Episode Guide

Finding the perfect side hustle doesn't require flawlessness; action is key. Jonathan and Brad share personal experiences that highlight the importance of trial and error, leading to valuable lessons learned through experimentation. They emphasize that starting with an imperfect idea can still lead to growth and opportunity. The episode explores various avenues like audiobook narration and the concept of converting hobbies into income-generating activities. Listeners are encouraged to actively pursue side hustles and diversify their income streams. Tips such as leveraging existing skills and pivoting business ideas are discussed, along with emphasizing the necessity of tracking progress over time to measure success, especially when working with vulnerable populations. The overall message underscores a community spirit where listeners are invited to share their experiences and connect with the journey of entrepreneurship.

Episode Timestamps

ChooseFI Podcast Episode Show Notes

Episode Summary

Finding the perfect side hustle does not have to be daunting; it's more important to take action, iterate, and learn through the process. In this week's episode, hosts Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett discuss the path to entrepreneurship and the growth mindset necessary to embrace failures as learning experiences. They emphasize taking action to diversify income streams rather than relying solely on traditional W-2 jobs, which can present unexpected risks.

Key Topics Discussed

Understanding Side Hustles
- Definition and importance of side hustles for financial independence.
- Discusses the risks associated with relying solely on W-2 income .
Entrepreneurship and Growth Mindset
- Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.
- Importance of taking action instead of waiting for perfect ideas .
Quality of Life Metrics
- Measuring success through quality of life improvements rather than traditional financial metrics.
- Introduction of a coaching case study featuring Talus, who teaches ballroom dance to individuals with Parkinson's.
Actions and Next Steps
- Encouragement for listeners to take action and start their own side hustle.

Timestamps

Podcast Intro
Discussion on spontaneous adventures and taking action.
Start taking action today!
Consider the risks of relying solely on W-2 income.
A side hustle equals financial diversification!
Failures are just steps to your success!
Identify areas for improvement as potential business opportunities.
Coaching Call with Talus begins.
Winner announcement and call to subscribe.
Podcast Extro

Actionable Takeaways

Don't wait for the perfect idea; start with what you have and adapt as you go.
Diversify your income streams to mitigate risk.
Track your successes and failures to learn and improve.

Discussion Questions

What steps can you take today to start your own side hustle?
How has your mindset about failure changed throughout your career?
What tools do you use to measure success in your projects?
How can you leverage community support in your entrepreneurial journey?
What does financial independence mean to you?

Speaker Highlights

Brad Barrett: Emphasizes the importance of taking action and learning from experiences.
Jonathan Mendonsa: Discusses the journey of entrepreneurship and the growth mindset needed for success.
Talus: Community member sharing experiences from the side hustle coaching journey.

Key Quotes

"You just need to get started."
"W-2 income can be very risky."
"Don't look at it like failure. It's a stepping stone."
"Be aware, jot something down. If there's something you think could be better in your life..."

The Path to Financial Independence: Embracing the Side Hustle

Finding a side hustle that fits your lifestyle and goals can be both rewarding and challenging. In this article, we'll explore actionable insights and strategies to help you successfully cultivate a side hustle, ultimately driving you toward financial independence.

Why Start a Side Hustle?

Diversify Your Income Streams

In today's economy, relying solely on traditional W-2 income can be risky. As shared in the podcast, W-2 income is dependent on your employer's decisions and market conditions. Therefore, diversifying your income sources is not just wise—it's essential. A side hustle can provide a buffer against job loss and economic downturns, giving you peace of mind.

Increase Your Financial Security

With a stable side income, you have greater security and the ability to save for future goals. Whether it's building an emergency fund, investing, or preparing for retirement, a side hustle can help accelerate your personal finance journey.

Taking Action: Your First Steps

Start Today, Not Tomorrow

Many people wait for the "perfect moment" to start a side hustle. The truth is, there will never be a perfect time. As emphasized in the podcast, "Start taking action today!" Identify your skills and interests, and find a way to monetize them.

Idea Generation

Begin by brainstorming potential side hustle ideas that align with your skills and passions. Don't hesitate to jot down any thoughts—often, your life experiences can lead to valuable business opportunities.

Action Item: Take time this week to list potential side hustle ideas based on your skills and interests.

The Growth Mindset: Embracing Failure

Learn to View Failures as Stepping Stones

Entrepreneurship is inherently about taking risks, and failures are part of the learning process. Think of failures as opportunities to improve rather than definitive ends. Embrace this mindset to keep moving forward in your side hustle journey. As mentioned in the podcast, "Failures are just steps to your success!"

Measuring Success: Quality of Life Metrics

Track Your Progress

Success can be measured in many ways, beyond just financial gains. Keep track of quality of life metrics—these could include how much time you spend on your side hustle, the skills you are developing, and the impact you have on your community.

Key Insight: Measuring areas that matter to you can provide motivation, helping you see the broader impact of your side hustle.

Skill Development: The Importance of Talent Stacking

Build Your Skill Set in Real-Time

As you engage in your side hustle, you'll acquire new skills that can contribute to your primary career as well. This concept of "talent stacking" means that the more diverse and complementary skills you develop, the more valuable you become in the marketplace.

Discuss: How can you leverage your side hustle skills to improve your career opportunities?

Building Community and Support

Leverage Community Resources

Building a supportive network can make your side hustle journey easier. Connect with others in your field or community—join forums, attend workshops, or seek mentorship. This collaboration not only provides guidance but also can lead to partnership opportunities.

Action Item: Join a community group related to your side hustle for support and networking.

Navigating the Business Landscape

Look for Market Gaps

As you explore your side hustle, identify gaps in the market that you could fill. This could involve improving existing services or offering something unique. Don't forget the power of the "Rip, Pivot, Jam" method—take an existing successful idea, and adapt it to your niche or local demographic.

The Power of Measurement and Feedback

Conduct Market Research Early On

As your side hustle begins to take shape, gather feedback from your customers and track their experiences. This feedback loop will allow you to refine your offerings and market them effectively.

Insight: Establish clinically validated metrics to measure success and improve service delivery, particularly if your side hustle has a health-related focus.

Celebrate Your Wins and Learn from Both Successes and Failures

Acknowledge Your Progress

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Each milestone met in your side hustle is a step toward financial independence. Recognizing progress boosts motivation and keeps you engaged.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Financial Independence

Your path to financial independence can begin with a simple step—starting a side hustle. Embrace the process, take action, learn from failures, and leverage community support. Remember, success is not just about the outcome; it's about the journey and growth along the way.

If you're looking to take control of your financial future, now is the time to begin exploring your side hustle options and set yourself on the path toward financial independence today!

Brad and Jonathan talk about their experiences with W2 jobs and building side hustles, Jose shares his own side hustle tip, and Alan and Tallis wrap up the 4-part Side Hustle Coaching Series.

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Brad and Jonathan are jumping into planned spontaneity.
Do your actions align with your values?
Brad recounts how the accounting firm he worked for right after college, one of the biggest in the U.S. at the time, folded and within 9 months no longer existed.
W2 jobs aren’t all that risk-free after all.
Having a side hustle is about diversification.
Jonathan talks about how Dani is building an audiobook side hustle, using some of the techniques and strategies that Nick Loper talked about in Monday’s episode.
Willingness to pivot your side hustle idea gives you a better chance at building a side hustle that actually works.
Voicemail from Jose with a side hustle tip from Task Rabbit
Brad’s opting to rent a car through Turo, through which customers rent someone’s personal car, similar to AirBnB.

Side Hustle Coaching Call

Episodes to review: Episode 30, Episode 56 (Part 1), Episode 77R (Part 2), Episode 85R (Part 3)
Tallis reviews how her initial cold calls, starting from further away geographically and becoming increasingly local as she refined her sales pitch.
Tallis has 4 dance classes she’ll be teaching soon!
Tracking results and feedback from the start of your business is important.
Measuring results, and using valid tools respected within the medical community will be important to Tallis’ business.
Where does Tallis want her business to go in the next 2 years?
Keep pressing forward – it’s impossible to know how the business might grow, but Tallis is building entrepreneurial skills and opening options for her future.

Links:

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