A lot of people wish to earn more money. But they also want that money to come from something that matters more and more.
They don’t just want to “sell stuff.” They want to make a difference in the world. They want to help people, speak up, and be proud of what they’re making.
The good news is? You don’t have to pick between making a difference and making money. You can start a side business that does both: one that fits with your principles and helps you make more money.
Let’s look at how you may start a business with a purpose, help others, and make real money at the same time.
Why Purpose Is More Important Than Ever
Purpose cuts through in a world full of noise. People don’t just buy things; they buy from people they trust. They desire tales, connection, honesty, and heart.
When your work has a purpose:
- You feel more connected to the job
- You keep motivated even when things get hard
- Your audience can tell you’re real
- You make something that will last
- You make something that nourishes you, not just your wallet
Step 1: Make Clear What Kind of Change You Want to Make
Before you start a new product, service, or concept, think about these things:
- Who do I want to help?
- What issue are they dealing with?
- How can I really make their lives better, even in a small way?
Maybe your drive:
- Helps parents who are busy keep everything in order
- Gives tiny artists tools or templates to help them
- Makes health and wellbeing easier to get to
- Makes someone’s day happier, calmer, or more hopeful
- Helps someone get over something you used to have trouble with
An impact doesn’t have to change the globe to change someone’s life.
Step 2: Pick a Way to Make Money That Helps Other People
There are a lot of different ways to make money on the side. But if you want to help individuals directly, think of things like:
- Teaching or coaching someone else in a talent you’ve mastered
- Digital goods that help with a problem (such as journals, guidelines, and templates)
- Making content that teaches or inspires, like a podcast, blog, or YouTube video
- Services that make someone’s life easier, such as design, writing, or organizing
- Online classes or workshops based on what you already know
- Products based in the community (memberships, support groups, challenges)
The most important thing isn’t what you sell, but how it changes people.
Step 3: Tell the Story of How You Got Into Your Hustle
People don’t connect with logos, immaculate branding, or beautiful websites. Your story might be your greatest strength.
- What made you start this job?
- What events brought you here?
- What lesson did you learn from a personal problem?
People listen when you share that through your website, your content, and your product descriptions. And they trust you even more.
People who trust you become followers, clients, and long-term supporters.
Step 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Money
Your hustle doesn’t have to be free just because it has a purpose. You’re giving something of value. You’re making things happen. You’re putting in time, effort, and innovation.
It’s okay—actually, it’s necessary—to charge for that. Look at it this way:
- You aren’t selling your time; you’re selling a result
- People are more likely to stick with something when they put money into it
- You can help more people in a better and more sustainable way if you make money
When done with honesty, impact and income don’t fight each other; they help each other grow.
Step 5: Pay Attention to Your Audience, Learn From Them, and Change With Them
When you work hard for people, feedback is worth its weight in gold. Make feedback loops by:
- Fast surveys
- Open up your DMs or emails
- Talks in communities
- Reviews and testimonials
- Paying attention to recurring questions or requirements
Let your audience assist you decide what to give. They will tell you what is and isn’t working and what they really need.
This makes your work a living, breathing endeavor that evolves with the individuals it helps.
Step 6: Start With One Person
Entrepreneurs inspired by purpose often desire to benefit everyone. But that’s a trap. Start with one clear person:
- One issue
- One answer
- One message
- One deal
Figure it out deeply. Show the results. Trust is important. You can grow from there, but never at the cost of clarity or connection.
Step 7: Enjoy Each Story
That’s impact when you help someone, even in a small way:
- A note that says “You changed how I see this”
- An email thanking them for using your tool
- A moment of enlightenment that someone had because you helped them
Take pictures of those times. Share them with others (with permission). Let them remind you that what you’re making is important.
These stories are what keep you going when things get tough (and they will).