Launching a Business as a Side Hustle Is Alright (But Follow This Startup Checklist) Here are the benefits of launching a business as a side hustle and a checklist to help you get started.
By Michael Stagno Edited by Chelsea Brown
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Launching a startup is a challenging but rewarding process that requires a combination of hard work, planning and determination. But consider starting one as a side hustle while maintaining a position to essentially "pay the bills."
That said, founding a business can be a daunting task, especially if you already have a full-time job. However, launching a business as a side hustle can be a smart and feasible option for many entrepreneurs. Let's explore why launching a business as a side hustle is a viable option and why it's okay.
Related: I Built My Multimillion-Dollar Side-Hustle While Working a Full-Time Job and So Can You
The benefits of launching a business as a side hustle
First, launching a business as a side hustle can provide a safety net. Keeping a steady income from your full-time job while building your business can ease financial pressure and reduce the risk of failure. This allows you to focus on growing your business gradually, without having to worry about making ends meet. Additionally, having a steady income can also provide the financial stability needed to reinvest in your business and take it to the next level.
Your new side hustle can allow for more experimentation and creativity. You can try out different business models and products without risking your livelihood. If your side hustle takes off, you can then decide whether to turn it into a full-time business or not. On the other hand, if your business doesn't work out, you can simply move on without having lost your main source of income. This flexibility can be especially important for entrepreneurs who are still trying to find their niche in the market.
Creating a new side hustle business venture can provide you with valuable experience and skills that can benefit your future endeavors. Building a business takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and the lessons learned during the process can be applied to future projects. This can include skills such as marketing, sales and financial management. Moreover, having a successful side hustle can add credibility to your resume and increase your value in the job market.
Additionally, your side hustle can help you to build a network of contacts and potential customers. This network can be invaluable when it comes to growing your business and reaching new customers. As you work on your side hustle, you will be able to interact with potential customers, suppliers and industry experts. These interactions can provide you with valuable insights into your target market and help you to refine your business strategy.
Finally, starting a business as a side hustle can be a way to pursue your passion and live a more fulfilling life. Many people feel unfulfilled in their full-time jobs and look for ways to turn their hobbies and interests into a career. Starting a business as a side hustle can provide a way to turn your passions into a profitable venture, while still maintaining financial stability. This can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life, as you are able to pursue both your passions and your financial goals.
Starting a business as a side hustle can be a smart and viable option for many entrepreneurs. It provides a safety net, allows for experimentation and creativity, provides valuable experience and skills, helps build a network of contacts and allows you to pursue your passions. While starting a business is never easy, starting as a side hustle can make the process a little less daunting and provide a path to success. It's okay to start a business as a side hustle because it's a smart and feasible option for many entrepreneurs, and it can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.
Related: How to Effectively Start a Side Hustle While You Have a Full-Time Job
How to launch a successful startup
But what does it take to actually bring a business, let alone a side hustle, to life? Here are the nine key steps necessary in launching a successful startup:
Step 1: Identify a problem — The first step in launching a startup is to identify a problem that you can solve. This can be a problem that you have personally experienced or one that you have observed in the market. It's important to have a clear understanding of the problem you are trying to solve, as this will serve as the foundation for your business.
Step 2: Conduct market research — Once you have identified a problem, the next step is to conduct market research. This will help you to understand the size and nature of your target market and to identify your competitors. Market research can be conducted through surveys, focus groups or online research. It's important to understand your target market and to tailor your solution to meet their specific needs.
Step 3: Develop a business plan — A business plan is a written document that outlines the goals and strategies of your business. It should include an executive summary, a market analysis, a description of your products or services, a marketing plan, a financial plan and a description of your management team. A business plan serves as a roadmap for your business and is an important tool for securing funding and attracting investors.
Step 4: Validate your idea — Before you invest time and money into building your product or service, it's important to validate your idea. This can be done by creating a minimum viable product (MVP) or by conducting customer interviews. The goal of validation is to determine whether your solution is viable and whether there is demand for it in the market.
Step 5: Build your team — Building a strong team is critical to the success of your startup. You will need to hire employees who are passionate about your business and have the skills and experience necessary to help you achieve your goals. As your business grows, you will also need to hire additional employees to handle the increased workload.
Step 6: Secure funding — Starting a business requires capital, and there are several ways to secure funding. You can use your own savings, or you can raise capital from friends and family. Alternatively, you can seek investment from venture capitalists, angel investors or crowdfunding platforms. It's important to understand the different funding options available to you and to choose the option that is best for your business.
Step 7: Launch your product or service — Once you have secured funding and built your team, it's time to launch your product or service. This involves marketing and promoting your product, and it also requires building relationships with your customers. It's important to be flexible and to listen to your customers, as this will help you to refine your product and make it better over time.
Step 8: Monitor and evaluate your progress — Monitoring and evaluating your progress is an ongoing process that is essential to the success of your startup. You will need to regularly track your progress and make adjustments to your strategy as needed. This can involve reviewing your financials, conducting customer surveys and monitoring your competitors.
Step 9: Scaling your business — Once it has been successfully launched, the next step is to scale it. Scaling involves expanding your product or service offerings, entering new markets and increasing your customer base. It's important to have a clear strategy for scaling your business and to prioritize your investments in a way that will maximize your return on investment.
Related: How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Gig
By following these steps and staying focused on your goals, you can build a successful startup and achieve long-term success.
However, it is important to remember that launching a startup is a journey and not a destination, and it requires a continuous effort to adapt and evolve in response to market conditions and customer needs. So, be prepared for the ups and downs, stay committed to your vision, and have faith in your ability to succeed.
