Because it's the safest and most achievable aim when you start side-hustling.
In fact, the first $20 you make online will change your mindset forever.
Because with an online biz, you don't need
- initial investment
- capital
- anything apart from a laptop and wifi
So, let's get started!
1/ Screw perfection
You don't have to worry about building your 'perfect' brand, portfolio, or business today. Let's just focus on building momentum, yes?
And no, you don't even need a website!
This isn't 2010.
(More on this soon)
2/ Do what comes easily to you
I chose writing because I've been writing since I was 7. I was actively contributing to the school newsletter and magazines as a teenager,, and then ran a blog as a young adult.
For 5.5 years, I ran an Instagram page with fitness-related advice along with a blog.
So basically, writing came easily to me.
What comes easily to you?
Quick quiz to find out
- What do people ask you for advice on?
- What can you create/offer without learning something new?
- What problem are people already paying you to solve?
So if you're good at writing, you can try your hand at freelance writing as I did.
If you're good at organising and managing stuff, you can create Notion templates.
If you're solving coding problems at work, you can try to freelance in that area. Or whatever it is that your job pays you to do, you can replicate those skills outside, too!
3/ Create your offer
One thing that I learnt rather late in my journey was the magic of bundling stuff. So instead of pitching for 1 article worth $X, I'd pitch for 4 articles for $4X-25%.
This way, the client compares the costs and saves money, and you earn more too.
Stack up your offer:
- 1 article for $250 or 4 articles for $800
- 1 consultation for $150 or weekly sessions for $500/ month
- One Notion template worth $25 plus bonus templates and ideas
For the first two, you need 2 clients to make over $1000 a month.
Pro tip: Two clients paying you $500 a month is much easier than 10 clients paying you $100 a month.
4/ Create your brand
Simple stuff:
- Write on LinkedIn often
- Cold InMail those who can benefit from your services (be specific)
- DM people who engage with your content
This way you'll be more visible.
Personal branding is the only way to have opportunities come to you instead of you running after them. There is no better way to future-proof yourself than to build a personal brand.
5/ Deliver. Improve. Build Relationships.
You're not looking to build your agency yet...you're looking to make money on the side, either for a new income stream or to do this full-time.
So
- Collect testimonials from happy clients
- Take feedback and improve your work
- Focus on a few high-paying customers
The last point is an important one, so you don't say yes to every opportunity you get. Because if you stretch thin, it'll be difficult!
6/ Your $1K/month formula
This happens when you focus on a few but high-value clients. Go back to the third point and focus on two clients paying you $500/ month instead of 10 clients paying you $100 a month.
Finally
Start simple. Start small. And see where that magic takes you.
Writing on Medium in 2020 earned me thousands of dollars every month.
On top of that, I had high-paying freelancing clients as well.
That was my journey, now, you make yours.
Join this workshop where I'll help you create a funnel for monetising on LinkedIn.
Limited spots open.
Love,
N
