Notes from Chris

Episode 2662

Today’s episode is part of a feature we call ‘Your First $1,000.’ As you might surmise from the title, this is all about how someone made their first $1,000.

How did they get to that point? Not their first $100,000—that’s cool, but it would probably be a long story.

One thing I’ve learned is that once you begin to earn real money, the steps required to go to the next level—whether it’s $1,000 to $2,000, or even to $5,000 or $10,000 are often easier than that first real paycheck.

With that in mind, today’s feature comes from Cassie from Seattle, a longtime tea drinker. But what about their first $1,000—how did they make that happen, what did it feel like, and what did they learn?

Let’s hear it from Cassie. I’ll be back at the end to wrap us up.

SEE ALSO:

• Military Spouse Starts Subscription Box Mission:When an HR Director’s husband is away on military deployment, she uses the alone time to march toward a subscription box.
• Think Inside the Subscription Box:Looking for more community, a North Carolina web agency owner starts a subscription box for female entrepreneurs. It’s supposed to be a referral tool for her agency, but it ends up becoming a full-time business of its own.
• Nature-Loving Neighbors Create Kids Subscription Box: When two couples can’t figure out how to get their kids outdoors and away from electronics in the winter, a personal challenge blossoms into an unbeLEAFable side hustle.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2661

In today’s episode, Jasmine asks how to take her thrift store flipping hobby to the next level. From sourcing secrets to logistic lifesavers, we’re unpacking everything you need to know to turn those hidden gems into a thriving side hustle.

This answer is designed to provide Jasmine with a clear, actionable path to scale her hobby into a sustainable business, focusing on practical steps for sourcing, selling, and managing logistics effectively.

“Hi Side Hustle School team, I’m Jasmine, a longtime listener. For the past few months, I’ve become quite the thrift store aficionado, particularly with my local Goodwill stores. I’ve found some amazing deals on vintage clothing and unique home decor that I’ve been able to flip for a decent profit on platforms like eBay and Etsy. It started as a hobby, but now I’m considering taking it more seriously as a side hustle. My question is, how can I scale this venture effectively? Are there specific strategies for sourcing and selling that could help me turn this hobby into a sustainable side hustle? Additionally, I’d love to know more about managing logistics, such as inventory and shipping, to keep my customers happy and streamline the process as I grow. Thanks for any advice you can share!”

Listen to today’s episode to learn more…

SEE ALSO:

• Catholic Designer Creates Stylish Apparel Line: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but not sell any t-shirts? This designer cast his bread upon the waters and ended up with a profitable fashion line.
• Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”: When a married couple runs into logistical problems at their wedding, it leads to an innovative service that other engaged couples need during the pandemic.
• Role-Playing Pastor Rolls The Dice On $2800/Month Hustle: Listener success story! This Presbyterian minister turns to his lifelong interest in role-playing games to set up a sustainable second income source.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2660

Today’s episode of Side Hustle School dives into the digital deep dive of SEO, a critical tool for anyone looking to enhance their online presence. We’ll explore the tangible benefits of ranking high on Google searches and provide a roadmap for achieving that coveted top spot.

“Hi, I’m Sarah from London, and I run an online boutique that sells throughout the UK and Europe, and occasionally to America. I’ve been reading about SEO and the importance of ranking high on Google searches. Can you explain how much a prominent Google listing is worth in terms of traffic and potential sales? And how can I improve my site’s ranking to achieve this?”

Listen to today’s episode to learn more…

SEE ALSO:

• Catholic Designer Creates Stylish Apparel Line: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but not sell any t-shirts? This designer cast his bread upon the waters and ended up with a profitable fashion line.
• Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”: When a married couple runs into logistical problems at their wedding, it leads to an innovative service that other engaged couples need during the pandemic.
• Role-Playing Pastor Rolls The Dice On $2800/Month Hustle: Listener success story! This Presbyterian minister turns to his lifelong interest in role-playing games to set up a sustainable second income source.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2659

I believe we can learn as much from failure as we can from success, if not more. It’s with this principle in mind that I offer you a weekly segment called Failure Friday: a collection of short stories all about mistakes, missteps, disasters, and of course, failure.

Just like our Throwback Thursday segment, you’ll hear directly from side hustlers who have struggled to get something off the ground. They’ll tell you a short story of something that went very wrong.

The stories will vary, but often it starts with an idea, what they thought would happen and what really happened—and of course, what they learned.

Today’s short story features David. As you might guess, their business has had a couple of challenges.

Let’s hear from them about one of those struggles… I’ll be back at the end to wrap us up.

SEE ALSO:

• Marketer Creates Six-Figure Subscription Box Success: He looked for a simple solution for a client, and didn’t find one—so he spent the next year building it.
• Comic Book Curator Creates Custom Crate Subscription: A Sacramento-based comic and collectibles owner sparks an interest in reading with a monthly comic book subscription box service.
• A Packed Closet Leads to Secondhand Subscription Boxes: A professional organizer finds a way to stitch her passion for thrift shopping into profits.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2658

Welcome to Throwback Thursday / “Where are they now?” where we take an in-depth look at someone who’s story has evolved considerably since we first featured them.

Last week, we heard from a statistician turned fantasy sports strategist, who leveraged his knack for numbers to launch a fantasy sports analytics business.

Today, in our latest feature, we’ll hear from an ethical hacker who carved out a niche in cybersecurity by safeguarding small businesses. Today, we’re updating you on his pivot to earning through bug bounties.

What’s happened since? Let’s hear directly from them. I’ll be back at the end to wrap us up.

Listen to today’s episode to hear more…

SEE ALSO:

• Raver Turns LED-Powered Gloves Into Bright Future: When a raver-turned-salesperson falls in love with an underground art form, he turns it into a successful side business.
• Bright Idea Leads Chicago Woman to Million-Dollar Hustle: A Chicago-based plastic recycling sales rep overcomes her fears and doubts to transform her love for DIY lamp shades and $10 in supplies into a multi-million dollar business.
• 3D Printing Brings Cosplay Into 21st Century: With a 3D printer and sense of imagination, a California natural gas industry worker takes superhero DIY cosplay to a whole new level.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2657

In this episode, we embark on an inspirational journey with Clara, a high school math teacher from Austin, Texas, who’s mastered the art of making math both engaging and accessible. Her innovative tutorials have not only transformed the learning experience in her classroom but also sparked the idea of bringing this success into the online world.

As Clara contemplates turning her educational magic into an online course series, we delve deep into the platforms and strategies that could catapult her content from local classrooms to global screens, ensuring that students everywhere can benefit from her unique teaching style.

“Hello! My name is Clara, a high school math teacher from Austin, Texas. Over the years, I’ve developed a series of engaging math tutorials that have been a hit in my classroom, especially among students who typically struggle with the subject. Given the positive feedback, I’m considering turning these into an online course or series. My question is, what platforms would you recommend for hosting these courses, and could you offer some strategies for effectively marketing them to students and their parents?”

Listen to today’s episode to learn more…

SEE ALSO:

• Catholic Designer Creates Stylish Apparel Line: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but not sell any t-shirts? This designer cast his bread upon the waters and ended up with a profitable fashion line.
• Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”: When a married couple runs into logistical problems at their wedding, it leads to an innovative service that other engaged couples need during the pandemic.
• Role-Playing Pastor Rolls The Dice On $2800/Month Hustle: Listener success story! This Presbyterian minister turns to his lifelong interest in role-playing games to set up a sustainable second income source.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2656

Are NFTs still a thing? Can you still make money from them? Did you lose money on them?

In this episode of Side Hustle School, we’re journeying into the vibrant world of digital art with a twist. Amir from San Francisco, known for his captivating digital landscapes, seeks to explore the NFT realm, a frontier full of potential yet brimming with complexities.

Join us as we navigate the merging paths of art and blockchain technology.

“Hi there! I’m Amir, an artist based in San Francisco, known for my vibrant digital landscapes. Recently, I’ve grown curious about the NFT space as a new avenue for monetizing my art. However, I’m a bit overwhelmed by the technical aspects and the market dynamics. Could you guide me through the key considerations I should keep in mind as I venture into turning my digital art into NFTs? Also, what are some effective ways to market these NFTs to potential buyers who appreciate my style of work?”

Listen to today’s episode to learn more…

SEE ALSO:

• Catholic Designer Creates Stylish Apparel Line: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but not sell any t-shirts? This designer cast his bread upon the waters and ended up with a profitable fashion line.
• Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”: When a married couple runs into logistical problems at their wedding, it leads to an innovative service that other engaged couples need during the pandemic.
• Role-Playing Pastor Rolls The Dice On $2800/Month Hustle: Listener success story! This Presbyterian minister turns to his lifelong interest in role-playing games to set up a sustainable second income source.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2655

Today’s episode is part of a feature we call ‘Your First $1,000.’ As you might surmise from the title, this is all about how someone made their first $1,000.

How did they get to that point? Not their first $100,000—that’s cool, but it would probably be a long story.

One thing I’ve learned is that once you begin to earn real money, the steps required to go to the next level—whether it’s $1,000 to $2,000, or even to $5,000 or $10,000 are often easier than that first real paycheck.

With that in mind, today’s feature comes from Leo, a mushroom farmer in Ojai, California. But what about their first $1,000—how did they make that happen, what did it feel like, and what did they learn?

Let’s hear it from Leo. I’ll be back at the end to wrap us up.

SEE ALSO:

• Military Spouse Starts Subscription Box Mission:When an HR Director’s husband is away on military deployment, she uses the alone time to march toward a subscription box.
• Think Inside the Subscription Box:Looking for more community, a North Carolina web agency owner starts a subscription box for female entrepreneurs. It’s supposed to be a referral tool for her agency, but it ends up becoming a full-time business of its own.
• Nature-Loving Neighbors Create Kids Subscription Box: When two couples can’t figure out how to get their kids outdoors and away from electronics in the winter, a personal challenge blossoms into an unbeLEAFable side hustle.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2654

Hassan from London is balancing a part-time blogging and app development side hustle. Intrigued by the potential of the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, he seeks to harness this concept to boost productivity and efficiency.

The principle, which posits that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes, can be a game-changer for side hustlers looking to optimize their efforts and achieve better results with less exhaustion.

“Hi, I’m Hassan from London, a part-time blogger and app developer. I’ve heard a lot about the 80/20 rule, or Pareto Principle, and I’m curious about how to effectively implement this in my side hustle. Could you explain how this principle can be applied to maximize productivity and efficiency, especially in balancing my blogging and app development?”

Listen to today’s episode to learn more…

SEE ALSO:

• Catholic Designer Creates Stylish Apparel Line: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but not sell any t-shirts? This designer cast his bread upon the waters and ended up with a profitable fashion line.
• Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”: When a married couple runs into logistical problems at their wedding, it leads to an innovative service that other engaged couples need during the pandemic.
• Role-Playing Pastor Rolls The Dice On $2800/Month Hustle: Listener success story! This Presbyterian minister turns to his lifelong interest in role-playing games to set up a sustainable second income source.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

Notes from Chris

Episode 2653

Gabriella from Miami has a unique opportunity to turn her passion for vintage fashion into a profitable venture. With an eclectic collection ready to find new homes, choosing the right platform to sell these treasures is crucial. The digital marketplace offers various options, each with its strengths and target audiences.

From global platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Shopify to local channels like Facebook Marketplace, and not forgetting niche sites like Poshmark, the choice depends on several factors, including the nature of the items, the desired reach, and the level of control over the selling process. Let’s explore these options to help Gabriella make an informed decision.

“Hello there, I’m Gabriella from Miami, Florida. My passion for vintage fashion has led me to accumulate an eclectic collection of clothing and accessories over the years. I’ve decided it’s time to share my collection with the world and hopefully make a bit of profit along the way.

Where do you think I should sell these items. I’m considering Etsy, eBay, and Shopify, but I’m not sure which would be the best fit for vintage fashion. *Or* do you think it’s better to sell locally, like through Facebook Marketplace? Is there a certain platform where these items might sell better? How should I go about making this decision? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!”

Listen to today’s episode to learn more…

SEE ALSO:

• Catholic Designer Creates Stylish Apparel Line: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but not sell any t-shirts? This designer cast his bread upon the waters and ended up with a profitable fashion line.
• Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”: When a married couple runs into logistical problems at their wedding, it leads to an innovative service that other engaged couples need during the pandemic.
• Role-Playing Pastor Rolls The Dice On $2800/Month Hustle: Listener success story! This Presbyterian minister turns to his lifelong interest in role-playing games to set up a sustainable second income source.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,