Notes from Chris

Episode 2563

On today’s episode of Side Hustle School, we’re connecting with Alex, a high school senior from Denver, who’s at the exciting crossroads of education and entrepreneurship. Alex, a recent but enthusiastic listener, is ready to dip his toes into the entrepreneurial waters with his first side hustle.

However, he’s mindful of the challenges, especially balancing it with impending college plans and limited resources. Let’s offer some guidance to help young entrepreneurs like Alex navigate these early stages of a side hustle journey.

“Hi there Chris and team, I’m Alex, a high school senior from Denver. I’ve been listening to Side Hustle School for a couple of months, and it’s really opened my eyes to the world of entrepreneurship. I’m eager to start my first side hustle but feel a bit overwhelmed by the challenges ahead, especially as a young entrepreneur. What advice can you offer to help young people like me successfully launch and manage a side hustle? I don’t have a lot of resources and I also have to think about my college plans.”

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 2561

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.

Today’s short story features Cameron Hayes. 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 2560

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.

Today, in our latest feature, we’ll hear from Maksym, an indie video game developer from Ukraine. Despite the challenges brought by the ongoing conflict, his small studio has not only released a successful second game but also nurtured a community of developers amid adversity.

What’s happened since? Let’s hear directly from him. 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 2559

Welcome to another episode of Side Hustle School! Today’s query comes from Aaron in San Francisco. He’s been a regular listener and is now turning his attention to the intriguing world of Instagram.

Aaron is curious about the factors that catapult some Instagram accounts to fame while leaving others in the shadows. He’s looking for insights into the key strategies that can lead to significant success on this popular platform.

“Chris, it’s Aaron from San Francisco. I’ve been following your podcast and am curious about Instagram’s dynamics. Why do some accounts get incredibly famous while others struggle to gain traction? What are the key factors or strategies that lead to significant success on Instagram?”

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 2558

In today’s episode of Side Hustle School, we’re addressing a question from Tara in Phoenix. She’s been encountering numerous ads claiming that becoming an Audible affiliate is the top side hustle currently.

Tara is curious about the reality of these claims and is seeking an honest assessment of the potential profitability of joining the Audible Affiliate Program.

“Hey Chris, I’m Tara from Phoenix. I’ve been seeing a lot of ads and content suggesting that being an Audible affiliate is the best side hustle right now. What’s your take on this? Does partnering with Audible as an affiliate really pay off, or is this just a trending hype? I’m looking for an honest assessment of its potential as a profitable side hustle.”

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 2557

Welcome to an all-new year of Side Hustle School! In this episode, hear about our plans for 2024—as well as an all-new writing series I’m starting at YearofMentalHealth.com.

Happy New Year, everyone!

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 2556

Happy New Year’s Eve! In today’s episode, we have a listener with a literary quandary.

Elaine from Charleston has been navigating the waters of publishing and stands before a crucial decision. With a pen in one hand and a contract in the other, she’s pondering whether to sign on the dotted line for a modest advance or chart her own course in the vast ocean of self-publishing.

“Chris, hello! I’m Elaine from Charleston, South Carolina. I’ve been following you for years. I recently received an offer to publish my first book, but the advance is modest—like, very modest. Should I accept this deal, aiming for long-term gains, or hold out for a better offer? Or is this the time to think more about self-publishing? I need your advice!”

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 2555

In today’s fast-paced episode of Side Hustle School, Marco from Pennsylvania reaches out with a burning question that’s on many hustlers’ minds: how to keep a side hustle lucrative amidst the scorching heat of inflation.

He’s already pocketing an extra $1,500 a month, but as costs rise, that money isn’t stretching as far as it used to. Let’s strategize on keeping those earnings robust even when the economy tries to tell us differently.

“Hello Chris, this is Marco calling from Pennsylvania. After hearing about Side Hustle School from a coworker, I’ve been using it to supplement the strategies for my side gig. Despite making an extra $1,500 a month, inflation is starting to eat into my earnings. The struggle is real! What strategies can I employ to maintain, or even better, increase my side hustle income in the face of rising prices?”

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 2554

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.

Today’s short story features Morgan from Lansing, Michigan. Let’s hear from her 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 2553

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.

Today, in our latest feature, we’ll hear from the owner of a business that hosts bachelorette parties in Nashville, incidentally the fastest-growing U.S. city for such events and activities.

What’s happened since we last heard from Cassidy? 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,