Starting a side business, whether in addition to a full time job, or an existing business, is a great way to earn extra income, or to follow your passion in a way that makes it more than just a hobby.
When I was in high school, I took on a client for social media marketing that owns a real estate agency. When he was interviewing me for the job, I mentioned that one of my hobbies is photography. In a pinch, he asked if I could fill in and photograph a listing for one of his clients. Having mostly acceptable gear, I decided to give it a shot.
He ended up loving them, and kept feeding me more and more listings. I looked around on the internet and decided to get my certified real estate photography verification (which is a thing apparently). From that, and word of mouth recommendations, I added an extra $1–2k in income per month just from taking a shot on one of my hobbies.
The potential for side businesses are limitless, and can apply to most any interest, time constraints, skill level, or budget. Still not convinced? Here’s some reasons to start one up, with examples.
1. Extra Income
This one’s pretty obvious, but can often be overlooked. No matter if you have a full time job, business, or student schedule, extra cash can always benefit you.
Depending on the venture you’re trying to start, the income levels will vary. However, general low time commitment side businesses such as photography, social media management, or even making and selling home-made crafts, can generate extra thousands of dollars per month.
Generally, side businesses involve either just you, or a small team, meaning less complications, and more profits.
“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” — Abraham Lincoln
2. Learn Something New
Work schedules can become routine, even for entrepreneurs. After establishing a company, the focus can, at times, switch to executing plans, and increasing profits, not necessarily learning anything.
Which isn’t a bad thing at all, however, starting a side business will force you to step outside your comfort zone, and try new things.
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” — Anthony J. D’Angelo
3. Build Your Network
Starting any new venture, always comes with an added advantage; you meet new people. Whether it be partners, customers, manufacturers, other professionals in the industry, you’re exposing yourself to a realm of people that you otherwise would most likely ignore.
The reason this is so important, is that you never know when you might have to fall back on one of these people. By spreading your network across various industries, associated to your different ventures, you increase the value you get from running your businesses.
“Your network is your net worth.” — John C. Maxwell
4. Opportunities are endless
What I’ve been learning more and more of, as I get older and experiment with new ventures is that when you put yourself out there, and really apply your skills and knowledge, along with hustle, you’ll never find a lack of opportunities.
Just by working on a side project everyday for 30 minutes, you’re exposing yourself to whole new worlds, where you never know what might come from it.
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” — Milton Berle
I’ve received tremendous value and more than tripled my initial return on investment into my latest side hustle in just the past two months alone. This goes to show, that when you apply yourself to your hobbies or interests, you can change the directions of your career and living a more fulfilling life.
