Before we begin, I should note that the single BEST way to make your side hustle feel official is to get paid.

As soon as you’ve got your side hustle idea, go sell something.

Seriously.

That first income — no matter how small — is an empowering moment.

In fact, I did a whole episode describing how I got my first sale in 6 different businesses, and later another 25 members of Side Hustle Nation shared their story in this fun round-up episode.

But I also understand that many people — myself include — often want some level of “establishment” before they feel comfortable saying they’re open for business.

I opened my first LLC while I was still in college and really had no idea what I needed it for. But it felt good, and if I’m being honest, made me feel smart and important too.

And later I got plenty of use out of it.

And that’s what this post is about. Even though in the early days of your side hustle, you’re better off focusing on getting customers, sometimes you need a little foundation before you’re mentally ready to focus on getting customers.

My only caution is not to use this list as fodder for procrastination, but to use it as a checklist to build positive momentum and keep going.

Again, before you pull my hustle card, know that you don’t need any of these to get started. But you will need to do most of these eventually, and if you’re the person who likes to get everything in order first, let’s get that excuse out of the way.

Ready? Let’s do it.

Full Show Notes: 10 Ways to Make Your Side Hustle Feel More Official

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