Discover quick tips to find the perfect side hustle and enhance your communication skills.
Hey, SimplVest fam!
Today’s newsletter is a double-header! We’re getting into the world of side hustles and how to find the perfect one for you. Plus, we’re sharing some expert tips on using simple phrases to boost your communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Ever thought about starting a side hustle but didn’t know where to begin? Now more than ever, everyone’s looking for extra income. After all, it seems the best way to beat all the economic wahala isn’t to cut down on spending; but to make more money. But with so many options (and frauds), how do you know what works? And what doesn’t?
Alice Everdeen, a successful freelancer, has a 15-minute strategy that might be just what you need. In 2020, Alice set up a side hustle as a freelance voiceover artist and turned it into a full-time business, earning up to $15,000 monthly. And when her income dipped slightly— she found another gig to stabilize her earnings.
Here’s Alice’s strategy to find the perfect side hustle:
Make Two Lists
List 1: Your Skills — Write down everything you’re good at. This can be anything from writing, voiceovers, coding, teaching, or any other skills you have.
List 2: Your Passions— Note down your hobbies and activities. These could include gardening, playing with dogs, fitness, or even organizing events.
Combine Your Skills and Passions
Look at both lists and find ways to combine them. For instance:
- Love writing and sharing knowledge? Then try freelance writing or blogging. You’d share your knowledge and expertise on topics that interest you and, with time, build a following. Platforms like Medium or WordPress can help you get started.
- Do you love dogs or any pets and work from home? Consider pet-sitting for those who have furry friends but need someone to watch them for a bit. You’d be surprised at how many people have this issue.
- Strong and helpful? For the gym bros, have you ever thought about becoming a professional mover? It may sound funny, but with the number of people who actively need help moving items to and from apartments, there’s a market for you to tap into.
Take, for instance, what Alice did. She wanted to do more speaking but also enjoyed helping people, so she found a job facilitating skill-building workshops. This new gig provided a steady income, which is crucial for freelancers.
Tailor Your Side Hustle to Your Lifestyle
Many folks have side hustles to achieve various goals, like settling off a debt or saving up for big purchases. That answers the purpose for you seeking extra income, but then, you also need to ensure your choice fits your lifestyle. To figure this out, there are two key questions you’d want to ask yourself:
- How much do I want to work? Based on your available time, decide between active and passive side hustles.
- Do I want to run a business alone? Platforms like Fiverr or Contently can bring customers to you, reducing your marketing workload. But they also take a cut of your earnings, so you should remember that.
Find Your Niche
Make sure your side hustle solves a problem or fills a specific niche. That’s the only way you’re guaranteed to make bank; because solving people’s problems is what earns you access to their wallets. If you’re unsure what problem you’d like to solve, SideHusl offers a quiz to help you narrow down options based on your interests and skills.
Mark Cuban’s Side Hustle Counterpoint: Follow Your Effort!
Or, you could say, “screw that,” and do what Billionaire investor Mark Cuban advises.
“Follow your effort.”
Instead of just following your passion, focus on where you spend your time and effort. That’s usually where your strengths lie. Cuban himself shifted from his childhood dream of being a basketball player to building a successful business. And he still came back to his passion in some form, eventually owning the Dallas Mavericks.
Take Action
Ready to start your side hustle? Make those lists and see where your skills and passions intersect. It only takes 15 minutes to kickstart it all.
Sound Smarter and More Emotionally Intelligent with These 3 Phrases
Have you ever wondered how to sound more innovative and more emotionally intelligent? And we’re not talking about using big words. Here are three expert-approved phrases that can help you sound insightful and empathetic.
Why Is This Important?
Good communication is crucial in both personal and professional settings. Expressing yourself clearly and empathetically can strengthen your relationships, enhance your leadership skills, and create more opportunities for collaboration. Integrating these phrases into your conversations can make a positive impression and connect you more deeply with others.
1. “Could you tell me more about that?”
When someone shares something important, resist the urge to jump in with your own story. Emotionally intelligent people focus on making others feel heard. Instead of responding with your thoughts, try saying, “Could you tell me more about that?”
This phrase invites the other person to share more about their feelings and experiences, showing you genuinely care. For example, if a colleague mentions a challenging project, asking this question shows empathy and encourages them to open up more.
2. “I think…”
Correcting someone or sharing your opinion can sometimes come off as harsh. Phrases like “Here’s the thing” can sound dismissive. Instead, soften your approach with “I think.”
Starting your statement with “I think” makes your opinion sound less authoritative and more collaborative. For instance, if a team member suggests a new idea, starting your feedback with “I think we might need to consider…” shows respect for their input while offering your perspective.
3. “Hey, can you give me any advice?”
It might seem counterintuitive, but asking for advice can make you look smarter. Recognizing that you don’t have all the answers shows self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
When you ask someone knowledgeable for advice, you value their expertise. This can strengthen your connections and make others view you as insightful. For example, asking a senior colleague for advice on navigating a challenging project helps you learn and builds rapport.
Ready to Improve Your Conversations?
Try using these phrases in your conversations this week. Notice how they help you connect better and show more empathy.
Action Steps for You
- Make Your Lists: Spend 15 minutes listing your skills and passions to find your perfect side hustle.
- Practice Communication: Use the recommended phrases to enhance your emotional intelligence in your next conversations.
- Share Your Success: We’d love to hear your side hustle stories and tips! Reply to this email or join our community page.
Ready to take the next step? Start applying these strategies today and see the difference they make in your life and career!
Until next time,
The SimplVest Team 🚀
