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How to Elevate Your Side Hustle and Turn Your Dreams into Profits

Written by Sharon Poppell | Jun 28, 2023 3:46:38 AM

So, you've been working tirelessly on your side hustle, nurturing it with passion and dedication and are finally at the point where you feel it could actually be something that makes you money (and more than enough to cover your weekly energy drink habit). Now, the time has finally come to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and transform your side hustle into a full-fledged business venture! In this blog post, we'll explore the exhilarating journey of launching your dream business, providing you with valuable insights and guidance along the way. So fasten your seatbelt, ignite your entrepreneurial drive, and let's embark on this exciting adventure together.

Embracing the Leap from Dreamer to Business Owner:

You've spent countless hours fine-tuning your side hustle, and now it's time to take the leap and embrace the role of a visionary business owner. But you have only been an employee with a boss or manager leading the way or telling you what to do up until now. Do you really have what it takes to leave the safety of earning a regular paycheck and step into the unknown world of actually owning a business?

The answer is an obvious YES!!!

Although, this is a HUGE step, take heart! You have resources all around you to guide you along the way so you can leave behind the realm of dreams and step into the realm of action, where possibilities and opportunities abound. We'll guide you through the mindset shift and equip you with the tools to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Get ready to elevate your status from dreamer to business owner extraordinaire.

Strategizing for Success - Transforming Passion into Profit:

Turning your passion project into a profitable business requires strategic thinking and meticulous planning. It will also require an actual business plan. But before you document a full business plan, sit down for 1-2 hours at a time to get some clarity into what your passion actually is. Leave behind your devices and grab an old-fashioned pen and paper so it is just you and your thoughts as you dream and focus on what it is what you want from your business.

Many business owners wind up trading a bad boss or bad manager that has been a source of frustration for years for the prosect of owning their own business. However, many of those same people wind up with an ever worse boss than before…. Themselves.

Before you launch your business, it is incredibly important that you can answer this one question:

WHAT DO I WANT MY BUSINESS TO PROVIDE OR DO FOR ME?

If you cannot answer this question, continue sitting with your own thoughts and that paper and pen until you come up with an answer. Otherwise, you will only be trading a 40 hour work week for a 60-80 hour work week with more risk and more stress, and quite possibily less money in your pocket. Don’t skip this step.

After you have taken time to step back and answer that one question, the next parts should be easy!

Building a Solid Foundation - The Power of Business Planning:

Every successful business starts with a solid foundation. Crafting a well-thought-out business plan is the key to unlocking your venture's potential and attracting investors or partners. Once it is documented, it all the sudden transitions from a dream into something that is actually tangible! Print it out if you want to actually touch and hold it.

After you have your plan written down, take that editors pen (or keyboard) and edit. Is it the service or product you want to provide? It is okay to dream big, but refining your offerings and identifying your target audience early on will help you to craft a compelling brand story.

Once these items are complete, write you plan down and be sure that your business plan clearly outlines the following:

WHO:

  • You will offer this product or service to (get as granular as to write a short bio of the type person you will be targeting).
  • You will you need supporting you to accomplish your goals (bankers, attorneys, accountants, marketers, etc. – keep in mind that all of these people can be hired to support you during your first few months and years of growth).
  • The key players will be on your team.

WHAT:

  • You will be offering.
  • You will need (in terms of capital invested, tools, asses, assets, warehouses, locations, etc.).

WHERE:

  • You will provide this product or service - define the location where you will operate.
  • This will be marketed;
  • The money will come from. Are you planning to invest personal savings or will you seek out investment from angel investors, friends or family, crowdfunding? What about using debt to grow your business?

WHEN:

  • You plan to launch your product or service.
  • You will draw your first paycheck.
  • You will hire your first employee

WHY:

  • This product/service is important and will improve the lives or businesses of those around you.
  • This product/service is unique and different from your competitors.

HOW:

  • You will make this all happen – include the financial picture of your first 1-3 years of business.
  • The money will be spent.

If you don’t answer these questions in your business plan, an important person (such as your wife your husband) will be sure to ask them later on. And if they don't ask, you can guarantee your banker or investor will be wanting this information at a time when you are already buried in a million other tasks that a small business owner must deal with so get this done early on!

A key item here is to be AUTHENTIC! Don’t try to conform your product or service into what people want. Create or provide the product or service that YOU do best. There are millions of products and services out in the world but there is only one you so make this business unique. Then, prepare to let your entrepreneurial genius run wild so you can transform your passion into profits. Let this reflect in your business plan too.

Unlocking Financial Success with Expert Guidance:

Navigating the more technical aspects of your business can feel nerve wracking. Especially in the financial world and the legal world of business. These both relate to compliance and government filings (OH NO!!). That's where expert guidance in the form of a subscription-based accounting team comes to the rescue. These financial wizards will help you make sense of numbers, manage your expenses, and provide real-time insights to drive informed decision-making. Really, any accounting service you can think of can be covered by our team at Executive Allies. Discover the power of subscription-based accounting as your secret weapon for financial success.

In addition, working with knowledgeable attorneys and bankers can pave your way to success. The best news is that most great accounting teams have attorneys and bankers on speed dial so can connect you to the very best, right off the bat!

 

If you have gotten to the end of this article, congratulations! You're on the brink of transforming your side hustle into a thriving business, where your vision and hard work will bear fruit. Embrace the challenges, fuel your entrepreneurial spirit, and leverage the resources and insights available to you. With determination, strategic planning, and the support of a subscription-based accounting team, you're equipped to soar to new heights of success. Prepare to make your mark on the business world and turn your dreams into a tangible reality. It's time to elevate your side hustle and embark on an extraordinary journey of entrepreneurship.