Most people spend a lot of time, energy, and attention on their full-time jobs. So, when the notion of establishing a side business comes up, the first thing that comes to mind is usually, “Where will I find the time or energy to do something extra?”
The truth is that you might not need to hunt for work outside of your workplace at all. One of the quickest and easiest methods to get extra money is to use what you already do at work.
With a few smart changes, the skills, tasks, and knowledge you already have can be turned into services, goods, or consulting opportunities. You don’t have to start from scratch. You only need to change how you think from “employee” to “value-creator.”
This article will show you how to transform the skills you already have into a profitable side business without becoming tired or having to start over.
Why Your Day Job Is Your Hidden Strength
Your job has taught you more than you think, whether you work in customer service, IT, marketing, administration, finance, or education.
You’ve made:
- Ways to make systems perform better
- Tools or templates that will help you get things done faster
- Things that other people in your field don’t know
- Soft skills include things like being able to talk to people, solve problems, and stay organized
- Routines and routines that other people would pay to learn
You’ve undoubtedly handled challenges that are typical in other businesses as well, which suggests there is already a demand for what you know.
Step 1: Figure Out What Skills You Can Use in Other Jobs
To begin, divide your job into skill groups. Don’t simply think about your title; think about what you do as well.
Ask yourself:
- What do I do every day or every week?
- What tools do I know how to use?
- What processes have I made better or automated?
- What kinds of problems do I solve all the time?
Examples:
- A project manager might be exceptional at keeping track of deadlines and communicating, which are both useful abilities for small business owners and creative people.
- A customer service representative might be good at dealing with complaints and creating helpful answers, which is great for freelance email support jobs.
- Accountants might design budgeting templates that are useful for freelancers and small business owners.
You can turn these tasks into services or goods that other people require.
Step 2: Look for Your “Outside the Company” Version
Next, turn your skill into something that can aid people who don’t work for your organization, including freelancers, business owners, job seekers, or other professionals.
This is what that may look like:
| At Work | Side Hustle Potential |
|---|---|
| Making reports for the company | Writing blogs or copy for a living |
| Making spreadsheets | Sell templates for Google Sheets or Excel |
| Running meetings | Give people the chance to learn how to work together or lead a group |
| Teaching new workers | Make online training or instructions for new employees |
| Running projects | Entrepreneurs can hire a virtual assistant or project manager |
Your goal is to change what you already do so that someone will pay for it.
Step 3: Pick a Format for Your Side Job That Works for You
Choose a side hustle model that fits your time and ambitions once you know what you can offer.
Here are three choices:
1. Services for Freelancers
Offer your skill as a service. This is the quickest approach to start making money because you’re giving value right away.
Examples:
- Get QuickBooks ready for businesses in your area
- Handle social media for real estate agents
- Give busy solopreneurs virtual assistant hours
- Make personalized dashboards or reports for people that trade online
You can get clients by using LinkedIn, Upwork, or just asking people you know.
2. Templates or Digital Products
Put your knowledge into tools that people can download and buy.
Examples:
- Spreadsheet for budgeting
- Checklist for onboarding a team
- Templates for standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Design kits or slide decks for presentations
You can sell them on Gumroad, Etsy, or your own website. You simply have to build it once and then sell it over and over again.
3. Coaching or Giving Advice
Help other people who wish to learn what you know.
Examples:
- Career coaching for persons who want to work in your field
- Giving advice to new businesses in your field
- Teaching people how to negotiate, stay organized, or work from home
This can be both fun and profitable if you’re adept at explaining things.
Step 4: Make a Simple Offer to Start
You don’t have to start an entire business right now. Begin with one offer:
- One service
- One digital item
- One package for a consultation
Make it easy to understand:
“I’ll help you set up a Google Sheets dashboard to keep track of your small business’s finances. It costs $75 to set up once.”
This helps you stay on track and keep your workload modest.
Step 5: Use Your Network, But Be Careful
Tell your network what you’re offering, but don’t tell your boss.
Best practices:
- Don’t use work accounts; use LinkedIn and your own social media
- Don’t offer your service to clients of your employer (that’s a conflict of interest!)
- Do all of your side work outside of work hours and with equipment that isn’t yours
- If you’re not sure, you could want to look into your employment agreement
You could be amazed at how many people in your extended network—such as old coworkers, classmates, or people you know online—could be your first clients.
Step 6: Build Up Slowly, So You Don’t Get Too Busy
Don’t try to fit your side job into your full-time job. You’re in it for the long haul.
To begin:
- One customer a month
- One sale of a template
- One session that costs money
This speed lets you create confidence, check your offer, and control your energy.
You can raise your prices, make your process more efficient, and choose whether or not to grow as demand rises.
Bonus: Your Boss Might Even Help You Out
Some organizations are okay with employees making extra money on the side, especially if it helps them grow professionally or learn new skills.
Some people even hire others to do freelance work on the side of their regular profession, like:
- Training videos for employees
- Writing policies
- Research or analysis of data
Be open just when you have to, and always make sure your main duties are taken care of.
Last Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Change Who You Are
You don’t always need a new talent, expertise, or qualification to make more money. Sometimes, the best and most profitable thing you can do is to use what you’re already good at in a new way for a different group of people.
You’ve learned a lot of skills on the job throughout the years. Why not utilize them to make something for yourself?
Start from where you are. Make use of what you know. Do what you can to help.
That’s how you start making money on the side that lasts.