Side Hustle School

Discover how a clever grad spotted a need for professional LinkedIn photos at university job fairs. He crafted a simple headshot booth, earning his first $1,000 without lifting a camera! With a minimal setup and zero hands-on work, he secured multiple bookings from nearby campuses. Learn about his pitch to career services and how seasonal demand can drive profits. This inspiring story highlights the potential of side hustles that require minimal effort while addressing a real demand.

Discover how an unexpected layoff turned into a successful side hustle for Erica, who launched a transcription service from home. Initially aiming for live-event transcription, she faced challenges but pivoted to fill a market gap with her unique formatting service. Instead of hiring employees, she opted to scale using contractors, allowing flexibility. Learn how her journey emphasizes solving complete problems and doing ordinary work better, providing valuable insights for aspiring side hustlers.

A caller reveals they earn more from their weekend pen business than their day job, sparking a discussion on income stability. The host shares tips on assessing revenue against fixed expenses before making a leap. They explore strategies for smoothing out seasonal income, like deposits and subscriptions. Transitioning to fewer workdays or consulting is suggested as a safe bridge. Finally, the episode outlines key signals for quitting, stressing the importance of financial cushioning.

Elise, a virtual assistant from Spokane, seeks advice on pricing her services. She learns why hourly rates can limit her potential and how to package her offerings for higher value. Chris shares strategies to justify increased rates, emphasizing results over time-tracking. He suggests shifting to retainer packages and communicating these changes effectively to clients. Through this conversation, listeners discover that focusing on outcomes can elevate their worth and build loyal client relationships.

Discover how a savvy side hustler turned retired LEGO sets into a lucrative business. He shares insights on predicting which sets will appreciate in value using market data. With successful buys like the Saturn V and UCS snowspeeder, he's made impressive profits. Learn about his meticulous tracking strategies and how he reinvests earnings into other collectibles. Brandon emphasizes patience and smart buying tactics, showcasing a unique way to grow wealth through childhood nostalgia.

After moving from France to Quebec, Cédric Fontaine missed the flavors of his homeland, leading him to create Terroir Quebec, a directory of local artisans. Starting with just ten products, he expanded to around 400, crafting a unique e-commerce platform. Navigating seasonal sales, he faced shipping hurdles but adapted with better packing strategies. With a focus on customer feedback and reinvestment, Cédric aims to grow while maintaining his culinary roots, embodying the spirit of a passionate food ambassador.

A listener grapples with burnout from her calligraphy side hustle, realizing she dreads her once-loved orders. The host helps evaluate if it's time for a break or a significant pivot. They discuss pinpointing operational stressors like logistics and communication. Additionally, there's reassurance that side hustles aren't permanent; they can lead to personal evolution and new opportunities. The emphasis is on prioritizing enjoyable and meaningful work.

Discover how a designer transformed traditional chalkboard menus into sleek digital solutions for food trucks. Inspired by travel, she repurposed unused tablets and created an easy-to-use menu kit. With minimal costs and smart sales strategies, she sold her product directly during busy lunch hours, earning impressive profits. Learn how technology and design can turn spare resources into a reliable side income, all while covering rent! This episode dives into innovation, creativity, and the hustle behind turning ideas into cash.

Discover how a laid-off ski bum transformed his life by launching an online snowboarding school. Learn about his journey from in-person lessons to global digital teaching, leading to sales in 20 countries. Hear how he tripled revenue with affiliate marketing and expanded his reach by translating content into nine languages. Gain insights into essential business skills like marketing and accounting he mastered along the way. This inspiring story illustrates how to package local expertise for a world audience.

Santiago, a bootstrapped software founder from Miami, grapples with a $2,000 dilemma for his subscription app with 180 users. Should he spend it on retention strategies to reduce cancellations or chase new sign-ups? Chris advises prioritizing the churn rate first, highlighting the importance of fixing leaks before investing. If churn is low, acquisition could be the way to grow revenue. The discussion emphasizes focusing on existing customers while keeping an eye on scaling when metrics are favorable.