How to Start a Side Hustle and Turn It Into Your Full-Time Thing
Ever dreamed of being your own boss but felt like there just weren’t enough hours in the day? If that sounds like you, I’ve got some good news: time isn’t your biggest obstacle. With the right plan, a dose of discipline, and a little strategy, you can launch a side hustle and grow it into your full-time business.
In this post, I’m breaking down exactly how to do that — step by step — so you can move from side gig to sustainable, full-time income.
Phase 1: Laying the Groundwork (Even If You Have Zero Time)
Let’s start by shifting your mindset. Because, let’s be honest, if you want to build a business, the biggest hurdle isn't usually lack of time. It's things like fear, perfectionism, and not knowing where to start.
So let’s start out with five mindset shifts that will help you actually get started:
Start small — your first version won't be perfect. Like raising kids, your business will go through stages. Don’t wait until it’s "ready." Start now.
Use the right strategies for each stage. Early growth strategies are not scalable. That’s okay. You’re not building a forever system right now — you’re just trying to get started.
Consistency beats intensity. Showing up every week matters more than occasional bursts of productivity.
Play the long game. If you're in it for quick money, you'll burn out. Focus on building something sustainable.
Action creates clarity. You won’t figure it all out by thinking. Start messy. You’ll learn by doing.
Step 1: Solve a Specific Problem
The best businesses are built around solving real problems. Instead of saying, "I want to start a marketing agency," say, "I help busy entrepreneurs create social media strategies and post consistently."
Here are some side hustle-friendly examples:
Help small business owners launch websites
Provide done-for-you content marketing
Rewrite websites to improve conversions
Organize backend systems as an online business manager
Offer nutrition consultations to help people eat healthier
Ask yourself:
Is this a problem people are willing to pay for?
Do I have the expertise or credentials to solve it?
Can I solve it quickly with the resources I already have?
Step 2: Package Your Offer
Once you know what problem you solve, define exactly what you're offering. Think in terms of outcomes, not features.
Use the Rule of One:
One clear outcome
One clear process
One clear price point
Also decide if you want to:
Do it for them (done-for-you service)
Coach them through it (consulting/coaching)
Teach them how (digital products)
Keep it simple. Don’t build a fancy website or sales funnel just yet. Your goal right now is to prove demand by getting your first few customers.
Step 3: Get Your First 3–5 Customers
This part is best done manually. It’s slow. It might feel awkward. But it’s necessary.
Part A: Tap Into Your Network
Reach out to people you already know. Be honest, be direct, but don’t be salesy. Just share what you’re working on and ask if they know anyone who might need that type of help.
Offer a beta package, a discounted first session, or even a free consult to build trust and gather testimonials.
Part B: Grow Your Network
If your current network doesn’t have enough leads, expand it:
Join Facebook or LinkedIn groups.
Attend local events or online masterminds.
Use Instagram or LinkedIn to connect with people interested in your topic.
Important: Don’t try to sell on social media. Instead, use it to build relationships. Direct messages and conversations are where the magic happens.
Step 4: Systematize So You Can Grow
Once you’ve got a few clients, it’s time to build systems to save time and avoid burnout.
Start simple:
Create email templates for onboarding.
Use booking tools like Acuity or Calendly.
Build client checklists or delivery templates.
Set a weekly marketing routine (e.g. "Marketing Mondays").
Track leads, conversions, and revenue with a spreadsheet or CRM.
Systems are the bridge between side hustle and full-time business. Without them, you’ll stay stuck in hustle mode forever.
Phase 2: Build Monthly Revenue ($1K–3K/month)
Now that you’ve validated your offer, your goal is to stabilize income.
Key tips for this phase:
Stick with one main offer. Don’t create 5 packages. Get really good at selling one thing.
Avoid custom work. It’s tempting, but time-consuming and hard to scale.
Focus on repeat customers. Turn one-time buyers into ongoing clients or subscribers.
Keep networking. You’ll still be closing the most sales if you stick to 1-on-1 at this point.
Phase 3: Streamline to Free Up Time
You're earning $1–3K/month, but it might still feel like a grind. Now it's time to reduce how much time the business takes.
Double down on systems:
Batch your content and client work.
Use software and automations (like CRMs & email platforms).
Consider hiring a virtual assistant or online business manager for a few hours/week.
This frees up mental space so you can start working on the business, not just in it.
Phase 4: Scale with a 1-to-Many Offer
Now that you’ve got results, it’s time to multiply your impact.
Options for 1-to-many offers:
Online course or membership
Group coaching
Agency model with contractors doing the work
Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Set this up while you still have some capacity.
Phase 5: Build a Simple Sales Funnel
To truly go full-time, you need leads coming in consistently.
Here’s a basic funnel structure:
Visibility (podcast, YouTube, paid ads)
Lead magnet (free training, checklist, call)
Nurture emails to build trust
Pitch your paid offer
Drive traffic to your lead magnet using content marketing (YouTube, blog, Pinterest), ads, or partnerships.
Are You Ready to Go Full-Time?
Here’s a quick checklist:
You’ve replaced at least 60% of your income
You have a working sales funnel bringing in new leads and turning them into customers
You’ve saved 2–3 months of expenses as a buffer
You’re confident in your offer and know people want it
You’re ready to step into uncertainty with courage and clarity
If you can check those boxes, you might be ready to take the leap. 💃
Final Thoughts: Pick a Business That Can Grow
Before you even start, make sure your idea has real potential. Avoid hobbies with low profit margins. (I’m lookin’ at you, candle making, crochet, and micro bakeries… I love those hobbies, but they don’t make good businesses.) Choose something that solves a big problem, is in high demand, and is something you actually enjoy.
Also, avoid trying to jump straight into passive income. Start with active income. Serve clients. Get experience. Then, layer in digital products.
And finally, if you’re stuck, ask yourself: What problem can I solve in the next 7 days that someone would pay me for?
That’s your starting point. Solve that problem. Then build from there.
Want more support on this journey? Check out my (free!) Small Business 101 course — it walks you through every step of this process in detail.
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