Side Hustle Hero: Recent Episodes
Joan Posivy
Side Hustle Hero is the podcast for everyone who wants to build the courage, confidence, and drive to launch, persevere, and succeed at creating a source of income beyond their regular job. Each episode is crafted with the goal of having you take action and win. You’ll hear insights from experienced side hustle heroes who share what’s worked and what hasn’t so you can execute smarter and for more profit. Hosted by Joan Posivy, bestselling author of The Way Success Works, How to Decide, Believe & Begin To Live Your Best Life. Listen online https://www.sidehustlehero.com/ Connect with Joan https://www.joanposivy.com/
Is being a virtual assistant still a viable side hustle in this age of AI?
Today's guest, Rachael Davila, is here to show us why the answer is yes, and how you can turn your existing skills and experience into a VA business.
Rachael has been a virtual assistant for more than 20 years. But today, she's also a VA mentor, author, and the founder of Extra Hands! Virtual Assistance. In our conversation, she draws on her decades of experience to share valuable insights on finding and working with the right clients, why the best VAs think beyond simply completing tasks, and how the right mindset can help you confidently charge what you're worth.
We also get into practical details, from pricing and the best billing model, to the different ways you can structure your business so it actually pays you, and how to get started without having to know everything before you begin.
In this episode:
- Why AI hasn't replaced virtual assistants ... and what it still can't do
- The difference between a "doer" VA and a "collaborator" VA
- How to price your services and get comfortable charging what you're worth
- A prepaid billing system that solves the "you're almost out of hours" problem
- What to ask (and listen for) in a discovery call before taking on a new client
- How to get started as a VA without already knowing everything
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/200
Connect with Rachael:
Extra Hands! Virtual Assistant
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What if the fastest way to grow your business isn't more clients, but fewer?
Today, Damien Schreurs founder of EasyTECH, shares how he built his side hustle: testing ideas for free, negotiating time away from a full-time R&D engineering job, and running on minimal sleep just to make it all fit. When he finally went all-in, he was confident he had the right plan.
He didn't.
Damien came within one late invoice of bankruptcy, and it took a friend from his networking group pointing him toward the right training and mentorship before he found the number that actually mattered: revenue per customer. That single shift led him to cut his client list from 45 down to 9, multiplying his revenue per customer by nine times in the process.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- The real math behind "fewer clients, more revenue," and why total client count can be the wrong thing to chase
- How Damien nearly lost everything before he found the metric that turned his business around
- Why he kept running a newsletter for years out of pure habit, long after it stopped working for him
- The one regret he still carries about staying quiet about his business, and what he'd do differently
- How he's using AI today as a co-CEO, CMO, and CFO for EasyTECH
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/199
Connect with Damien:
Macpreneur
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
You have a skill you're not counting as a skill.
Because it comes so easily to you, it doesn't feel like something anyone would pay for. Adrienne Wheeler disagrees, and by the end of this episode, you might too.
Adrienne spends her days in call center management and her side hustle helping people - which includes chefs, security guards, bakers, even someone who helps her mom's generation get their Wi-Fi working - turn the thing they already know how to do into a real, paid offer.
In this episode, we cover:
- How to spot the skill you're already sitting on (even if it feels too easy to count)
- The Do It Yourself / Do It With You / Do It For You framework for structuring any offer
- Why pricing isn't about your time, but rather it's about the value you're creating
- How to price your first offer, and when to raise it
- What to do with the fear, the doubt, and the loneliness that come with building something new
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/198
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
What if you could earn a surgeon's hourly rate without years of school, a huge student loan, or even a related degree? In some places, all it takes is an online ordination, a script, and about fifteen minutes on your feet.
Today we'll hear from Brad Lau, a wedding officiant who has led over 800 ceremonies and built a business people now pay $500 a wedding for. Brad walks us through how he got started, how he turned his very first nervous, low paying weddings into a stream of five star reviews and referrals, and why he believes stepping in front of a room full of strangers and making them feel comfortable is the real skill behind the job.
But is this side hustle scalable? Brad's wife has turned it into a full service operation by layering in photography, hair and makeup, florists, and more.
Whether you want to keep this simple as a weekend side gig or turn it into something much bigger, Brad breaks down the real numbers, the marketing strategy, and the mindset that got him started: stop planning to plan, and just start.
Topics covered in this episode:
- How Brad built his first year of bookings starting from zero
- The strategy he follows for turning happy guests into five star reviews
- What officiants actually charge and how and when to collect payment
- How to expand a simple side hustle into a bigger operation
- Why you must check your local requirements before you get started
- Brad's best advice for anyone afraid to start something new
Freebie alert! Brad is offering listeners a free 30-minute video consult to help you get your own version of this business off the ground. Just mention you heard about him on Side Hustle Hero.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/197
Connect with Brad:
Wedding Officiant Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you've been feeling uneasy about the economy lately, the tariffs, the layoffs, the sense that everything around you is changing fast, this episode is for you.
It's a replay of one of our most timely episodes, and honestly it's more relevant today than when it first aired. In it, I make the case for why uncertain times aren't a reason to wait on your side hustle, they're the reason to start.
I also share a personal story about buying a failing business in a terrible economy, when everyone around me, including my bank, told me it was a bad idea ... and what happened next.
In this episode you'll discover:
- Why uncertainty is actually one of the best reasons to start building something of your own
- The mindset shift that separates people who thrive in a tough economy from those who don't
- How a simple, creative idea can set your side hustle apart from the competition
- Why multiple streams of income aren't a luxury anymore, they're a necessity
If you've been sitting on a side hustle idea, waiting for the right moment, this episode might just be the nudge you've been waiting for.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/196
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What would you do if 70% of your income was about to disappear overnight? Rich Potter didn't panic. Instead, he went home, talked to his wife, and started building.
What followed was a photo booth business, a bubble soccer company, and an Amazon FBA operation that Rich reports is now doing $3M a year in sales. All of it built on the side while he kept his day job. One by one, those side hustles replaced his income entirely.
Today Rich walks us through how he did it, what it cost, what he learned, and what he'd tell anyone just starting out today.
In this episode you'll hear:
- How Rich borrowed $10K from his dad to buy his first photo booth, and why it was the wrong one
- What bubble soccer is and how he stumbled into it as a side hustle
- Why the potential of losing a client that represented 70% of his commissions was the wake-up call he needed
- The real reason he sold two of his businesses
- What he learned going to conferences and connecting with others
- His advice for anyone sitting on a side hustle idea right now
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/195
Connect with Rich:
Franchise Heroes
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you've been wanting to start a side hustle, or grow the one you've got, but something keeps getting in the way, this episode is for you!
In my conversations with people lately, the thing holding them back has nothing to do with their idea, the market, or the timing. In every case, the obstacle is internal. They're getting in their own way.
Self-sabotage doesn't just show up once. On the side hustle journey it shows up at three very specific stages, and each time it looks a little different, which is exactly why it's so easy to miss.
In this encore episode you'll learn:
- The three stages where self-sabotage shows up on your side hustle journey and how to recognize each one
- Why "productive-looking" procrastination is one of the sneakiest forms of self-sabotage
- The escape hatch moment; what it is, when it hits, and how to push through it
- Why success itself can trigger a pullback and what to do when opportunity shows up and your instinct is to shrink
- The one commitment to make before you launch that can change everything
If you've ever wondered why you keep getting in your own way, you've landed in the right spot.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/194
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What does it take to go from getting fired at 27 to building a 6-figure side hustle? If you ask Colin Macintosh, the answer might surprise you. It's not the flashiest strategy or the biggest budget. It's something a lot of businesses have stopped doing altogether, genuinely caring about the people they serve.
Colin is a CTO recruiter by day and side hustle entrepreneur by night. He got fired at 27, and somewhere between the pink slip, the margaritas, and a movie he'd watched, an idea was born. That idea became Sheets and Giggles, a eucalyptus bedsheets brand he built, scaled, and exited. But this episode is really about what came next.
Dirt Cheap Compost is exactly the kind of side hustle I love most; simple, low cost, profitable, and scalable. No complicated tech stack, no outside funding. Just a real problem, a real market, and a flyer tucked inside a Halloween pumpkin.
Sheets Resume is a different kind of story. An AI-powered resume builder doing thirty thousand resumes a month that sounds like an overnight success, until you find out about the years old Reddit post driving all that traffic.
In this conversation Colin and I cover:
- The lessons from Sheets and Giggles that shaped everything that came after
- Why raising venture capital was a treadmill he'll never step on again
- How a $40K compost business was built with flyers and a seasonal pumpkin campaign
- How a Reddit post written in 2018 became the foundation of a 6-figure side hustle
- The customer experience rule that turns buyers into your most powerful sales people
Colin genuinely gives a damn; about his customers, about the problems he's solving, and about the people he builds with. And as you'll hear today, that's not just good character ... it's good business.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/193
Connect with Colin:
Personal Website
Sheets Resume
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you've ever walked into a networking event and thought, "What am I even doing here?" this episode is going to change how you approach it.
With more people relying on AI to write their content, messages, and outreach, real human connection networking is becoming the advantage. The problem is, most people either try to connect with everyone or leave without building anything meaningful.
In this episode, Business Relationship Strategist Melissa Snow shares a smarter, more intentional way to network. One that saves you time, feels natural, and actually leads to relationships that matter.
You'll learn:
- How to decide who you actually want to connect with before you walk into a room
- Why networking isn't about finding clients (and what to focus on instead)
- The biggest mistakes people make at events that cost them opportunities
- How to follow up in a way that feels genuine and gets responses
If you're more introverted or networking has ever felt forced, her approach will feel like a sigh of relief.
Fear not... this is not about "working the room." Instead, it's about building the right relationships that support your side hustle long term.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/192
Connect with Melissa:
Her website
Melissa's Co-ed Virtual Networking Recommendation:
Laura Livingston's Real Connections
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
So what makes someone get noticed at work?
If you're doing good work, showing up, and delivering results, you'd think that would be enough! But often, it's not. And this is where side hustles come in, because what you do outside your job can start to change how you're viewed at work.
Today you'll hear how Roger Smith's side hustles changed the trajectory of his career.
Roger is a computer scientist who went on to become Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Army, worked inside a surgical training center, and now consults in robotic surgery.
As he explains, none of that came from applying for jobs in the traditional way. He started to get noticed and stand out from his peers because of what he was doing on the side.
I first sat down with Roger a couple of years ago, and for this episode, I pulled key excerpts from that conversation that show how it all came together.
In this episode:
- How a side hustle can lead to unexpected opportunities
- Why you don't need to have everything figured out to start
- One way to stand out without changing jobs
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/191
Connect with Roger:
His book website - Medical Thrillers of the Near Future
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Most people think they need one great side hustle idea.
But that's not the only path.
Today you'll hear from Norman Leach, how multiple income streams can come from at least three places that are already part of your life: the skills you have, the problems you notice, and the interests you naturally follow.
None of his multiple income streams started as big, polished business ideas. Instead, they started small, and grew over time.
If you've been waiting for the "right" idea, may this episode help you see that it's closer than you think.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- How a simple skill turned into a long-term income stream
- How noticing a problem led to a business opportunity
- Why not every side hustle needs to be a full business
- How one interest can lead to multiple opportunities over time
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/190
Connect with Norman:
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you've been putting time into your side hustle but not seeing much return yet, this condensed episode will help you take a step back and refocus.
You'll hear four simple areas to focus on so you can zero in on what actually brings in revenue, along with a practical way to start buying back your time so you're not doing everything yourself.
We also get into what it really costs to get help, and why it may be more accessible than you think.
If you've been struggling to get traction and make your side hustle pay, this conversation is a good place to start.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/189
Connect with George:
(at his website and for his book)
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you have ever wondered whether a simple service could become a profitable side hustle, this episode offers a fascinating example.
Jayne Havens built a successful business as a baby sleep consultant, helping exhausted parents get their babies and toddlers sleeping through the night. What started as helping friends turned into a flexible consulting business that now supports families around the world.
In this conversation, Jayne explains how the baby sleep consulting business works and how she built a client pipeline that consistently brings in new families.
In this episode you will learn:
- How Jayne built a thriving business as a baby sleep consultant
- Why you do not need to be a parent yourself to succeed in this field
- What a typical day looks like for a sleep consultant
- How much sleep consultants charge and how pricing works
- The importance of pre screening potential clients before booking calls
- How referral partnerships helped grow her consulting business
- Who makes the best sleep consultants
Even if you have no interest in becoming a baby sleep consultant, the strategies Jayne shares apply to almost any side hustle. From structuring discovery calls to building trusted partnerships, this episode offers practical ideas that entrepreneurs can adapt to their own businesses.
If you are exploring service based side hustles or looking for a niche where expertise can translate into real income, this episode will give you a clear look at how one entrepreneur built a successful business helping families sleep better.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/188
Connect with Jayne:
The Snoozefest.com Website
Centre for Pediatric Sleep Management
Becoming A Sleep Consultant Podcast
Becoming A Sleep Consultant Facebook Group
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What would you do if your job disappeared tomorrow?
After six years at Ticketmaster, that's what happened to Rachel Minion. She was suddenly furloughed during the pandemic. At the same time, her husband had just been laid off.
There was no backup plan.
But Rachel had something that many of you have or are wanting to have ... a side hustle with a small handful of clients.
So she made a decision.
She called those clients and told them she was now available full-time. She shares that since then, her marketing agency is now generating about $560,000 a year.
We also learn from Rachel,
- how she made the leap from side hustle to full-time business,
- how she turns expertise into offers clients will pay for, and
- why marketing your own business, can feel harder than marketing someone else's.
If you're currently building something on the side or thinking about starting, this conversation with Rachel may expand what you think is possible, for you.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes and links, head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero.
Connect with Rachel:
Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Branding seems to be important, but at the same time, can be hard to pin down.
So in this episode, we're making sense of it.
You'll hear from brand strategist Rob Genovesi about the three things that made the difference in 4X'ing his revenue, without making big changes. We touch on all three, but spend most of our time on what makes you different and how to express that more effectively so people remember you and choose you.
You'll also hear about a few simple and practical shifts, the kind Rob calls "dumb little things," that don't cost anything but can change how people experience your work.
Since recording this conversation, I've already implemented two of them and I share what I did in the end of the episode wrap-up.
Let me know your key takeaways, as I always love hearing what resonates with you.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes and a link to a free digital copy of Rob's book, Don't Fear The Brand, head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/186
Connect with Rob:
Rob's Build Strong Brands website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If someone asked you what makes you unique, could you answer immediately?
Many capable professionals struggle with that question because the very things that set them apart, often come so naturally they overlook them.
Today, Kyle Elliott shares how to recognize your "fabulousness" - the qualities that make you distinct, valuable, and memorable in the marketplace.
Kyle started his side hustle on Fiverr, charging $5 to review resumes and write LinkedIn profile summaries. Today he's a tech career coach, & trusted confidant to Silicon Valley's top talent.
You'll also learn a practical exercise for uncovering patterns in what others consistently see in you, along with a simple tool you can create for yourself, to keep real reminders of your value close at hand.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/185
Connect with Kyle:
https://caffeinatedkyle.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylecromerelliott/
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Finding clients can take more time than actually doing the work, especially when you are building a side hustle alongside a full time job. But what if you could bring opportunities to you instead of constantly chasing them?
Today Megan Leasher explains how she built a client pipeline by positioning herself inside existing ecosystems instead of relying on traditional outreach. Instead of hunting for clients, she focuses on partnerships, visibility, and strategic positioning that bring opportunities directly to her.
She also shares how she structured things with her employer so her side hustle and full time role can coexist smoothly, along with practical steps you can take this week to start building your own pipeline.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The three ways she consistently gets clients without chasing them
- How contractor pools and partner firms can become built in lead sources
- Why smaller firms can be powerful allies for growing your client base
- Low cost and no cost ways to build credibility and visibility
- How speaking, writing, and communities can act as referral engines
- What to know about joining a Forbes advisory council and whether it is worth it
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/184
Connect with Megan:
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you've been thinking about starting or growing a side hustle but haven't yet followed through, you'll want to check out this episode.
Here I share a simple two-step accountability process I've used myself many times to move from talking about taking action, to actually doing it. I walk you through;
- how I create forward progress,
- why keeping your word matters so much, and
- how this approach helps you actually stay in motion on your side hustle without overcomplicating things or getting stuck in planning mode.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/183
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
How do you turn a tour guide side hustle into a $600K local business in under three years?
Paul Whitten shares the real strategies behind growing a simple weekend hustle into a high-margin tour company, by starting with just $3,600 and scaling through smart pricing, partnerships, and consistent customer demand.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How Paul attracted his first customers with no marketing budget
- Why Google reviews and platforms like TripAdvisor became growth engines
- The upselling approach that increased revenue without sounding salesy
- How private and corporate events boosted profits
- Ways to turn one service into multiple revenue streams
If you're building a side hustle, or thinking about starting one, this episode shows what's possible when you dream big, have a vision, and are willing to put in the work.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/182
Connect with Paul:
Nashville Adventures website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Delegating is one of the hardest skills for side hustle owners to master, especially when you care deeply about your business and want everything done right.
Today Renee Hastings shares why fear, perfectionism, and trust issues often stop entrepreneurs from letting go, even when they know it's holding them back.
You'll learn:
- What tasks make sense to delegate first
- How to set clear expectations so things don't fall apart
- Common mistakes that can derail the process
If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to do everything yourself, this conversation will help you start building a side hustle that can actually grow.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/181
Connect with Renee:
Executive Help Now website
Renee's LinkedIn
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Side hustles are no longer just about earning extra money. For many professionals, they've become a strategic part of modern career planning.
Here we break down why side hustles are becoming a normal part of professional life. We look at how building something alongside your career can help you stay relevant, build real assets, and create options beyond a single employer.
We walk through five reasons forward-thinking professionals are choosing to build side hustles intentionally. They can:
- Keep professional skills current, relevant, and adaptable
- Allow you to build assets you actually own
- Increase credibility and professional respectability
- Create a portable network that stays with you over time
- Provide leverage, flexibility, and long-term security
This episode will help you take a more deliberate approach to building a side hustle, not as a hobby or a backup plan, but as a smart extension of your career.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/180
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Most people don't fail because they lack ideas, talent, or motivation. They stall because they're waiting to feel ready.
In this episode, I revisit a powerful conversation from the very beginning of the Side Hustle Hero podcast with my first-ever guest, Joel Young. It opens with a simple but uncomfortable truth: you don't really grow until you're willing to fail ... in front of other people.
Joel shares how he got started recording voiceovers in his closet with almost no experience, no studio, and no certainty about where it would lead. That willingness to start before he felt ready eventually helped him become one of Fiverr's all-time top earners, with $2.7 million in earnings at the time of our interview.
In this conversation, we talk about:
- why waiting for confidence keeps most people stuck
- why practicing in private only gets you so far
- how starting before you feel ready builds real skill
- how reframing what you think of as "giving something up" can make working on a side hustle feel more empowering
If you've been holding back because you don't want to look foolish, make mistakes, or put yourself out there before you feel ready, this conversation will help you rethink what it really takes to get started.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/179
Connect with Joel:
Joel's Main Site
JumpStart Video
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Most "top 10 side hustle" lists recycle the same ideas with very little context. This episode takes a different approach.
These 10 side hustles are drawn from real conversations with guests who are actually doing the work. Some are simple and inexpensive to start. Others require more capital or coordination. None are ranked, because the right side hustle depends on your situation and circumstances.
The list includes mystery shopping, selling at farmers markets, printables, online courses, virtual assistant work, AI workflow consulting, fundraising, direct mail postcards, high-ticket dropshipping, and luxury restroom trailers.
The focus is on what's working heading into 2026, what often flies under the radar, and how people are building income without chasing hype.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/178
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Why do so many people quit their side hustle, even when the idea itself isn't bad?
Today I break down 3 real reasons most people walk away from their side hustle and why quitting is often more about behaviour than talent, motivation, or market demand.
If you've ever started a side hustle, put in the effort, and then stopped (especially when the money didn't show up as quickly as you hoped,) you're not alone.
You'll learn:
- Why early income is a lagging indicator, not a verdict on your idea
- The three most common reasons people quit too soon
- How starting too big actually works against you
- Why lack of clarity around progress creates unnecessary doubt
- How isolation sabotages follow-through
- What to do differently next time so quitting isn't the default response
This isn't about pushing harder or working longer hours. It's about setting yourself up with the right expectations, structure, and support so your side hustle has a real chance to grow.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/177
Share this with someone who's tried before and is thinking about giving it another shot.
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Building a business that is a profitable side hustle from the start is not about luck. It comes down to the decisions you make early and the discipline to stick with them.
Today I revisit my conversation with Mellisa Mills, founder and CEO of Millsie, formerly known as Spread'Em. Mellisa built her "cashew dip" company that has been profitable from day one and has grown into a multi million dollar business without outside investors.
This episode pulls together the most valuable lessons from our original interview, including:
- How Melissa tested demand before scaling
- Why she prioritized margins and cash flow over rapid expansion
- How reinvesting profits allowed the business to grow steadily and sustainably
- Why slower, more intentional growth can outperform build fast strategies, especially in product based businesses
Since this interview, Spread'Em has been rebranded to Millsie, a change driven by growth, clarity, and an expanding footprint in the United States.
If you are building a business or thinking about starting one and want a grounded, real world perspective on profitability, decision making, and figuring things out as you go, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/176
Connect with Mellisa & Millsie:
Millsie website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you keep telling yourself you want to start a side hustle, but weeks keep passing with no real movement, there's a reason. And it's not a lack of ideas, time, or talent. It's the silent mindset traps that play out in the background and quietly keep you stuck at the starting line.
After interviewing more than 170 side hustle heroes, I've heard the same patterns again and again. Today we break down 7 of the most common thinking mistakes that stop people from ever getting traction:
- Waiting to feel ready
- Overlearning instead of acting
- Staying busy with low-impact tasks
- Underestimating the value of your skills
- Comparing your Day 1 to someone else's Year 5
- Believing confidence must come first
- Falling into the all-or-nothing time trap
You'll learn how each one shows up, how to spot it in yourself, and what small, practical shift gets you moving. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly which mindset has been holding you back, and the next step that will move your side hustle forward today.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/175
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you've been searching for remote side hustles but keep running into unrealistic promises of passive income and overnight success, this episode takes a different approach.
Here Joan shares 10 real remote side hustles to make money from home, based on actual examples from her first hand experience and past Side Hustle Hero guests. These are practical ways to make money from home that fit around full-time jobs, family life, and real schedules, without shortcuts or hype.
The side hustles are presented in no particular order and cover a mix of service-based work, creative income, digital products, and client-based roles. You'll also hear honest discussion about income ranges, startup costs, and what it actually takes to sustain each option.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/174
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you've ever wanted a simple side hustle with no upfront costs, this episode may spark something for you.
Rachel Smith and Dalton Joyner break down how they run "Community Postcards," a direct-mail model where they sell ad space on physical postcards, design the layout, and mail them out … all after advertisers have already paid.
You'll hear how the model works, why business owners say yes, and what you can realistically earn each month.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- how to start a postcard side hustle with zero upfront expenses
- the exact pitch they use to land $150 advertisers
- what to expect in terms of time, income, and workflow
- how to keep your risk close to zero
- ways this simple project can lead to larger recurring clients
If you enjoy connecting with local businesses and want something easy to test, this is a model worth considering.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/173
Connect with Rachel & Dalton:
Free Community Card Playbook Mini Course
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
I've got photos scattered everywhere - on my desktop, laptop, phone, Dropbox, the cloud, and who knows how many memory sticks.
Can you relate?
Chances are, yes. Most people are drowning in decades of digital and printed photos… and here's the surprising part: many would happily pay someone to sort it all out. That's where a photo organizing side hustle comes in.
Cathi Nelson is a pioneer in this field, having built a business that helps people take control of their scattered digital photos, printed collections, home movies, scrapbooks, and other keepsakes.
In this rebroadcast episode, you'll discover:
- the multiple revenue streams within a photo organizing side hustle
- how to price a job (including complex digital cleanups)
- where to find your first paying clients
- the tools you need ... and the ones you don't
- simple steps Cathi uses to organize her own photos
- the traits that make someone successful in this work
- how to grow from a small project to ongoing referrals
We're talking about working with people's most meaningful keepsakes, so it's a side hustle that can be personally fulfilling as well as financially rewarding.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/172
Connect with Cathi: The Photo Managers
Academy - to learn how to organize your photos
Photo Manager Training - Cathi's 1-year program to start and build this as a side hustle
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever notice how one conversation can make you want to take on the world, and another can make you want a nap?
Today I share a personal story from one of my own side hustles - buying a deli that was going out of business, to illustrate how the people you surround yourself with can directly shape your mindset, energy, and success.
You'll learn how to recognize whether your current circle is fueling your vision or quietly holding you back, what to do when that negativity comes from someone you care about, and practical ways to intentionally build an environment that keeps you inspired and moving forward.
If you've ever struggled to stay positive when those around you aren't quite on the same wavelength, this episode will help you protect your energy, upgrade your circle, and attract the kind of people who help you thrive.
You'll Learn:
- How your environment and relationships directly influence your results
- Why even well-meaning people can unknowingly hold you back
- The story of how a struggling deli turned profitable through mindset and community
- What to do when a negative friend or family member drains your energy
- The five-step framework to intentionally upgrade your circle
- A simple trick Joan used to stay privately focused on her goals
- Why being the positive, encouraging person in someone else's life can elevate your own
Listen to hear how surrounding yourself with success can completely change the trajectory of your side hustle — and your life.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/171
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Have you ever wondered if you're charging too little for what you do? Or caught yourself thinking that lowering your price will make it easier to sell?
This episode could change that, and quite possibly make you more money.
Author, coach, and 6-figure artist Miriam Schulman joins us to share her five-part framework that helps creatives and business owners turn their passion into profit.
We dive into what those five parts are, how you can apply them to confidently charge what you're worth, stop undervaluing your work, and be ready when the right customer walks in — whether that's online or in person.
You'll learn:
- The mindset shift behind charging premium prices with confidence
- The five core areas that drive creative income
- Why lowering your prices doesn't make sales easier — and what actually does
- How to believe in your customer even more than they believe in themselves
- Practical ways to turn your creative passion into sustainable profit
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/170
Connect with Miriam:
Free Masterclass
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What if you could earn $2K–$5K a month using skills you already have, while helping causes you care about at the same time?
Most people assume fundraising means simply asking for donations. This episode shows you how it actually becomes a paid side hustle by improving a nonprofit's messaging, website, email strategy, and storytelling so donors want to give.
Fundraising pro, Elaine Allan, explains;
- what the work looks like,
- what to charge when starting out,
- how to land your first client, and
- why this is one of the few side hustles where your income and your impact show up in the same place.
If you want a side income that is both profitable and meaningful, this conversation will show you a path most people never consider.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/169
Connect with Elaine:
Inbox Impact website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
That system is EOS® - the Entrepreneurial Operating System. It's often seen as a system for big companies, but it can be adapted to give a solo side hustle the same benefits; clarity, structure, and follow-through.
It gives you a simple structure to decide what matters, turn it into concrete 90-day priorities, and hold yourself accountable so the right work actually gets done. I tested it inside Side Hustle Hero and it immediately reduced noise, eliminated guesswork, and pushed the truly important work into my week.
EOS Implementer Rani Dabrai explains how to apply EOS even if you're a team of one, so you can:
- stop reacting and start running with a plan
- replace intention with measurable execution
- make visible progress on a 10-year vision using 90-day moves
Links to the downloadable VTO (Vision Traction Organizer) are in the show notes (which live at our website - link below), so you can start working through EOS for your own side hustle. Gain clarity, focus, and follow-through instead of overwhelm.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes (which contain the VTO link) head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/168
Connect with Rani:
Her EOS website page
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Every side hustle comes with challenges, but what if the problem isn't really the problem?
Here you'll discover why problems are not the problem, and how growing your capability changes everything.
You'll learn how to:
- Reframe setbacks so they fuel your progress
- Strengthen your scale of capability to handle pressure
- Stay calm and confident when plans go sideways
- Turn obstacles into opportunities for growth
If you're starting or scaling a side hustle, this conversation will help you build the mindset to face challenges head-on, and grow bigger than your problems.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/167
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Think you need to be a guru to sell an online course? Not true!
Dan Henry explains why focusing on solving problems, and not teaching topics, is the real key to making your course sell.
You don’t need to be a world-class expert to create an online course people will pay for. Dan shows us how to stop obsessing over “topics” and instead focus on solving real problems … the kind that people will gladly spend money to fix.
From doing a simple “brain dump” on your phone and running it through AI to uncover profitable course ideas, to understanding why solving an “insomnia” or even “bleeding neck” problem is far more valuable than teaching just another skill, Dan breaks it all down with clarity and candor.
He also shares how his $37 mini-course turned into $150,000 in sales, and why shifting from “information” to “problem-solving” can completely change the way you approach creating your own course.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/166
Connect with Dan:
YouTube
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
You’re about to hear how to start a litter cleanup service, which is a low-cost, flexible business where you can literally get paid to go for a walk through parking lots and outside of commercial properties. Brian Winch (author of Clean Lots) returns to share the exact steps: which properties to target first, how to reach the decision maker at property management companies (and who not to pitch), what to say, how to handle the most common objection, and the simple free reporting add-on that helps you stand out.
We also talk startup costs (basic hand tools + insurance), pricing and routes, why early morning is the sweet spot, and free publicity moves that have landed Brian media coverage. For context, Brian has grown this business to gross over $600,000 a year, and for beginners he explains how 2–3 hours a day can translate into $2K–$3K/month in extra income.
If you want a simple, service-based side hustle with early-morning hours and room to scale, this episode gives you a practical blueprint.
You’ll learn:
- Best starter properties to pitch
- How to connect with the right decision maker
- What to say on first contact (and what to avoid)
- A low-effort value add that wins clients (free reporting)
- How to start smart so you don’t get discouraged
- Free publicity tactics to grow faster
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/165
Connect with Brian:
CleanLots website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
How do you know which side hustle idea is right for you?
Jason VanDevere, the author of Dream Driven, shares how to uncover an idea that actually fits your life, and how to test it before you sink time or money into it.
You’ll learn:
- Why dreaming daily can reveal the ideas that truly stick
- Jason’s “3 L’s” test (Longing, Lifting, Light) to know if an idea is right for you
- How to validate that your idea solves a real problem
- The best way to confirm demand: pre-selling vs. surveys
- The role of mentors, and creative ways to find them — even if you’re starting from zero
- Why setting boundaries around your work time makes you more productive
Get clear on a side hustle that lights a fire inside you, and not just one that looks good on paper.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/164
Connect with Jason:
Goal Crazy website
His book, Dream Driven
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What happens when you walk away from the family business to chase an idea of your own?
Jason VanDevere did exactly that, and grew his planner idea to a six figures business. Here in Part 1, he shares how the Goal Crazy Planner went from rough draft, to a product that has gained real traction.
You’ll learn:
- How he set up zero-cost focus groups
- Simple ways to recruit testers for free
- His launch & traction strategy
- How he went from idea to 6-figures
If you’re building something tangible and want real-world ways to test it, launch it, and get those first waves of customers, here Jason shares how.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/163
Connect with Jason:
Goal Crazy website
His book, Dream Driven
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What if you trained yourself to see side hustle opportunities everywhere?
Bart Merrill, author of Monetize Your Mindset, is wired to always ask: “Can I monetize this?” That single question has led him to side hustles as varied as exporting trucks to Japan, building a successful dog training business, and even creating income from life’s toughest setbacks.
You’ll discover:
- The question that can help you spot hidden opportunities
- Why diversifying income streams builds security and flexibility
- How to reframe setbacks into launching pads instead of roadblocks
- Bart’s Acres of Pig Poop story, a modern twist on Acres of Diamonds, that shows how opportunities can be hiding in plain sight
So to sharpen your “opportunity radar” and find ways to monetize what you already know or do, this episode will point you in the right direction.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/162
Connect with Bart
Website
Bart's side hustle ideas for 2025
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Can a simple printable really become a six-figure side hustle?
Becky Beach proves it can. Starting with just one product on Etsy, Becky has grown her digital downloads business into more than $100K a year, and that’s just from printables.
Becky walks us through the entire process step by step - from getting your first idea, to researching demand and competition, to creating the product itself, and finally how to drive traffic on both Etsy and Shopify.
You’ll also learn:
- How to stand out in a crowded Etsy marketplace
- The surprising printable that became her top seller
- Smart tools to spot trending products before you create them
- Do’s and don’ts when working with Canva templates
- Why persistence is the real key to growth
Whether you’re looking for your very first income stream or want to add a new digital product to your lineup, Becky’s story will show you what’s possible ... and how to get started.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes and links to sites mentioned: $100K Selling Printables on Etsy & Shopify
Connect with Becky:
Becky's Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Save time. Make progress faster.
Here Joan shares five ready-to-use ChatGPT-5 prompts you can try tonight to save hours each week and move your side hustle forward, without working more hours.
You’ll hear real examples, tips to get the most from GPT-5, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Here’s what’s inside:
- Opportunity Radar – Spot quick wins without months of testing
- Rapid Repackage – Turn one piece of content into a month’s worth of posts
- Time Trader Analyzer – Free up billable hours by delegating the right tasks
- Test Market in a Box – Pressure test your idea before you build
- On-Demand Micro Mentor – Get an expert-level growth plan instantly
Whether you’re running an Etsy shop, coaching clients, or launching a new service, these prompts are your shortcut to faster wins, less busywork, and the firepower to stand toe-to-toe with bigger competitors.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/160
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Welcome to a rebroadcast of a popular episode featuring Jonathan Schuit, who makes a comfortable living selling popcorn… just one day a week.
But this episode isn’t just about popcorn - it’s about smart business thinking, small changes that lead to big wins, and spotting opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Whether you're already running a side hustle or just looking for one that works, Jonathan shares insights you can apply to almost any business.
You’ll discover,
- How Jonathan turned a teenage side gig into a high-profit business
- The small pricing change that boosted revenue by 50% overnight
- Why fewer options can lead to more sales
- The psychology behind lineups, product pricing, and buyer behavior
- What most farmers’ market vendors get wrong
- Why simple, low-cost businesses (like snow cones!) can outperform “cooler” jobs
- The real-life numbers behind a one-day-a-week business model
Stick around after the main interview for a bonus convo on how a snow cone stand could pull in $20K in five days… ..and the margins? Seriously impressive.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/159
Be sure to sign up to our Side Hustle Hero community to grab a copy of my 28-page guide, called, Smart Start: From Idea to It’s Live in 7 Steps. It walks you through the core things to focus on, including a checklist of 8 essentials you need to launch. The guide is free for now...but not forever.
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Debra Erickson lost her vision — but definitely not her drive.
What started as a side hustle has blossomed into a full-time mission: The Blind Kitchen - a thriving business that sells adaptive kitchen tools and teaches blind and vision-impaired people how to cook safely, confidently, and independently.
Debra shares the inspiring journey of how she transitioned from student to teacher to entrepreneur, and how she built a business with impact, despite the obstacles.
From attending a regular culinary school as a blind student, to sourcing and testing dozens of tools, to launching an accessible e-commerce site, Debra has done what many only dream of.
But this isn’t just a story of perseverance, it’s packed with insights for anyone building a business. You’ll learn:
- Tips for juggling a side hustle alongside full-time work
- Why delegating and building a team can unlock growth
- How to market to a niche audience and build trust
- And how to stay motivated on the hard days
If you’re in the early stages of your side hustle or wondering if you have what it takes, this episode will leave you thinking: if she can do it, I can too.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
Be sure to grab a copy of my 28-page guide, called, Smart Start: From Idea to It’s Live in 7 Steps. It walks you through the core things to focus on, including a checklist of 8 essentials you need to launch. It’s free for now at Side Hustle Hero but not forever.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/158
Connect with Debra:
The Blind Kitchen Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever thought about launching your own beverage brand?
It might sound like a far-fetched idea, but after hearing this conversation with Dr. Roger Wu, you might just find yourself thinking, “Hey… maybe I could do this.”
Roger shares how he turned a recurring problem he saw in his patients into an innovative eye-health drink. He walks us through how he went from an idea in his head to a finished product in hand, while still working his day job.
You’ll learn:
- What a formulation lab is and why it’s a key early step
- How he found a startup-friendly co-packer willing to take a chance (and it's name!)
- What kind of budget you might need to go from concept to first batch
- The often-overlooked costs involved in getting your product noticed
- What he did when his first samples tasted so bad even his kids refused them
- How he attracted a top beverage industry veteran to join his startup
Then in the wrap up, I share a true, inspiring story of how one 18-year-old with no funding, managed to get his jam product onto the shelves of a major grocery chain.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
Have you grabbed my 28-page guide, Smart Start: From Idea to It’s Live in 7 Steps, A Beginner's Guide to Launching Your Side Hustle With Confidence? If it's still free, you'll find it at our website. It's your complete roadmap to finally launching your side hustle.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/157
Connect with Roger:
The Eye Drink Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever feel like you’re the one standing in your own way?
This episode dives deep into the mental blocks and hidden habits that silently sabotage your side hustle, often before it even begins. If you’ve ever hesitated to start, stalled out after launching, or pulled back right when things were getting good… this one's for you.
You’ll discover:
- Why self-sabotage isn’t a flaw — it’s conditioning
- The 3 key stages where it sneaks in and how to spot it
- What imposter syndrome, hesitation, and “being too busy” have in common
- Practical strategies to break the cycle and move forward with confidence
- A surprising (and empowering) truth about how your subconscious actually runs the show
Plus: You’ll hear how to get free access to my 28-page guide, Smart Start: From Idea to It’s Live in 7 Steps, A Beginner's Guide to Launching Your Side Hustle With Confidence.
You’re not stuck because you’re unmotivated — you’re stuck because you’re human. But once you see what’s happening, you can change everything.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/156
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Want a flexible side hustle you can do from anywhere? (Even if you don’t think you have the “right” skills?)
Today we break down how to start as a virtual assistant, even if you’ve never worked online before.
You’ll hear from VA coach Laura Nicole Jennings, who shares:
- What services are most in demand right now
- How to identify skills you already have that clients will pay for
- How much you can realistically earn in your first 3–6 months
- Where and how to find your first paying client
- What AI is not replacing — and why VA work is still in demand
- The difference between hourly and retainer contracts
- Who pays for what when it comes to software and subscriptions
- How to build recurring income with built-in compensation reviews
If you’re looking for a part-time income stream with full-time flexibility — or you’re just VA-curious — this episode is packed with practical insights to help you explore the option.
Free Resource! Grab my 28-page guide, Smart Start: From Idea to It’s Live in 7 Steps, at Side Hustle Hero. It's your complete roadmap to launching your side hustle with confidence.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/155
Connect with Laura:
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Can you really start a side hustle while traveling — and run it from thousands of miles away? David Schafran did.
What began as a one-month salsa sabbatical in Colombia turned into a passion-fueled income stream. David shares how he went from health tech founder in Boston to launching Somoloco, a remote-friendly dance immersion business — all while keeping things lean and intentional.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to build a side hustle while living abroad (or just working remotely)
- Why you don’t need to “go big” to get started
- How David tested his idea with a simple prototype
- The marketing strategies that helped him grow — including paid ads, partnerships, and influencer collabs
- Why strong relationships are crucial to running a side hustle from another city or country
Whether you’re thinking of building something creative, travel-based, or just want extra income on your terms, this episode shows you what’s possible.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/154
Connect with David:
Somoloco website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Want to stop chasing one-off gigs and start building predictable, recurring income?
John MacAdam reveals how.
He built his side hustle over 15 years while working full-time as an engineer — and eventually used it to launch a successful solo business.
You can follow John’s lead after hearing how he:
- Shifted from hourly rates to value-based pricing — and tripled his income
- Turned a $6K one-off project into a $5K/month retainer (still active 2+ years later)
- Positions himself as a trusted advisor, not just a task-doer
- Uses simple systems to build long-term client loyalty
- Turned early failures — like a “your app sucks” review — into growth and momentum
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/153
Connect with John:
John's Book - Sustainable Self Employment: Taking The Leap
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Can you really turn a $200 roadside stand into a six-figure seasonal business? Shannon reveals how.
In this episode, she describes how she scaled a humble fruit stand into a multi-state operation generating up to $250,000 a month, all while keeping startup costs low and her values local.
Whether you're looking for a low-risk weekend side hustle or a scalable seasonal business, in this episode, you’ll discover:
- How to start a roadside or fruit stand with as little as $200
- Where to source your produce—even if you’re not a grower
- What makes a stand visually irresistible to drive-by customers
- Tips for finding high-traffic, low-cost selling locations
- Why accepting credit cards can 2x your sales
- Creative ways to sell leftover or overripe inventory
- How Shannon tapped into “hyperlocal marketing” to beat big-box stores
- What kind of profit a beginner can realistically expect
If you've been craving a side hustle that’s simple, scalable, and outdoors, check out this episode.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/152
Connect with Shannon:
Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Which side hustle episodes did listeners and viewers love the most this past year?
In this 3-year celebration of Side Hustle Hero, host Joan Posivy reveals the top 9 most loved episodes - as chosen by audience downloads, watch time, comments, feedback, and heaps of analytics across all major podcast apps and YouTube.
One episode took the #1 spot on both platforms (hint: AI vending machines), but after that, listener and viewer favorites went in very different directions.
This recap features top episodes on everything from:
- Starting a sound bath business
- Becoming an Amazon Influencer
- Making faceless viral videos
- Hosting profitable craft workshops
- Mystery shopping for real income
- Renting out luxury restroom trailers … and more.
Discover what made these episodes stand out, and which one you might’ve missed that could inspire your next move.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/151
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What if the teen in your life could build confidence, real-world skills, and earn income—all before turning 18?
In this episode, I sit down with Renee and Jonathan Harris, parents of nine kids, many of whom have already launched their own side hustles. We talk about how they’ve guided their kids to discover what they’re naturally good at, take ownership of their learning, and turn those interests into cash flow.
Whether you’re a parent, mentor, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or simply someone who cares about helping teens thrive, this conversation is full of honest, practical insight.
You’ll learn:
- How to recognize the difference between a teen’s interest and their underlying skill set
- Why starting within the household is often the best first step
- What to do when your teen receives no feedback—or negative feedback—on their efforts
- How to normalize both the hard seasons and the wins of entrepreneurship
- Why serving others is the key to turning a hobby into a side hustle
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/150
Connect with Renee & Jonathan:
Parent Their Passion Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Most people think making money and making a difference are two separate paths—but what if your side hustle could do both?
In this episode, I chat with Andrew Hall, co-founder of Mealshare, a nonprofit that began as a side hustle and eventually delivered over 1 million meals per year to youth in need.
We cover:
- How Andrew launched Mealshare for less than $100
- The difference between nonprofits, charities, and for-profits—and how to choose the right model
- How a side hustle can scale into a full-time mission with real income
- His newest venture, No Story Lost, which helps families preserve loved ones’ life stories
- What it was like to pitch on Dragons’ Den (Canada’s version of Shark Tank)
So if you’ve ever wondered whether you can build something that more than pays the bills and does good in the world, tune in for some how-to answers.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/149
Connect with Andrew:
No Story Lost website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Struggling to grow your service-based side hustle?
You’re not alone - and you don’t have to stay stuck.
In this episode, fitness coach Dustin Pedersen shares strategies that helped him go from a $2K/month side hustle to consistently earning $20K/month. Whether you're a coach, consultant, or creative, you’ll hear tips to:
- Attract more clients without relying on word of mouth
- Structure your offer for recurring revenue
- Avoid the most common mistakes service providers make
- Use simple marketing tactics that actually work (even with a small audience)
- Build systems that scale—without sacrificing your time or sanity
Plus, we wrap up the conversation with Dustin sharing his top productivity and wellness tips for busy entrepreneurs—so you can grow your business and take care of your health.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/148
Connect with Dustin:
Unorthodox Personal Training - website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
To hit new milestones and actually build your side hustle, you're going to have to do things you've never done before.
But here's the catch—we're all creatures of habit. And it's those ingrained patterns that keep us stuck, procrastinating instead of progressing.
In this special rebroadcast of, My Secret Weapon To Get The Hard Stuff Done, I share the exact strategy that’s been a driving force behind every major success I’ve achieved. It’s simple, repeatable, and incredibly effective at helping you follow through - especially when motivation fades or distractions creep in.
This episode pairs seamlessly with recent episode #144, Why Now Is the Smartest Time to Start Your Side Hustle, which covered the reasons to begin. Now, here’s your answer to how to keep going.
Short, powerful, and packed with actionable insight—this may be the hack you've been needing to finally move forward.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/147
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Wondering when to quit your 9-5 and go all in on your side hustle?
You’re not alone—and it’s normal to wrestle with fear, doubt, and the question, “What will people think?” Shannon Russell gets it. After a successful 16-year run as a TV producer, she made the bold leap to entrepreneurship—not because she had to, but because she wanted to start producing her own life.
In this episode, Shannon gets real honest about the emotional and practical sides of walking away from a long-held career.
You’ll learn:
- How to know when it’s time to quit your 9-5
- Financial milestones to aim for before you leave your day job
- What to expect from the identity shift that often comes with a career change
- How to navigate fear and resistance from friends, family, or even your partner
- Why your second act can be your most fulfilling one yet
If you’re standing on the edge of a big decision, this conversation will give you clarity—and courage.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/146
Connect with Shannon:
Start Your Second Act
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Think you need business experience to start your side hustle? Think again.
Liz Birchard, creator of Tutu’s Tortilla Chips, grew her brand into 70 stores and over a quarter million in revenue - all while working full-time.
In this episode:
- Liz’s biggest challenge starting out
- Her biggest challenge today (and how she’s handling it)
- What she would do differently if she were starting over
- Plus: guess what I have in common with ZZ Top’s lead singer?
Get inspired to start before you feel ready. Fear is normal. Regret is worse.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/145
Connect with Liz & Tutu's Tortilla Chips:
Tutu's Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Feeling uncertain about the economy, your job, or what comes next?
You’re not alone.
But in this solo episode, host Joan Posivy shares why—despite all that—now is the smartest time to start your side hustle.
She offers;
- a powerful reframe on uncertainty,
- tells her personal story of diving into a side hustle during a downturn, and
- explains why taking action now—before you feel “ready”—can help future-proof your income.
You’ll also get practical steps you can take this week to move from stuck to started.
If you’ve been hesitating, this might just be your sign to begin—and don’t forget to join the newsletter at Side Hustle Hero for early access to Smart Start: From ‘Idea’ to ‘It’s Live’ in 7 Steps, an in-depth free guide to help you launch with clarity and confidence.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into Joan's online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/144
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What happens when a casual golfer turns a fun idea into a full-blown brand?
Scott Taube started with one simple concept: a deck of cards designed to be played on the golf course. That’s it. No e-commerce background. No manufacturing experience. Just curiosity, scrappy action, and a clear sense of fun.
A few years later? He’s running branded tournaments, landing corporate gigs, going viral on social media, and partnering with brands like Lowe’s and Liquid Death.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- The moment he knew he had to stop just talking about the idea
- How he got the first batch produced without ever seeing a physical sample
- Lessons in building your brand through humor, consistency, and virality
- What made one of their TikTok videos rack up 1 million+ views
- How corporate clients like Lowe’s and Liquid Death found him
- How that one deck of cards spun out into new income streams and brand extensions
- The mindset that keeps him moving forward—even when things get messy
If you're building your brand—or just sitting on an idea you've talked about too long—Scott’s story of building Bad Cards Fore Good Golfers is your nudge to start.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/143
Connect with Scott:
Bad Cards Fore Good Golfers Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever hesitated to start a conversation on LinkedIn that could grow your side hustle?
You're not alone! In this episode, LinkedIn expert Joe Mackay shares his proven strategies for turning online interactions into meaningful business opportunities.
From simple conversation starters to optimizing your profile and creating posts that attract engagement, Joe reveals how he went from earning $50 per LinkedIn post to building a six-figure business.
Tune in for actionable tips to level up your LinkedIn game and grow your hustle.
You’ll hear,
- How to craft LinkedIn posts that spark genuine interest and engagement.
- Easy tweaks to your profile that make you stand out and attract opportunities.
- Proven conversation starters to confidently connect with potential clients or collaborators.
- Insights into leveraging LinkedIn interactions to grow your business.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/142
Connect with Joe:
joemckay.info
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Could picking up used mattresses really become a profitable side hustle?
Hannah shares how she and her husband turned this flexible gig into a consistent $3,000 - $5,000 per month in extra income - and eventually a full-time, six-figure business.
You'll hear;
- how the process works,
- what expenses are involved,
- how you get inventory, and
- tips to resell fast and successfully.
Plus, Hannah reveals the unexpected benefits (and challenges) of flipping mattresses for profit while raising four kids and supporting her husband's career change.
It’s a physical side hustle with a low-cost to entry.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/141
Connect with Sharetown:
Main Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What if you could get paid to shop, eat out, visit theme parks—or even gamble at a casino resort?
That’s the reality for Mercedes, a seasoned mystery shopper who’s turned this flexible gig into a consistent income stream for over 12 years.
In this episode, she breaks down exactly how mystery shopping works and how total beginners can start earning $200 to $500 a day.
You’ll learn;
- the different types of mystery shops (from fast food joints to luxury cruises),
- what to expect, and how to stay organized,
- how to spot and avoid scams, and
- the key difference between high-paying “anchor” shops and lower-paying “filler” ones.
Mercedes shares how to get your first few gigs, why building a reputation is key to unlocking premium opportunities, and how to strategically plan your day to maximize your earnings.
Whether you're curious about mystery shopping as a fun side hustle or serious about building it into a full-time income, this conversation will give you the insights—and confidence—to get started. Plus, Mercedes reveals where to find legit mystery shopping jobs and 3 of the platforms she recommends to her own students.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/140
Connect with Mercedes:
iShopAGP
Free Mystery Shopping Webinar Training
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Have a side hustle idea but no clue where to start? You’re not alone.
When Walker Ferguson and his co-founder came up with the idea for a personalized meditation app, they had zero experience in app development. But instead of letting that stop them, they figured it out as they went—finding the right people, making smart decisions, and ultimately launching their app, Ascend Meditations, in the App Store.
This is Part Two of my conversation with Walker. Last time, we talked about prioritizing and how to stop wasting time, and how he balances college, football, and entrepreneurship. Today, we’re diving into how he built an app from scratch—and how the same principles apply to starting any business.
In this episode, Walker shares:
- How they took the first step despite no technical background
- Why building the right relationships was crucial to their success—and why it matters for your business
- What it actually costs to develop an app
- How they found the right developers and secured early funding
- Why waiting until you “know everything” is the worst mistake you can make
If you’ve ever had an idea but felt stuck on where to start, let this episode inspire you to take action—no matter your experience level.
Enjoyed the episode? Share it with a friend who needs that extra push to start their business!
Or consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/139
Connect with Walker:
Walker's Instagram
Ascend Meditations App
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever feel like weeks fly by, and you’ve made zero progress on your goals?
You’re not alone.
The truth is, if you don’t take control of your time, it will disappear into distractions, busywork, and things that don’t actually move the needle.
Walker Ferguson, is a full-time college student, Division I football player, AND startup founder. Originally, we planned to focus this episode on how he took his app, Ascend, from idea to launch - but with everything he has on his plate, I had to ask:
How does he fit it all in?
What I didn’t expect was that his time management strategy was so good, it deserved its own episode!
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
- Why most people struggle with time management (and how to fix it)
- The simple but powerful strategy Walker uses to stay ahead
- How to make real progress on your side hustle—without burning out
Plus, I share a game-changing tool I used to teach in a program called Getting It All Done - and why it could transform the way you work.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/
Connect with Walker:
Walker's Instagram
Ascend Meditations App
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever wondered how people make real money with review websites?
Derek Hales did exactly that—starting with just two mattress reviews and turning it into a thriving business.
Derek is the founder of NapLab, a site dedicated to in-depth, data-driven mattress reviews. Within six months of launching, his side hustle was making enough for him to quit his full-time job. Today, he’s reviewed over 400 products, employs friends and family, and runs a highly profitable website.
In this episode, Derek shares what it really takes to build a review website that actually makes money, including:
- How his website generates revenue
- How he pinpoints exactly which products to review next
- Why transparency builds trust, increases engagement, and drives more sales
If you’ve ever thought about launching a review site or want to turn online content into real income, this episode's for you!
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/137
Connect with Derek:
Naplab website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Whether you're just starting out or you've been running your side hustle for a while but now find yourself staring down a heap of receipts and paperwork you’ve been avoiding, it’s time to take control. In this episode, Tanya Akimenko shares 5 pro bookkeeping tips to help you stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and set your business up for success.
You'll learn:
- Why setting up a system from day one is crucial
- How to simplify bookkeeping so you actually stick with it
- The habit that makes reviewing your finances easy
- Why misclassifying expenses vs. assets can cost you big at tax time
- How to overcome the fear of numbers and gain confidence in your finances
Plus, I’ll share a free accounting software I’ve used for over two years and where to find it.
If bookkeeping has been a struggle, this episode will give you practical steps to make it easier.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/136
Connect with Tanya:
The Cheatsheet: Golden Apple Agency Inc
Tanya's LinkedIn
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever wondered how to turn overlooked, unwanted land into a profitable investment?
In this episode, we dive into hidden land deals with Wayne Seminoff, who has spent 40 years uncovering undervalued properties and flipping them for significant returns.
You'll learn:
- How Wayne turned a $1,000 lot into a $400,000 sale
- Where to find hidden land deals before the competition
- Why property owners sell valuable land for cheap—and how to negotiate
- Key strategies to transform junk land into prime real estate
- The biggest mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them
This is a unique side hustle with the potential for big profits.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/135
Connect with Wayne:
Junk Land Into Gold website
Remember to use the code "JOAN" for 25% off!
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever thought about a side hustle where you buy something once, rent it out repeatedly, and turn it into steady, scalable income? That’s exactly what David Sauers did—with luxury restroom trailers.
What started as a small side hustle with just one unit has now grown into a nationwide business with over 2,000 trailers serving weddings, construction sites, corporate events, and major retailers. In this episode, David pulls back the curtain on this unique rental opportunity, including:
- How much it costs to get started (and how soon you can expect a return).
- Who rents these luxury trailers—it’s way more than just weddings.
- Pricing, rental rates, and add-ons that boost profits.
- The hidden demand in commercial and corporate markets. How he scaled this into a business that replaced his full-time job.
If you're looking for a side hustle that’s asset-based, repeatable, and scalable, this one might be for you.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/134
Connect with David:
Royal Restrooms
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What if the key to your side hustle success isn’t in your business plan but in the way you think?
In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between your thoughts and the actions—or inactions—that shape your results. It’s not just about effort or strategy; your mindset plays a huge role in whether you push forward or stay stuck.
Through relatable examples, real-life insights, and actionable exercises, this episode will help you:
- Spot the negative thought patterns that might be silently holding you back.
- Harness the power of visualization to create momentum in your side hustle.
- Start shifting your mindset toward action and results.
Whether you’re struggling to take the first step or feeling stuck in neutral, this episode offers insights to help you reflect on the way you think—and how it might be setting you up for success or failure. Tune in to start aligning your thoughts with the outcomes you want, to super-charge your progress.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/133
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Do you feel like your marketing efforts are a guessing game?
Enter UTM codes— use simple, free tools that gives you clear answers about what’s working in your marketing and what’s not. In this episode, marketing pro Bonnie Conrad demystifies UTM codes and shows you how to use them to track traffic, engagement, and conversions with precision.
We’ll cover:
- What UTM codes are and how they can reveal where your audience is really hanging out.
- Step-by-step instructions for setting them up with Google’s free Campaign URL Builder.
- Real-life examples of how UTM codes have been used to make data-driven decisions that save time and money.
Be sure to catch the ending wrap up where you’ll hear how I tested UTM codes myself, the glitch I uncovered, and how I fixed it with a little help from AI.
Whether you’re brand-new to analytics or just want to maximize your efforts, this episode will give you practical tools to grow your side hustle smarter, not harder.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/132
Connect with Bonnie:
UTM Codes, Blog Post by Bonnie
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
What if you could launch a thriving online business with less than $500 in startup costs?
High-ticket dropshipping expert Ben Knegendorf shares how to create a profitable side hustle selling premium products. Ben reveals why focusing on high-ticket items—like pellet grills and golf simulators—can be more lucrative and manageable than low-cost items.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What dropshipping is.
- A line by line breakdown of the cost and specifics of what you need to launch.
- Tips for choosing the right high-ticket products and brands.
- Insider strategies for what your website must include to attract buyers.
- Pro tips for running ads, effective SEO, and scaling your business.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
For the full show notes and links to all sites Ben mentioned, head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero: https://www.sidehustlehero.com/131
Connect with Ben:
https://dropshipbreakthru.com/
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What does it take to design a business around what truly makes you happy?
For Vienna Hintze, it started with a love of flowers, a vintage truck, and a desire for in-person connections.
Vienna shares how she left behind corporate America and a successful remote marketing agency to launch Main Street Flower Truck, a side hustle turned full-time business that’s as creative as it is inspiring.
From staging events like pop ups, weddings, corporate gatherings, and even a Gwen Stefani album release, to overcoming mindset struggles and managing the challenges of working with perishable products, Vienna’s journey offers valuable insights for any aspiring entrepreneur.
She opens up about the learning curve of starting her business, embracing trial and error, and the numbers behind making it work.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/130
Connect with Vienna:
Main Street Flower Truck
YouTube
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever thought about hosting a virtual event—like a webinar, masterclass, or 3- to 5-day challenge—to grow your side hustle?
In this episode, returning guest Melissa Ng, co-founder of Amprofy and Launcher’s Academy, breaks down the numbers you need to know:
- how many people to invite,
- how many will actually show up, and
- how many are likely to buy.
These insights helped Melissa scale her business from six figures to over $1 million in annual sales, turning her side hustle into a thriving full-time venture.
Melissa also shares how her team uses social media to generate leads—and how she leans on AI, particularly ChatGPT, to streamline her content strategy. She even reveals her go-to AI prompt, which I’ve tested myself and found incredibly useful. You can find the full version of her prompt in the show notes, ready for you to copy and customize.
If you’re looking for a clear, actionable roadmap to hosting virtual events, and leveraging AI to produce for you a detailed Social Media Content Strategy Plan, this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you level up.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes and Melissa's go-to social media prompt for AI, head on over to the episode page at Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/129
To Connect with Melissa:
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Looking for the perfect side hustle to start in 2025?
This episode of Side Hustle Hero highlights the Top 10 Side Hustles that are accessible, scalable, and proven to generate real results. From AI-driven vending machines and co-hosting short-term rentals to selling on Amazon and organizing photos, these ideas are practical and ready for you to dive into.
We’ve pulled insights from some of the most successful side hustlers featured on the podcast this year, with an eye to what’s trending into 2025. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost way to get started, a flexible schedule, or a way to scale your income, this list has something for everyone.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
- Side hustles that fit into your busy schedule
- Real-world examples and tips from entrepreneurs who’ve made it work
- Tools and strategies to set yourself up for success
No fluff, no gimmicks—just real, actionable ideas to help you launch and grow your side hustle in 2025. Tune in and get inspired to take the first step toward your side hustle goals!
Remember to follow the show for more tips and strategies to build your dream side hustle.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/128
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Imagine selling popular brand-name products on Amazon without the hassle of manufacturing, creating detailed product pages, or taking professional photos. Instead, you leverage the existing demand and marketing efforts of others.
Welcome to the world of making money with Amazon Wholesale.
Corey Gamin explains how it all works.
He’s built his now 7-figure Amazon wholesale business from the ground up, starting as a side hustle before leaving his corporate software sales job to go full-time. In our conversation, he shares:
- How to Break Into Wholesale: Actionable tips and a ready-to-use script to help new sellers be taken seriously when reaching out for the first time to manufacturers and distributors.
- The Affordable Software Stack: To analyze product performance, calculate profitability, and choose from millions of potential products.
- Valuable Tips for Beginners: Including revealing mistakes he’s made along the way, and how to spread your investment across multiple products to reduce risk, and
- How To Simulate Buying Decisions: Before spending a dime on inventory.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes and all the links Corey mentions, head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/127
Connect with Corey:
The Amazon Wholesale Podcast (Apple)
The Amazon Wholesale Podcast, Episode 76 with Sean Kaupp (Spotify)
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What if you could turn your weekends and your love of music into a highly profitable side hustle?
In this episode, we’re joined by a financial planner who built a thriving wedding DJ business, earning up to $95,000 annually—all while keeping his full-time job. Discover how he strategically chose weddings to maximize single-day earnings, avoiding the burnout of multiple evening gigs.
You’ll learn:
- Why weddings are a lucrative niche for DJs seeking high income per hour.
- The essential gear to get started without breaking the bank.
- How smart rentals can keep startup costs low.
- Clear strategies to make the right connections that lead to booking gigs.
- How to price your services.
- What Ross does to nail the client experience - resulting in a biz that now runs solely on referrals.
- Actionable tips for any aspiring DJ.
His story is a testament to taking control of one's life and turning a hobby into a thriving business.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/
Connect with Ross:
Bela Sono Music IG
Check Your Balances Podcast
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
How do you grow a creative side hustle into a thriving business with over 12,000 sales?
Megan Walsh answers that in today’s episode.
She has built her 6-figure Etsy store selling aromatic wall décor and collectables, while working as a nurse and managing the demands of a family and everyday life.
You’ll hear;
- How Megan prices her products to ensure she gets paid for her time,
- Why you should sometimes remove a product from your listings,
- How to deal with copycats who are stealing your images, and
- Tips for balancing a demanding career, family responsibilities, and a thriving side hustle.
While Megan juggles her side hustle with nursing and family responsibilities, she’s refreshingly honest about the moments of burnout and what she does to keep that at a minimum.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/125
Connect with Megan:
Megan's Menagerie Etsy Store
Her Instagram
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Whether you’re just launching your side hustle or scaling it to new heights, challenges are an inevitable part of the journey.
What if there was a way to tackle any problem with confidence and ease?
In this episode we dive into a two-part game-changing mindset shift that will help you navigate obstacles like a pro.
You’ll hear inspiring stories—including one that involves finding my keys in a way that still makes me laugh—and learn practical, actionable strategies to apply these mindset shifts in your own life.
Whether you’re dealing with a major business challenge or a minor everyday hiccup, these approaches will empower you to find solutions faster and with less stress.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to shift your focus from the problem to the solution—and why this is the first step to success.
- The power of reframing your thinking to uncover hidden opportunities and fresh ideas.
- How these mindset shifts can make even the toughest challenges feel manageable.
- A simple trick to tap into your intuition and creativity when you feel stuck.
By the end of this short episode, you’ll have a practical framework to approach challenges with confidence and clarity, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/124
Here's the link to the Side Hustle Hero Survey that was mentioned. It shouldn't take more than about 15 seconds! THANK YOU so very much for your feedback. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/survey
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
What if you could create an association around your side hustle that not only supports your growth but positions you as a leader in your niche?
In this thought-provoking episode, Cathi Nelson shares how she turned her photo organizing side hustle into a six-figure business and then went a step further—creating an association that now connects and supports over 700 paying members worldwide.
Cathi walks us through;
- how she got the idea to start her association,
- the first steps she took to bring it to life, and
- how she grew it into a thriving global membership.
Her story is a masterclass in using an association as a tool to build community, expand credibility, and create new income streams.
Be sure to stick around after our conversation, where I’ll share key considerations to help you decide if creating an association, membership community, or a hybrid of the two could be the perfect addition to your side hustle strategy.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/123
Connect with Cathi:
The Photo Managers Website
Remember, you'll receive 20% by using code SPO20 at checkout on your first membership payment.
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
I’ve got photos scattered everywhere—on my desktop, laptop, phone, Dropbox, the cloud, and who knows how many memory sticks.
Can you relate?
Probably. As it turns out, I’m not alone. A lot of people find themselves in this same situation, and get this, they’d pay someone to clean it all up! And therein lies a side hustle opportunity.
Cathi Nelson is a pioneer in this field of photo organizing and management, having built a business that helps people take control of their scattered photo collections - digital as well as the physical paper ones - and keepsakes in general.
In this episode, you’ll discover
- the multiple revenue streams,
- how to price a job (including for someone like me!),
- actionable tips for starting and growing this side hustle, and
- advice on where and how to find clients.
We’re talking about working with people’s treasured keepsakes so it would be personally fulfilling as well as financially rewarding.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/122
Connect with Cathi:
The Photo Managers Website
Remember, you'll receive 20% by using code SPO20 at checkout on your first membership payment.
Identify Ideal Clients pdf
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever wondered what it takes to land a deal with the top retailers nationwide?
Today, Juliana VanLaanen, co-founder of 2 Mama Bees, pulls back the curtain. Just five years ago, she and her best friend, Samantha, started a backyard Etsy shop selling handmade window boxes and refurbished playhouses.
Fast forward, and now their playhouses are available in over 110 retail locations and major online platforms—including Target, Walmart, and Saks Fifth Avenue, plus seasonally at FAO Schwarz.
In this Part 2 of our conversation, Juliana dives into her experience at Walmart’s Open Call, an event where sellers pitch directly to buyers, and she shares;
- her top tips for landing that game-changing invitation,
- the best places to get your product noticed online,
- her strategy for negotiating exclusivity, and
- why breaking into stores like Costco, with its almost four-year buying cycle, is a long game that’s worth the wait.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/121
Connect with Juliana:
2MamaBees website
Remember, you'll receive 20% at check out with code: HERO20
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever wondered what it takes to get a side hustle product into a big-box store? Where would you even start? Today’s guest knows.
In late 2019, Juliana VanLanen and her best friend Samantha Alavi-Jackson started a small backyard Etsy shop selling homemade window boxes and refurbished playhouses.
Today their playhouses are sold in over 110 retail locations including Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Wayfair, FAO Schwarz, and Saks5thAve.
In this Part 1, Juliana dives into;
- how they scaled from Etsy to big box success,
- major hurdles of scaling their first year and how they tackled them,
- their strategies for customer engagement, market research, and maintaining product quality, and
- how Juliana and Samantha juggle not only a thriving business but also eight kids!
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/120
Connect with Juliana:
2Mamabees website
Remember, you'll receive 20% at check out with code: HERO20
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever wondered how to build a thriving online community around your side hustle?
It’d be both fun and profitable.
In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Gowder who has done just that. While his community at PowWows.com has grown to a social media following of over 1 million people, there is so much more to his story.
Paul’s journey began with a simple intention—to share what he was learning about Powwows. But as more people started asking him questions and connecting with one another, a community naturally emerged.
Paul's income sources include; advertising and sponsorships, video live streaming, product sales, affiliate marketing, and Patreon.
You’ll hear amazing insights and actionable strategies for growing and engaging your online community.
From using contests to boost engagement, to the way he incentivizes people to explore his content deeper, Paul’s tips are invaluable for building a dedicated following.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/119
Connect with Paul:
Powwows website
Paul Gowder website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
In this revealing episode, Jami Stigliano shares her incredible journey from side hustle to franchising DivaDance, now with 50 locations nationwide!
We dig deep into;
- how she scaled her business,
- multiple revenue streams available to you from franchising,
- what it takes to get started,
- understanding the necessary skills to thrive in the world of franchising—because it’s not a path for everyone.
Jami also reveals her top strategies for growth, including the power of mentorship and creating an advisory panel to help guide your success.
Plus, stick around for the Wrap Up, where I break down how you can use key principles from EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to accelerate the growth of your side hustle.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/118
Sites mentioned in this episode:
Clarity - for start up advice
OnlineJobs - job board for virtual workers in the Philipines
Connect with Jami:
Dance Diva IG
Jami IG - and her Founder Friday newsletter
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Ever heard of sound baths?
Mike Reed attended one, and it completely transformed his life. So much so that he dove deep into the world of sound healing and became a facilitator himself.
Then, he had a lightbulb moment. He discovered he could earn more in a single evening than at his 40-hour a week job!
In this episode, Mike breaks down how you can follow in his footsteps and start your own sound healing side hustle. He shares;
- multiple income opportunities in sound healing
- tips for selecting the perfect venue
- his strategies to sell out your events
- startup costs and what it takes to get started
Plus, Mike explains exactly what a sound bath is and how it works. To help you get a clear picture, we’ve included a video of Mike delivering a sound bath in the show notes!
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes and to catch a video of Mike delivering a sound bath, head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/117
Connect with Mike:
Sound Quest IG
Sound Quest Academy IG
Sound Quest Academy YT
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Curious about how online contest giveaways work?
Today’s guest pulls back the curtain on the details and shares how he structures deals with brands, giving us insider tips to apply to our own side hustles.
He's Luke Lorick, and it's just one of the ways he has turned his passion into a profitable side hustle.
Luke is the driving force behind a thriving tailgating side hustle that's grown into more than just a fun pastime. Through it’s multiple income streams and over 300,000 followers on social media, Luke shows how following your passion can pay off.
He breaks down the art of tailgating—what it means, how he built a community around it, and the strategies he's used to gain traction, so that you can follow his lead and apply what he's done to monetize your passion.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/116
Connect with Luke:
Tailgating Challenge Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Marc Ensign knows how to market.
He used his skills to land his dream job, then started a marketing company as a side hustle to help others do the same.
Marc reveals where to focus your marketing efforts for the biggest impact, and there’s one simple but unexpected tip he shares—leading with value.
When he talks about creative and unconventional tactics he's used to gain attention and secure high-profile clients, it’s not only fun, but it makes this episode an inspiring idea generator for anyone looking to stand out.
Marc’s stories illustrate how persistence, perseverance, and thinking outside the box can really pay off.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/115
Connect with Marc:
LoudMouse website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Jayne Havens is both a skilled sleep consultant and a thriving 6-figure entrepreneur. Today she gives us tips for both.
And here’s a fun fact. According to Jayne, being a successful sleep consultant for babies and toddlers doesn’t require you to be a parent yourself. She makes a compelling case for why this is true.
You’ll also hear;
- what life is like for a sleep consultant,
- what your starting fees should be,
- a simple step to pre-qualify any prospect to ensure they’re willing to pay your fee,
- setting up boundaries so you’re not taken advantage of by clients, and
- a most effective and efficient way to grow your business.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/114
Connect with Jayne:
The Snoozefest.com Website
Centre for Pediatric Sleep Management
Becoming A Sleep Consultant Podcast
Becoming A Sleep Consultant Facebook Group
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you’ve been working hard, doing your best, and your financial situation isn’t improving, stop. Take a listen. You might simply be missing this one key element.
When it comes to financial freedom, mindset matters.
A prosperous mindset isn’t just about positive thinking; it’s the secret sauce behind making wise financial decisions and opening doors to new opportunities.
I’ll share with you how to develop the internal mindset of a prosperous person—so that when money is mentioned, it brings feelings of joy and possibilities, and positive expectations.
I began studying these principles in my late teens, buying my first house at age 19, and have been financially free for years. Know that if you want to improve your financial results, it all starts with your prosperous money mindset.
And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things. Today's episode featured one of the lessons.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/113
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
"Time is not found; time is protected."
We all have the same 24 hours, but how we guard and manage them makes all the difference.
Terry Toh, a Strategy and Operations Lead at Google by day and a productivity coach by night, helps part-time entrepreneurs thrive while balancing their day jobs.
Terry shares his insights on freeing up more time for your side hustle, including;
- his 'morning minutes' hack,
- end-of-day wind-down routine,
- tips for tackling mundane "life admin" tasks, and
- strategies for achieving 'Inbox Zero.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/112
Connect with Terry:
Terry's Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Dr. Roger Smith holds two doctoral degrees, three master’s degrees, and is an authority on robotic surgery technologies, AI in healthcare, and military simulation and training.
So why would he possibly want a side hustle?
Because he’s wisely leveraged his side hustles to become recognized as the expert in his field, stand out from his peers, and get noticed by people in positions of power and leadership, which in turn has led to incredible top-level work opportunities.
And the best part of this episode?
It’s knowing that you can replicate the strategies Roger has used to get noticed and accelerate your own career growth.
Be sure to stick around for the end of episode Wrap-Up where I add in one more strategy to boost your profile in your chosen industry.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes and videos mentioned, head on over to the episode page at Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/111
Connect with Roger:
Roger's website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Billy Thorpe is an Amazon Influencer who follows a “low ticket, high frequency” business model. In his case, the price he charges to create a short video is low, but he produces at a high volume.
He’s done over 3,100 of them for over 500 clients.
They send him products at their expense, and Billy creates Shoppable Videos which he'll then upload and tag on Amazon. These videos are featured on product listings, related pages, and his Amazon Storefront.
In this episode, Billy delves into his three lucrative income streams, from which he earned $113,000 in his first year.
He walks us through what’s involved in applying to become an Amazon Influencer, highlighting what Amazon looks for in a strong application. It’s not necessarily a huge following!
He shares his innovative strategy for increasing revenue through “shared usage rights,” where brands can repurpose his content for their own marketing.
Plus, he pinpoints what you need to pay particular attention for success in this business.
Be sure to stick around for the Wrap-Up where I share why you need multiple sources of income (MSI’s), to ensure your financial security.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/110
Connect with Billy:
Billy's Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Do you look forward to networking as much as you do your next dentist appointment?
You’re not alone.
To fix that, we’re diving into a fresh approach to networking with Melissa Snow, a Business Relationship Strategist. She’s on a mission to revolutionize how we connect.
Instead of focusing on how many sales you can make, Melissa advocates for cultivating genuine relationships.
In our conversation, Melissa shares;
- practical tips for your next networking event,
- how to choose the right events for you,
- common mistakes to avoid and,
- smart follow-up strategies that’ll save you time and boost your effectiveness.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/109
Connect With Melissa:
Powerful Women Rising Website to get her list of top virtual networking sites
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
While starting or growing your side hustle, do you ever feel like a small fish in a very big pond? Then niche down to grow your business. That’s what Mark Des Cotes has done!
Mark is a graphic designer who transformed his full-time design business by starting a specialized side hustle in podcast branding. Today Mark shares his journey of niching down, providing insights on how he identified an opportunity in the podcast space, launched 'podcastbranding.co,' and became a recognized specialist.
He shares;
- the benefits of focusing on a niche,
- how he did it,
- the importance of networking, and
- how positioning yourself as an expert can allow you to charge premium prices.
We also cover practical tips for anyone looking to grow a side hustle through niching down.
Plus a bonus…Mark reveals telltale signs of amateur graphic design mistakes we need to avoid.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/108
Connect with Mark:
Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Do you have a crafting skill that you could teach others in your neighborhood?
Chloe Winstanley has some tips for you to make them profitable.
She made a net income of $100,000 in just two years, working very part-time. Chloe's expertise is in polymer clay, but the tips and strategies she shares can be applied to bootstrap and build any craft workshop.
In this episode, Chloe covers:
- finding no-cost or low-cost venues for workshops
- essential steps to get started
- sales and marketing tips, and
- key traits of a successful craft workshop leader.
What else? Chloe recounts what transpired after a workshop participant she was talking to fell through the floorboards…right in front her eyes.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/107
Connect with Chloe:
100k Artist website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Today Christine Schaub, "The Queen of the Side Hustle," shares her top tips and tricks for achieving side hustle success.
In our last episode, Christine discussed her six side hustles and how she "stacks" them, often working several or all in a single day!
Now we dive into practical advice for running and growing your venture, featuring insights from her book, Queen of the Side Hustle: Unleashing Your Potential for Extra Income.
Tune in to discover:
- strategies if marketing isn’t your strong suit,
- how to promote your skills without feeling like you’re bragging,
- tips for finding time for your side hustle,
- key considerations for taxes and insurance,
- how to add value without increasing costs.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/
Connect with Christine:
The Come On Over Show
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Christine Schaub didn't just start one side hustle. After the unexpected demise of her employer, Christine turned to hustling and has successfully replaced her full-time income by stacking six side hustles.
When I first sat down with Christine, I expected a quick chat about her six ventures before diving into her book, "The Queen Of The Side Hustle."
But as our conversation unfolded, I found myself with more and more questions about her diverse ventures, and how she manages to stack them, sometimes tackling 4, 5, and even all 6 in a single day!
So in this episode, we stay focused on each of her side hustles and share valuable tips along the way.
Christine's ventures include;
- teaching piano,
- pet sitting,
- gardening,
- running a YouTube channel,
- writing, and
- cooking in clients' homes for dinner parties (which she considers the most profitable niche in catering).
We cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, offering insights into each that just might inspire your next side hustle.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/105
Connect with Christine:
The Come On Over Show
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Danny Nathan was going to build a cargo storage and sleep platform for his Lexus GX470 anyway. So why not profit from overlanding in the process, by creating and selling build manuals?
Danny loves overlanding—self-sufficient adventure travel that blends off-road exploration with extended wilderness camping, ideally to explore remote areas seldom visited by typical tourists.
But to engage in those activities, you need a vehicle decked out to accommodate all your gear.
While Danny was customizing his Lexus GX470 for overlanding, he documented the entire process and created his first DIY build manual. That endeavor led to the launch of his e-commerce store. The success of that first manual spawned more manuals and multiple revenue streams. Now in its third year, his side hustle company, GX Basecamp, brings in about $50,000 annually.
In this episode, you’ll hear Danny share;
- the process he goes through to create a manual,
- his various revenue streams,
- the creative way he got access to other makes and models of vehicles to produce additional manuals, and
- what he would do differently if starting over again with GX Basecamp.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/104
Connect with Danny:
GX Basecamp website
GX Basecamp IG
Apollo21 website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Most people who post videos on YouTube are doing it to share their expertise, promote their business, or showcase their hobbies.
But not today's guest.
Tony Lysandrides monetizes his Youtube channels by crafting videos with carefully chosen design elements, to maximize their chances of going viral, resulting in impressive pay days.
He's not focused on any particular industry or niche.
Instead, Tony analyzes what videos are trending, then creates complementary content that can ride the same wave.
This approach has paid off, with one video earning him $14,000 in a single month.
And get this...Tony doesn't appear in his videos nor does he hire actors; his videos consist of topical clips with voiceovers.
Hear his tips, tricks, do's and don'ts, including;
- how he selects his next video subject,
- the steps involved in production,
- key decisions to be made, and
- what it takes for a video to go viral—without spending money on ads.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes and all websites mentioned, head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/103
Connect with Tony:
Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Why did sales 3x when today’s guest swapped out an old-style vending machine with an AI-driven vending machine?
It’s just one of the insights Mike Hoffmann reveals about what you need to know to start and scale a profitable vending machine side hustle in today’s economy.
He’s grown his business from a single vending machine, to now having over 40.
In today’s episode you’ll discover;
- the hallmarks of a profitable location so you know what to look for,
- tips on pitching a location’s property manager or owner,
- Mike’s insights on buying a machine: new vs used,
- where to buy product and what to stock in your machines, and
- recent AI-driven developments that are now disrupting the vending machine industry!
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/102
Connect with Mike:
Vendingpreneurs website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
We’re kicking off year three featuring our youngest guest to date, 17-year-old Leo Azizi talking about how to start a car detailing business.
Just under a year ago, Leo launched his side hustle to make a lot of money to fund his interests.
Leo talks about,
- how he got started,
- initial costs involved,
- where he found his first customers,
- how he’s now drumming up business, and
- how he set his pricing.
He’s a prime example of how you don’t need to know everything to get started - you just need to know enough to begin.
Be sure to stick around to catch the end of episode Wrap Up, where you’ll hear about another teenager, who against all odds has built a successful, global company with a raving fan base, in the jam industry!
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero.
Connect with Leo:
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Welcome to our landmark 100th episode, woohoo!
Today, we're celebrating by showcasing the Top 10 side hustles from the past year.
Whether you're someone who prefers the comfort of working indoors or loves the great outdoors, whether you want to keep your hustle local or dream of global reach, this list has something for everyone.
With startup costs ranging from zero to five figures (the vast majority on the low end), each of these hustles has demonstrated solid earning potential when executed well.
So, are you ready to find your next big opportunity?
Let's go!
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero.
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Have you ever heard of Whatnot?
Imagine the Shopping Channel on steroids. It’s a platform that’s open 24/7 where vendors live stream their products.
We’re joined today by top seller Zoreen Kabani who knows how to thrive on Whatnot and shares her tips, experiences, and insights. She first dove in part-time, but after finding success and incredible fulfilment, made it her very full-time work after only a few months, where she now nets a 6-figure income.
She’s only been doing it for about 2 years.
The good news for our side hustle community is that most sellers are in it part-time.
Zoreen tells us;
- how it all works,
- what makes her successful on the platform,
- fees charged by Whatnot,
- challenges she’s had to overcome, and
- insider tips on gaining traction.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/99
Connect with Zoreen:
Whatnot
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
This episode is replete with hard-won lessons learned and sage business advice.
In our last episode (#97), we learned that 14-year-old Bryan Clayton started his lawn care side hustle after being forced by his dad to cut the neighbour’s lawn.
After building that side hustle into a very full-time business with 150 employees and over $10million a year in revenue, he cashed out.
Then together with a couple of partners, he started to build GreenPal, which has been described as “the Uber for lawn care.”
You’ll gain insights and ideas for your side hustle when you hear Bryan talk about;
- the creative way he attracted the first group of users to the platform,
- what he did to finally nab top spot rankings in google organic search results by way of GreenPal’s lawn care contractors,
- why you need to know just enough to be dangerous at about 20 different things in order to get a business from zero to one, and
- so much more.
If you’re thinking about a lawn care side hustle, GreenPal has a free option to help you get started.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/98
Connect with Bryan:
GreenPal website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
At the age of 14, Bryan Clayton was kicked off his parent’s couch and forced to mow the neighbor's lawn.
He wasn't happy about it.
Until he realized how much money he could make! This episode is all about the lawn care industry.
You’ll hear;
- what it takes to get up and running,
- how to find your first customers,
- the biggest challenge you can face in running this business, and
- what Bryan did to finally land his first commercial client.
Regardless of the side hustle you're in or want to get into, you'll also pick up solid, often hard-won business advice from this episode.
Bryan went on to build his little side hustle into a six-figure business, then scaled it to 150 employees generating revenue of over $10 million a year.
It wasn’t too long after selling it, he got back into business by co-founding GreenPal, a company that’s been described as the “uber for lawn care,” which solves pain points for both local lawn care providers and the homeowners.
For the full shownotes, head on over to: https://www.sidehustlehero.com/97
Need a little push to start and then stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass, Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it! Here's how.
Connect with Bryan:
GreenPal website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Get double the benefits in this 2-in-1 episode!
Today we’re joined by Brenden Kumarasamy founder of MasterTalk, a coaching business he started to help executives and business owners become top communicators in their industries.
How is it 2-in-1?
Not only does Brenden provide insights, tips, and exercises on how to elevate your communication skills, but since MasterTalk started as a side hustle, he also shares how you can leverage these skills to grow your business as he has done.
Brenden has a combined social media following of over 150,000, and in 2024 received a LinkedIn Top Voice badge which is awarded by invitation only to senior-level experts and leaders.
He shares,
- specific exercises you can start doing today to level up your communication skills,
- tips to improve both your in-person and online presentations,
- strategies he’s used to grow his business, and
- the one technique he attributes to jump starting his career.
Need a little push to start and then stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass, Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it! Here's how.
Mentioned in episode:
Toastmasters
Connect with Brenden:
Youtube
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Today’s guest found time during medical school and residency to work on his side hustle and grow it to over $1 million in sales.
Then he landed a deal on Shark Tank, and his business exploded.
He’s Shaan Patel, founder and CEO of the now multi-million dollar business known as Prep Expert…a leading online education company that has helped over 100,000 students improve their SAT & ACT scores, and win over $100 million in college scholarships.
In today’s episode you’ll hear,
- the strategies Shaan used to carve out the time to make that happen,
- details of his final Shark Tank deal,
- the process of getting on the show and what you need to do to stand out,
- a smart way to schedule time to work on your side hustle, and
- (this is gold) Shaan shares what he would do differently if he were to start all over again.
Need a little push to start and then stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it! Here's how: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero.
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/95
Connect with Shaan:
Prep Expert website
Sean's book: Self-Made Success: Ivy League Shark Tank Entrepreneur Reveals 48 Secret Strategies To Live Happier, Healthier, And Wealthier
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
She was in the midst of traveling and absolutely dreaded the thought of returning to the work life she knew was waiting for her back home in London England.
But then a combination of events that included torrential rain, travelling in Northern Chile, and a bottle of wine, prompted a single decision that altered Anya Caister’s life.
This episode is much less about a specific side hustle, but instead provides inspiration and motivation to make a change.
If there is an aspect of your life right now that you know you want to improve or alter, listen in to help shift your thinking from, “I can’t” to “how I can.”
I asked Anya to come on the show and share her story because of the lessons wrapped up in it for anyone hesitant to start or grow their side hustle.
Anya describes,
- why she didn’t take the step earlier,
- the power of connecting with someone already doing something you aspire to do, and
- it serves as a word of caution for anyone waiting for everything to line up perfectly before making their move.
Need a little push to start and then stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero.
Connect with Anya:
Orange Light Photography
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you meet someone over a coffee you have a normal conversation. Yet most people don’t know how to move that natural 1 on 1 conversation, into their emails.
But Monica Badiu does!
She is a Conversion Copywriter who specializes in ‘customer-centric’ copywriting.
What’s that?
It’s writing engaging and compelling emails and funnel pages that prioritize value over pressure, which results in driving conversions and building long-lasting relationships with audiences.
It’s no-BS, non-spammy copy - that sells.
Today we hone in on addressing a specific opportunity that most solopreneurs and companies miss - the welcoming email. Too many people squander this golden opportunity. Monica walks us through what you should to instead to develop a strong bond with your audience, resulting in increased sales.
She’s also running two creative side hustles!
For full show notes head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/93
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up...here's how:
We'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Connect with Monica:
Youtube
Monica Badiu Website
Her side hustles:
Paper crafting website
Paper crafting Youtube
Wedding confetti website
Wedding confetti Instagram
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Can you own and operate a franchise as a side hustle?
“Absolutely!” says today's guest Greg Mohr.
He’s a franchise consultant who helps match people to their best franchise, and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of, Real Freedom: Why Franchises Are Worth Considering and How They Can Be Used For Building Wealth.
Greg shares;
- pros and cons of buying a franchise, vs building your own business from scratch,
- crucial steps you need to take in choosing and assessing a franchise,
- specific questions to ask existing franchisees before you buy,
- funding sources,
- why you want most of the franchisor’s revenue coming from ongoing royalty fees, and
- SO much more!
Need a little push (and a lot of guidance!) to start and grow your side hustle?
You can live your best life. Dive into my online Masterclass: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
For full show notes head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/92
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up...here's how:
We'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Resources Greg mentioned:
Franchise Maven, Greg's website
Making Money With Water Vending Machines, episode 59
International Franchise Association (IFA)
International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)
SCORE - a non-profit for business advice in the US
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
If you’re looking for a side hustle that you can start in your own community, then you’ll want to check out today’s episode with Adam Keller, author of 101 Real World Side Hustles.
While he does offer up some online ideas, the majority of the 101 are to be done in your local area.
The ideas he shares in the book he's either running as a business, has friends who have done it, or he's done the heavy research.
One of the real gems in our conversation not to be missed, is when Adam talks about how he's trained his brain to look at things from an entrepreneurial perspective. It inspired the ending “wrap up” segment where I describe a mission for you…if you choose to accept it!
Need a little push (and a lot of guidance!) to start and grow your side hustle?
You can live your best life. Dive into my online Masterclass: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
For full show notes, head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/91
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up...here's how:
We'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Connect with Adam:
101 Real World Side Hustles Book
TikTok
YouTube channel
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
You’ve definitely seen them. You’ve likely been in one.
I’m talking about a party tent that's been rented. You may have attended a wedding, event, or just a good ‘ole party, and the host has rented tents, chairs, tables, decorations, and…the list goes on.
But do you know how lucrative that business can be?
Today’s guest Adam Keller does!
His tent/party rental business now boasts revenues of $700,000, but he started with renting just 3 tents. He worked that first summer at a gas station and cleaning hotel rooms to save the money to buy tables and chairs for the next season. I love a good entrepreneurial story.
Adam introduces us to that world and how to start it as a side hustle.
His tips and advice are practical and actionable.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a solid overview of the tent/party rental industry, including pricing, startup costs, valuable financial do’s and don’ts, like what to spend your money on, and where you should take a pass.
Need a little push (and a lot of guidance!) to start and grow your side hustle?
You can live your best life. Dive into my online Masterclass: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
For full show notes, head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/90
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up...here's how:
We'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Connect with Adam:
Check out Adam's Start A Party Rental Course ,
as well as his free content on his Youtube channel.
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
"This is the craziest ATM machine!”
That’s how a friend described his roadside peach stand to today’s guest, Shannon Houchin.
She was skeptical. Wouldn't you be?
Wanting to see it firsthand, Shannon travelled to see her friend and learn all that she could about the roadside peach stand business.
After that one summer, she went home and built her own "ATM.”
That was 10 years ago. Shannon has fine tuned her operation and earns a solid 6-figure net income per season from her produce stands.
It’s a pretty simple business to learn, and Shannon says you can get up and running for as little as $200 dollars in peaches.
Listen in to hear;
- tips for sourcing the fruit, and the key questions to ask,
- pricing considerations,
- finding the best location,
- how she sets up the displays for maximum sales,
- the importance of becoming part of the fabric of the community, and
- clear, actionable success tips for your roadside stand.
Want to thing BIG and stay on track to achieve your goals?
You can live your best life. Dive into my online Masterclass: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
For full show notes, head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/89
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up...here's how:
We'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Connect with Shannon:
TikTok
Roadside Republic Website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Want to fly first or business class using the least number of points?
Today’s guest knows how!
When Spencer Howard realized that credit card points were his ticket to luxury travel he went all in, spending four hours a night for six months reading all the airline routing rules and credit card fine print he could find, to learn how to best navigate award travel and loyalty programs.
What started as a way to get free business and first-class flights for himself, morphed into a side hustle helping others to the same.
His company, Straight to the Points now has a subscriber membership of over 21,0000.
Could becoming skilled at points accumulation become a side hustle for you? Or maybe you could use some expert tips on finding great travel deals? Spencer shares insights for both.
Want to set and achieve the goal of luxury travel?
You can make it happen. Dive into my online Masterclass: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
For full show notes, head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/88
If you like what you're hearing, you can give it a caffeinated thumbs up...here's how:
We'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Connect with Spencer:
Straight To The Points
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Today we’re delving into the world of co-hosting short-term rental properties.
The start up costs can be quite minimal as you don’t own the properties, but rather, you’re solving a lot of problems for the property owners and you have the opportunity to serve and profit from both them and the guests staying at the properties.
Sean Parker fills us in on the details. Together with his wife Jill, they currently co-host 52 properties and look after close to 65 properties earning them gross revenues in the high 6-figures.
You’ll discover,
- Why he pivoted to a model that is “revenue-based” instead of “occupancy-based”
- What can make or break the all important 5-star ratings
- revenue and expenses
- the downside of co-hosting that people don’t often talk about, and
- what is currently more profitable: owning a property yourself, or cohosting
For full show notes, head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/87
Buy Joan a coffee? She'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Sean:
Simple Hosts website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
“I guarantee that right now you are within an arm span of probably at least a dozen different examples of copywriting.” - Nicki Krawczyk
That’s a pretty big market if you’re a copywriter!
Today we’re exploring that world with the founder of Filthy Rich Writer, Nicki Krawczyk. She's been a copywriter for over 20 years and through her Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, trains others to jump in and thrive in the industry.
Nicki reveals;
- how long it takes before you can expect those $2,000 months
- typical starting rates
- often overlooked elements that you need to factor in when quoting a client - or you’ll be shortchanging yourself!
- essential steps you need to take, before reaching out to prospective clients, and oh so much more.
For the full show notes, head over to https://www.sidehustlehero.com/86
Buy Joan a coffee? A soy latte would be lovely, and she'd really appreciate it!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/support/
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Nicki:
Free Copywriting Training
Build Your Copywriting Business podcast
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Are you that person in your friend group who likes to play matchmaker? Or maybe you know someone who does?
Today's guest, Siobhan Copland, is so good at it that she grew her side hustle into the London, UK-based, award-winning dating agency Cupid in the City.
Dive into today's episode for insights into;
- what you can expect to earn as a matchmaker,
- where to find clients, and
- if you're looking for love, why dealing with a respected matchmaking service is such a completely different experience than swiping right or left on a dating app
For full show notes, head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/85
Buy Joan a coffee? She'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Siobhan:
Cupid In The City website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Do you have within you, an entrepreneurial spark? Or maybe it’s a full-on burning passion!
Wherever you are on that scale, you've landed in the right place. Why?
It’s because today’s guest is Kaylene Langford, author of “How To Start A Side Hustle.”
In this episode she'll be sharing tips and strategies to help you get your side hustle started, and mindset hacks to ensure you don't lose confidence along the way.
Today could be thee day that you start or scale your side hustle.
For full show notes, head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/84
Buy Joan a coffee? She'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Kaylene:
StartUp Creative website
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Turn your passion into your career or side hustle! We’ve all heard that, right?
Today’s guest takes issue with that opinion.
And he’ll be telling us what instead, should be the primary driver.
Stephen Shortt has been involved in the business of matching people with their "best work" for pretty much all of his adult life. He's part of a family owned and operated business that helps match the right people to their right careers.
I wanted to draw on his expertise in this field to help you in your search of finding the "right match" for your side hustle.
Be sure to catch the end of episode wrap up where I share some examples of how you can use the assets and resources of someone else's company to help launch and assist your side hustle.
For full show notes, head over to:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/83
Buy Joan a coffee? She'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Stephen:
https://careerfit.com/stephen/
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
To hit new milestones this year and achieve big, bold, beautiful goals, you're going to have to do some things differently than you've done in the past and push yourself to do things you've never done before.
But there's a problem.
Everyone of us is a creature of habit. And it’s our habit patterns that hold us back from taking the new actions we know we need to take.
I found a solution.
And it’s been a driving force behind EVERY major success I’ve achieved.
Sharing what it is and how you too can set it up, is the focus of today’s short, sweet, yet powerful episode.
Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your feedback.
For the full show notes, check out:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/82
Buy Joan a coffee? She'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Here’s a scenario. You've ordered a brand-new treadmill online. It arrives, only for you to discover, it’s not really your thing and you want to return it.
You contact the seller. There's a good chance they're not the ones who are going to be picking it up, but rather they'll reach out to a third party that they've contracted with to handle their returns; a company like Sharetown.
Sharetown in turn needs people to physically go to the customers homes and pick up that treadmill or other big and bulky items like mattresses and furniture.
Therein lies the side hustle opportunity.
As a Sharetown rep, you would pick up the almost brand new item, clean it, and then resell it at a profit.
Today's guest is the COO and co-founder of Sharetown, Jorja Leavitt and she reveals;
- what you need to be a rep,
- the process from the time you get notice of a pickup through to when it's sold,
- what expenses you can expect to incur,
- the earning potential, and
- what the top earners are doing to make a healthy living.
Check out the full show notes at https://www.sidehustlehero.com/81
Buy Joan a coffee? She'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Jorja and Sharetown:
How to become a Sharetown rep
Connect with Joan:
About Joan
Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
A side hustle selling custom suits? Yes!
Did you know this was a thing? I didn’t. That is, until my conversation with todays guest, Brandon Bowers who has been in the business for 12 years.
I thought you’d need an extensive background in the industry, but Brandon tells me no, that’s not the case. If you enjoy looking sharp, dressing up, and have an eye for fashion, this might be the side hustle for you.
Brandon sheds light on how it all works.
Also, because of his strong background in sales, and sales training, he provides solid insights and actionable tips to build your custom suit business and wow your customers.
He also reveals,
- Two key essentials for success in this business,
- Potential earnings,
- Best place to find customers,
- Partnerships to leverage your client base and increase sales, and
- Creative places to meet clients for fittings and consultations
Check out the full show notes at https://www.sidehustlehero.com/80
Buy Joan a coffee? She'd really appreciate it!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Brandon:
https://customclothierscollective.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-s-bowers/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
In today's episode, we're kicking off the new year by unveiling the "Top 10 Tips for Side Hustle Success in 2024." As the landscape of side hustles continues to evolve, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve.
These tips were assembled from the insights gleaned from our past “heroes” and Joan’s 30+ years as a successful entrepreneur and business owner.
Whether you're looking to boost your income, escape the 9-to-5 grind, or simply pursue your passion, these tips will provide you with the roadmap to make 2024 your most successful side hustle year yet.
Tune in, take notes, and let's turn your wild side hustle dreams into reality!
Check out the full show notes at https://www.sidehustlehero.com/79
Buy Joan a coffee? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sidehustlehero
Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things: https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Links to episodes mentioned:
77: Massive Markups For Mega Profits, with Jonathan Schuit
73: Paws, Profits, and Tails of Pet Sitting, with Lucy Slater
35: How To Succeed In Voiceover, with Gina Scarpa
67: What It Takes To Build A Multi-Million Dollar Company From Scratch, with Mellisa Mills
65: Mastering Amazon: Vital Tips From A Top Seller
Other sites mentioned:
Udemy
Podpage
Libsyn
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Want to be inspired to jumpstart or scale your side hustle?
Then this is THE episode for you to dive into.
Why?
Because it’s a treasure trove of wisdom shared by our side hustle heroes over the past year.
These are not just any tips; but rather they’re the crème de la crème, the best of the best they’ve imparted when I asked them, “what’s your best tip to inspire others to start or grow their side hustle dream?
I’ve sifted through them all, and these are designed to ignite your journey and propel you into action.
It's time to turn your aspirations into achievements.
Check out the full show notes at:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/78
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Buy Joan a coffee?
Referenced episodes, in the order they were mentioned:
42: Making It As A Rapper, with Mike Burton, aka Keybeaux
35: How To Succeed In Voiceover, with Gina Scarpa
39: Excelling On Etsy, with Rachel Jimenez
66: From Threat To Thrive: Profiting From AI, with Gabrielle Gerbus
36: Earning 6-Figures As A QuickBooks Pro Advisor
65: Mastering Amazon: Vital Tips From A Top Seller, with Annalisa DeMarta
45: What, When, Why To Trademark, with Derrick Morgan, esq
46: Cash Flow And Capital From Land Flipping, with Travis King
58: How To Succeed On Fiverr: Tips From An Insider, with Trisha Diamond
68: How To Do Your Own Brand Audit (and why you need it!), with Sierra Janisse
69: Unique Opportunity In eSports, with Titus Walker
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
What opportunities lend themselves to massive markups and mega profits?
Today’s guest Jonathan Schuit reveals many of them. His personal specialty is popcorn, and he’s been doing it as a side hustle for years. He makes a comfortable living at it working just one day a week.
This episode is less about popcorn and more about learning from Jonathan, some of the elements you need to consider when embarking on a new side hustle business.
His kernels of wisdom include,
· the advantages of farmers markets
· how simply being observant led to a big jump in revenues,
· how another small change pumped up revenues an additional 50%
· the importance of crunching (and understanding) the numbers
· lessons from the “snow cone” experience
Whether you're eyeing the popcorn market or considering a completely different side hustle, Jonathan's journey reveals a goldmine of wisdom for anyone looking to maximize margins and profits.
Let me know what you think!
Full show notes at our website:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/77
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
It truly is the “start” that stops most people.
If they’d only execute and take the action they know they need to take, they could experience all the success and freedom they seek.
Since inception, my vision for the Side Hustle Hero podcast has been to craft each episode in such a way that it would inspire you to take action and win.
So in this episode, we’re going to do things a little different.
I’m going to be sharing with you a select session from my game-changing course, “Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things” which you can apply to jumpstart your results in any area of your life.
For full show notes, visit: https://www.sidehustlehero.com/76
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Today we explore the world of being a tour organizer!
Our guide is traveler and photographer, Ralph Velasco, who has organized and led over 120 international tours to an array of destinations around the world.
His 15 years of experience shines through in the 5-star ratings his clients have given his tours and the tips and ideas he shares with us today.
Prior to this conversation with Ralph, I thought the job of a tour organizer involved booking all the hotels, restaurants, and excursions at the destinations but it absolutely does not need to be that complicated!
So whether you're an avid traveler dreaming of turning your adventures into income, someone seeking inspiration for a side hustle that fuels your wanderlust, or just curious about how the business works, I think you’ll find this episode a valuable window into the world of being a tour organizer.
What You’ll Hear:
03:46 Analyzing pros and cons to make a decision
04:35 Differentiating to gain clients
07:45 Can you teach someone to have a “photographic eye?” Absolutely!
09:34 Financial crisis pushes Ralph to leave his “job”
11:36 Difference between tour operator and tour organizer
13:43 How tour organizers make money
15:28 It’s the tour operators at the destination that line up all the vendors
19:49 Flights not included (except typically internal flights and ground transportation)
20:38 Biggest challenge is connecting with those awesome, reputable, tour operators
20:48 Ralph’s “pain in Spain” experience
22:25 What to take into account when doing the number crunching
24:39 Be clear with the tour operator of what is included and what is not
26:50 The importance of getting testimonials from your clients
27:48 Typical amount a tour organizer might tack on as their markup
29:17 Travel tip: have a paper copy and electronic copy of your passport, visas, and other important docs!
30:12 Marketing tips to build your travel business
31:33 Check out speaking opportunities at travel and adventure shows
34:17 Best insider tip for getting the best prices for travel
35:15 Added benefit of traveling in a shoulder season
36:10 Ralph’s favourite destinations
38:40 Best tip for starting or growing your side hustle
WrapUp
40:01 Keep in mind the work involved
40:38 What’s really holding you back?
40:52 “Let’s go invent tomorrow, instead of worrying about what happened yesterday.”
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Ralph:
https://continentaldrifter.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@ContinentalDrifter
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Do you have a twinkle in your eye and a genuine love of Christmas?
Then consider being a seasonal Santa!
Today’s guest will unwrap all the details.
He’s Mitch Allen, founder and Head Elf at the Santa Claus talent agency hiresanta.com
After landing a deal on Shark Tank, business really ramped up and they’ve now grown to be the largest Santa for Hire company in the world.
This year alone they've added 1100 Santa’s to their database.
Through Mitch being deeply entrenched in the Santa community, he shares valuable insights on the business of being Santa, including;
- the variety of opportunities available,
- the increased diversity of Santa's,
- the costs involved, and
- the earning potential
While Mitch builds his database predominantly from Santa's living in the United States, there are Santa talent agencies in a number of other countries, as well as different versions of Santa represented around the world.
Instead of using an agency, you may choose to fly solo and seek out opportunities on your own.
Be sure to check out the end of episode wrap up where I share some ideas from my own experience about the earning potential of going solo vs. working with an agency.
What You’ll Hear:
02:12 Hiresanta.com started as an accidental business
04:17 The vibrant Santa community
04:50 Mitch’s Shark Tank experience
07:30 The deal with Barbara Corcoran
08:23 This year’s demand for Santas
09:40 Recruiting Santa’s is a year-round job
10:21 Melissa Rickard, episode 29 - you’d never know she’s female
12:40 The criteria for being a Santa with Mitch
14:40 A growing demand for diversity of Santas
16:42 The process of getting a gig once you’re in the hiresanta.com database
18:25 Potential earnings
20:55 Some results from the 1200-Santa survey
21:57 Younger people are Santa’s too!
23:05 Start up costs
23:52 A Santa photo shoot at the self-storage facility, and other unique gigs
26:15 Mitch’s most unique Santa gig - the waterpark!
27:25 Being Santa is a ton of fun, but it’s work - you need to be “on” all the time
29:42 What’s next for hiresanta.com? hiremariachis.com!
31:05 Mitch’s best tip to start or grow your side hustle
Wrap Up
32:45 Get booked through an agency, or fly solo?
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Shark Tank featuring Mitch Allen’s pitch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWhhqlTYLdY
Hire Santa 2023 Santa Survey:
Shoot us a message via our website or by DM on Instagram and we'll get it to you!
Connect with Mitch:
https://www.hiresanta.com/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Here’s a side hustle for all you animal lovers out there…pet sitting!
If you live in an environment where you can’t have pets you don’t have to let that stop you.
Maybe you live with someone who is allergic or as is the case of today’s guest Lucy Slater, you live in a building that doesn’t allow pets.
Lucy stays at the pet owner’s residence when they’re away, so the pet is looked after in their own environment.
It’s a double win for Lucy since her full-time work is 100% remote. While she’s getting paid to stay in someone else’s home to pet sit, she’s also getting paid from her regular job. Nice!
Through our conversation, you’ll discover,
- once she decides to accept a gig, why she feels relatively secure in overnighting there,
- tips for getting your first pet sitting or dog walking gigs
- what it’s like using the platform rover.com, and
- we discuss earnings and the various ways to make money.
Thanks for checking out this episode!
What You’ll Hear:
03:49 Why Lucy continues to keep doing and loving this side hustle
04:47 Team Dog or Team Cat?
05:10 Discovering rover.com
06:04 Main frustration with rover.com
06:55 Feels relatively safe due to the background checks that are done
08:00 Lucy’s initial pricing strategy and why she’s been able to raise her rates
09:08 You can say, no!
10:21 Dog walking, drop-in visits, host dogs in your home, and/or dog boarding
13:00 Pet sitting fees and dog walking - what Lucy charges
13:28 Rover takes 20% and it also adds a fee to the buyer of the services
13:55 Why Lucy landed her first gig within a month - include a lot of detail
14:51 Earnings
17:23 Repeat clients can mean watching the animals grow up
18:43 Let the client know when the pet is not comfortable with you
19:12 Strong communication skills are a must for success
21:00 Just because you like dogs, that isn’t qualification enough be a dog sitter/walker
23:05 Best advice if you want to become a dog sitter/walker
23:56 Need more experience? Volunteer at the SPCA or a pet shelter, volunteer to walk neighbour’s dogs, take training
26:24 Lucy’s best tip for you to start or grow your side hustle
Bonus Tip
28:13 Checking out the top people in your industry for ideas and inspiration
28:50 Word of caution; they likely have teams of people behind them
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Lucy:
https://www.rover.com/members/lucy-s-your-pets-best-friend/
https://www.instagram.com/lucyyslater/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyslater19/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Are there places in your local community that you think are fun, intriguing, or interesting for a visitor to discover?
Locals are offering tours to all kinds of their favourite things; from historic sites and museums, to breweries and food outlets, to edible wild plant nature walks.
Ed Moser is leveraging his love of history and politics to run a side hustle business as a tour operator based in Washington DC.
Plus, he’s taken his knowledge and vast storehouse of stories about the area, and has written multiple books providing him a nice compliment to the tours while providing additional income streams.
In this episode you’ll learn,
- the best ways to market a tour,
- pros and cons of the various platforms (AirBnB, Paypal, Eventbrite, MeetUp) from fees to the marketing opportunities,
- potential earnings and workload,
- how he put a positive spin on things when in the early days few people showed up for his tours, and
- how he’s earned a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award for 2023
What You’ll Hear:
02:21 From an article, to a book, to the guided tours side hustle
05:16 How Ed’s tours are different from the rest
06:21 He cross-promotes his books with his tours
08:29 Marketing through MeetUp
09:09 Eventbrite has been the best to receive bookings and prepayment
10:34 AirBnb Experiences also provides bookings and prepayment
11:59 What Ed charges for tours and his earnings
13:24 You can customize tours for the seasons, specific groups, and create speciality tours
18:45 Earnings will really vary depending on number of hours worked, part-time or full-time
21:45 Using the MeetUp platform and dealing with payment
23:44 A discussion of platform fees - AirBnB, PayPal, Eventbrite
25:09 The silver lining of small groups in the early days
26:22 Pros and cons of using Tripadvisor
27:24 Ed has earned a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award for 2023
28:16 The rise of scooters, small vans, e-bikes affecting traditional walking tours
30:29 Tips for ranking well and getting noticed on Tripadvisor
31:31 Tips for starting a tour guide business
33:44 One of Ed’s most memorable moments during a tour
37:02 Ed’s best tip
WrapUp
37:44 Asking customers how they heard of you, how did they find you?
38:14 How did you discover Side Hustle Hero?
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Ed:
https://www.meetup.com/lafayette-sq-tours-of-scandal-assassination-spies-meetup/
One of Ed's books:
The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood
https://amzn.to/40nCbpJ
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Do you have a knack for being organized in your space?
Or in helping others be organized in theirs?
Then maybe becoming a professional organizer is the side hustle for you!
Today’s guest Laurie Palau is a pro at this!
In this episode she describes;
- how to get started,
- multiple ways to make money at it,
- start up costs (and they’re pretty minimal),
- ways to go about setting your pricing,
- how to expand your customer base by partnering with people in complementary industries,
- creative marketing ideas, and
- best places to find clients
Enjoy this conversation with professional organizer and the author of Hot Mess: A Practical Guide To Getting Organized, Laurie Palau
What You’ll Hear:
01:57 Definition of a professional organizer
04:47 From doing a favour for a friend grew a side hustle
07:48 You don’t need to know everything about running a business before you start
09:45 Low barrier to entry for becoming a professional organizer
12:04 Ways to make money at this
13:01 “DIY” consulting
14:50 Cautions and alternatives to offering free consultations
16:28 Figuring out what to charge
19:56 Laurie advises when starting out, not to charge less that $50 per hour
22:37 Additional income streams as your experience grows
23:15 Partnering with people in complementary industries to grow any business
26:44 Start up costs that might be overlooked, i.e. why you need business insurance
27:27 What not to spend money on in the beginning
28:50 Getting involved (or not) with affiliate marketing
30:51 Best ways and places to find clients
32:57 Remember your “why” and don’t get hung up on the results others are getting
37:13 Laurie’s best tip for starting or growing your side hustle
Added Takeaway:
38:06 Examples from Joan’s businesses of partnering with people in complementary industries
Connect with Laurie:
https://simplyborganized.com/
https://simplyborganized.com/this-organized-life/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Do people think you’re funny? Do you like to make others laugh?
Maybe there’s a side hustle opportunity in there for you.
Today’s guest makes a very good living - by being funny.
While Jan McInnis started her side hustle as a stand-up comic, over the years she’s expanded her offerings to include being a comedy writer, selling material to everything from The Tonight Show monologues and hundreds of radio stations, to greeting cards, and syndicated cartoon strips.
She also does a lot of corporate work and keynote presentations.
In today’s episode,
- Jan describes multiple ways to make money being funny,
- where to find these gigs,
- how to make yourself memorable,
- what advice she would give young Jan if she were starting over today,
- and tips, tricks, and stories from the stage
What You’ll Hear:
02:29 In the beginning, her marketing materials were better than her act!
04:45 The open mic night that was an epiphany
05:58 2 ½ years as a side hustle
06:16 Writing her 6-month plan and “throwing your hat over the fence”
08:20 Rocked a gig despite attempts to sabotage her performance
09:27 From stand up to corporate work
10:12 How Jan got her first corporate testimonials
11:20 Income streams to get paid for being funny
14:00 Really keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities
16:16 Jan now provides “business advice from a comedian” in her corporate presentations
20:37 How about all the competition out there?
23:32 How to find gigs
27:25 Tips for learning the craft
30:19 The hard knocks are hugely beneficial down the road
31:03 In the early days, focus on getting good vs what you’re getting paid
32:41 What Jan should have done early on that she didn’t
36:46 Opportunities to be paid to be funny: comedy clubs, writing jokes, corporate work, keynotes
37:01 Tips on how to get into writing for others
38:15 Going rates for getting paid to write jokes
39:44 No matter how good you are, you can’t compete with a chocolate fondue fountain!
40:23 Advice Jan would give her younger self
41:28 Jan’s best tip to start or grow your side hustle
Final thoughts:
43:43 Differentiate yourself by being you, put your spin on it, and be professional
44:53 “A pro is at their best, always”
Connect With Jan:
https://theworklady.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jan.mcinnis/
https://www.facebook.com/ComedianJanMcInnis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmcinnis/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Can you create a side hustle for yourself in the esports industry without being a skilled gamer?
We’ll hear about that from Titus Walker in today’s episode. He’s the creator and CEO of the Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL) and according to Titus, it’s a type of league that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the gaming world.
He was building up this side hustle, until his then employer gave him an ultimatum - ditch the hustle, or lose your job.
He describes what he’s doing for esports, to what the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has done with martial arts and other fighting disciplines.
Titus has taken what was a seed on an idea, and built it out to having 200 active gamers competing for the $100,000 team prize in this season’s tournament.
What makes this league unique in the esports industry, is that its success is NOT dependent on any one single game.
What You’ll Hear:
02:50 Titus’s backstory
05:11 Not fulfilling his purpose, and being in a cyclical industry pushed him to find another income source
07:07 Buying a VR unit was a turning point
07:54 Past failed attempts have provided great learnings for future ventures
08:40 A new concept in the esports industry - focus on the skill set, not a specific game
10:36 Rather than “pigeonhole” himself to one game/developer/fan base, he found a way to speak to all competitive gamers - by creating UEL, the Ultimate Endgamers League
11:21 An Endgamer is “a master in the artform of gaming”
12:20 The five major genres in gaming
12:58 Titus’s major inspiration - the UFC
14:34 There are 2.5 billion gamers, providing a much larger audience than any major sport
15:00 Titus explains there is no other league that is doing what the UEL is doing
15:28 A ‘spin’ of a large roulette-type wheel determines which of the 33 games will be played
16:30 His league doesn’t depend on any specific games, and the games on the wheel can and do change
18:36 Titus never wanted to do this online
20:36 Gave up the revenue from doing birthday parties to focus solely on gaming and the UEL
21:42 Current revenue sources: team sales, merchandising, sponsors, advertising, tournament entry fees
24:05 Season 7 provides a $100,000 team prize giving other locations big prize money to market as they run tournaments as qualifiers for the UEL
25:40 From player to pro
26:29 Titus is given ultimatum by employer - shut down the UEL or leave
27:40 That gave him the push to go all in and focus
29:18 Getting interest from ROC Nation (JZ’s company), the New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Commanders
30:49 From The Innovator's Dilemma, if Henry Ford had asked customers what they wanted, they would have said, “a faster horse”
31:57 Story of Michelangelo, the little boy, and the Statue of David - “how did you know he was in there?”
34:03 Every bit of money coming in that is not spend on marketing, advertising, is being put back into the players including seeking sponsors
34:27 UEL promotes diversity, especially between “strategy” players and “sports” players who historically don’t mix
35:43 The community determines some of the 33 game titles
36:34 Sponsorship can be in the form of dollars for advertising, headsets, controllers, seats, etc
37:00 Age demographic is typically between 25-35, but as young as 12 and as old as 50
37:50 Community consists of over 10,000 on social, 400 gamers, 40-50 helping with productions
38:40 Why the UEL is growing
39:18 Side hustle opportunities in the esports industry
41:16 Titus suggests you can find a local community of gamers, and connect with him to host qualifying tournaments to work towards competing for the UEL grand prize
42:22 Titus describes how this could be a side hustle
43:08 30% of the entry fees would go to the UEL
43:39 Potential revenue sources might include; teaching, training and coaching fees, local qualifying tournament fees
44:58 Best tip from Titus to start or build your side hustle
46:08 His “why” - creating opportunities for others
40:00 For Season 7: 5-10,000 viewers per match, over 200 active gamers competing, and $100,000 prize!
Wrap Up:
47:36 Look outside your industry for ideas and inspiration
48:38 Leverage your “learning experiences” to be smarter, wiser, better prepared to handle challenges, and enjoy the increased confidence
Connect with Titus and the UEL:
https://ultimateendgamersleague.com/
https://www.instagram.com/uelesports/
https://www.tiktok.com/@UELesports
https://www.youtube.com/@UELesports
https://www.facebook.com/UELesports
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Whatever product or service you’re offering to the world, you want it to get noticed, to stand out from the rest. That’s what this episode is going to help you to do.
Sierra Janisse is a brand, website, and funnel designer.
In this episode, you’ll learn more than just how to do your own brand audit!
You’ll also discover,
- no-cost DIY tips for polishing your brand,
- making your website more “hospitable” to potential clients,
- leveraging your website through 5 ways to boost client conversion (that DON’T require hiring a designer),
- actionable tips for email marketing and growing your list in the “age of inbox overwhelm,”
- and clear guidance on where to start with all the above!
What You’ll Hear:
04:59 “Elementor,” a long-time favourite
06:23 Balancing full-time teaching with a growing side hustle
07:43 The decision to leave teaching
08:32 The mistake Sierra made that cost her money
08:49 Offering free services to build your portfolio is fine….to a point
09:43 How to raise your rates
10:36 The feeling of getting paid from the first client
11:05 First contract hires - accountant and lawyer
13:16 The importance of clear, thorough contracts - it avoids “scope creep”
14:38 What “holistic” branding is
15:45 How to do your own “brand audit”
18:35 Overcoming decision fatigue
19:20 5 ways to boost client conversion…that don’t require hiring a designer!!!
19:50 Your website should be making you money
20:06 What is your website goal? (yes, you need to have one!)
21:17 Have a call to action - and the best place to put it
22:04 Client/Website hospitality - how not to be annoying
23:33 When and how to use popups on your website
25:40 How and why to use the “3-step marketing method” on your website
27:15 Consider the traffic sources of your website
29:26 Breaking through email overwhelm - building your email list
30:59 What not to do in your emails
31:30 What (and how) to adjust if people are unsubscribing from your list
33:05 The value of storytelling in your emails…and guidance on how to do it
34:49 Where do I start??? It’s not on improving your weaknesses
36:30 Sierra’s best tip to inspire you to action
Takeaway
38:18 Life is happening now - not when the goal is achieved
39:06 The secret sauce of life
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect with Sierra:
https://www.sierralindesign.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sierralindesign/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sierralindesign
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Frustrated by years of not finding work that was a fit and perpetually being short of funds, Mellisa Mills took the $500 she received from selling a painting, and started her side hustle…making and selling dips!
Not being able to afford a car, she began making deliveries by bicycle and even public transit.
Through a lot of hard work, tenacity, and a passion for good food, today Mellisa’s company Spread’Em operates out of a 20,000 square foot facility, boasts revenues of over $3 million dollars, and her products are available in over 2,000 stores.
You’ll hear honest conversation about,
- what it took to grow the company,
- what she sees as fatal mistakes made by aspiring entrepreneurs,
- what keeps her up at night,
- how she plans to double revenues
You’ll learn from,
- her stories of times when things didn’t go as planned,
- her experience of dealing with the 3 tiers of grocery store ecosystems you can get into,
- why striving to get your product into the big chain stores may not always be your wisest move
Be sure to catch the end of episode takeaway for inspiration to do the tough stuff you know needs to be done for your side hustle.
What You’ll Hear:
05:08 Maybe “cardiac technician” isn’t the best career choice for an artist
06:52 The birth of a side hustle
09:26 Melissa’s new company drew on her top talents and passions
10:58 One of her paintings sells unexpectedly and funds her new dip venture
12:01 Her product started flying off the shelves
13:25 People have tried but have been unable to recreate her product
14:12 Mellisa is driven by wanting to do good, have fun, and to contribute
14:37 Spend time figuring out what you would truly, deeply, like to do
16:19 First stores were 5 in her neighbourhood
16:55 The reasons they still sell at farmer’s markets
18:40 Mellisa didn’t know how to start and grow a business, she just took it one step at a time
20:40 Commissary kitchens - how they work
23:22 A discussion of profit margins
26:10 The benefits of starting small and growing as demand grows
26:44 She made their first $1 million while still in the commissary kitchen
27:39 What has kept Mellisa up at night
30:04 How she got her Spread-Em products into Whole Foods (which is now owned by Amazon)
32:04 Fatal mistakes made by aspiring entrepreneurs
36:18 Sometimes what we deem to be a negative event, turns out to be the best thing to happen
36:30 Carrying 50lb bags on the bus to make deliveries - what are you willing to do for the success of your side hustle?
37:42 Ep: 51 Poncho’s Tacos is a great example of bootstrapping and not overspending
38:32 Mellisa had 60 stores and was still doing the deliveries herself
39:56 She felt like she had a real product once Save On Foods signed on
40:30 3 tiers in the grocery store ecosystem (independents, small chains, big grocery chains) - differences, pros, and cons
44:34 Advantages and disadvantages of having a distributor (fees 26%-33%)
47:14 Did not hire any help until year 2 or 3
48:09 Growing slow can be the best approach
50:17 Next big growth will come from the USA market
51:04 Dips are now in over 2,000 stores in Canada
53:20 Current revenues are $3 million, with a goal of $6 million in 18 months
53:56 Advice Mellisa would give herself if she could go back to the startup days
Takeaway:
56:02 What are you willing to do to ensure your success?
56:36 “If you do what is easy, life will be hard. But if you’re willing to do what is hard, life will eventually be easy.”
Connect with Mellisa:
TikTok
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Freaked out about the negative implications of AI on your side hustle?
Or to your side hustle idea? You're not alone.
As a freelance writer and copy editor, Gabrielle Gerbus had huge concerns especially once business started to drop off. But then…
She knew she needed to jump onboard and figure out HOW the proliferation of AI could work to her benefit. Then, her business grew.
Her agency now brings in over $15,000 a month in revenue. While she is paying out subcontractors, the business expenses are particularly low for this digital nomad.
I spoke to her after she had just arrived in Thailand.
In addition to hearing how she started her freelancing side hustle, scaled it, and pivoted to profit in this age of AI, you’ll also hear about some unexpected benefits of life as a digital nomad.
It sounds to me like she’s found her tribe.
For guidance on how to lead your best life…one that you deem to be wonderful and well-lived, be sure and check out the end of episode Wrap Up!
What You’ll Hear:
05:10 Job dissatisfaction led Gabrielle to start her side hustle
07:03 Discovered she doesn’t need years of corporate experience to start freelancing
07:35 Being encouraged to put up a seller page on Fiverr
08:11 In 2 months she replaced her corporate salary!
09:50 She was thankful to be told not to quit her day job without a backup plan
12:07 Being obsessed with professional and personal development fueled her success
13:54 Her offerings grew in number organically out of client requests
14:24 Gabrielle was counseled by a mentor to say “yes” to every client request, and then figure out the "how"
14:59 That led to scaling early as she had to hire talent in other disciplines
17:40 In life we have our successes and our "learning experiences"
18:54 Learning the art of delegating and managing others
20:10 Sales dropped when AI became more mainstream
22:10 Why someone using AI to write still needs an editor
23:25 Decided she had to get onboard and figure out how to use AI to her advantage
24:11 Gabrielle is part of Fiverr’s “Seller Plus Program”
26:39 She charges double when editing AI as it involves much more work than if it was written by a human
27:17 Her AI editing gig gets 250,000 impressions per month - shows the demand
27:48 Websites like https://www.zerogpt.com/ and https://originality.ai/ can detect AI generated content
29:06 She’ll take text that’s 80%-100% AI written, edit it, and bring that down to being flagged as 10%-15% AI generated
31:36 How Gabrielle uses AI
32:55 Current revenues $20,000-$30,000 per month including passive income
36:52 One challenge spending half the year in Thailand is the different time zones
37:11 The benefits of connecting with like-minded digital nomads overseas
38:49 Gabrielle’s best tips for starting and growing your side hustle
Wrap Up:
40:36 “Consider the consequences of inaction”
40:45 The “Rocking Chair Test”
41:45 Don’t play the “what if” game
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connect With Gabrielle:
https://gabriellegerbus.com/
https://incubixbranding.com/
https://www.instagram.com/incubix_branding/
https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.g.p/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
The side hustle that started with buying books for $1 and selling them at a big markup on eBay, morphed into a $5 million dollar brand on Amazon.
This happened through the skill and resilience of today’s guest, Annalisa DeMarta. While there are 2.7 million sellers on Amazon, her company Ridgeline Insights is in the top 0.0005% of Amazon sellers. If anybody understands selling on Amazon, it’s Annalisa.
Soak up her insights, tips, and hard-won wisdom.
In our interview Annalisa reveals,
- what it really takes to be a successful seller on Amazon.
- the sweet spot of how long you should give your product listing a chance
- what are the most important aspects you need to pay attention to, and
- so, so much more.
This content was too good not to share again in this rebroadcast episode.
What You’ll Hear:
03:10 Buying books for $1, selling them for $5, $10, $25…
05:48 A lightbulb moment: Shifting to a scalable and dependable model
07:39 BIG lesson learned: Minding cash flow
08:29 From just the two of them, to 25 employees
10:05 If we don’t try this, we’ll regret it
11:13 Set yourself up for success by being fiscally conservative in your spending
12:08 A shopping trip provides the seed for a winning business idea
14:00 So many things could have gone wrong - The first shipment of boots from China
15:05 Built Lone Cone to a $5 million brand
16:40 Where to start if you want to import products
19:32 “I’ve literally lost millions of dollars in this business”
20:34 Amazon aggregator picks up Lone Cone
23:30 Ridgeline Insights, an Amazon channel management company
24:47 3 Most common ways to sell on Amazon and pros & cons: arbitrage (a great way to learn Amazon), private labeling/black labeling, contract manufacturing
28:17 Incorrect assumptions people make about selling on Amazon
31:31 Just like MSI’s (multiple sources of income), diversification of assets is smart
32:18 A lowball offer - nothing lost if they say “no”
33:22 What it REALLY takes to be successful selling on Amazon
35:42 A “must do” for your top sellers each quarter
36:20 The sweet spot for long you should give a SKU a chance before you give up
40:42 Fear of failure - get over it because you will fail
41:35 Risk a little, learn a lot
42:33 From side hustle to multi-millionaire…you can too!
Key Takeaways:
42:48 Don’t play the “what-if” game
44:13 Work towards the first tier of financial success - having your base expenses covered
45:18 You’re not losing, you’re trading for a future payoff
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
How to connect with Annalisa & Ridgeline Insights:
https://www.ridgelineinsights.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalisad...
https://www.tiktok.com/@annalisademarta
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
46
About 4 years ago, Brittany Sampson was a partner in a side hustle that she, her sister, and her mom started. It was an online kids clothing business known as Sugar Dumplin’ Kids.
After buying out her two partners, she doubled-down on growing the business and grow it she did, hitting 7-figure revenues.
Brittany talks about;
- What it took to scale the business
- How she grew her fanbase from 0 to over 100,000 followers
- A smart and cost-effective way to know exactly what your customers really want
- Smart steps to take when placing an order with an overseas manufacturer to avoid costly mistakes, and
- Creative ways to move inventory when something is not selling
Psst: If you’re enjoying this podcast and finding it helpful, I wouldn't object if you'd like to "buy me a coffee."
What You’ll Hear:
03:46 Why an online clothing brand?
05:03 None of them had experience with an online business or kids clothes
06:09 You’re typically not paying yourself much in the first year
07:05 Really big mindset shift going from employee to self-employed
10:32 The why behind Brittany buying out her partners
12:07 First steps from idea, to action
13:09 A “small batch” manufacturer will work with smaller quantities
13:33 Brittany often used a “pre-order” model to presell the collection
16:03 Platforms like Pietra do the sourcing for you
16:40 If using a platform like Alibaba you must highly vet your manufacturer
17:55 Examples of manufacturer’s “bait and switch”
19:30 What to look for when vetting a manufacturer
21:51 Using creativity and honesty to sell slow-moving or not-what-was-ordered product
26:13 Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
27:20 Brittany’s annual review and planning sessions, including her “sales calendar”
29:00 A gross revenue number (7-figures) can sound impressive, but what’s the net profit?
31:41 $360,000 profit on sales of $1.7 m in sales
32:20 What drove the growth of Sugar Dumplin’ Kids
36:17 Can delegate through VA’s, Fiverr, Upwork
37:10 It is particularly tough in Year 1
38:50 The real wealth lies in people willing to start a side hustle
39:54 The decision to sell the business
42:23 Brittany’s Top Tip to help you start or grow your side hustle
Takeaway:
44:00 Maybe it’s time for you to launch or scale
44:30 “Go as far as you can see, and when you get there, you’ll see how to go further”
44:35 Check out Episode 61: Best Productivity Hack to Skyrocket Your Results
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
Connect With Brittany:
https://www.instagram.com/digitalbrittsampson/
https://www.tiktok.com/@digitalbrittsampson
https://www.brittsampson.com/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Websites mentioned in this episode:
https://www.pietrastudio.com/
https://www.alibaba.com/
https://www.fiverr.com/
https://www.upwork.com/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/61-best-productivity-hack-to-skyrocket-your-results-with-joan-posivy/
Business ramped up for today’s guest Jess Herring when an email from Twitch landed in her inbox. A new niche was opening up, and she not only recognized the opportunity, but pounced!
Today Jess earns between 7000- $12,000 per month, largely through her freelance work as a video editor. She’ll tell you how she did it and how she continues to increase sales.
It’s an inspiring story of wanting to provide for her son the opportunities that she never had growing up in extreme poverty.
Give it a listen and be inspired to “pounce” on your side hustle idea.
“There is no dream that is silly. There is no dream that is not worth chasing,” says Jess.
She’s living proof.
P.S. If you’re enjoying this podcast and finding it helpful, I wouldn't object if you'd like to "buy me a coffee."
What You’ll Hear:
02:03 The motivation for Jess to become a video editor
03:13 A suggestion from a friend prompted her to set up a Fiverr account
03:38 The email from Twitch that opened up an opportunity
06:24 Rather than beat yourself up over a perceived missed opportunity, know that there will be more in the future!
08:13 One small decision can change the entire trajectory of your life
10:33 Biggest surprise in running this business
11:30 The most memorable gig
12:47 The importance of communication with clients
14:29 Best tip for success
15:04 “There is no dream that is silly. There is no dream that is not worth chasing.”
16:58 What Jess’s schedule looks like
18:48 Jess’s motivation to keep going when the going gets tough
20:11 Her first gig ended up being a long-term client
23:53 Jess’s best tip to start or grow your side hustle
Bonus tips:
26:13 There are a lot of “dream stealers” out there. It can be fatal for your dreams
26:37 A big goal or dream you commit to is like a seed you’re planting, and it needs time to grow
27:21 When you die, you want to be “all used up.”
Joan's Online Masterclass to help you achieve your side hustle goals:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
Connect With Jess:
https://www.fiverr.com/official3seven
https://www.youtube.com/@official3seven
https://www.instagram.com/official3seven/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Want to skip the start-up phase and jump right into a business that cash flows?
Today’s Side Hustle Hero guest Matt Raad will tell us how.
With the help of mentors, he and his wife Liz became rock stars in Australia, analyzing the value of bricks and mortar businesses for potential buyers.
But then they realized the world was changing, and they could pivot and apply their knowledge and skill to online businesses.
Fast forward some years, and today they have an extensive portfolio of “website” businesses and earnings well into 7-figures.
And here’s a fun fact…having expertise or knowledge of the industry in which you’re buying the website business, is not a prerequisite.
Matt explains why.
You’ll also discover,
- how to test the waters in a relatively inexpensive way, to see if this side hustle is for you,
- what to look for when buying a website business,
- red flags to look out for,
- how to gain access to a website’s Google Analytics
- the importance of keyword research
- best niches to go after, and
- the “Fallen Angel Strategy”
What You’ll Hear:
03:07 Matt’s income is from a portfolio of investments and website businesses
05:00 First business was a small manufacturing company
06:05 Coming from a science background trained them to be curious
07:30 Rich Dad Poor Dad - a thought provoking book
07:50 Has only owned one retail business…and never again
08:19 Buying and selling businesses for high net-worth individuals and private equity firms
09:45 First website business they bought on eBay - and what they did to increase its income
12:35 “Passion” niches are Matt’s favourite - crafting, pets, golfing sites, etc
13:05 You don’t need to be an expert in the industry
14:38 Three good ways to monetize a golfing site
19:00 With “passion” sites, sometimes the seller will stay on to contribute content
19:44 How to determine if a website is a good buy
20:16 If you want to start, buy a “starter” site under $1,000
20:42 Flippa.com is a main site for beginners
22:12 This is not a “get rich quick scheme”...there is a learning curve
23:00 Look at a website’s profit and traffic. Not sales!
23:29 How to know the numbers a seller is stating is accurate
24.41 Google Analytics is the #1 tool Matt uses for due diligence and to analyze sites
25:01 The things that look “bad” to people, are often the best opportunities
26:01 How you gain access to a website’s Google Analytics
27:47 The importance of SEO in website businesses, and selling out to deep-pocket buyers
29:22 Red flags to look out for when buying a website business
31:06 A main thing to look at is keyword research
31:54 If you stick to these main big industries - health, wealth, happiness - they’ll always be around
32:25 People come online to look up answers - that’s why keyword research is important
34:36 A primary component of what you need to do for due diligence
36:55 The “Fallen Angel Strategy”
40:31 You can do this part-time and learn
41:33 Matt’s best tip to start or grow your side hustle
Pro Tip:
42:51 “The things that look bad to people, are often the best opportunities.”
Platform for buying and selling online businesses:
https://flippa.com/
Google Analytics:
https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/analytics/
Connect with Matt:
https://www.ebusinessinstitute.com.au/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
I get a lot accomplished in a day.
Some say I excel at time management. But that’s not true.
No one can “manage” time. But all of us can manage our activities. Therein lies the secret.
Today I hit “pause” on our lineup of awesome Side Hustle Heroes to jump in and share what I’ve found to be the Best Productivity Hack.
It has the potential to skyrocket your business and your life. But here’s something you might find a bit strange…most people have actually already heard of it and they admit it’s a great idea, yet they’re not doing it.
I’ll explain why, so you don’t make the same mistake.
What You’ll Hear:
00:46 “I know that!” The difference between “knowing” and “doing”
01:54 Step 1: The last task of your work day
02:23 Step 2: What you need to do with your task list
02:43 Step 3: What you need to do first
03:00 Why this hack helps when you’ve been interrupted
03:36 How it helps overcome procrastination
04:22 How our habits hold us back
04:40 You’ve programed your body to drive your vehicle
05:57 Even if you agree this is a great idea, this is why you may not follow through
06:33 To change results, we must take control over our thinking
07:10 Our external world is merely a reflection of our internal reality
07:26 Turn Your Thoughts To Things
Joan's Online Masterclass: Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things,
https://www.turnyourthoughtstothings.com
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Do you have a knack for problem-solving? Leadership?
Do you enjoy tech?
Then becoming an Integrator might be just the side hustle for you.
Today’s guest Mike Dallas-Petersen suggests you could be earning between $3,000 to $5,000 recurring monthly income in just 90 days.
Earning well into a mid-6 figure income himself doing this kind of work, Mike now also teaches the business to others.
An Integrator is someone who identifies the biggest bottlenecks in an online company’s marketing, sales and operations, then sets up automated systems, integrations and workflows to improve profits and efficiencies. Or as Mike puts it, "I glue the internet together, one software at a time."
You’ll discover things like,
-
what an Integrator actually does,
-
what skill set makes for the best integrators,
-
the premier way to find clients, and
-
the common traits of his most successful students.
It’s also an inspirational tale of persevering through multiple failures and reinventing oneself.
What You’ll Hear:
02:00 From tires, to automation and systems specialist
05:00 Mike’s first client in his role as an Integrator
07:11 Negotiates receiving profit sharing instead of a retainer (25% of net profit)
08:13 What Mike typically does for a client - case study
10:19 As an Integrator, Mike oversees all the systems
12:27 Typical level of involvement
14:29 Having a couple of big clients vs. having many smaller clients
17:46 Start with a market niche in which you have a background and knowledge
19:11 Mike’s (not so secret) secret way to find clients
21:32 Meeting people in person builds trust
22:22 How Mike prices jobs
23:09 Pitching a “maintenance” retainer
24:18 Teaching others to be Integrators grew out of a need
25:23 Income trajectory for someone new to the business
26:01 Within first 3 months, not uncommon to make $3,000 to $5,000 per month
26:14 Skill set of the best Integrators
29:17 The Great Mental Model, General Thinking Concepts
30:14 Biggest challenge people face when launching as an Integrator
32:16 Mike’s best tip
33:05 Getting “no’s” is just math - you discover that eventually you will get a yes!
Pro Tip
35:17 Do you love what you’re now doing for work and money?
Connect with Mike:
https://socialaimsolutions.com/
https://theintegratoracademy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/myke.dp
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelDallasPetersen
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
The product dispensed out of these vending machines is something we all need – water!
Today’s guest is Dan Doromal, co-founder of Everest Ice & Water.
He goes beyond the rosy TikTok narrative of the vending machine business to discuss the reality, including;
- when you can expect sales to really ramp up, and it’s not necessarily in the first year.
- what to look for when choosing a location,
- how to gain market penetration,
- who pays for what expenses,
- the cost of the vending machines,
- your capital recovery time, and
- what you need to do to get any vending machine business off to a great start.
Be sure to check out my Pro Tip at the end which you can apply to fast track your success in any new side hustle you decide to dive into.
What You’ll Hear:
05:21 The reality of running a vending machine business
05:58 Working the side hustle business with dad
07:46 The importance of location
09:30 Components of an Everest Ice & Water machine
10:50 Much improved from bags of ice sitting in a merchandiser
12:43 Ways to place a machine, the profit margins, choosing to split profits or monthly fee
14:29 Tracking sales
15:57 Sitting back and waiting for the money to roll in, isn’t a recipe for success
17:10 Is vandalism an issue?
17:46 Provide education to deal with objections from property owners
18:30 Looking at a 3–5-year lease with repeat customers in year 2
19:50 To gain market penetration as fast as possible, consider giving the product away as a promotion
21:45 Initial costs of vending machine
23:07 Check out local laws, need concrete foundation, water, drain line and possibly heat depending on the location’s climate
25:33 Capital recovery time 1 - 3 years, small towns can do really well
29:22 If the location doesn’t work out, it’s small enough you can move it to a new location
30:30 Identify your “why!”
31:20 Mistakes made by newcomers to the business
32:10 “Plug and play” doesn’t tell the whole story, there’s work to be done
33:44 “The Art of The Start” book - how you pre-plan and setup is key
35:20 Dan bases his success on the number of his repeat buyers
36:38 Dan’s best tip for success
Pro Tip
37:56 Find out who the top earners are, and interview them
39:25 Don’t just ask anyone, “What do you think?”
Connect with Dan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandoromal/
https://everesticeandwater.com/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
For the past 8 years, today’s guest has been on the inside of Fiverr seeing first hand what separates the top sellers from the rest of the pack.
This episode features Trisha Diamond, Global Senior Director of Customer Success for Fiverr.
She’s in the perfect position to give insider advice on what we need to do to break through and really excel! You'll also discover a lot of her tips and insights apply to success in any business.
In the last 12 months, the platform has served over 4 million active buyers
Trisha talks about;
- What’s trending
- Tips for both the newcomer as well as the seasoned seller
- Best practices of top earners
- What you can expect for earnings, and
- Overlooked and underutilized hacks and success tips
What You’ll Hear:
03:30 There is a lot of competition, but…
04:13 What is currently trending
05:04 Mike Burton a.k.a. Keybeaux makes his living as a rapper through Fiverr
06:39 Best practices for newcomers to the platform
08:37 The snowball analogy describes how your business grows over time
09:40 The “runway” you need to give yourself for success
10:12 The “Fiverr Forum” is an invaluable peer-to-peer resource
12:11 Add value for the end user without additional costs to you
13:57 Tips for the someone who is not experiencing the growth they want
14:37 Different services will trend at different times - what to do about it
15:50 What’s trending in the world? It’s likely trending on Fiverr too
17:25 The range of earnings
18:10 How long it takes to get to 6-figures
19:17 Overlooked tips and hacks for success
21:22 Working with freelancers who transition to full-time agency
24:11 Resources to help grow your business
24:47 Check out Youtuber Joel Young (JoelTalks) for tips in excelling at Fiverr
25:14 Be Willing To Fail in Public
Wrapup:
26:37 Keep pushing that little snowball!
27:14 Stick it out long enough to give your idea a chance
27:27 Success does leave clues
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
How can we differentiate what we do and what we offer to set ourselves apart from the crowd? You're sure to get inspiration from today's episode.
While living and working in London England with her family, Helen McArthur accepted a job in Canada. They packed up, moved, and Helen began applying her background in pensions and communications to her new role.
But...she also brought with her, her talent, skill and passion for baking!
Helen McArthur is the founder and lead baker of a farm stand known as the Crazy Cookie House.
The words “whimsical” and “quirky” come up a lot in this interview. You have never seen a structure like Helen’s Crazy Cookie House. Check out the photos for this episode 57 at sidehustlehero.com and you’ll see what I mean. Think Harry Potter sorting hat, meets Tolkien’s hobbit house.
And her cookies are just as quirky and whimsical.
When Helen started the Crazy Cookie House as a side hustle, she wanted to offer much more than a cookie. She wanted to offer an experience. The result? You’ll hear about a dragon, the mouse, and cookies eating other cookies.
What You’ll Hear:
03:22 The move to Canada
06:19 Helen knew she needed a USP - unique selling point
07:01 The inspiration for a “big cookie eating a little cookie”
07:55 What you call your offerings is so important
08:54 Describing a “farm stand”
10:29 The Honour system is working well
11:01 Nordstrom example of setting policy for the 98% of their honest customers
13:40 A difficult decision to give up the steady paycheque and benefits
14:31 It doesn’t happen without hard work and taking risks
15:48 When making a “sacrifice,” rather than look at it as giving up something, view it as a trade for something better
17:56 Media attention, a Tiktok influencer, and 300,000 views later
20:16 Exploring shipping the cookies
21:10 Creating “an experience” not just buying a cookie
21:49 Inspiration from an ice cream museum
23:23 “I love the way you dream”
25:33 Adapting the cookie recipe to Canadian tastes
27:20 Purchase of large floor stand mixer has doubled production capability
28:20 Closed for one week to go run a marathon in the UK
30:13 Helen’s husband looks after social media and marketing and kids help too
30:57 Giving the recipe to an employee for the first time
31:26 Describing the building that is the Crazy Cookie House
33:30 The dragon known as “Doug H.”
36:26 Engaging her fans: What should we call the mouse?
36:47 Biggest challenges were finding time to launch the side hustle, and choosing what direction to go
39:00 What’s next for the Crazy Cookie House
39:11 Franchising?
40:08 Helen’s top tip to start your side hustle
One more tip:
41:42 Look for ideas when out in your neighbourhood and especially when traveling
Connect with Helen:
https://morello.ca/crazycookie/
https://www.instagram.com/crazycookiehouse/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Want tips to help people easily remember your product or service?
James I Bond is going to tell us how to trigger the right side, emotional side of the brain to boost the performance of our ads, emails, social media posts, and one-on-one presentations….with the ultimate goal of achieving blockbuster sales.
James is one of America’s leading behavioral management and business marketing specialists who over the past 30 years has worked with a who’s who of American business, including Warren Buffet and Costco founder Sol Price.
Drawing from his book Brain Glue, James teaches us the steps to “light the fire of desire in your buyer,” with lots of real world examples where these techniques have been used to jaw-dropping success.
What You’ll Hear:
03:10 The idea for the book, “Brain Glue”
05:04 90% of all decision-making happens when you trigger the right side of the brain
05:44 Starting a “passion box” to deposit quotes, etc. that had an emotional impact
07:50 The backstory of John Gray changing his book title to Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus
09:55 Starting to analyze “why” the content in the passion box was so effective
10:20 Uncovering why names like “Shark Tank” and “Rocky Road” ice cream are memorable
11:29 Brain Glue tools: Metaphors, analogies, alliteration, humour
12:05 Why the name “Squatty Potty” has been effective
13:29 The “Lawnmower” example of humour in a name
14:41 The impact of changing the company name to, “Big Ass Fans”
16:20 How James came to change the name of his book to Brain Glue
18:23 Tips for left-brain, analytical type people to come up with these creative names and pitches
24:04 Because humour triggers oxytocin to be released in the bloodstream, it’s a Brain Glue tool
24:43 Another tool is “chiasmus”
25:29 The downturn of Wonder Bread
27:31 The “Got Milk?” campaign and the reason it didn’t increase milk sales
29:00 The origins of the hotel chain name, “Holiday Inn”
29:54 James discovers the page, “Mommy Needs Vodka” and why he became a fan
32:25 James’s #1 tip
Takeaway:
33:30 To rethink your product names, taglines, or to come up with a new company name, here’s a recap of his steps to apply Brain Glue
33:43 Start by filling in the blank, “It’s just like…”
34:02 Write out a logical title or description
34:10 Come up with words that rhyme (and alliteration)
34:28 Apply humour
34:40 Why you want to brainstorm with others
Connect with James:
braingluebook.com
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/about/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
It started as a simple question from her inquisitive child. Is there wine in wine gums?
Why not?
That night, a side hustle was born.
Pushed by the relentless enthusiasm from her kids, Teena Gudjonson got to work in her kitchen to, well, put the wine into wine gums.
Today, her Cellar Candy website features not only “wine” gummies, but liquor-based creations like Lime Margarita and Piña Colada.
Check out this episode to discover;
- How and why she closes the business for 2 months in the summer each year
- Why you shouldn’t let lack of business experience stop you
- How she scrambled to find a commercial kitchen, after receiving a sudden 100 + orders to fill
- Helpful insights about dealing with supply issues, figuring out wholesale pricing, and juggling increased costs.
- Creating a “Life By Design” that fits you
- Inspiration in her story to start or grow your side hustle
What You’ll Hear:
03:12 The birth of a side hustle idea
06:07 Trying to figure out how to actually make gummies
07:19 The alcohol kept breaking down the gelatin
07:49 Debuting at a large wine festival, they were a hit!
08:37 Going into retail sales forced a move (a scramble actually) to find a commercial kitchen
11:43 Expanded into “liquor” gummies and private label products
12:08 Buying in bulk not only vital for pricing, it helps when dealing with supply disruptions
13:02 The decision to build a commercial kitchen on her home property
14:17 Coming up with new flavours
16:57 Determining the price point of product can be tricky - gelatin Teena used to buy at $500 for 25 kg, has been as high as $1,200
18:33 Teena will only discounts max 25% to retailers, otherwise it’s not worth it
22:53 About 95% of product is sold wholesale to retailers
23:46 TikTok post resulted in an overnight surge of online orders
26:37 Why Teena’s not focused on scaling up at this time
28:16 Pitching at Dragon’s Den and getting a deal
34:13 “When I stop limiting myself, I think then that the possibilities are endless”
36:23 Only go to someone for advice who has already done what you want to achieve
37:15 Now has 1 full-time employee and several part-time
38:38 Keeps quality control products – some now 7-years old
40:49 She still tests every batch before it gets molded for quality control
41:42 To reduce labeling costs to something reasonable (from $3 to $0.15 per) required a $10,000 print run
45:10 Has now sold over ½ million dollars worth of gummies
45:40 From having the capacity to make only 40 packages a day, to 500 per day
49:31 Competitors are now copying her flavours, but they don’t compare to Teena’s real, quality, ingredients
50:50 Cellar Candy artisan gummies are a world apart from the big box bulk versions
52:54 What ‘gelatin’ actual is
54:13 You can create a “Life By Design”
54:51 Be sure it’s what you want
55:05 Challenge your negative beliefs about yourself and your potential
55:38 You have a unique combination of talent and skills, interests and experiences that no one else has
Connect with Teena:
https://www.cellarcandy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cellar_candy/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Interested in free publicity? Increased visibility? Building more credibility?
Today’s guest can help! Afterall, he holds the Guinness World Record in a publicity / public relations category.
In this episode with media expert Jess Todtfeld, you’ll discover,
- How to write an email pitch letter to media that gets opened and read
- How to leverage being interviewed on TV, radio, and print, to increase sales
- How it can boost your credibility and visibility
- The best way to prepare for an interview
- How to respond when you don’t know the answer
- How and why to send the host questions you want to be asked
- Getting booked: DIY, PR agency, and Jess’s hybrid model
- Tips to improve your message and delivery
Jess Todtfeld has extensive experience as a TV producer for NBC, ABC, and FOX, having booked and produced over 5,000 segments, and is a leading communication and media training authority.
When I was in New York City lining up interviews prior to the release of my book, The Way Success Works, Jess was one of the people I turned to for guidance and training to become media savvy.
Use his ideas, tips, and hacks to improve your messaging anytime you’re communicating about your side hustle.
What You’ll Hear:
03:22 Jess holds the Guinness Record for being interviewed the most times in 24-hours
06:12 Remember to include calls to action in your answers, including micro ones
06:56 Get recordings of your interviews to share them with your audience to further your credibility
07:59 6 million viewers doesn’t equal 6 million engaged, so take the clip and apply your own marketing
08:33 Why you want to put the effort into getting media interviews
09:04 How the sales decision-making process has changed
10:39 Going rate in USA for a publicist is about $3,000 to $5,000 per month with a multi-month commitment
11:20 Consider how much you have to sell to pay for a publicist
11:45 DIY options include buying media lists - work the list and follow through
14:45 Jess’s hybrid PR agency, Media Ambassadors
15:50 Want interviews? You have to ask!
16:00 Tips for an email pitch that gets read
16:31 Why you want to have something that indicates if your sent emails are being opened
21:09 When sending a pitch email, use Jess’s "above the line and below the line” strategy to increase open rate and promote engagement
22:26 Anytime you make a mistake in public, it’s an opportunity to shine
24:26 Examples of what’s “below the line”
28:16 You’ve landed the interview…now what??
28:30 There are 3 groups that have needs: the audience, the outlet, and you!
30:35 When interviewed, give great content, and plant seeds for learning more
31:33 Strategies for how to handle any question that’s asked of you
33:28 How to respond when you don’t know the answer
34:20 Tips on getting to the host, the questions you want to be asked in an interview
36:00 What works for a long-form podcast doesn’t work in a 2-3 TV or radio segment
37:30 Find out the length of the interview so you can strategize and prep accordingly
39:00 If asked something you don’t know, admit it, then say, “Something I do know is…”
41:36 How to control and guide the interview
43:12 How to prepare in less time with better results
43:15 Don’t “fake it until you make it,” instead, “act it and become it”
44:25 After an interview or event, ask yourself, “what did I like” and “next time, what can I do better?”
45:35 If you’re buying lists, set aside time to really work them
Connect With Jess:
https://www.successinmedia.com
https://www.bookjess.com
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
This is the episode to tune into for inspiration and motivation to start or to scale your side hustle.
Here we’ve curated the Top 10 side hustle life lessons from our heroes of year 1.
They’re really a diverse group of characters including a rapper, a beekeeper, voice actor, quick books pro advisor, a gnome maker, a cookbook author, a travel writer, and more.
What they have in common with each other and with you, is that they have all travelled along the side hustle path.
Enjoy!
Thanks so much for being part of our Side Hustle Hero community.
Here’s to Year 2!
What You’ll Hear:
01:02 Joel Young, Ep 1: Be Willing To Fail In Public
02:22 Actions produce a result. It’ll be a success or “learning experience”
03:05 Remember, every pro had their first attempt too
03:40 My performance was so bad, I couldn’t watch the whole thing
04:00 Janis Doherty: Ep 2: How To Make The Right Decision For You
05:15 We make the best decisions with the info and awareness at the time
06:06 Missed an opportunity? There will be more
06:13 Nicole Buergers, Ep 9: Inspiring Beekeepers Hard Won Wisdom
07:35 What did you trade your 1,440 minutes for today?
08:07 Endured 50 bee stings to the face…and she kept going
08:35 Experiencing imposter syndrome? You’re in good company - Sherry Lansing, Sheryl Sandberg, Lady Gaga
09:36 Shelley Adams, Ep 12: Cooking Up 6 Bestsellers
10:45 Googling, “how to bottle sauces”
11:00 A powerful question: “Can you help me get started?”
11:30 2 questions to ask when you sit down with your expert
12:00 The real “win” of attaining your goals
13:08 Tenille Landry, Ep 18: Painting For Profit
14:22 There’a a difference between “wishing” and “deciding”
15:15 The importance of the people you are surrounded by
16:24 Ruksana Hussain, Ep 20: Make Connections, Make Money
18:22 Giving vs Trading
19:08 When getting advice, be sure the person is achieving the results you want
19:48 When someone says no to you, say to yourself, “NEXT!”
20:26 Sam Hallburn, Ep 36: Earning 6-Figures As A QuickBooks ProAdvisor
21:42 Be cautious of who you ask for advice
23:30 Is there someone in your life telling you how to live your life?
24:10 Mike Burton, aka Keybeaux, Ep 42: Making It As A Rapper
24:50 Your people are out there!
26:30 Gary Jones, Ep 49: Lessons From The World Of Improv
27:09 “Be a problem solver, not a problem creator.”
27:50 Gina Scarpa, Ep 35: How To Succeed In Voiceover
28:35 How to reframe rejection
29:03 Avoid being pushy…you need to put in the time
29:45 Stop being afraid! Take the leap of faith
30:20 There’s nothing stopping you, but you
31:35 Having someone in your life who sees more in you than you see in yourself is huge
31:40 Hearing, “You can do this!” can be life-changing
33:43 Here’s your weekly reminder of, “You can do this…you so got this!”
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
We’re celebrating Year 1!
This episode brings you the best of the best side hustles we highlighted in the last 12 months.
They are in no particular order, because they each made the list for different reasons.
Some are online, some need you to be out and about in the world, most are year-round. Some are seasonal, but all of them can be lucrative side hustles.
What’s your favourite? Shoot me a message and let me know!
Thank you so much or being part of this journey. It’s truly deeply appreciated.
What You’ll Hear:
01:00 #1 - Litter clean up of parking lots and commercial and industrial properties
01:27 Episode 21, This Business is Cleaning Up, with Brian Winch
02:05 Use $30 - $50 an hour to number crunch projections
02:13 Why his clients are such fans
02:44 #2 - Making Money in the Sharing Economy, with J. Massey
03:50 You can establish a STR business without owning a property
04:20 J looks at his properties as a “distribution service” to maximize revenue
04:44 In Part 2 we discuss push back from cities and municipalities
05:40 “Day use” rental opportunities
06:18 #3 - Being A Paid Sports Superfan!
07:40 What’s involved, what game day looks like, other offshoot income possibilities
07:55 #4 The Business of Being Santa, episode 29 - greater diversity in Santa’s is providing opportunities for more people
08:57 Some of her friends make upwards of $40,000 playing the role
09:12 hiresanta.com
09:35 #5 is Serving up a Sizzling, Seasonal, Success with Poncho’s Tacos episode 51
10:30 A seasonal market is an effective way to test your product, pricing, gain valuable feedback
11:36 “Pop up” stands, another smart way to test
12:10 Press releases and pitching their story landed some invaluable TV and other media coverage
12:31 #6 - Building A Review Website Business, with Chuck Temple, featuring the Electric Scooter Guide
13:21 Connect with a product or service you love and become the leading source for honest info about that industry
13:53 Look for a new industry or one with higher-value products
14:17 - #7 Excelling on Etsy, with Rachel Jimenez
14:25 You don’t have to be perfect, just get it out there
15:06 After 9 months, she made $160,000 that year
15:24 This episode also stands out for her strategy for retiring early, her “there’s always a solution” mindset , and the “5-minute strategy” as a path to higher productivity
15:56 #8 Scaling For Fun and Profit, with Sandra Booker episode 27
16:27 Seeing a client she helped go from earning $50/hour to $1 million a year, motivated Sandra to scale too
17:22 From $25, to $45 to $50/hr for VA services, then shifted to virtual business manager
17:51 In the episode Sandra shares her best delegation secrets, tips on when to make your first hire, and why you want to treat your client’s business like your own
18:26 When you’re training a remote worker, screen-share and record what you’re doing so the person has something to reference again and again as needed
18:45 - #9 What It Takes To Be A Successful Seller On Amazon, with Annalisa DeMarta, episode 14
18:52 Buying books for $1 and reselling at a big markup on eBay, morphed into a $5 million brand on Amazon
19:41 Of the 2.7 million sellers on Amazon, her company is in the 0.0005% of sellers
20:02 In the episode she shares what it takes to be successful on the platform
20:10 Annalisa suggests selling via “arbitrage” as a great way to learn Amazon,
20:28 Private labelling or black labelling, and contract manufacturing are options, and she talks about the pros and cons of each
20:55 3 featured takeaways are - why and when to jump into a new venture, how to improve your cash flow situation, and how to reframe the feeling of depriving yourself when you’re making those smarter choices
21:23 #10 - Reality Check: The Truth Behind E-commerce Success, with Melissa Ng
21:31 By day, she’s an accountant
21:38 After Melissa found success in e-commerce, she co-founded Launchers Acadamy to help others be success in this space
22:01 What "shiny object syndrome" is and why you need to avoid it
22:40 Consistency and persistence is the “secret sauce” of being successful in ecommerce
23:11 Travis King from episode 46 Cash Flow And Capital From Land Flipping, describes how he suffered from shiny object syndrome
23:46 What commitment will you give to your side hustle?
24:12 Without a commitment, at the first sign of problems, it’s too easy to doubt and then bail
24:35 Stick with it…and stick with me. I’ll be here for year 2!
Podcast Website:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Sell out within the first couple of hours on opening day.
Ramp up inventory.
Sell out again.
That’s been the trajectory for Poncho’s Tacos during their first weeks in business.
They have a Birria taco stand at a night market that is only open during the evening on weekends. It’s also only seasonal, running for just over 5 months each year. Expected attendance at this year’s market is more than one million visitors.
The main draw is the over 110 food booths and food trucks offering more than 600 different foods items. That’s a lot of competition that the new kids on the block, Poncho’s Tacos, are up against.
This group of 5, 18-year-olds have done so many things right it’s a case study in how to successfully launch a venture, including;
- how they tested their product and pricing prior to the market,
- the two key decisions they made and acted on that enabled them to stand out from the crowd,
- what they did to gain free media exposure, and more.
Whether you’re thinking of setting up a seasonal booth somewhere or you’re interested in an entirely different hustle, be prepared to capture ideas that pop into mind when hearing their story, to grow your venture.
Be sure to check out the 5 Success Takeaways I share at the end, which includes an action that is very simple, but one that will have a major impact on the progress you make from today on with your side hustle.
What You’ll Hear:
02:34 Meet Matthew Berda, Mikito May, and Kenito Garrido (partners also include, Danny Alvarez and Henry)
04:45 Offseason time will largely focus on streamlining and scaling for next year
05:35 $20,000 - $30,000 to launch the business
06:35 They were very careful about their spending, what they bought, and sought out good used equipment
08:10 How and why they decided on tacos
09:36 Mikito knew they had to get word out so he contacted major local media
10:20 Determining price point of menu items
11:36 Every day they check their sales and expenses so they know exactly where their finances are at
12:13 The volume they are doing each day was their biggest surprise
13:09 What their typical week looks like
14:14 Despite increasing inventory, there are weekends they still sell out
15:10 Leveraging their age and marketing
16:17 Their signature menu item - The Anaconda – a 2 1/2 foot taco
17:45 A $20 tip is a nice confirmation
19:50 Find people you really want to work with and that you have chemistry
20:10 Don’t overthink it, just try it
20:38 Find a mentor in your field of interest
20:50 Have an end goal - here’s why
Takeaways
21:40 Set a deadline. If you commit, your whole mindset will change
23:03 Seek out an accountability partner
23:16 Want more guidance on setting things up with your accountability partner? Reach out for a pdf from Joan
24:05 Know your audience and give them what they want
24:27 Get word out - don’t be a best keep secret
25:42 The value of small tests
26:00 Have your end goal in mind. Do you have one? If not, get one. Use it as a guiding light for decision-making
Connect with Poncho's Tacos:
https://www.instagram.com/ponchos.tacos/
https://www.ponchostacos.ca/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ponchos.tacos
ponchostacosyvr at gmail dot com
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/guests/intake/
Is it still possible to make money buying and selling domain names?
For answers I turned to James Iles, who started flipping domains when he was a teenager. Later, he became a blogger in the community. Since last December, James has taken on the role of Global Domain Investing Community Manager for GoDaddy.
In this episode, James shares insights on;
- the critical step you need to take prior to putting any money down to buy domains as an investment,
- how to determine if a particular one is a good choice,
- what it might be worth,
- as well as costs involved,
- what you can expect to earn working at it a couple of hours a day, and
- a fun fact about the .ai extension.
What you’ll hear:
01:45 What a Domain Investment Community Manager does
03:05 James started domain investing as a side hustle
03:29 Can you make money at it today?
04:35 Start with a good education in domain investing, for example GoDaddy’s Domain Academy
05:30 How do you tell if a domain name is a good investment?
07:22 NameBio offers a great database of domain sales that gets updated every day (upwards of $2.3 billion in sales in the database)
08:14 GoDaddy’s tool that uses its back data is called GoValue
10:27 The biggest mistake domain investors make
11:23 One of James’s biggest investing mistakes
12:05 Some of the metrics to look for
12:57 Fees for buying and selling
13:50 Afternic is GoDaddy’s aftermarket sales portal
14:32 James discusses what he sees for side hustle revenue potential
16:43 The .ai extension
18:05 Consider off-line learning resources like in-person conferences, ie NamesCon
20:08 James’s regret in selling staycool dot com
22:03 Low barrier to entry
22:32 Reach out to James through email or Twitter
23:06 His best tip
24:42 Put in the time to learn about the industry - take James up on his offer!
25:13 Before buying what you think is an extremely valuable domain…check the spelling!!!
Connect with James:
Email, jiles at godaddy dot com
https://twitter.com/jamesiles
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
I think you’ll appreciate the authenticity, honesty, and humour of today’s guest, Gary Jones.
Having left his day job behind, Gary's career has been a rollercoaster ride of gigs and hustles, where nothing is guaranteed.
He is a legendary improv performer, a seasoned actor, and prolific comedy writer.
In this timely episode, Gary shares a powerful message of trusting and having faith in yourself, especially when things seem uncertain.
It’s a fun episode. Afterall he is a skilled storyteller.
His narratives, derived from his life as an actor, hold valuable lessons that apply to any side hustle you're pursuing.
Be sure to catch his hilarious recounting of performing at the home of Bill & Melinda Gates on New Year's Eve.
What You’ll Hear:
03:50 The voice – you need to do this or you’ll regret it
08:01 Discovering that improv is writing on your feet
09:29 Joining Second City Touring Company
11:40 Once on the road Gary found his tribe
12:28 Quit his 9-5 to immerse himself “in a world of uncertainty”
13:46 The foundation of improv is “yes, and”
15:42 Gary doesn’t know what he’ll make one month to the next
21:08 Ryan Stiles opens the door to Vancouver Theatresports and Punchline
23:30 Chatting over dinner turned into brainstorming ideas for a play
24:00 You’ve got to be able to spot opportunities then ACT
27:33 Entered the Vancouver Fringe festival with their play, “World’s Greatest Guy”
32:36 Final show played to a packed house
34:40 Won the Jessie Richardson Theatre Award that year for best play
36:02 You’ve got to be like a hunter with a bow and arrow on the lookout for your next gig
41:05 How you value yourself is going to be reflected in what you earn and how you’re treated
43:35 The original voice of Siri recommends improv classes and there are many transferable skills that’ll help you in whatever industry you’re in
46:01 Richard Side and the start of writing for The Debaters
51:23 Gary’s advice to his film students “Don’t be a dick.” Be generous and be a problem-solver
53:14 The humour and craziness of performing at the home of Bill & Melinda Gates on New Year’s Eve
59:00 Gary’s best tip
1:00:34 If you feel inspired to take action, then take action
Connect with Gary:
https://twitter.com/thegaryjones
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
When you’re working in a family business and you want more money but there isn’t more to go around, what do you do? You start a side hustle of course!
That’s what pushed today’s guests Jennifer Cornelius and David Swojanovski to launch Rubble Road Soapstone Carving Kits.
They’ve gone from selling 30 of these soapstone pieces a month, to selling thousands per month. Where once the saw that cuts the silhouette pieces ran just 4 hours a week, now it needs to run at least 12 hours a day.
Is developing a business teaching students and adults soapstone carving using these kits something you’d be interested in doing as a side hustle? Then you’ll want to reach out to Jennifer and David.
But first, for inspiration in whatever your current or future side hustle might be, check out today's episode.
What You’ll Hear:
05:20 Want more money? You’ll need to figure out a side hustle.
06:20 Being encouraged to teach carving in the schools
07:08 What the lesson looks like
08:50 Expanded from 6 shapes to offering 26 shapes in 3 different sizes
09:15 The overwhelming response at trade shows made them realize they were on to something
11:31 Statue of David: How did Michelangelo know he was in there?
13:20 Why all their stone comes from Brazil
14:38 Listening to customers has shapes their product line
15:48 Teacher’s conventions gave Rubble Road great exposure
16:20 Piggybacking her sister’s tradeshow proved lucrative for them, but not so much for her sister!
17:25 Go to where your ideal client is
17:50 40% of revenues come from other companies using their kits to teach in schools
18:53 Profit margins on kits
20:10 Potluck carving nights!
21:21 Teaching carving remotely
22:20 Remote teaching has given remote schools access to this program
26:02 Another income source: the “traveling jewelry classroom”
27:40 The biggest challenge in growing Rubble Road
30:13 Next steps for the business
32:38 Jennifer & David’s best tip
35:06 The value asking questions
35:10 Being open to learning something from everyone you meet
Connect with Jennifer & David:
https://www.rubble-road.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@rubbleroadsoapstone
https://www.instagram.com/rubbleroadsoapstone/
https://www.facebook.com/rubbleroadsoapstone
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Check out Joan's #1 success course!
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
The Way Success Works Book
http://thewaysuccessworks.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Meet Susan Bennett, the original voice of Siri.
She’s moved from one gig to the next her entire working life.
With the explosion these days of all things AI, her story is timely.
It’s a cautionary tale of knowing what you’re signing and what that could mean for you in the future. Her story also serves as a valuable lesson for saying “yes”, when presented with new opportunities.
Susan also talks about the process of recording the voice of Siri, what that journey’s been like, and her outlook on the proliferation of AI.
What You’ll Hear:
03:30 Right place, right time…and saying yes!
05:45 Susan’s favourite voice
07:50 How she came to be Siri
08:50 How Apple acquired her voice
09:25 The launch of a new career
10:15 How Susan discovered she was the voice of Siri
11:15 “Flip it to your advantage”
11:44 Recording Siri
13:46 Reading street addresses
14:15 At the time, Susan had no knowledge of what her recordings would be used for
15:03 Most fun things of being Siri
15:41 Meeting Steve Wozniak was the spark for her speaking career
17:15 The original Siri had “attitude”
17:49 The possible downside of being Siri
19:35 Horrified at the discovery that Siri was her voice
20:02 Impacts of AI
24:35 The “niceties” are the lubricants of life
26:24 Susan’s best tip
28:40 “Be positive and embrace the change”
29:02 Remember you have a choice
29:19 The one thing we all have control over: our attitude
Listen online at:
https://www.sidehustlehero.com/
Connect with Susan:
https://susancbennett.com/
https://www.instagram.com/siriouslysusan/
https://twitter.com/SiriouslySusan
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
After just 2 years, Travis King built up enough of a monthly passive income stream from his land flipping side hustle to quit his 9-5, and has since built it up to a 7-figure business.
In this episode, you’ll discover,
- How to generate cash flow from land deals,
- Costly mistakes made by newcomers to the industry, and what to do to avoid them,
- Why Travis prefers buying land over purchasing homes,
- Alternatives to bank financing,
- Tips and tricks for the newcomer to land flipping, and
- Ways to scale your business if you’re already a seasoned land investor.
If land flipping piques your interest, be sure to check out the sweet offer Travis is making available to you, as a side hustle hero listener.
What You’ll Hear:
03:52 Trying multiple side hustles
05:29 Giving any of them true focus likely would have worked
08:58 Do you really need to do more research, or is it procrastination?
09:30 First land deal was a purchase at a local tax auction, and resold on eBay
13:37 After 5 years, starting coaching people
13:54 You don’t have to live in the USA to purchase land
16:27 Toughest time is when you’re still working full-time at your regular job and you’ve built up your side hustle to the point it’s a second full-time job
16:45 Started taking back mortgages to build up monthly income
18:05 That opened up the buyer pool
18:35 Life became so much easier once Travis quit his day job
19:48 Started being proactive using direct mail to seek out sellers
24:00 Analyzing tax rolls
25:12 Some of the indicators Travis looks for on the tax rolls/lists
26:54 Maybe 1% responds to mailings, then a lesser % says ‘yes I’ll sell’ for 50%-70% below market value
27:35 He captures equity when he buys
30:08 A lot of these lists are available at the county level for free
33:27 Solving the lack of capital issue for others
35:20 Asking for too low of a downpayment resulted in more defaults
35:47 Now Travis asks for 30% - 50% down
36:54 How his rates compare to the banks
37:37 Has since starting using a 3rd party note servicer or a title company to service the account
40:15 Selling for cash brings in capital, the selling on payments brings in cash flow
41:04 Things you need to check out when you’re searching for a property to buy
43:09 Most common errors newcomers to land flipping make
45:32 Most memorable land deal
50:45 www.thelandflippingchallenge.com, Travis’s free 7-day course
51:29 SIDEHUSTLEHERO - coupon code for 20% of paid course
52:44 Travis’s best tip to take action
Takeaway
55:43 Be aware of the difference between knowing and doing
55:55 “Ya, I know that.” - Don’t get caught in that trap
Connect with Travis:
www.travisking.com
www.thelandflippingchallenge.com
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
This episode with trademark attorney Derrick Morgan is unique.
Instead of the traditional, conventional life of an attorney clocking in a ton of hours in an office or cubicle, Derrick works while traveling around the world.
Use the first part of the interview to challenge your perception of what a traditional job needs to look like. If travel and working from remote locations around the world is more your style but you feel unable to do so in your line of work, let this episode be an inspiration and idea generator for you.
Then in the second part of the conversation Derrick tells us about;
- getting a trademark for our company name, our brand,
- what, when, and why, you need to trademark and,
- the upfront costs and renewals you’ll face.
In the end of episode takeaway, I share some thoughts with you to help answer, “What does your ideal lifestyle look like?”
What You’ll Hear:
03:35 What Derrick is doing is rare in the industry, but he’s showing it is possible
05:05 Setting an example for up and coming professionals
07:15 Ability to lean on mentors is really helpful
07:35 Derrick has earned over $300,000 in under 3 years on Fiverr
08:01 Amasing over 700 reviews, virtually all 5-star
08:13 Under promise and over deliver
11:20 To start, look at the what the top sellers are doing and charge a bit less
11:51 Keep tweaking and improving your page
12:51 When to trademark
14:10 What to trademark
14:40 Where to start if you want to get a trademark
16:15 The costs involved
17:14 When you live outside of the US, but want a US trademark
18:20 How do you know how many countries to register in?
20:12 Renewal times and fees
21:30 The most common mistake made when doing the search yourself
24:19 Best tip to take action
Takeaway:
25:48 What does your ideal lifestyle look like?
26:50 Discovering one of my unconscious beliefs
28:10 Write out what your ideal lifestyle looks like and then begin to brainstorm the “how”
Connect with Derrick:
https://www.fiverr.com/dmorganlaw
https://www.morganbusinesssolutions.com/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with Chuck Temple, founder of multiple 7-figure businesses.
In this episode, we focus on his Electric Scooter Guide company.
I love the business model. Connect with a product or service that you’re passionate about. Then become the industry source that the community trusts, for real, and honest, reviews. There’s no inventory to carry, and your cash flow at least at the beginning, comes from commissions from affiliate links.
Chuck will share that story, as well as give you pointers of a couple of things to look for if you’re curious about starting a review website.
He’ll also reveal the main indicator you need to look for, that’ll be a sign of when you need to stop planning and start executing your plan, for whatever your side hustle or expansion plan might be.
What You’ll Hear:
02:16 The inspiration for a new business
04:15 Chuck turned to the community for his first product idea
05:10 Be the trusted person for sorting through the “way too much information” out there
07:30 Curate discount codes and coupons
08:52 If starting a review website, look for a new industry or higher value products
09:55 Committing to doing a “west coast scooter road trip” attracted his first sponsors
10:58 Getting feedback from the community provided some golden ideas!
11:50 Biggest expense for the scooter guide
12:40 Reviews that are overly positive are not as trusted as one’s that also point out the negatives
13:50 How you know when to stop planning and start executing
14:45 The learning comes from succeeding and failing - you’ll learn so much
16:13 “Smack you in the face therapy”
18:01 Anything that’s not good in a company, you can trace back to the owner
20:37 Start Up To Sold
23:04 Chuck’s best tip for taking action
Takeaway
24:13 Acting before you have the “perfect” plan
24:55 Go as far as you can see, when you get there, you’ll see how to go further
Connect with Chuck:
https://www.startuptosold.com
https://www.chucktemple.com
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Today’s guest Chuck Temple takes us through his journey from always broke college student to starting a business while living on a couch, and growing it into one of the largest media transfer companies.
By the time he sold, they had 4 stores in 2 states with 27 full-time employees. Not bad for a guy who didn’t have a clue about starting, growing, and running a business.
He’ll share his methodology for unlocking what he describes as he one key advantage that was responsible for his company’s growth, and it’s one that any of us can apply.
You’ll want to take notes when he shares a cheap way to do massive market research and testing, and the challenges of exponential growth.
What You’ll Hear:
02:00 Broke, struggling, and juggling side gigs with going to college
05:15 The first order was a couple of thousand slides
06:10 Living on a futon - the beginnings of DVD Your Memories
10:02 Drumming up businesses at coffee shops and farmers markets
11:20 List of services offered expanded based on what customers asked for
12:30 Deciding on the company name
13:24 Using google ads to split test company names
15:40 Initial goal was to make as much as money as his parents
17:00 Getting inspiration from Think & Grow Rich
17:40 How to get to the people who need his product?
18:38 Split testing ads for best USP
20:27 Find the #1 thing important to the customer and promoting that
21:54 San Diego fires also drove growth
22:43 Having “ridiculously too much business” is worse than having no business - here’s why
24:20 Chuck realized he needed to work “on” the business rather than just “in” the business
25:29 Going on vacation for 2 weeks provided valuable insight
25:15 The decision to open the second location
26:23 Reflecting on the stages of growth from side hustle to multiple locations
27:17 Why Chuck decided to sell
30:28 You’ve got stop planning, and start executing
30:46 In part 2: the main indicator that’ll tell you it’s time to take action, and we’ll focus on his company “Electric Scooter Guide” that became the industry leader in 1 year
Connect with Chuck:
https://www.startuptosold.com
https://www.chucktemple.com
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
I thought today’s episode was going to be about making it as a songwriter and rapper.
It is.
But…
Mike Burton does talk about what has made the difference for him, why he is successful, and his tips for anyone wanting to make a living as a rapper. But the life lessons sprinkled throughout our conversation, and the tips and advice Mike shares can be applied to any industry you’re involved in.
Since starting to offer his services on Fiverr he has made half a million dollars through the platform, he currently earns over $80,000 a year, and the demand for his services continues to grow.
His drive to continually improve and his work ethic, are inspiring and contagious!
If you could benefit from doubling down on your persistence, be sure to check out the end of episode takeaway!
What You’ll Hear:
02:20 Mike’s had over 20 jobs, but always doing music
04:20 You can’t be an artist on Fiverr! Or can you?
05:50 Inspired by Prince to write a song a day
06:27 That first Monday after not having “a job”
08:30 First client request: Make a song about how it’s okay to listen to Eminem
09:46 Moving from your comfort to your panic zone - that’s called growth
12:05 Bought his first home and paid for his wedding from Fiverr earnings
13:00 Why Mike is successful on the platform…it’s more than talent
13:35 Treat your side hustle as you would a full time job
14:47 Committed to trying everything to make sure he can keep doing this
15:50 Find out who you are and go at it 100%
16:02 Feeling the love from Norway
18:15 How Mike prices his gigs
19:12 “Every order is helping me live my life.”
19:50 Mike’s songwriting process
22:25 Dealing with writer’s block
23:15 Lessons from Quincy Jones
24:42 What it takes to make it as a rap artist
26:28 Origins of “Keybeaux”
27:29 Lyrics in Too Much - “…until I turn the vision to the physical”
29:21 What do you love to do so much that you’d do it for free or even pay to do it?
30:23 Lyrics in On Point - “...the limit is the sky, open my third eye.”
33:28 Branching out into teaching others how to rap
34:50 Be yourself!
36:10 Get experience and content from offering your course at a local community college
37:14 The hardest part is believing you can do it, and ignoring the naysayers
38:54 Mike’s best advice for taking action
Takeaway
39:55 Mike, Gina Scarpa, and Milt Campbell examples of persistence
How to Connect with Mike:
https://www.instagram.com/keybeaux/
https://www.youtube.com/@keybeaux
https://www.fiverr.com/share/LlE1Bj
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
What started out for Luke Herbert as a fun project to create a unique portrait of his dog, quickly evolved to a side hustle as people saw what he had created.
Handling 12,000 sales over the past 3 years has been a tremendous amount of work as Luke continues to juggle the demands of growing his business, Unique Pet Portraits, with his full-time work at a print shop.
So if it’s the early days of your side hustle and you’re putting in a lot of hours…you’re not alone.
In today’s episode you’ll hear how Luke now has a full-time employee handling the orders, challenges he’s had along the way, how he’s grown Unique Pet Prints from startup, to an annual profit of 80,000 pounds, and how he’s now expanding.
What You’ll Hear:
03:10 The unintentional start of a business
03:41 A sale the first night (and why)
06:30 Bringing on a full-time employee
07:51 Juggling a full-time job with growing the business
10:06 Over 12,000 sales in 3 years, worldwide
13:00 Why and when Luke introduced a website in addition to the Etsy shop
14:55 Expanding the product line, then scaling back
17:17 Biggest challenge of juggling full time work with the side hustle
18:15 Having a business plan can show you how/when you can bring in help
19:30 Set an intention of where you want the business to be
20:02 Launching Contaps
22:10 Luke’s best tip for taking action
22:54 Don’t play the “what if” game
Connect with Luke:
https://uniquepetprints.com/
https://www.instagram.com/uniquepetprints/
https://contaps.co.uk/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Welcome to today’s episode with serial entrepreneur, Rob Kessler.
We covered a lot of ground.
For example, have you ever thought of an idea that would revolutionize a product? Have you ever wondered about the time and cost of getting a patent? How about running a boat charter service? Or a screen printing business? We talked about all that and so much more.
You’ll also hear tips and hacks, as Rob journeys with us through his multiple businesses, both past and present like NEWD Clothing, Bella Boating, Million Dollar Collar and goTieless.
Be sure to catch the end of episode takeaway where I focus on using the “six degrees of separation” concept to help you solve your next big problem.
What You’ll Hear:
02:38 Seeing a need, inventing a solution
06:09 Why Rob ruined 100 shirts in the process
08:35 Classic example of “I want to do this in spite of not knowing how”
08:56 Costs and time involved for getting a patent
09:50 Annual fees are required to keep your patent
11:07 Using YouTube influencers to promote the product
11:47 Why 200,000 - 250,000 followers or less is the sweet spot for Rob choosing influencers
12:45 Half million units of Million Dollar Collar sold, in 130 countries
13:23 Landing a spot on Billion Dollar Idea
16:06 GoTieless can add logos to the inside of collars and cuffs
18:48 VIP service added as an offering
19:17 Capital gains situation prompted buying a boat and the start of a new business
20:50 BellaBoating - a boat charter business
22:13 Is there money to be made in the boat business?
23:05 A list of boat charter expenses
24:10 40% - 50% profit margin, in part because Rob was doing a lot of the maintenance himself
25:57 NEWD Clothing - Nothing else will do!
27:17 The birth of a screen printing business
31:05 Rob’s best tip for taking action
32:25 Why you don’t use your name in the business name
Takeaway
33:08 “Six Degrees of Separation” - leverage this to solve your next big problem
34:36 Connecting with a future mentor in the self storage industry
Connect With Rob:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkessleriii/
https://www.instagram.com/milliondollarcollar/
https://milliondollarcollar.com/
https://gotieless.com/
https://www.mycharterbusiness.com/
Connect With Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Today’s guest didn’t wait until she felt totally prepared, totally self-assured and that everything was perfect prior to uploading her first digital product.
Instead, Rachel Jimenez went ahead and launched her Esty shop.
Then as she increased her offerings and started to analyze the data on what was working and what wasn’t, she was able to quit her full time job after 9 months, went on to make $160,000 that year, and she hasn’t looked back.
While you will gain a better understanding of what it takes to launch and run a successful Etsy shop, the insights she shares about mindset, her perspective on what people call failures, and the big “why” that drives her actions, can be applied to increase revenue in any side hustle, in any industry.
You may also be inspired to see a way to retire earlier than you ever thought possible.
If you’re finding it hard to carve out time for your side hustle, you’re going to love what I’m calling her “5-minute strategy” It’s smart. It's simple. And it works.
What You’ll Hear:
03:01 Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement
05:06 Rich Dad Poor Dad
05:28 Mr. Money Mustache - The Shockingly Simple Math To Early Retirement
06:09 When you get a raise, or receive extra cash, be conscious of what you to with the increase
07:53 “Budget” can be a good thing!
10:05 Dog-sitting side hustle did well rover.com
11:30 Using a platform provides you a place where your customers already are
13:38 Doubling down on Etsy
14:11 Etsy income really ramped up once Rachel focused
15:25 Adopt the mindset of, “There is a solution”
16:51 Digital projects are her specialty with Etsy
17:22 The reasons why Rachel is successful
19:33 Think like a scientist - analyze your data
20:26 Libraries (including college ones) are a very underutilized resource
21:15 Where and how Rachel found the time to work on her side hustles
22:18 The “5-minute” strategy - a path to higher productivity
24:23 What to do when you get scared of taking the next step
25:01 There’s no such thing as “failure” - it’s just data
26:01 You’ve got to be willing to fail…in public
27:10 “If you’re not embarrassed by your beta version, you launched too late!”
28:00 Beware of comparing yourself to people who have been in the industry for a long time
30:03 How to get your product noticed on Etsy
33:15 Expanding her digital product offerings from her own site
35:41 The effect on her business of studying positive psychology
36:22 Optimize Your Life Academy
38:19 Breakdown of Rachel’s 9-5 schedule
39:14 The blur between work and play
42:00 How to get paid to write your own story for media
43:35 Rachel’s best tip for taking action
Takeaway
45:04 Comparing other people’s results against your own
Connect With Rachel:
https://moneyhackingmama.com/
Passive income checklist:
https://pages.moneyhackingmama.com/checklist
3 Secret Strategies to Optimize Your Life For Success and Happiness:
http://moneyhackingmama.com/webinar
Connect with Joan:
- https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
- https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
How do you reach your people who will fall in love with your product or service? How do they find their way to you?
It’s not enough to have an awesome looking website and great content. You need to get the attention of the search engines.
That’s where today’s guest, Matt Hepburn, SEO expert is going to help us out. He’s been taking a deep dive in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), for the past 13 years. He currently works for John Hancock managing the SEO for Manulife for all of Canada.
Matt shares practical, clear steps we can take to help push our rankings higher in the search engines, including what we should be doing, how to do it, and what we absolutely need to avoid.
What You’ll Hear:
05:54 What does Google want?
06:24 Our goal as business owners is to niche down in our industry
09:06 The importance of relevant links back to your website
09:39 First step to improve google ranking if you’re targeting geographically local buyers - Google Business Profile
12:15 It’s a different strategy if you’re an online business
13:10 Matt recommends having one niche per website
15:07 Get clear on what you are offering
16:18 Links are seen as “votes” by google
17:02 But the links have to be relevant to your content
18:40 ahrefs.com or semrush.com to see how competitive your chosen keywords are to rank
19:50 Links within your own site may helpful, provided they’re topically relevant
22:10 Think like your customer when planning your website; what would you be looking for?
22:50 It’s not just about the keywords!
25:42 Here’s what google does want to see
26:50 H1, H2, H3 tags
28:50 Avoid keyword stuffing
33:15 Since SEO is in constant change and flux, focus your content on the value to the user
34:15 Provide your content in different ways, ie audio, video, written, etc
35:40 SEO for podcasting
38:01 Applying SEO for blogging
40:24 The EMJ Podcast - The Entrepreneur’s Marketing Journey
41:07 Matt’s new podcast: Focus Visibility
41:40 A smart SEO step to take when you are going to be interviewed
43:18 Matt’s best tips for taking action
Takeway
44:57 Take a course! Udemy.com
45:15 Google’s free tool for keyword research
43:35 MOZbar is a free google extension that will expand your research
How to Connect with Matt Hepburn:
- https://emjpodcast.com/
Links mentioned in this episode:
- https://sparktoro.com/
- https://ahrefs.com/
- https://www.semrush.com/
- https://ads.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner/
- MOZbar free google extension
Connect with Joan:
- https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
- https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
If you love to read, here’s a way you can get paid to do it.
When today’s guest Roxanne Burkey isn’t working her full time job at Zoom, chances are, you’ll find her either writing or reading. She has a number of writing credits to her name including being the co-author of the 12-book Enigma Series.
She also gets paid to write reviews for authors.
Maybe doing book reviews is a perfect fit for you, but if not, use this episode as a launching point to get you thinking about how you can bring in a bit of income by doing something around one of your passions.
What You’ll Hear:
04:45 Where Roxanne’s reviews are published
06:35 The criterion that determine how much she charges
07:28 Don’t ask her to guarantee you a 5-star review
08:18 Reviews are extremely important to get pushed to the top of recommendations
09:30 Length of reviews 250-300 words
10:01 Multiple ways an author could use the review
12:17 Currently earning a couple of hundred dollars a month
12:55 Where Roxanne is finding clients
14:25 “Enigma Tracer” - Book 1 of a brand new book series launching this year
17:07 Juggles full-time employment at Zoom, plus 2 side hustles
18:03 Where to find your first clients
20:45 Roxanne’s best tip for taking action on your side hustle
Connect with Roxanne:
- https://www.enigmabookseries.com/
- https://roxburkey.com/
Connect with Joan:
- https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
- https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
With so many people offering bookkeeping and accounting services, how do you start or grow your side hustle in the industry? How do you differentiate yourself? By becoming an expert in one of the top small business accounting software platforms.
That’s what today’s guest, Sam Hallburn did!
Sam is a QuickBooks Pro Advisor. Together with her team of five, she generates an annual revenue of $500,000 by serving clients across the United States.
In today’s episode you’ll hear;
- Crucial information about starting and growing a bookkeeping or accounting service as a side hustle,
- How much it costs to become a QuickBooks Pro Advisor (spoiler alert: it’s free!),
- The biggest challenge you’ll face,
- The best source of new clients,
- Why and how you must change your pricing 6 months before you need to hire a team member,
- How to price when you’re starting and how that strategy changes over time,
- Hacks, strategies, and tips for running and expanding any business,
- The single best decision Sam made while growing her business.
Be sure to catch today's end of episode takeaway for a quick tip on living life - the way YOU want to.
What You'll Hear:
06:15 From a few clients in her mountain town, to serving clients across the country
07:17 How Sam grew the business
07:49 What she discovered to be the best source of new clients
09:26 Her steady sweet spot of $500,000 annually
11:13 Having lousy bosses showed her how not to be an employer
14:52 What you can expect to earn starting out
17:00 A brilliant marketing idea - from “bookkeeper” to Quick Books Pro Advisor
18:17 What’s involved in becoming a Quick Books Pro Advisor
19:21 When starting out consider your long-term vision now, to make wiser choices
20:05 Are you the bottleneck that’s stopping your company’s growth?
22:40 How to price when you’re starting and how that strategy changes over time
23:53 Changing your pricing 6 months before you need to hire a team member
24:25 Hourly rates - $50 - $95 per hour
24:58 The biggest challenge you face getting into the industry
25:19 What to consider when wanting to transition from side hustle to full-time business
27:22 Getting in front of audiences to gain clients
31:25 How and why knowing your numbers can make or break your business
32:44 Insider tip: how often to do your books and why
37:03 Sam’s best advice to take action on your side hustle
38:28 Trying to make everyone else happy
Takeaway
39:14 Is there someone trying to tell you how to live your life? Here’s an idea!
How To Connect With Sam:
- https://www.pbsaccountingandtax.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/sam.inc.services/
Connect with Joan:
- https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
- https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
The belief that you need to have a “great voice” is just one of the myths that today’s guest dispels about the voiceover industry.
Last year, Gina Scarpa voiced over 250 different projects as a professional voiceover actor.
Having worked in the industry for the past 9 years, her track record of happy clients include VistaPrint, Burger King, Xfinity, and L’Oreal.
One of Gina’s superpowers is helping aspiring voiceover actors discover what genres would be the best fit for their voice and personality. You would be amazed at the variety and sheer number of genres available in the industry, beyond the ones most people think of, like commercials and animation.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn from Gina,
- How much it costs to get started as a voiceover actor and, what you should do BEFORE spending any money,
- Insider tips for setting up an at-home recording studio space,
- What you can expect to earn, and what resources you can check out to understand what you should be charging in each genre,
- The best places to find agents to represent you,
- The biggest mistakes aspiring voiceover actors make that cause them to quit or not get booked, and so much more.
Be sure to catch the end of episode takeaway to discover who you will absolutely not want to share your side hustle goals with. This tip helped me become a bank manager by the age of 22 and will help you move forward towards any goal you set.
What You’ll Hear:
04:30 The beginnings of her voiceover career - Fiverr and Upwork
08:03 A plethora of opportunities for voice actors
09:29 Get used to “uncertainty”
10:55 Do you need to have a performance or broadcasting background, and a “great” voice?
13:20 Gina’s superpower - helping people determine their niche in voiceover
14:40 What it ‘really’ takes to make it in the industry
16:26 What to expect for your start up costs - about $750 for your home studio
19:11 Next level expenses - clips, demos, website
20:25 Entry level demos - around $1,000+ but you can start with clips
22:00 What you can expect to earn
22:31 Two resources to learn industry-standard rates
23:00 Your first year - $10,000, $50,000…it really depends…and it takes hustle!
23:50 Marketing, networking, promotion, never stops
25:42 When to get an agent and what percentage they take and how to find them
27:40 What a manager does and what they charge
31:30 Here’s how one agent weeded out many of the 1200 submissions she received (and it had nothing to do with the person’s voice!)
32:42 Getting work and making connections through workshops
34:25 For success in the industry, people need to get to know who you are
35:40 A better way to keep in touch with people…without being annoying
37:04 The biggest mistakes made by aspiring voice actors
37:45 Gina’s awesome way of reframing “rejection”
38:54 The creation of Positive Voices Studio
42:18 Free and paid voiceover communities available for support
44:14 Gina’s best tip for taking action
Takeaway
46:00 The value of someone in your life who can see more in you than you see in yourself
46:50 Why you want to be very selective about who you share your “big’ dreams and goals with
48:51 The connection between your thoughts and your results
Connect with Gina:
- https://ginascarpa.com/
- https://positivevoicesct.com/
- https://twitter.com/ginascarpa
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-scarpa-874baa22/
Connect with Joan:
- https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
- https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with real estate investor and founder of Cashflow Diary - J. Massey.
We open Part 2 of Make Money In The Sharing Economy with J’s perspective on ordinances and bylaws that dictate where short term rentals (STR’s) are allowed, where they’re not, and why he’s actually a fan of these rules.
J also reveals;
- often overlooked segments of the population that need extended stay accommodation,
- opportunities to rent out your house or condo for day use ; for example – to content creators,
- other ways you can earn money in the shared economy,
- the most common oversights and mistakes made by people entering the STR business,
- and he walks us through the numbers of what it takes to net $1,000 and $2,000 per month from your STR
Like Part 1, this episode is ripe with light bulb moments to inspire your side hustle journey.
What You’ll Hear:
03:35 The ordinances are forcing you into a more profitable part of the business
04:20 All these groups in the “extended stay” category need places to stay
06:25 Government organizations can be a worthwhile source of guests
08:01 J walks us through the numbers to net $1000 and $2000 per month
09:37 Biggest expense is the lease (or mortgage), then labour-related issues
09:57 Start your projections with a revenue number being double what you’re paying for the lease
10:28 Worse case you should expect is a net income of 30% of revenues
11:35 “Tent pole” or “Compression” events coming to town drive up nightly rates
13:09 “Damage fee waiver” vs “security deposit”
14:18 Only 60% of J’s gross revenues are from the nightly rates, 40% are the “add-ons”
14:30 Other “add-on” ideas to receive revenue from guests
16:00 Opportunities in “day-use” property rentals
17:50 Expenses that are sometimes overlooked in budgets
18:06 You need to pay attention to “screening, safety, and security,” to avoid liability, a lot of problems, and increased labour costs
22:11 Where to look for your first short term rental property
25:15 Other rental opportunities from assets you now own
26:43 J’s best tip for taking action
27:52 Focus on being “prepared” rather than waiting to be “ready”
Wrap Up:
29:01 Fail fast, fail forward, fail frequently and start before you’re ready
29:25 A confidence-building mindset to adopt - What would I do differently next time? What went right?
Connect with J Massey:
- https://cashflowdiary.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/cashflowdiary/
J’s Short-Term Rental Blueprint Course
- https://cashflowdiary.com/blueprint/
Connect with Joan:
- https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
- https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Today’s guest sees “oceans of opportunity” everywhere!
J Massey was all but “retired” at the age of 38, when one of his students asked what he knew about short-term rentals. While the answer at the time was, “not very much”, he started looking into the model and was astounded at the opportunities. Today J runs a 34 unit short-term rental business, and runs a training company known as Cashflow Diary, helping others to get established and grow in the industry.
In this, Part 1 of 2 episodes with J, you’ll hear;
- What’s now driving the short term rental market,
- The multiple income sources you can set up to create earnings over and above the nightly rent,
- How you can establish a short term rental side hustle without even owning a property,
- And other income opportunities outside of the real estate space, but in the shared economy
J also shares his “super secret” of how he bought and sold over 200 properties each in 72 hours or less, earning him between $2000 and $26,000 “ per property.
You’re sure to have lightbulb moments, as you listen to my conversation with today’s side hustle hero, J Massey.
What You’ll Hear:
03:35 Needing to eat was a strong motivation
05:06 How we talk ourselves out of moving forward
06:50 How J bought and sold properties within 72 hours…200 times
10:28 J feels is the perfect time to get into real estate
11:10 Oceans of opportunity exist today
13:35 The way real estate is being used is changing
16:40 Set yourself up so that your income is no longer tied to your labour nor a clock
17:40 Earn money from idle assets that you already own
20:00 Keep “screening, safety, and security” in the forefront when renting out your assets
21:30 View your short-term rental (STR) properties as a “distribution” service to maximize revenue
26:00 Get into the STR business without owning the properties
28:09 Dealing with pushback from landlords when trying to lease properties
30:47 How to look at the new rules, regulations, ordinances concerning STR’s
Connect with J Massey:
https://cashflowdiary.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cashflowdiary/
J’s Short-Term Rental Blueprint Course
https://cashflowdiary.com/blueprint/
Connect with Joan:
- https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
- https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Are you that person in your friend group who likes to play matchmaker? Or maybe you know someone who does?
Today's guest, Siobhan Copland, is so good at it that she grew her side hustle into the London, UK-based, award-winning dating agency Cupid in the City.
Dive into today's episode for insights into what you can expect to earn as a matchmaker, where to find clients, and if you're looking for love, why dealing with a respected matchmaking service is such a completely different experience than swiping right or left on a dating app.
What You’ll Hear:
02:11 Juggling 4 side hustles
04:43 Comedy shows led to speed dating
07:09 Being fired from full time work opened a door
08:10 Receiving the best advice - “don’t go get another job”
10:40 Inspiration from the Millionaire Matchmaker show
12:55 Where Siobhan was finding clients
13:40 Leveraging comedy club guests
15:45 Expenses in running the business
16:25 Siobhan pays commissions (maybe a revenue source for you??)
17:36 Vetting clients
19:55 Where she looks for new clients and matches
21:49 Most Cupid in the City clients get matched within 6 introductions
23:12 Her fees are “mid-market” at 5,500 pounds to 10,000 pound sterling
24:15 Includes coaching to get client ready for dating
25:50 A day in the life of a matchmaker
28:13 Her biggest surprise!
30:28 Ten years to a 6-figure business
31:34 The most recent rewarding match. Wow!
36:32 As a matchmaker, you just can’t take no
37:56 Siobhan’s best tip for taking action
Closing Comments:
39:49 On being authentic
Connect with Siobhan:
- https://www.instagram.com/cupid_inthecity/
- https://www.cupidinthecity.com/
Connect with Joan:
- https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
- https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Mike Montague got his first taste of working a side hustle at the age of 12, delivering flyers door to door. As he went through school, Mike got paid to build websites, perform as a DJ, and host an internet radio show.
Today his full time work is with an international sales training organization, and working remotely allows him time to grow his side hustle which this year is earning him about $50,000 through his company, Playful Humans. A good chunk of that revenue is by performing as a game show host.
Mike gets to meet people, play games and make money doing it. How cool is that?
In this episode, you’ll hear about why his current employer got very interested in a book he wrote - it could be an a-ha moment for you, why multiple sources of income are a must, and other ways to get paid that could have a greater payoff than a one-time payment.
You’ll also hear what Mike charges and how he prices his gigs.
And remember to stay tuned for the end of episode takeaway where I’ll teach you a game I designed for my “Winning the Money Game” seminar. It’ll get your creative juices flowing thinking about ways to double your money.
What You’ll Hear:
03:42 Writing a book about LinkedIn led to more job opportunities at work
04:11 How Mike’s hustles morphed into Playful Humans
05:41 First side hustle at age of 12
10:16 The gift of being trained in sales when you're young
10:47 Having to put down the wrong answers to pass the test
11:15 How Mike got to be a Game Show Host!
12:40 Being paid to play
15:34 Playful Humans podcast
17:33 Pre-show prep
18:30 What’s YOUR answer to this “Survey Says” game question?
20:09 Jeopardy! a great way to review content
21:28 First podcast sponsor, an affiliate link
22:00 Revenue from affiliate links add up over the years
22:55 Don’t have all revenue coming from one source
24:18 Pricing events with the “PIA Factor” LOL
25:55 What Mike charges for game show hosting
26:44 The value of getting in front of audiences, even if you’re not being paid
28:23 Alternatives to getting paid money
30:12 Don’t underestimate the value of practice
33:00 Getting fired live on stage in front of 5,000 people
36:08 The way to get good at sales calls…is to get through the bad ones
36:43 You have to be fully present for this work
37:40 Doing what you want to do vs. what you think other people want
38:40 The 2 really hard buttons to push: Record and Publish
39:12 Get into a positive spiral
Key Takeaways:
39:41 Paying with money is not the only way
40:00 How I got 2 kayaks for free
40:43 Doubling $1,000 in 90 days
41:52 Apply it in my “Winning the Money Game” seminar
42:35 What to do when you think, “I don’t know” or “I can’t”
Connect with Mike:
- https://playfulhumans.com/
- https://podcast.playfulhumans.com/
- Sandler Podcast, https://howtosucceed.libsyn.com/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- Joan's Main Site
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Imagine being a private investigator as a side hustle!
As owner of Pink Lady Investigations, Lisa Phillips has worked on infidelity and child custody cases, background checks, landlord and tenant disputes, and criminal defense cases.
She’s built a solid reputation with attorneys as an ace process server because of her ability to get the job done.
In today’s episode, you’ll gain valuable insights into the world of private investigation.
You'll hear about what a day in the life of a PI is like, how much you can expect to earn, the differences in fees between investigative work and process serving, how to become a PI, and what makes for the best investigators. Plus, Lisa shares a creative and low-cost strategy she used to get her company's name on local TV, which could be useful for your side hustle too!
What You’ll Hear:
02:19 Why Lisa ended up becoming a private investigator
03:30 Getting the attention of a local TV station
05:25 Local PI’s object to Lisa’s entry into the market
06:55 An alternative path to becoming a PI
09:10 Some webinar attendees became trainees
10:00 Dressing to get the job done
11:25 Some databases PI use can’t be accessed by public
13:11 Be aware of the footprint you’re leaving online
14:22 A day in the life of a PI
15:50 The “fake princess” investigation
17:24 Requirements to become a PI
19:26 Here’s who makes the best PI’s
21:40 Examples of typical clients
23:20 The final eviction (process) serve
24:43 What you can expect to earn as a PI
25:30 Flat rate for process serves, hourly for investigative
25:50 Lisa’s rate is $95 and she pays contractors $40-$50/hour
27:00 Networking is huge in this industry
28:50 No, I won’t give you your old sweetheart’s contact info
30:48 Lisa’s best tip to take action
31:44 Tell me I can’t do something? Challenge accepted
Connect with Lisa:
pinkladyinvestigations.com
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- Joan's Main Site
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Have you ever thought about being SANTA as a seasonal side hustle?
Today we’re seeing a much greater degree of diversity in Santas so it’s opening the door to many who in the past wouldn’t have considered it an option.
If you check out today’s episode artwork, you’ll see a photo of our guest Santa. Underneath that yak hair beard is Melissa Rickard. Yes, this Santa is female, but you’d never know it.
In addition to her full-time work as a surgical director for a retina practice, Melissa has been donning the red suit and sharing her ho ho ho’s for 28 years!
In this episode of Side Hustle Hero, you’ll hear about what income range you can expect - some of her friends make upwards of $40,000 a year as Santa - what you’re looking at for start up costs, and where to turn for gigs.
Be sure to catch the end of episode takeaway where I’ll give you a little nudge to get you thinking about why volunteering should be one aspect of your life, if it’s not already.
What You’ll Hear:
02:12 HOHOHO
04:00 28 years of being Santa
05:01 How Melissa came to be Santa…and why she continues
08:55 Number of gigs per year
09:28 “Live” emails 4 hours a night
10:15 President of local Lion’s Club
10:33 Sources of work
11:45 Hourly rate
16:25 Hiresanta.com and Mitch Allen
14:48 Professional Santa groups and associations
18:05 Santa’s start up costs
19:25 Earnings
20:31 Hasn’t yet been busted by a kid
22:23 The power of touch
23:29 Yak hair beards
24:17 Why Melissa continues to be Santa year after year
27:04 Melissa’s best tip for taking action
Takeaways:
28:50 Check out a Lion's club
30:00 The power of giving
30:16 Is Rotary for you?
31:05 The emotional compensation is off the charts
31:08 What organization would be the best fit for you?
Connect with Santa Melissa:
https://www.kringleandco.net/
Check out these international service organizations:
https://www.rotary.org/
https://www.lionsclubs.org/
You can get paid for being a sports superfan? What???
Today’s guest Patrick, a.k.a. Crazy P will tell you about that world. But it’s clearly not the money that drives this passionate, positivity-exuding superfan.
On the surface, it looks like Crazy P’s role is to energize fans at games. That’s a big part of the job, but you'll discover that there's much more to it.
You’ll also hear what’s involved in being a sports superfan, what gameday looks like, and his other income sources that are offshoots of this side hustle that can serve as idea generators for you.
But above and beyond those things, he reminds us what’s important in life. Spreading love and good vibes is what Patrick is all about.
What You’ll Hear:
01:52 The role of a “Super Fan”
03:39 His relationship with the fans
06:35 The power of the chants
08:56 NHL Vancouver Canucks playoff moment
10:25 Inspiration from “Crazy George” & pitching the CFL’s BC Lions
12:40 “Game day” routine
16:02 This is hard work!
17:22 Getting to work the Olympics
19:17 Learning chants from the Sweden and Finland teams
20:40 Working a BC Lions game and a Vancouver Canucks game AT THE SAME TIME!
23:41 What Superfans can earn
25:50 Get paid to create personalized videos for your fans…makes a great gift
28:42 It’s about way more than the sport
29:21 The power of a personal moment
31:35 The “Crazy P Experience”
35:25 Brainstorming future game day experiences
38:02 High fiving the mirror for morning inspiration
38:50 Don’t wait for the perfect time
40:11 Show your appreciation to the fans and players
40:24 A key to successful living
40:49 How you got to where you are at this moment in your life
41:00 The consequences of focusing on the negatives…and what to do instead
41:41 thewaysuccessworks.com
For a deeper dive into understanding what's showing up in your life:
https://courses.joanposivy.com/p/turn-your-thoughts-into-wanted-things
Connecting with Crazy P
- https://crazyp44.ca/
- https://www.instagram.com/crazyp44/
- https://memmo.me/ca/en/profile/crazy-p
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- Joan's Main Site
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
There’s a good chance you have way more talent, skill, and experience than you give yourself credit for. To help draw those out, today’s guest Sandra Booker has questions for you!
A plea from her 13-year-old daughter motivated Sandra to put her talent and skills to work to raise some needed cash. Her full-time job wasn’t bringing in enough. So, Sandra embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by becoming a part time virtual assistant (VA). As that scaled, it was time to quit her 9-5 and make being a VA her full-time business. Realizing that a lot of the services she was providing were more big-picture and strategic in nature, Sandra shifted to being a Business Manager for multiple companies, and a trainer to aspiring VA’s.
Regardless of your industry of focus, Sandra has tips, tricks, and inspirations to help you do what you do…better.
You’ll hear several highly effective tips on finding clients, strategies for delegating like a pro (a must-have skill when scaling), and short cuts and hacks she teaches aspiring VA’s that we can all use in our side hustles.
Be sure to catch the end of episode takeaway where I steer you in the direction of using some of the ideas you’ll hear today, not only in your business life, but maybe surprisingly, your personal life too.
What You’ll Hear:
02:54 The motivation to start a side hustle
07:52 Listing her gig in the wrong category worked out very well!
09:43 Think about what your client is looking for…and be there
11:42 Turning her gigs into a real business
12:37 from $25, to $45, to $50/hr for VA services
13:45 The decision to scale - a win/win with clients
14:45 Sandra’s best delegation secrets
15:49 Take the time to hire, don’t wait until the last minute
16:30 Check in with them to confirm your assumptions about their ability
18:15 Delegate the outcome or record your screen to share your process
19:50 Switching from VA to OBM
21:50 Working herself out of the job….is the goal!
22:38 Treat your client’s business as your own - be in it with them
24:17 Difference between VA and OBM
25:40 What you can expect to earn as a VA
26:50 Where to look for clients - including co-working spaces
30:59 Where to start first if you want to be a VA (this applies to many side hustles!)
33:05 You likely have more transferable skills and talents than you realize
36:00 Don’t inadvertently “assign a task” when you’re pitching a client
38:17 Gain clarity on what is really stopping you - is it a real issue, or a fear?
40:01 Switch from “I can’t” to “how I can”
Featured Takeaway:
41:45 Using the “recording your screen share” in your personal life
42:29 Let me know how you’re applying this idea
Connect with Sandra:
- www.anyoldtask.ca
- https://www.instagram.com/anyoldtask/
- Sidekick COO Podcast https://anyoldtask.ca/podcast/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- Joan's Main Site
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
It’s Anna Cook’s success with her travel blog, her love of travel and promoting local businesses that have positioned her so well for her latest venture - SimplyNCgoods, a subscription box service. In today’s episode, you’ll hear how the idea came to her, and the steps she took from the seed of an idea through to shipping that first box on launch day.
You’ll also hear tips from this self-described “productivity hack nerd,” and insights on how she’s monetized her travel blog with 5 income streams.
She reveals her most unexpected surprise after the launch, what aspect of the box business she now needs to be laser focused on, and many invaluable resources she’s found in her journey to launch day.
Be sure to catch the end of episode takeaway where I will suggest an often overlooked but invaluable source of ideas and insights to catapult your side hustle into greater profitability.
What You’ll Hear:
03:08 Determining what is your most productive time of the day
04:50 Pomodoro method for getting important tasks done
06:25 Training your brain to know when it’s time for “deep work”
07:38 Plan your side hustle work week!
08:21 Determining what “moving the needle” is for your business
10:10 How Anna started monetizing her travel blog (it’s at $30,000 per year)
12:30 5 income streams from the travel blog, Stuck On The Go
14:04 Where she placed her focus to grow the income
14:21 Working with tourism boards - writing articles and selling photos
15:19 Writing SEO articles
15:43 Integrating product sales
17:16 The most lucrative 2 sources of income from the travel blog
18:06 Reason for avoiding selling her photos through stock photo platforms
19:09 The idea and motivation for the subscription box business
20:46 Consider paying local merchants with cash
22:40 The journey from idea to shipping the first box
23:20 Choosing and learning from a marketplace/platform specifically for subscription box entrepreneur
26:22 Partnering with another business to grow the email list
27:20 Using software that’ll choose the cheapest shipping options each time
29:33 Anna discovers she priced the boxes too low!
31:06 Creative additions for the boxes
31:26 Working on adding value without increasing costs
33:35 SimplyNCgoods
34:35 Creating added value for the subscription box businesses
36:20 Biggest surprise after launch
39:25 Progress over perfection!
39:40 Reverse engineer your goals for the fastest progress
Takeaways:
41:00 Someone likely has your solution
41:37 Reach out to someone in your industry
42:17 Be open to looking for answers outside of your industry too!
42:53 A four-letter word to use when you get a “no.”
Reach out to Anna:
- https://www.stuckonthego.com/
- https://simplyncgoods.cratejoy.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/stuckonthego/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- Joan's Main Site
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Today's guest has proven her ability to start and grow 2 side hustles while holding down a very full time corporate job. Eventually she sold one of her businesses, but being the adventurous entrepreneur and top-notch marketer, she then started looking for yet another income source and instead of starting another, Krystal Covington decided to buy an already established online business…one that she could grow by applying her areas of expertise.
Have you ever thought about buying an existing business, rather than starting from scratch?
It’s an interesting idea and one that I’ll explore in today’s end of episode takeaway.
But before that, you’ll discover a lot of tips and ideas to apply to your side hustle because we’ll hear how Krystal landed in a new city and launched and grew what would become a 6-figure business known as the Women of Denver, why she lost a lot of money in her lace front wigs venture, what’s caused her marketing agency to flourish, and a lot of words of wisdom sprinkled throughout this episode.
What You’ll Hear:
02:38 Two side hustles and a full-time job
04:05 Charging “time and a half” for the first gigs
04:25 A women’s group born out of necessity
05:30 Interviews, events, a blog, meetings, and networking morphed into Women of Denver
08:25 Her bedroom becomes a recording studio
09:02 Outgrowing the coffee shop as a meeting place
11:24 Two memberships tiers $35/$150 month
15:50 Time to leave the full-time job
18:56 The 4 keys to influence - people want to give you money
20:16 In the first year building the women’s group, posted on FB every day
22:40 Using links to increase your SEO
25:00 Should you niche? Maybe not.
27:20 Where to post
28:04 Commenting on others social media posts is what’s working for her
29:35 Posting on it’s own is a lot less effective today
30:00 What to be aware of when posting on TikTok
31:17 Searching for a profitable business
34:50 Where Krystal discovered businesses for sale
36:15 A business loss that really scared her
39:03 Sources of free coaching and business guidance
40:50 The “automation” of her skin care business
43:19 Listen to people who have done it!
Takeaways:
44:08 Thinking about buying a business? Do your due diligence!
44:50 Maybe someone wants to “pass the reins” to you
45:32 Why I knowingly paid $100,000 more for a business than it was worth at the time
46:18 Why the business Krystal bought is a great fit for her
46:35 Did I mention the need for due diligence?
How to find Krystal:
https://www.krystalcovington.com/
https://www.instagram.com/krystalgolead/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- Joan's Main Site
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
Today’s guest could not envision herself continuing to live and work full-time in Belgium. Instead, she’s crafted a life in Cusco, Peru involving no less than 6 part-time hustles.
The most lucrative one for Maya Lombarts is her role as a virtual assistant (VA). It’s her #1 because in addition to excelling at it, she doubled down on an often overlooked, but potential goldmine of a source for clients.
In this episode, Maya shares tips and tricks for challenging your assumptions of what you can and should charge clients, who to ask for advice, how to explore the potential business opportunities in your areas of passion, and of course, ways to get paid more as a VA.
She might even inspire you to ask yourself, are you living exactly where you want to live?
Be sure to catch the end of episode takeaways where I’ll challenge you about the choices you’ve been making, how I became aware of unconscious, false beliefs guiding my decision-making, and how we can become open to expanded possibilities that lead to wiser choices.
What You'll Hear:
02:48 No full-time job: A lifestyle choice?
06:40 From “I can’t,” to “how can I make this work”
06:50 “What if there is a way?”
07:15 Six distinct side hustles, including professional singer
09:33 Online memberships as an income source
11:27 Embracing diverse roles
11:55 Selling tours as a hustle and leveraging Couchsurfing
14:27 Most lucrative of the 6 hustles: VA
17:12 Typical hourly rates for a VA
18:35 Opting to get direct VA customers, less reliance on VA platforms
19:35 Strategy when marketing through the platforms
25:15 Maya’s typical weekly “schedule”
28:15 A Peruvian perspective on committing to future social engagements
28:47 A mix of the cultures is best
29:35 Our way is just one way…not necessarily the only way or the best way
30:29 Cusco, Peru - altitude is 3,400 metres (11,155 feet)
34:01 Uncovering business opportunities in your areas of passion
40:33 How a recommendation can garner you better rates
40:46 Strategies for getting paid more as a VA
43:45 Maya’s best tip for taking action
Takeaways:
44:58 Shift from “I can’t” to “How I Can!”
45:45 Uncovering a negative belief that was guiding decision-making
47:47 Doing things habitually “because that’s just what we do”
49:11 Have a productive brainstorming session this week to pull back the “horse blinkers”
Connect With Maya:
https://mayalombarts.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mayalombarts/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- Joan's Main Site
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
You may not aspire to be a mentalist like today’s guest David Jaison, but you’ll benefit from what he shares about self promotion, customization for clients, applying online skills to live performances, and learning from his presentation disasters.
After you hear this episode, maybe you will be inspired to start a side hustle as a performing mentalist.
Be sure to catch the end-of-episode takeaway to discover how to strengthen your intuition, which should be your constant traveling companion in life providing you amazing, timely, profitable guidance.
What You’ll Hear:
02:42 Knowledge and skills David draws upon to perform as a mentalist
04:54 The value of intuition
06:02 Can anyone train to be a mentalist?
08:36 Why Brian’s first major presentation was an “epic failure” and lessons learned
11:55 The value of a mix and mingle before your presentation
13:20 What happens behind the scenes in preparing for a show
16:45 Examples of routines in his show
18:54 Carving out time for a side hustle during a very full time job as a director of logistics
21:44 You may not be getting jobs because you’re not charging enough!
23:30 Rethinking an interactive live show to….zoom
24:50 The first online show was “horrible” - more lessons learned!
26:35 A priceless resource - an industry Facebook group focused on zoom performing
28:30 The benefit of offering your services to nonprofits
30:25 Remember that bartering can be a great alternative to paying cash
31:46 A strategic move to a convention and tradeshow-rich city
32:40 Marketing by offering demos, and getting on event-planning/gig websites
35:12 Two indicators showing you it’s time to jump full time into your side hustle
Takeaway:
36:50 The power of your intuition - one of your 6 mental faculties
38:50 An exercise to develop your intuition
David's Website:
https://www.davidjaison.com/
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
- Joan's Main Site
https://www.joanposivy.com/
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html
In this episode, you’ll learn no-cost DIY tips for polishing your brand, making your website more “hospitable” to potential clients, and boosting client conversion.
Sierra Janisse is a bona fide side hustle hero as she was teaching middle school full time when she started a hobby, which turned into a side hustle, but after 2 years when the income from that began to exceed her teaching income, it was time to re-evaluate.
Her side hustle has now become her full time, six figure company.
Sierra Janisse is a brand, website, and funnel designer.
In our conversation she also talks not only about her wins - but also her mistakes, how to leverage your website through 5 ways to boost client conversion (that DON’T require hiring a designer), actionable tips for email marketing and growing your list in the “age of inbox overwhelm,” and clear guidance on where to start the process!
What you’ll hear:
05:09 “Elementor,” a long-time favourite
06:24 Balancing full-time teaching with a growing part-time side hustle
07:37 The decision to leave teaching
08:18 The mistake Sierra made that cost her money
08:45 Offering free services to build your portfolio is fine….to a point
09:45 How to raise your rates
11:20 First hires - accountant and lawyer
13:16 The importance of clear, thorough contracts
14:40 What “holistic” branding is about
15:45 How to do your own “brand audit”
18:35 Overcoming decision fatigue
19:20 5 ways to boost client conversion…that don’t require hiring a designer!!!
19:50 Your website should be making you money
20:06 What is your website goal (yes, you need to have one!)
21:15 Have a call to action - and the best place to put it
22:08 Client/Website hospitality - how not to be annoying
23:20 When and how to use popups on your website
25:39 How and why to use the “3-step marketing method” on your website
27:15 Consider the traffic sources for your website
29:35 Breaking through email overwhelm - building your email list
31:10 What not to do in your emails
31:40 What (and how) to adjust if people are unsubscribing to your list
33:12 The value of storytelling in your emails…and guidance on how to do it
34:50 Where do I start??? It’s not on improving your weaknesses
36:30 How to inspire yourself to take action on your big side hustle dream
Takeaway
38:30 Life is happening….now - not when the goal is achieved
39:13 The secret sauce of life
How to Connect with Sierra:
https://www.sierralindesign.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sierralindesign/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sierralindesign
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
This is a tried-and-true side hustle!
Get up early. Walk around the outside of commercial buildings picking up trash before your day job. Get paid.
What started out as a side hustle for today’s guest, Brian Winch has grown to a mature business with gross earnings consistently over $600,000 per year. He still gets up early to walk around buildings and pick up litter, but he scaled the business by picking up more contracts and employing subcontractors.
There are so many things I love about this business; it’s very low cost entry point ($100 for tools), ability to get paid for going for a walk ($30-$50/hr), the simplicity of the business model, and if you choose to, it’s totally scalable!
When Brian isn’t out picking up litter, he’s at HQ (a room in his home) from where he runs the business and teaches others to set up and thrive in their own lot cleaning business.
Today’s end of episode takeaway is inspired by an add-on service that Brian provides his clients. Apply the idea behind it to elevate your offering and wow your clients!
What You’ll Hear:
02:50 A second generation side hustle
05:23 Brian’s first entrepreneurial attempt at the age of 5
07:09 Earning over $100,000 doing the business himself
07:20 Started scaling and bringing in subcontractors
09:30 Why not franchise?
11:00 Providing free reporting - a very valuable add-on service
13:10 Teaching others the lot cleaning business
17:40 Tips on getting started in the business, under $100 for the tools
19:13 Consider the tax benefits of running your own business
22:10 A positive approach to sales
23:00 Sizes and types of buildings you’re most likely to gain contracts
25:15 Frequency of servicing the contract
28:30 Is the lot cleaning business for you?
35:00 Brian’s best tip for taking action!
Takeaway:
35:44 How will you apply Brian’s added service idea?
Connect with Brian and Clean Lots:
https://cleanlots.com/
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Out of the four gigs she juggled, freelance writing became the clear financial winner for today’s guest. It’s what now pays for Ruksana Hussain’s desired lifestyle.
She’s a pro at making connections, landing writing jobs, and learning from her mistakes.
You’ll hear unique and easy ways to connect with potential clients at conferences and networking events, what social media platforms are the most productive for freelancers, and how to grow your subscriber list - her Traveler and Tourist online magazine boasts just under 30,000 subscribers. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a travel writer as a side hustle, you’ll definitely want to listen to her response when I ask her to pull back the curtain on what it’s really like doing that gig!
What You’ll Hear
02:35 Acquiring multiple hustles to bring in income, out of necessity
05:43 Burnout hits
09:03 Lessons (costly ones!) learned for the next business
10:24 Leveraging volunteering contacts
12:08 The need for being more selective in choosing clients to work with
12:30 Ask for advice!
13:49 Being more strategic to ensure payment
15:25 Freedom to travel is not available for everyone in all countries
17:30 Proof of concept for travel and lifestyle online magazine
19:54 Chooses to self-fund to market research the magazine
21:03 A grant may be available to you!
22:19 Choosing something other than the typical business model for an online magazine
26:25 How to make networking events work for you
27:16 Offer to help at the event! Here’s why.
28:36 Ask to be connected to a longer-term member
30:15 Best platforms to help grow your freelance business
34:00 Reach out to others in your industry, rather than recreate the wheel
34:27 The need and benefit of connecting with others
35:37 The reality of being a travel writer
39:00 Who pays for all the travel expenses
41:00 Way out of Ruksana’s comfort zone - Onsens, Japanese public baths
44:00 One of the greatest benefits of travel
Takeaways:
45:05 Reach out to someone who is getting the results you want to achieve
46:02 Include these questions when you’re talking to an expert
Connect with Ruksana:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruksanahussain/
https://twitter.com/ruksanawrites
https://www.instagram.com/ruksanah/
http://www.ruksanawrites.com/
http://www.travelerandtourist.com/
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Shelley Verlaan was a career accountant, until one day a friend suggested they get together and make soap. That one session did it - Shelley was hooked.
She dove into R&D, started creating her own line of soap, and sold them at markets for a few years until Covid restrictions shut that down. What did she do? She went full-in and opened a brick and mortar store.
Sales have blown past projections.
In this episode, you’ll hear how a business plan has been a key component of her success with Soapolallie Soapworks (and how it can accelerate your business too!)
It’s refreshing to discover how the concept of making choices in her business so that everyone can survive and thrive, is what guides her decision-making.
Be sure to catch all the valuable no-cost and low-cost marketing tips and reminders sprinkled throughout our conversation, and enjoy the end-of-episode takeaways where I focus on how and why to treat your side hustle NOW as the big, bold, beautiful success you envision it to one day be.
What You'll Hear:
04:16 The first soap-making session 05:18 600 bars of soap - now what? 06:06 Selling at markets 10:00 Covid restriction gives birth to the idea of opening a store 12:38 Customers experience a calming effect by being in the store 14:22 In-depth business plan - a necessity 15:20 Grants, and supports, are often available - take advantage!!! 21:49 Business to Business Love, one way Shelley highlights local businesses 23:23 Everyone needs to survive and thrive 24:30 Failure is part of the soap-making process 25:20 Product line has expanded greatly since moving into the store 26:44 Who is your buyer? 28:00 Develop your email and client list vs just relying on social media 28:52 The naming of Soapolallie Soapworks 31:33 Shelley’s special source of inspiration 33:58 Choose a side hustle you’re passionate about Takeaways 34:25 The need and importance of a business plan 35:40 How to treat your side hustle as a big, bold, beautiful success now! Connect with Shelley:
Soapolallie Soapworks
Her videographer:
Brand Stories
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Have you ever thought of getting involved in a trade as a side hustle? With the current shortage of employees, now might be a great time to discover whether this could be your path!
Today’s guest was a salesperson until one day, her employer decided not to pay her the commissions she was owed. She was forced to make a choice, and that choice was to quit.
Fast forward 16 years. Tenille Landy has been working as an employee of painting companies. But then a few years ago, she started doing her own painting jobs after hours as a side hustle. After so much work started coming her way, she decided it was time to convert her side hustle into her own full-time work.
While her expertise is in painting, what she shares applies across many industries, and to life in general. I bet even the principle of how she prices her painting jobs, will apply to aspects of your side hustle!
The end-of-episode takeaways include what can happen when you make a decision - not a wish - but a true decision and commitment to take action and, the importance of the 5 people you spend the most time with.
What You’ll Hear:
02:45 Not getting paid commission led to a work change
06:50 Being a women in the trades
07:39 Pretending to be a man to get a job
09:11 Exploring multiple opportunities in the industry
12:02 Being asked to lower her standards
14:14 Choosing to be the “boutique painter”
15:44 How Tenille prices her jobs
19:33 Being self employed is worth the trade off
26:00 Friends gave her the courage to establish her own business
27:45 Everyone experiences self doubt at times
28:00 Change what you’re telling yourself, in order to improve your results
29:50 Using podcasts for self-improvement
31:45 Beware of becoming complacent
2 Key Takeaways:
34:10 The power of making the decision to act
35:08 Being around negative people will have a negative impact on you
34:40 The importance of being surrounded by positive people
36:00 The connection between your thoughts and the things showing up in your life
Joan's Online Course:
Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things
And her book:
The Way Success Works: How To Decide, Believe, & Begin to Live Your Best Life
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
A fun way to grow your influence, your audience, and customer base is by being a podcast guest. But how do you do that? And how do you find the right podcasts? Then once you’re booked, what do you need to do to be a success?
Today’s guest has the answers.
Andrew Allemann started a podcast as an offshoot of his trade publication. Not only has it proven itself with over 400 episodes, but it spawned an idea for a service that connects podcast hosts with people wanting to be interviewed! That service, PodcastGuests, has grown to over 38,000 subscribers, adding solid revenue to Andrew’s business.
You’ll also hear about MVP - minimum viable product, and how to use this concept to minimize losses and double-down on promising side hustle winners.
In today’s end-of-episode takeaways, I focus in on how to get the best results when you’re a podcast guest, and you’ll hear about a super-efficient, yet under-used free tool (yup, it’s free) that puts you in touch with great publicity opportunities.
What You'll Hear:
03:10 Domain Name Wire: trade publication for the domain name industry with 10,000+ posts
04:35 Birth of a podcast
07:03 Out of necessity - podcastguests.com was born
09:48 The jump to building up the platform to enable paid subscriptions
10:36 Key contacts made at an industry conference
11:20 MVP - minimum viable product
13:00 Andrew has had businesses not work out
16:08 The value and benefits of being a guest on podcasts
17:13 Why you might want to start your own podcast…and reasons why you shouldn’t
20:44 How to sell and how not to sell if you’re a guest
25:52 How to get booked more often
27:48 Resource for new guests: podcastguests.com/guide
29:12 Best ways to monetize your podcast
30:30 A lot of podcasts don’t make it to 10 episodes!
31:15 Discoverability is not good in podcasts, resulting in typically a slow-build
32:00 Best way to grow your listenership
36:33 Figure out the minimum product you can get out there to test, then ACT!
Key Takeaways:
38:05 Focus on content - not selling, when you’re being interviewed
38:45 google.com/alerts, a free way to be notified of news in your industry…for pitching stories to the media, it’s a handy idea-generator
How to find the resources:
Connecting podcasters and guests,
podcastguests.com
How to be a podcast guest,
podcastguests.com/guide
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
My guest today has deep reservoirs of courage. He’ll say “yes” to new challenges and then scramble to figure out a way to deliver. Like when he said yes to opening for Paul McCartney's son. His band was hired for the gig, but there was one problem…at the time, he didn’t actually have a band. It was just him! But that didn’t stop Patrick McWilliams. He’s a full-time contractor and tradesperson, and his side hustle is performing as a musician, stand-up comedian, and DJ.
Regardless of your industry’s side hustle,you’ll be inspired by Patrick’s
“just say yes” spirit and perseverance.
Check out the end of episode takeaways where I drill down on being “authentic” and saying “yes”... yes to new opportunities, to adventure, to your best life.
What You’ll Hear:
04:05 The early days
08:06 Creating his first (one man) band
09:48 Just saying “yes”
11:11 LA, Vancouver, an agent, then….covid!
11:45 Being ripped off by agents
14:30 Learn the lessons now when it’s cheaper
15:56 Stand-up comedy added as a new side hustle
18:50 How a double-date left his kitchen cupboards a lot less full
25:05 Construction biz grows but there’s time for side hustles
26:04 Juggling music, stand-up, and DJ
27:27 “I’m just going to say yes to things first…”
30:00 Forced to do creative writing…a blessing in disguise
31:23 Your best path to success? Keep the end goal in mind
33:44 Great lesson learned in a bar - no one can do it like you!
37:30 If you’re authentic in what you do, you’ll never consider it work
Takeaways
38:35 No one can deliver the product and/or service that you do
39:48 Be yourself, but be your very best self
40:30 If your intuition/gut is prompting you to say yes…then SAY YES!
40:39 Either you’ll have a “success” or a “learning experience”
How To Connect With Patrick McWilliams:
- Tiktok
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
This episode is all about helping you set yourself up to receive greater wealth and prosperity.
You’ll hear a featured session from my 12-part video course, Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things, which is all about the inner game of wealth. If you haven’t yet been enjoying the abundance you seek, you’ll definitely want to check out this episode.
It’s very likely your inner wealth programming that keeps tripping you up. You’ll hear how to identify your mental money stumbling blocks, and how to build a prosperity consciousness to support the financial success you seek.
Here’s to your financial freedom!
What You’ll Hear:
02:39 “98% of adults reaching 30 years of age will not substantially alter their income pattern (adjusting for inflation) for the remainder of their life. Only 2% will experience gains.”
02:56 Will more money solve the problem? Nope. Here’s why
04:02 Improving your results…your “orange tree”
06:14 You can “grow” into anything you choose
07:50 Thoughts - Feelings - Actions - Results, it’s all hooked up
08:20 Your external results are merely a reflection of your internal reality
08:35 Do you have a poverty or a prosperity consciousness?
09:02 Here’s how you developed your outlook on finances, money, and wealth
09:51 Sources of our programming
10:20 Why we have the money beliefs that we do
11:15 This is what’s driving your financial decisions today
14:49 How to re-write and install your new prosperity program
15:02 How to discover your beliefs about money and rich people
16:03 More money amplifies who you already are
Joan's Online Course:
Turn Youth Thoughts Into Wanted Things
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
The side hustle that started with buying books for $1 and selling them at a big markup on eBay, morphed into a $5 million dollar brand on Amazon.
This happened through the skill and resilience of today’s guest, Annalisa DeMarta. She recently discovered that while there are 2.7 million sellers on Amazon, her company Ridgeline Insights is in the top 0.0005% of Amazon sellers. If anybody understands selling on Amazon, it’s Annalisa.
In our interview, Annalisa reveals what it really takes to be a successful seller on Amazon. She shares the sweet spot of how long you should give your product listing a chance, what are the most important aspects you need to pay attention to, and so much more.
It was difficult to choose which takeaways I’d feature at the end because not only does she share many gems for successful selling on Amazon, but the philosophy behind her advice applies to the majority of side hustle businesses. But I settled on these 3 things; why and when to jump into a new venture even if there’s the possibility of failure, how to improve your cash flow situation, and how to reframe the feeling of depriving yourself when you’re making those smarter cash flow choices.
You’ll definitely want to check out this episode!
What You’ll Hear:
03:30 Buying books for $1, selling them for $5, $10, $25…
06:16 A lightbulb moment: Shifting to a scalable and dependable model
07:33 BIG lesson learned: Minding cash flow
08:45 From just the two of them, to 25 employees
10:05 If we don’t try this, we’ll regret it
11:20 Set yourself up for success by being fiscally conservative in your spending
11:56 A shopping trip provides the seed for a winning business idea
14:00 So many things could have gone wrong - The first shipment of boots from China
15:05 Built Lone Cone to a $5 million brand
18:00 Where to start if you want to import products
21:45 Amazon aggregator picks up Lone Cone
24:14 Ridgeline Insights, an Amazon channel management company
26:55 3 Most common ways to sell on Amazon and pros & cons: arbitrage (a great way to learn Amazon), private labeling/black labeling, contract manufacturing
30:35 Incorrect assumptions people make about selling on Amazon
32:40 What it takes to do Amazon well!
33:58 Just like MSI’s (multiple sources of income), diversification of assets is smart
35:01 A lowball offer - nothing lost if they say “no”
35:56 What it REALLY takes to be successful selling on Amazon
39:00 The sweet spot for long you should give a SKU a chance before you give up
43:50 Fear of failure - get over it because you will fail
44:20 Risk a little, learn a lot
45:20 From side hustle to multi-millionaire…you can too!
Key Takeaways:
46:00 Don’t play the “what-if” game
47:04 Work towards the first tier of financial success - having your base expenses covered
48:00 You’re not losing, you’re trading for a future payoff
49:00 Act on what’s in your control
How to connect with Annalisa & Ridgeline Insights:
- Ridgeline Insights website
- LinkedIn: Annalisa
- Tiktok:Annalisa
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
It started as a little side hustle idea…create a souvenir cookbook for friends and guests at a ski hill. But little did Shelley Adams know this single cookbook would snowball into the bestselling series, “Whitewater Cooks.” The 6 books have now sold over 280,000 copies.
If you’re not already a foodie, there’s a pretty good chance you will be by the end of this episode.
Partway through her cookbook journey, she decided to create a line of sauces, yet she knew nothing about bottling, labeling, or distribution, but she used a highly effective strategy that each of us can apply, to any industry.
Catch today’s end-of-episode takeaways to learn how to apply that strategy, and you’ll also discover what the real purpose is, of having goals. And spoiler alert, it’s not to get stuff!
What You’ll Hear:
03:49 From catering on location, to local ski hill food
04:24 Transforming a ski hill’s cafeteria
07:12 Buying a ski hill!
08:04 A "scary amount of money" to buy Whitewater.
09:03 The idea for the first cookbook
10:35 The print order for the first book.
11:30 Being pushed for book #2
14:44 Shelley's book distributor now has a side hustle!
15:31 What it takes and the timeline from cookbook idea, to print
18:15 Biggest challenges - both physical and mental
19:40 Start where you can start
20:45 The food you see in the photos is all edible!
21:56 Juggling two kids, a ski resort, and a cookbook
22:50 10,000 book sales needed to break even
23:33 Learning what it takes to bottle sauces and asking for help
26:02 What’s next for Shelley Adams & Whitewater Cooks
28:04 Her fav cookbook in the series
29:15 What she loves most about cooking and food
30:45 Best tip for overcoming fear and self-doubt? Keep it simple and chunk it down
2 Key Takeaways:
32:54 Begin with the research
33:41 A powerful question: “Can you help me get started?”
34:08 2 questions you’ll want to ask
34:55 The real purpose of having a goal
How To Find Shelley Adams & Whitewater Cooks:
- Whitewater Cooks Website
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Whatever your side hustle, chances are it could benefit from having sponsors - people paying you, supporting you, in what you’re producing.
That’s only one reason why you’ll want to catch this episode. Today’s guest is going to help you with that, and he’s both engaging and entertaining. After all, Todd Hancock was an on-air radio personality at a rock station for 14 years in a major market. Today he is a full-time Radio Arts & Entertainment instructor, and his side hustle is the Toddcast Podcast.
He talks about how he calculates what to charge a sponsor, his motivation for making the podcast a success, why he doesn’t have a problem with asking sponsors for support, and his brush with death involving a speeding train.
What’s in today’s Wrap-Up? Tips to help you muster up the courage to charge for what you’re worth - whether that’s for a product, a service, or pitching a prospective sponsor. It’s a challenge for a lot of creatives, so you’re not alone!
What You’ll Hear:
02:37 The push to start a podcast
05:15 After the first sponsor signed, it can snowball
07:42 Multiple guests per episode = multiple sponsors per episode
10:20 Weekly time commitment for the podcast
10:50 Heavy on the social media to get the word out
12:01 From full-time job @BCIT to part-time side hustle
14:32 It was the podcast that landed him the full-time job, not his 20 years in radio!
16:13 Who to reach out to your first sponsors
16:44 You can receive product in lieu of money from sponsors
17:40 How Todd calculates what to charge a sponsor
19:20 The motivation for monetizing
23:19 The need to ensure your sponsors know how much exposure you’re giving them
25:31 Why he continues to juggle both full-time work and his podcast side hustle
29:58 Todd’s best tip to take action on your side hustle
Key Takeaway
30:52 What to do if you’re hesitant to charge what you’re worth
31:12 Your offering is truly unique
32:38 Incorporate the “post-it note technique” for yourself
32:03 Begin to create your VR folder today
Where to find Todd:
- Website
- Toddcast Podcast
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Ever wonder what it takes to be a successful content creator?
Today’s guest knows! Biohacker Brittany Ford was working with clients one-on-one as a nutritionist until she realized that increasingly it was her skill as a content creator that people were reaching out to her for and in this episode, you’ll get an insider’s look behind the scenes.
Also, you'll hear how she’s making “deep work” a priority, and it’s something that we all need to integrate to grow our side hustles. One of the end-of-episode takeaways I share is a highly effective tool called the “Friday Box” that you’ll want to employ when facing a pressing problem that is keeping you from focusing on your business. There’s also a nice little (and often needed) reminder about the difference between “urgent” vs “important” tasks and how to take back control.
What You’ll Hear:
05:34 One way to force a change - move to a different country!
07:35 Several health-related side hustle offerings come together
09:01 The wisdom of having an income source to support the growth of your side hustle
15:02 The need to create space for “deep work”
16:50 Multitasking and deep work don’t mix
20:09 Definition of Biohacking: Holistic self-care for optimal health…everything that makes you, you!
23:42 The work involved in content creation
25:00 Hours of work for a 30-second video
25:55 Influencer affiliate work, UGC (user-generated content)
26:54 Understand the profits being made from your content 29:16 Narrowing the niche
30:01 Raw milk, plant medicine, and ancestral nutrition
32:27 The sooner you take action, the better!
2 Key Takeaways:
33:49 The difference between “urgent” and “important”
34:10 How to set up your environment for a successful “deep work” session
35:25 Take back control of your activities
35:54 The Friday Box - a highly effective strategy for moving forward when you’re needing to deal with BIG problems
36:48 Take back control!
How to Find Brittany Ford:
- Website Biohacking Brittany
- TikTok
Connect with Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Today’s guest has been dubbed, the Queen of Side Hustle. It’s no wonder…she’s been a beekeeper for 7 years, a cheese monger for 11 years, and she’s sprinkled in a lot of other side hustles along the way.
Whether or not you’ve ever thought about beekeeping as a side hustle, Nicole Buergers’ journey is sure to inspire! While laughing a lot through this episode, we unpack lessons that apply to every industry. Nicole is authentic, passionate, open, and uplifting.
Be sure to catch my wrap-up at the end where I drill down on imposter syndrome (you're not alone) and, why you need to question where you’re spending your time.
Did I mention that early in her beekeeping venture, Nicole endured over 50 bee stings to the face in a single bee incident? I can’t imagine. Yet she kept going. You're sure to "bee" inspired by today’s guest, Nicole Buergers.
What You’ll Hear:
03:30 What Nicole’s done to earn the moniker, Queen of the Side Hustle
04:25 Add “part-time cheese monger” to her current list of jobs
06:35 What started as a side hustle for the weekends, quickly became all-consuming
08:54 Reading a story that changed the trajectory of her life
11:52 Common myths about bees and beekeeping
13:35 50,000+ bees in your neighbour's yard and you likely won’t notice!
17:20 The most challenging parts of the bee business
20:51 The most rewarding aspect of beekeeping
22:10 We need to be able to set boundaries and say no
24:00 Identified early issues with her business model
24:45 The most important component in growing her business
27:45 Time for introspection…doing a business and personal audit
28:50 Percentage of sales from product sales vs teaching…
30:10 Offer a variety of learning modalities in your online course
31:41 Learning there is no such thing as a honey emergency!!!
32:20 She bought up all the URL’s for the various spellings of her company
33:10 Self-doubt and imposter syndrome
33:21 50 stings to the face
33:55 Indiegogo crowdfunding and willing to be vulnerable
36:02 Unexpected cheerleaders are the best!
2 Key Takeaways:
37:54 Experiencing imposter syndrome? You’re in good company - Sherry Lansing, Sheryl Sandberg, Lady Gaga
39:34 Are you spending time on the most profitable aspects of your business?
40:14 A small change in focus, can produce a big change in your results
Where to find Nicole & Bee2Bee
- Website
Let's Connect
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
While managing a full-time career as a professional magician, entertainer, and working the fairs, Will Roya started his side hustle selling items on eBay, and magic tricks off his own website. Business was good! But things really took off when he launched and focused on, playingcarddecks.com
Seriously, who better to sell playing cards than a magician, right?? Will’s story provides pragmatic, thoughtful, and lucrative $$$ advice on how to build a successful side hustle. Home base for Will is Las Vegas Nevada, where today he owns the office and warehouse that allows him to offer customers over 2500 unique products (mostly playing cards, of course.)
It was interesting to learn the real reason behind his interest in backing over 350 Kickstarter projects.
Be sure to catch the “Takeaways” at the end where I’ll tell you the quickest and most efficient way to immerse yourself in a new industry, and how to make the idea of earning $1M per year…look small!
What You’ll Hear:
02:20 The playing card community & the Kickstarter influence
04:20 The beginning of Will’s career as a magician
07:17 The 2008 recession caused Will to change his hustle
08:55 Selling in person, online, wholesale, retail? Depends on the product
09:22 When it’s okay for a magician to reveal how the trick works
12:06 Success with proof of concept - playingcarddecks.com
12:58 First major test - Black Friday sales
13:45 Inventory - The more you have, the more you’ll sell
14:55 Will’s superpower!
15:45 The value of being a backer in Kickstarter projects
16:28 The Pip Box Club, a subscription service
17:28 A new product may require you reach out to a different market
18:09 Pandemic sales
18:33 Staffing….includes family!
20:58 Have the end goal in mind. Break down the $1 million.
21:48 Will’s goal achievement map
22:25 Where to spend your time? Take a look at what gives you the best ROI.
23:26 Keep the focus on your golden goose
2 Key Takeaways
24:11 One of the quickest ways to learn about an industry
25:03 The benefit of having the end goal in mind
25:03 Making $1 million look small-er
25:41 Linking your big vision to your daily tasks
26:06 A brilliant definition of “discipline”
How To Find Will Roya:
- Play Card Decks website
- Youtube
Let's Connect
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Starting or scaling your side hustle can be a stressful experience, right?
So it’s a good thing that Corporate Stress Coach and wellness educator Nicole Porter is today’s guest. In addition to her knowledge of stress, and what it does to our body and mind, she understands it from the perspective of someone who has started, grown, and successfully scaled a side hustle.
She shares with us what she did right that enabled her to work 100+ hours when she needed to, and what she did very wrong that added undue stress to her body.
Nicole also shares some guidance on what to do about credit cards and lines of credit if you’re thinking about leaving your “9-5.”
She reveals that there are 10, count ‘em, 10! unhealthy habits that most people do every day that add “Hidden Stress” to the body and brain. These contribute to weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, sugar cravings, sleep issues…and that’s just the shortlist.
Be sure to catch the wrap-up at the end of the show, for a highlight of 3 key takeaways, one of which I guarantee is a factor in your stress level, and I’ll give you a tip that’ll help you instantly improve how you feel, the next time you feel stressed.
What You’ll Hear:
02:48 Learning how to sell thickens your skin
04:20 Leap and the net will appear
06:40 The first one through the wall always gets bloodied
08:40 Healthy brands didn’t have the budget
10:17 Leaving the corporate job
11:11 … but not until you establish your credit resources
14:13 How you’ll know you’ve made the right decision
14:40 Don’t be afraid to laser focus on your niche market
17:12 Selling her home to move forward was a…no brainer?
19:18 There are “hidden” stressors we put on the body every day
20:00 The consequences of stress on the body
20:54 Stress and perception
21:39 Dehydration starts…in the brain!!!
23:30 Why Nicole was able to work 100+ hours per week
24: 00 What you’re consuming may be draining your energy
25:25 Major mistake Nicole made when growing her side hustle
27:35 Lack of sleep and the negative effect on your body
28:29 A skill you CAN learn to lower stress
31:35 Experiencing doubt is absolutely normal
34:42 The eggnog story
3 Key Takeaways
39:08 Sometimes, done is better than perfect
39:55 What to do if you’re a perfectionist
40:00 Hearing “no” is just part of the process
40:35 The role of perception in your mental and emotional stress
42:26 What to do next time you’re feeling stressed
How to Find Nicole
- Nicole Porter Wellness website
Where the eggnog money went to:
- Backpack Buddies
Let's Connect
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Are you thinking about making your side hustle your full-time work? If so, when's the best time? Today's guest has some words of wisdom to share.
Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie First Nation and is an educator, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, and traditional knowledge keeper.
Often times we choose a side hustle because we are striving for an additional source of income, or we know that our current full-time work is just not what we want to do for the long term. But in the case of Len, I truly believe that what began for him as a side hustle, is actually blossoming to be his life’s work.
I met Len by way of one of my side hustles!
After nurturing his side hustle for a year and a half, he quit his secure, government pension, full-time job, in order to grow his business. That’s gutsy! Now leading a team of 15 people, he scrambles to keep up with demand. He’s got a lot of knowledge to share about what it takes to create a successful side hustle and when and if to make it your full-time work.
Be sure to catch the wrap up at the end of the show, where I drill down on 2 key takeaways from what Len shares. One will inspire you to reach out for advice, and the other will cause you see the distortion behind the feeling that you get when you think you can’t do something that you really want to achieve.
What You'll Hear:
03:30 Len describes his Indigenous leadership, innovation, & transformation consulting group
04:16 A pivotal moment - A tsunami of clients
06:20 Len’s first side hustle attempt
09:28 A short prayer before going on stage (Note to Listener: Do your version of this before your next presentation)
11:09 First side hustle fell through the cracks
13:11 Someone found his side hustle website!!!
14:22 How the pandemic helped grow Len’s side hustle
15:03 What it means to Indigenize
17:55 Giving up a pension and government-funded 9-5 job
18:58 The experience of finally quitting your 9-5
21:41 The moment Len made the decision to quit his corporate job
24:33 How a moment in my story and Len’s are so aligned
26:50 Keeping up with demand, the most important element of growing his business!
27:25 The decision to start hiring and the business grows
29:06 An online course is a way for more people to receive your services (Note to Listener: Can what you do be taught in an online course?)
31:06 When to take action? Listen to your gut
32:06 Build your network with like-minded, like-hearted people
2 Key Takeaways
33:04 Build your network. The first step? ASK! Here’s how to start
33:37 A life-changing realization…get this!!!!
34:24 Are your beliefs the truth? Nope. Not necessarily
34:30 The wisdom of Len’s grandmother
35:54 Why you experience self-doubt
How to find Len Pierre:
- Len Pierre Consulting website
Connect With Joan:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
From selling fresh flowers on the side of the road, to pop-up Christmas Tree lots, to selling Phantom of the Opera jewelry at country markets, my side hustle journey has been diverse, to say the least. Today I answer the question, "Hey Joan, what's your side hustle story?"
In today's episode, I share with you some of those stories, lessons learned, and a key action I've taken for every side hustle and business success I've achieved. Actually, it’s more than just a key…it’s vital to success.
What You'll Hear:
01:56 Sell Christmas trees? Really?
03:58 The end of the tree side hustle
04:49 A life-changing perspective you’ve got to hear!
05:50 My first BIG goal
06:55 You have no idea of the depth of your potential
07:11 Who NOT to share your dreams with
08:40 Opportunities out West…or not?
09:49 The “Deli” side hustle
11:21 There is a creative process we can follow to achieve any result
13:40 Connecting with what you need
15:30 Launching a new concept
16:48 A key to every major success I've achieved
18:00 Turn your thoughts into Wanted things!
Online Course:
Turn Your Thoughts Into WANTED Things
Let's Connect
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Wouldn’t you love to wake up each morning with a joyful hunger and passion for your work? Today's Side Hustle Hero has found a way.
Lauren Eckhardt was really good at her day job in human resources and was being promoted up through the ranks, but she knew her heart was elsewhere. She had tried a number of side hustles that didn’t bring her the success AND fulfillment she sought. It took a “triple meltdown moment” in her kitchen, and a bout of covid to cause her to break through the chains of her old habit patterns which freed her to express her true gifts and finally start her dream side hustle. You’ll hear that it took her less than a year to see her company grow from 0 to 6-figures.
Her company Burning Soul Collective turns clients' life stories into powerful books that spark change.
Be sure to catch the wrap-up at the end of the show, where I drill down on 2 key takeaways from what Lauren shares. Both have to do with you checking in on the congruence between what you’re saying and what you’re doing. Aligning those may be just what you need to jump to the level of success you know you can achieve.
What You'll Hear:
02:29 Great reasons to start a side hustle!
03:20 Trying 5 different side hustles
04:31 Wanting success AND fulfillment
06:00 Being discouraged to follow what lights her up!
07:00 The consequence of not following your dream
07:42 The importance of your “why”
07:55 What it takes to change behaviour and why it’s so difficult
10:09 The importance of leading by example
11:17 Lauren’s life-changing triple meltdown moment
12:41 The one thing you can control
14:20 Can you actually get paid doing something you love???
15:25 Her Covid silver lining
18:01 What happened the following week after making the decision to pursue her dream
25:50 Are we even going to survive this?
27:30 Wait until your company can afford to hire, or jump in anyway?
28:45 Hire contractors or employees?
31:26 Reaching the point where you can’t imagine doing anything else
32:06 Lauren’s #1 tip to help you take action
33:38 It took her months to go public with the news she started her company
34:58 Screw the fears!
35:19 The ripple effect of your decisions
37:30 When you make the decision and act to start your side hustle, you really don’t appreciate how great your life can get
2 Key Takeaways:
37:57 We need to walk our talk. Actions do speak louder than words
39:00 Are you telling yourself a story?
39:41 Once a decision is made, the universe conspires to make it happen
How To Find Lauren Eckhardt:
- Website - Burning Soul Collective
Let's Connect
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
It’s hard to be online these days and not see ads from people on sailboats or standing next to their luxury cars claiming to make hundreds of thousands of dollars a month in e-commerce...they make it sound so easy, right?
Today’s guest is the perfect person to speak to the reality of what it takes to start and run a successful side hustle in e-commerce. But spoiler alert, her answer is sage advice for whatever is your industry of choice.
By day, twenty-something Melissa Ng is a certified professional accountant working in Mergers & Acquisitions for a multinational company. Her side hustle is helping entrepreneurs get to where they want to be in their e-commerce businesses, through her company Launchers Academy. Not only can she speak to this from a numbers standpoint, she herself has successfully built a number of e-commerce stores, and has been able to remove herself from their day-to-day operations.
Be sure to catch the wrap-up at the end of the show, where I hone in on 2 gems that Melissa shares. One is an attribute you’ve just got to embrace if you want to obtain the success you seek and the other is about why you really want to take stock of who you’re spending your time with!
What You'll Hear:
02:50 Having a steady income is a great time to start a side hustle
04:45 Active vs passive when choosing a side hustle
06:58 A potential life-changing gift you can give
08:13 Milestones achieved at Launchers Academy
10:58 The truth about e-commerce success
12:02 Shiny object syndrome
12:48 The secret sauce of e-commerce success
14:45 The value of community
16:40 Another benefit of starting your own business
17:24 What stops most people from starting their side hustle?
19:00 When I first started, “I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.”
19:58 Be open to how you’ll get to where you want to go
21:25 The reason you’ll want to suspend judgment
2 Key Takeaways:
22:14 Be willing to put in the work & what’s your motivation?
23:00 The value of a mastermind
23:20 Remember you are at choice
23:56 Thriving in uncertain times
24:35 Who are you surrounded by?
How To Find Melissa Ng:
TikTok
Let's Connect
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
While working full-time as a relocation specialist, today’s guest Janis Doherty started making and selling little concrete gnomes as a side hustle. Within 6 months, she was able to quit her job. Now as she celebrates with us, the 1 year anniversary of her business Gnome & Garden, we look back at her steep learning curve, lessons learned, and how she scored an interview from a national broadcaster that caused her sales really to take off as she and her gnomes garnered some pretty sweet TV exposure.
Be sure to catch the wrap-up at the end of the show, where I drill down on two very key gems that Janis shared. They’ll help you become a better decision-maker and problem solver. These are two vital skills to have in your back pocket for both your business and personal life. I hope you’ll enjoy and benefit from my conversation with Janis Doherty, this side hustle hero known as “Mama Gnome.”
What you’ll hear:
02:26 Why Janis’s past jobs now make sense
04:02 No regrets!
05:10 Why don’t you make gnomes?
05:56 If an idea lands on your lap, seize it or it’ll move along to someone else
07:13 The business has changed her
09:15 The gnome making process
09:35 Mis-gnomers…the mistakes
10:36 The steep learning curve
12.13 Dealing with problems
14:09 Harvest the good
14:55 The concrete “stepping stone” everyone should create
15:20 How to view problems…there’s always a solution
16:44 A single order for 700 gnomes? Sure!
17:50 Not everyone supportive of her side hustle
19:20 Let go of negative people
20:35 6 months of gnomes part-time before making the leap
21:00 The moment of decision
21:20 Time to turn concrete into money
22:37 How she landed a TV news segment on a national broadcaster
27.40 Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try
29:50 There’s something that makes you special
2 Key Takeaways
30:36 A very powerful decision-making technique
32:32 What to do when searching for a solution to a problem
How to find Janis Doherty:
Gnome & Garden website
Let's Connect
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest
Welcome to the inaugural episode. YES!!! To launch the show, I’m joined by one of Fiverr’s all-time top earners, clocking in earnings of $2.7million since he’s been with the freelance services platform. Not bad for someone who as a young pastor wanted to grow his family and his ministry, but found himself $50,000 in debt, and reaching for whatever side hustles he could find to help him generate cash flow. I caught up with Joel Young just before he was leaving for a 1- month vacation (nice!), to talk about how he turned things around, and to uncover valuable lessons we can instantly apply.
It'll leave you inspired to take the next big step in your side hustle journey.
Be sure to catch the wrap-up at the end of the show, where I crystalize and recap 3 key takeaways from my conversation with Joel. Thanks for listening!
What you'll hear:
1:33 The growing debt and need for side hustles
4:03 The mindset of trading vs losing, giving up something
7:19 The birth of a life-changing side hustle
9:14 You don’t need to be perfect to start
12:00 We don’t always see our own strengths and talents
14:15 One way to discover your marketable skills
15:35 The growth of Joel’s side hustle
17:45 You don’t need to have the entire plan laid out before you act
18:12 Decision time: Scale back or expand up?
23:30 Joel’s freelancing and video marketing community
25:19 #1 tip for success - be willing to fail in front of people
27:13 Stepping out can lead to surprising opportunities
3 Key Takeaways
28:30 1. An empowering way to view “failure”
29:25 2. Is it sacrifice or a positive choice?
30:45 3. You’ve got to start where you’re at
How to find Joel Young:
- Jump Start Video
- Joel's main site
- YouTube - Joel Talks
Let's Connect:
- Joan's Main Site
Be on the show!
- Be Our Guest