Side Hustle Smarts: What Works and What Doesn’t

Photo by Garrhet Sampson on Unsplash

It was never my intention to start a side hustle.

It just… happened. And then it happened again. And again.

For me, it wasn’t about chasing passive income or freedom from a bad boss (though I’ve had my fair share). It was more about curiosity, purpose, and the question, what if this could be something? 

When I launched SharpMinds in 2022, I didn’t have a perfect plan.

I’d just lost my job, had some space to think, and decided to try something completely different. I still didn’t know what I was doing—but I got started anyway.

Since then, I’ve mentored dozens of people thinking about starting their own thing.

And so, here’s what I wish someone had told me before I launched my own side hustle.

1. What you start with probably won’t be where you end up

I started SharpMinds just wanting to give coaching a go.

It was completely different from my background in product development. If you are teeting on the edge and are looking for some excuses to walk away from your current journey, read this other blog first.

What I’ve ended up with is something in between—blending mentoring, coaching, and two decades of industry experience.

Don’t wait until your idea is perfect. Start with something and stay open to where it might lead.

2. Know who’s actually paying attention

There’s often a big gap between who you think your audience is, and who’s actually following your work.

The best thing you can do? Ask. When someone books a call or shares your post, find out how they discovered you. Their words will help you speak more clearly to the people you’re really here to help.

3. Talk about what you do, even if it feels awkward

If no one knows you exist, they won’t buy from you.

That means getting comfortable sharing your work regularly—whether it’s a newsletter, blog, podcast or just showing up on LinkedIn.

Pick a platform you don’t hate and stick with it. The goal isn’t to be viral—it’s to be visible to the right people.

4. Selling takes time

Most people aren’t ready to buy the first (or fifth) time they hear about you.

Some won’t be ready for six months or more. That’s not failure—it’s just how trust builds.

Keep showing up, keep adding value, and know that sometimes the seeds you plant today won’t sprout until much later.

5. Business development doesn’t have to look one way

You don’t have to cold pitch strangers if that’s not your thing (it’s definitely not mine). For me, business development has come through writing, podcasting, public speaking and referrals.

Find the method that fits you—and outsource or deprioritise the ones that drain your energy.

6. Get clear on who you serve and what you help them with

When I first said I was a “coach,” most people had no idea what that meant.

It was too vague.

When I finally clarified that I coach women in STEM through career transitions, it all started to click. Specificity helps people know when you’re the right person for them. It makes it easier to refer you too.

7. Test your ideas before you go all in

You don’t need to launch something huge right out of the gate.

Try a pilot. Offer a beta version. Ask for feedback.

The best offers grow out of real conversations, real results, and lots of small tweaks. Every imperfect launch teaches you something useful.

8. Use your existing network—and grow a new one

I know, I know—it feels icky. But the people who already trust you are the best place to start.

Ask for introductions. Tell people what you’re working on.

Then, little by little, start expanding: connect with new people, engage with their work, and slowly build a network around your business.

9. Celebrate progress (even when it doesn’t look how you expected)

I’ve had years where 1:1 coaching clients were few and far between—but at the same time, I was mentoring six startups.

If I’d only measured success by what my website said I did, I’d have missed the point. Growth looks different at every stage. Learn to notice what’s working.

10. Protect your time and energy

Side hustles can eat up every spare minute if you’re not careful.

Be honest about how much time you have and what you’re willing to give.

If possible, negotiate flexi-time or a compressed week in your day job. If not, carve out a consistent window you won’t resent later. You’ll need it for the long game.

Final thoughts on launching a side hustle

A side hustle isn’t a shortcut. It’s a slow build, a long game, and a steep learning curve. But it can also be one of the most liberating things you ever do.

You don’t need to be ready. You just need to begin.

What’s one small step you could take this week that future-you might thank you for?

I'd love to hear from you in the comments.