A lot of individuals want to make more money, but not many do anything about it. The thought of beginning a side business often stays in the “someday” category because you don’t have enough time, confidence, or a clear plan. But the truth is that establishing a side business today is more possible than ever. You don’t need a great concept, a lot of money, or years of experience.
This guide is provided to help you get started. No fluff, no hype—just real actions you can take to establish your first side business today.
This article is based on the main themes of Chris Guillebeau’s books The $100 Startup and Side Hustle. It talks about taking low-risk, high-impact action. You’ll discover how to quickly start something new with what you already have and start making money without quitting your job or changing your life.
What Is a Side Hustle, and Why Is It Important?
Any way to make money outside of your regular employment is called a “side hustle.” It’s something you do on the side, like on the weekends, at night, or during your lunch break, that makes you real money.
But a side job is more than simply a way to get money. It’s about:
- Freedom — making money on your own terms
- Safety — don’t put all your eggs in one paycheck basket
- Experimentation — trying out different ideas and interests
- Ownership — making something that is yours
Chris Guillebeau says that a side business is a way to try out new ideas and make choices for yourself. It doesn’t have to be your full-time work, but it may become something bigger if you want it to.
The First Barrier: “I Don’t Know What to Do First”
This is the main reason people never start.
The best way to get over this is to start small and do something you already know how to do or like doing.
Here are three short steps to assist you come up with your initial idea:
- Make a list of five abilities you have, either for work or for fun.
- Write down five problems that people you know often have.
- Find a situation that needs a talent and see if you can help fix it.
Your first hustle idea is hiding at the point where what you can do meets what people need.
How to Pick a Realistic Side Job Idea
You don’t need to have a “million-dollar idea.” You need an idea that can be tested, put into action fast, and cheaply.
Think about this:
- Can I begin this with less than $100?
- Can I try this out without quitting my job?
- Does anyone want to pay for this?
- Can I provide you a basic version of this in a week?
You have a good concept if majority of your answers are “yes.”
Chris Guillebeau stresses how important it is to get things going quickly because you’re not attempting to establish a business. You’re starting a small business where people trade things of worth.
5 Easy Side Jobs You Can Start Right Now (in the U.S.)
Here are some ideas that have worked for other people that you can start right now with very little risk and no money up front:
- Put your services on sites like TaskRabbit or Craigslist.
There is a lot of demand for simple services, including putting together furniture and running errands. - Sell things on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Mercari.
You can flip goods from thrift stores or even things you already own. - Freelance on sites like Upwork or Fiverr.
You may start making money right now with skills like writing, editing, graphic design, or even voiceovers. - Use DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart to deliver.
You can make extra money on your spare evenings and weekends without being tied down. - Teach or coach on Wyzant or TakeLessons.
There is a need for those who are strong at math, music, or a foreign language.
These are concepts that are easy to carry out; you don’t need to prepare a business plan or build a website. You only need to be there and give value.
Things to Stay Away From When You’re Just Starting
Many newcomers squander time or money by making these mistakes:
- Waiting for the “perfect” idea: The best idea is one you can act on right away.
- Thinking too much about branding, logos, or websites—these are diversions at first.
- Spending too much money up front; check it out first and then invest.
- Comparing yourself to experts: Everyone starts from the same place.
- Sticking with something you despise just because it “makes money.”
Pay attention to what you really need and what you like or are skilled at. You will stay motivated longer, and your results will arrive faster.
How to Start in Less Than 24 Hours
It doesn’t have to be hard to launch.
Here’s a basic plan you can follow today:
- Choose one of the ideas in your list.
- Write a simple offer that tells them what you do and how it helps them.
- Text, email, or message three individuals who might be interested.
- Give people a simple deal: a set rate or a free test version in exchange for feedback.
Your first “client” doesn’t have to be someone you don’t know; it could be someone you do know. The aim is to build up speed.
Start Small, Think Big
One of the nicest things I learned from The $100 Startup is that you don’t need to grow; you just need to get started. A lot of the success stories in the book are about people who started side hustles with $50, $100, or just their time and skills.
Chris lays out a five-week plan in Side Hustle for starting a project that will make money. But the most important thing is to start immediately with what you have, even if you don’t follow that plan exactly.
Do It Now!
By now, you know what a side hustle is, why it’s important, how to come up with a concept, and how to get started. All that is left to do is take action.
So, here’s your task:
- Pick one idea before the conclusion of the day.
- Tell someone about your offer (publish it, share it, or tell someone).
- Take one step, even a little one, toward getting your first client.
This little step could make a big difference in your life. And you have full control over it.
This is where your hustle starts.
It’s not about being an overnight success or quitting your job right away when you start your first side hustle. It’s about getting back the power to make money, make things, and grow on your own terms.
What is the sole thing that sets someone with a side job apart from someone without one? One did something.
👉 Do it today, too.