strong>Related:</strong></em> <strong><a class="row-title" href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/this-is-how-you-run-a-business-in-the-youeconomy/" aria-label="“This Is How You Run a Business in the YouEconomy” (Edit)">This Is How You Run a Business in the YouEconomy</a></strong></blockquote>
&nbsp;

<em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-summer-2019-rachel-hollis.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Summer 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a>.</em>

First, figure out if you’re ready to hire help. Then apply those principles and step into the next phase of your business growth.

First, figure out if you’re ready to hire help. Then apply those principles and step into the next phase of your business growth. | SUCCESS

How to Shift Yourself Out of Bootstrap Mode

How to Shift Yourself Out of Bootstrap Mode | SUCCESS

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<div id="_idContainer001" class="Basic-Text-Frame">
<p class="COLUMNS-DEPT_COL-DEPT-Dek"><span class="_idGenDropcap-1">T</span>he movement toward solopreneurship, in which former career-focused employees are taking their economic futures in their own hands, has allowed us to find opportunities in surprising places—from driving our cars to freelancing our skills.</p>

</div>
<div id="_idContainer008" class="Basic-Text-Frame">
<p class="Body-Copy">Now another segment of the YouEconomy is on the rise thanks to what’s between our ears.</p>

<blockquote><strong><em>Related: </em></strong> <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/introducing-the-youeconomy"><strong>Introducing the YouEconomy</strong></a></blockquote>
<p class="Body-Copy">Sometimes called the expert economy, the trend toward training, coaching, and consulting across multiple industries has grown with the advancement of two major factors:</p>

<h3 class="BODY ParaOverride-2"><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12 CharOverride-6">1.</span><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12"> Technology. </span></h3>
<p class="BODY ParaOverride-2">Everyone with a smartphone can broadcast their own show, share their insights, and field questions from beginners in their industry. Online course hosting platforms, subscription apps, and message bots provide experts with the means to market and make sales.</p>

<h3 class="BODY ParaOverride-2"><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12 CharOverride-6">2. </span><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12">Corporate Outsourcing.</span></h3>
<p class="BODY ParaOverride-2">Companies large and small have recognized the need for ongoing growth and skill enhancement. Rather than relying solely on internal mentorship, they’re turning to outside experts and consultants for training.</p>
<p class="Body-Copy">Per a May 2018 report by Civic, there are now 1.5 million experts helping companies with their knowledge and expertise. That’s virtually the same number of U.S. drivers for Uber and Lyft combined.</p>
<p class="Body-Copy">So what’s the difference between the expert gig and the freelance or side gig? The biggest is earning potential. According to Civic’s report, experts earn up to $1,000 per hour, likely because they can land larger clients with deeper pockets.</p>

<blockquote><strong><em>Related:</em></strong> <strong><a class="row-title" href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-serious-money-lessons-for-new-solopreneurs/" aria-label="“5 Serious Money Lessons for New Solopreneurs” (Edit)">5 Serious Money Lessons for New Solopreneurs</a></strong></blockquote>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Per a May 2018 report by Civic, there are now 1.5 million experts helping companies with their knowledge and expertise. That’s virtually the same number of U.S. drivers for Uber and Lyft combined.</h4>
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<p class="Body-Copy">“There has never been a better time for coaches, consultants, and other experts to land higher-ticket corporate clients,” says Jeanine Blackwell, creator of Get Corporate Clients. “The latest spending reports show companies are outsourcing 60 percent or more of their teaching, facilitation, and custom performance solutions rather than handling this in-house. There are literally billions of budget dollars already approved and waiting to be spent this year with outside experts.”</p>
<p class="Body-Copy">If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge and making a nice living off your expertise, consider these tips:</p>
<p class="BODY ParaOverride-3"><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12">Strategy is essential. </span>You could just put up a virtual shingle and start doing Facebook Live videos about your expertise. Eventually, people might start paying attention. But then what? Create a strategy that not only details how you’ll market your expertise but also how you’ll make a living off of it. “The key to grabbing this opportunity is to focus on the problems you can help these companies solve with the knowledge and expertise you bring to the table,” Blackwell advises.</p>

<ul>
 	<li class="BODY ParaOverride-3">
<h2><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12"><strong>You are the brand.</strong> </span></h2>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="BODY ParaOverride-3" style="padding-left: 30px;">Sure, people are paying for your expertise, but really, they’re buying a brand that is you. If you’re not a good fit for their culture, your knowledge is irrelevant. Cultivate a brand that helps you stand out while evoking the values you want to represent.</p>

<ul>
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<h2><strong><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12">Self-confidence is a must. </span></strong></h2>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="BODY ParaOverride-3" style="padding-left: 30px;">You might not like tooting your own horn in everyday life, but if you’re going to make a living as an expert, you’ve got to get comfortable announcing your qualifications. If you don’t tell people what makes you worth listening to,
who will?</p>

<ul>
 	<li class="BODY ParaOverride-3">
<h2><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12"><strong>You could join forces.</strong> </span></h2>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="BODY ParaOverride-3" style="padding-left: 30px;">Large firms such as Gerson Lerhman Group, AlphaSights, and Guidepoint help corporations in need of training connect with experts. The plus side is that you do less gig hunting on your own and can build a reputation in the firm as a go-to provider. The down side is that you’re associated with someone else’s brand other than your own and have less control over your client relationships.</p>

<ul>
 	<li class="BODY ParaOverride-3">
<h2><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12"><strong>Experts are always learning.</strong> </span></h2>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="BODY ParaOverride-3" style="padding-left: 30px;">As the expert, you must stay on top of what’s happening in your industry. That means not only following current events that impact your clients, but also following innovations that impact your services. Real experts—the ones making the big bucks—aren’t just sharing opinions. They’re qualified professionals with years of experience, accomplishments, and even degrees. They continue to take classes, work with mentors, and find other experts in their industry to network with and exchange ideas. The more up-to-date you are in your approach, the more valuable your perspective will be.</p>

<ul>
 	<li class="BODY ParaOverride-3">
<h2><strong><span class="SofiaPro-Bold-9-12">Aim for evergreen. </span></strong></h2>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="BODY ParaOverride-3" style="padding-left: 30px;">When you start offering services, booking speeches, or teaching courses, make a goal to create something that works automatically to bring you revenue. This kind of evergreen, always fresh, content might come in the form of online courses, memberships, or e-books. When you set up recurring marketing to one of these products, you create a source of
passive income.</p>
<p class="Body-Copy">In the YouEconomy, your knowledge and life experience can be your greatest assets. And you don’t have to be a corporate type to get these gigs.</p>
<p class="Body-Copy">“It’s not only business experts such as leadership coaches or productivity experts that are landing corporate clients,” Blackwell says. “It’s experts in all kinds of areas like wellness, nutrition, movement, relationships, communication, writing and more.”</p>
<p class="Body-Copy">So make a plan and set yourself apart. When you’re ready to share your wisdom with others, you could create not just a great living but also a great legacy.</p>

<blockquote><strong><em>Related: </em><a class="row-title" href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-should-join-the-youeconomy/" aria-label="“Why You Should Join the YouEconomy” (Edit)">Why You Should Join the YouEconomy</a></strong></blockquote>
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<em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-spring-2019-tony-robbins.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spring 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a>.</em>

Sharing knowledge is the hottest new gig. Learn to turn your expertise into a commodity as you dive into the freeing world of solopreneurship.

Turn your expertise into a commodity as you dive into the freeing world of solopreneurship. | SUCCESS

How to Make a Living Off Your Expertise

How to Make a Living Off Your Expertise | SUCCESS

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