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In this episode, I’m joined again by Monique Shields, and this conversation felt like therapy, coaching, and truth-telling all in one. We went deep into something I’ve personally been navigating: what it actually looks like to move out of survival mode as a high-achieving woman, especially when life has been life-ing. We talked about the invisible weight many of us carry, from parenting to business to unexpected life challenges, and how that impacts the way we show up, make decisions, and even spend money. One of the biggest shifts for me? Realizing I wasn’t telling myself the full story about what I had been carrying and surviving. Monique breaks down how our mindset around scarcity, energy, and outsourcing can keep us stuck, and what it really means to “resource yourself” instead of just pushing through. If you’ve been feeling stuck, foggy, or like you’re doing everything but still not moving forward, this episode will hit home. Main TakeawaysYou’re not behind, you’re likely operating without acknowledging everything you’ve been carryingScarcity mindset after a hard season can quietly shape your decisions and keep you stuckYour energy, not just your time, is one of your most valuable assetsResourcing yourself (mentally, physically, strategically) is essential for growth Highlights Include00:00 – Reconnecting with Monique and what she’s been building02:30 – Why intimate spaces and coaching containers matter04:30 – Starting YouTube and breaking through creative burnout06:00 – The hidden impact of hard seasons on decision-making08:00 – Why you’re not telling yourself the full story10:00 – High-achievers and the trap of self-pressure12:30 – Why “feeling less overwhelmed” isn’t the right goal15:00 – Scarcity mindset after financial or life shocks18:00 – Why cost-first thinking keeps you stuck21:00 – The “delusional belief” successful people hold about their future27:00 – The real value of your time and energy33:30 – What actually changed after hiring support36:00 – Mental fog and why you don’t even realize you’re in it40:00 – Why stability is not the same as hoarding43:00 – What it really means to “resource yourself”46:00 – The importance of having multiple “brains” supporting you50:00 – Why your nervous system needs support in today’s world52:00 – Reframing “I can’t afford it” into a choice Links Mentioned in This EpisodeSave the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (April 17) Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro AnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here.  Social MediaInstagram: @moniquershields Podcast: Ambition Without Compromise Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable conversations I’ve ever shared. I’m opening up about my journey as an autism mom, from the early days of pregnancy and motherhood during the pandemic to navigating the realities of developmental delays, diagnoses, and advocacy. What started as subtle concerns about speech delays turned into a life-changing journey through early intervention, therapy, and eventually receiving an official autism diagnosis for my son. Along the way, I’ve had to learn how to advocate fiercely, navigate complex systems, and redefine what motherhood looks like for me and my family. This episode is about the hard moments, the emotional weight, and the unexpected beauty in this journey. It’s also about community, resilience, and learning to see strength in a path that looks different than what I once imagined. Highlights Include00:00 – Why this episode is deeply personal 02:00 – Pregnancy, birth, and early milestones during the pandemic 04:30 – First signs of speech delay and comparing developmental milestones 06:30 – The emotional impact of early evaluations 07:30 – Starting early intervention: speech and occupational therapy 09:00 – Transition to specialized preschool and navigating the system 11:00 – The hidden challenges of parenting a child with special needs 12:30 – Communication barriers and emotional regulation as a parent 14:00 – The moment I realized how much I’ve been carrying 16:40 – Understanding gestalt language processing 19:30 – Getting an official autism diagnosis 21:00 – Advocating for my son within the school system 23:30 – A “guardian angel” moment that changed everything 27:00 – The role of faith in navigating this journey 29:00 – Finding community and learning from other moms 30:30 – Lessons autism has taught me about boundaries and perspective 31:00 – A real-life parenting moment at the barbershop 33:00 – Choosing celebration during Autism Awareness Month Links Mentioned in This Episode• Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 17) Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here.  Social MediaSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re a side hustler or solopreneur, taxes can go from simple to overwhelming real fast and the truth is, many entrepreneurs are quietly losing thousands of dollars just by not knowing what they don’t know.  In this episode, I sat down with CPA and TurboTax Expert Lisa Greene-Lewis to break down the most common tax mistakes side hustlers make, from choosing the wrong business structure too early to missing out on key deductions and failing to stay organized throughout the year. We also unpack what actually makes taxes more complex as your business grows and how to stay ahead of it before tax season hits. This conversation is all about helping you feel more confident, more prepared, and more in control of your finances. Because the goal is not just to make money in your business but to keep more of it. Main TakeawaysLack of consistent tracking is the biggest mistake that leads to overpaying taxesMany solopreneurs miss deductions simply because they are unaware of what qualifiesStaying organized year-round is the key to reducing stress and maximizing savings Highlights Include00:00 – Introduction to tax season for solopreneurs02:00 – Lisa’s journey into tax expertise and entrepreneurship05:20 – LLC vs S corp: what you actually need to know08:20 – When taxes start to feel complicated09:30 – Why tracking income and expenses is critical11:40 – Common deductions people miss13:00 – Home office deduction explained14:20 – Section 179 and equipment write-offs15:10 – What you can’t deduct (clothes, hair, makeup)16:40 – Business credit card interest deduction17:20 – Employing your kids as a tax strategy18:00 – SEP IRA and retirement savings for entrepreneurs19:00 – Qualified Business Income deduction20:10 – Key tax law updates and 1099-K changes23:20 – How to stay organized with QuickBooks25:40 – How TurboTax experts support business owners27:10 – Lisa’s personal system for staying organized Links Mentioned in This EpisodeTurboTax: https://turbotax.com/business QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here.  Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-greene-lewis-7721b815a  Website: https://turbotax.com/business  Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to finally start that thing you said you’d do this year, this episode is your wake-up call. Because the truth is, that moment isn’t coming. This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on a very real, very messy week in my life and sharing why I decided to hit record anyway. From sick kids to mental clutter to a house that is far from organized, I had every reason to wait. But instead, I leaned into a powerful reminder: progress doesn’t require perfection. In this episode, I walk you through the mindset shifts that have helped me move through overwhelm, take action with limited time and energy, and stop letting the idea of “feeling ready” delay my goals. Because sometimes the real work isn’t the task itself, it’s learning how to show up before everything feels aligned. Main TakeawaysWaiting for the perfect time will keep you stuck longer than just starting messyYou have to work with the time and energy you actually have, not what you wish you hadNaming what’s holding you back helps you move through it fasterThe real growth often comes from managing your mindset, not completing the task Highlights Include00:00 – Why I recorded this episode despite not feeling ready 02:10 – How “unexpected” life moments keep disrupting plans 04:18 – Learning to work in chaos instead of waiting for order 05:30 – Lowering the bar to get started 06:10 – Work with the time you have, not the time you wish you had 08:00 – Managing your energy to show up at your best 10:15 – Why naming the problem helps you move forward 11:43 – Recognizing the season you’re in and adjusting expectations 14:00 – Are you truly blocked or just thrown off? 16:12 – How accountability helped me launch Side Hustle Pro 18:36 – Overcoming imposter syndrome in a career leap 21:22 – The hidden cost of needing to “have it all together” 23:21 – Why perfection delays your income and growth 26:24 – Maybe the real goal is mastering your mindset 29:19 – Adjusting expectations so you can move forward Links Mentioned in This EpisodeSave the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 10th) Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro AnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here.  Social MediaSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the biggest misconceptions I see when it comes to making money is the belief that you need to start from scratch. A new certification, a brand new idea, or a completely different skill set. But the truth is, most of us already have everything we need. The real problem is not a lack of knowledge, it is not knowing how to package and position what we already know. In this episode, I break down five simple and practical ways to turn your existing skills, experiences, and knowledge into income. Whether you are in between roles, exploring a side hustle, or just trying to make extra money right now, this episode is your reminder that there is value in what you already bring to the table. I also walk through a key mindset shift. You do not need to be the top expert. You just need to be a few steps ahead of the person you are helping. People are not just paying for information. They are paying for clarity, speed, guidance, and confidence. And that is where your opportunity lies. Main TakeawaysYou do not need new skills or certifications to start making moneyThere are five core ways to monetize what you already knowPeople pay for clarity, speed, and guidance, not just expertiseStart with one path and keep it simple instead of trying everything Highlights Include00:00 – The biggest misconception about making money01:30 – Why you already have valuable, monetizable knowledge02:00 – The 5 ways to make money with what you know03:00 – The mindset shift you need before starting04:00 – Service and coaching as the fastest path to income06:00 – Done-for-you services and why people pay for convenience08:00 – Creating simple digital products that sell10:30 – Workshops and why people pay for real-time learning13:00 – Why reminders are key when selling anything15:00 – Using content to create opportunities and income18:00 – How to use AI without losing your voice21:00 – Why you should pick ONE path and start now Links Mentioned in This EpisodeSave the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 20) Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here.  Social MediaSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the guest chair is Chanel Tyler, a strategist, creator, and self-described “contentpreneur” who has worked across investment banking, luxury marketing, and YouTube before stepping fully into entrepreneurship. Chanel built her reputation online by sharing trusted product recommendations and insights from her background in beauty marketing. But after years of consulting with a creator commerce platform that generated over 80% of her income, everything changed when the company suddenly shut down. In this episode, Chanel opens up about what it really looks like to rebuild after losing the majority of your income overnight. She shares how she pivoted by diversifying her platforms, leaning deeper into affiliate marketing, launching new creator education programs, and embracing the vulnerability of sharing her personal story — including her journey with hearing loss. If you’ve ever worried about relying on a single income stream or wondered how creators actually make money online, Chanel breaks down the strategy behind building a sustainable creator business. In this episode, Chanel shares: How she built a creator business by combining corporate strategy, content creation, and affiliate marketingWhat happened when the platform responsible for 80% of her income shut down overnight and how she rebuiltWhy diversification across platforms, income streams, and partnerships is essential for creators and entrepreneursHow affiliate marketing works and how creators can use performance data to negotiate higher-paying brand dealsHighlights Include00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Chanel’s career path from investment banking to luxury beauty marketing 05:10 – Building an audience through skincare and product recommendations 09:00 – Landing a role at YouTube working with top creators 15:00 – Saving a year of income before leaving corporate 19:00 – The moment she lost 80% of her income overnight 24:30 – Why diversification is critical for creators and entrepreneurs 27:00 – Building content series that grow an audience 32:00 – Affiliate marketing vs. brand partnerships explained 37:00 – Sharing her journey with hearing loss and disability 40:00 – How statement earrings became part of her empowerment story 43:00 – Affiliate income strategies for creators Links Mentioned in This Episode• Substack: Sensible • Julia Broome • Check out the Networth and Chill Podcast;Creator Economy & Brand Deals with Victoria Paris • ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/home/creators • MagicLinks: https://www.magiclinks.com/creators • BrandCycle: https://brandcycle.com/ • LTK: https://company.shopltk.com/en/creator • Nordstrom Affiliate Program: https://www.nordstromcreators.com/ Check out Chanel’s Creator Profit Lab’s interest form & course registration Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 20) Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social MediaInstagram: @thecreatorprofitlab Instagram: @buymechanel Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the guest chair is sales and business coach Dielle Charon, founder of For the 23%, where she helps women of color build profitable businesses and grow their income through coaching and entrepreneurship. Dielle shares how she went from earning $2,500 a month as a social worker with six-figure student loan debt to building a multi-seven-figure coaching business. Along the way, she explains why traditional jobs often undervalue your skills, how to identify the expertise you can monetize, and why the coaching industry continues to grow despite criticism. In this conversation, we also dive deep into the mindset shifts needed to move from six-figure income to seven-figure business growth, including overcoming people-pleasing, claiming your expertise, and stepping fully into your authority. If you’ve been thinking about turning your knowledge into income, starting a side hustle, or scaling your existing business, this episode will help you see what’s possible. Highlights Include00:00 – Why Dielle realized her corporate career wasn’t the life she wanted 05:30 – Testing multiple side hustles before finding the right one 08:00 – How to identify skills you can monetize 12:00 – Why the coaching industry gets criticism and why it’s still growing 16:30 – The truth about selling and why everyone is already selling themselves 20:00 – Why your job isn’t amazing — you are 23:45 – Breaking the mindset barriers around charging for your expertise 25:50 – The biggest blocks women hit going from six figures to seven figures 31:00 – Visibility, people-pleasing, and identity shifts in business growth 36:00 – Why most successful businesses focus on beginners 41:00 – The simple seven-figure business model (and why it’s simpler than you think) 47:00 – Improving messaging and positioning for entrepreneurs Links Mentioned in This Episodehttps://forthe23percent.com/ Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 13) Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class:: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here:  Social MediaInstagram: @forthe23percent Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the guest chair, Symone' Austin shares her powerful journey from being laid off to building a thriving YouTube platform. After recording and posting her layoff conversation, her video went viral and became the turning point in her entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, she breaks down how she built multiple income streams through YouTube ad revenue, brand partnerships, digital products, virtual assistant work, and strategic financial decisions like bringing on a roommate. If you’ve been navigating uncertainty, considering content creation, or wondering how to turn a setback into leverage, this episode will show you how. Highlights Include00:00 – Recording the layoff conversation that changed everything 04:30 – Growing from 10K to 60K+ subscribers in one year 08:20 – Making $5,900 in one month from YouTube ad revenue 13:00 – Cutting expenses and surviving without touching savings 18:10 – Turning skills into income: photography, digital products, VA work 24:00 – Why personal finance has one of the highest CPMs on YouTube 29:00 – Replacing a corporate salary through content creation 35:00 – The reality of working 7 days a week as a full-time creator 38:00 – Getting a roommate as a financial reset strategy 43:00 – Navigating job offers after deciding to go all-in Links Mentioned in This EpisodeLife and Numbers YouTube Channel Read Successful Failure by KevOnStage Watch Symone's YouTube video "I Got Laid Off From My 6 Figure Tech Job" Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 13) Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro AnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan, attend my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/ Social MediaYouTube: Life and Numbers: https://www.youtube.com/lifeandnumbers Instagram: @lifeandnumbers: http://instagram.com/lifeandnumbers Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Side Hustle Pro, I’m sharing how I’m structuring my year through 12-week sprints,  focusing on my health, my money, and elevating my Podcast Moguls program.  I open up about navigating motherhood, sleep deprivation, and mindset work while still executing on big goals. Most importantly, I reflect on how my podcast has been the one constant through every season becoming my bridge out of corporate and my foundation for long-term leverage. Highlights Include00:00: Why I use 12-week sprints 02:15: Rebuilding my health after six years 06:30: Accountability and investing in myself 14:00: Emotional spending and financial clarity 18:45: Auditing my business finances 21:30: Updating Podcast Moguls 25:00: Managing mindset during execution 28:00: Why my podcast became my bridge out of corporate 31:00: Building leverage and long-term positioning Links Mentioned in This EpisodePodcast Moguls: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan, attend my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here:  Social MediaSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing five real, practical ways to generate income during your in-between season. If you’re asking yourself, “I got laid off… now what? This episode will give you grounded, actionable steps to move forward and even some side hustle ideas! Highlights Include00:00 – If you’ve been laid off, you are not alone 02:30 – Why invisibility is the real danger during unemployment 04:05 – Using content creation as a visibility tool 07:20 – Turning alumni and professional networks into income 09:10 – Short-term projects using skills you already have 13:10 – Becoming a LifeOps consultant 16:50 – Short-term rental support as seasonal leverage 19:30 – Creating a premium career support retreat experience 21:40 – Why you should always keep side hustling 23:30 – How my unemployment season planted the seed for Side Hustle Pro Links Mentioned in This EpisodePodcast Moguls: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan, attend my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social MediaSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Side Hustle Pro is officially 500 episodes deep, and in this milestone episode, I’m taking time to reflect on what this journey has really taught me. I share the biggest lessons I’ve learned about consistency, networking, monetization, and why the podcast itself was never the end goal, the platform was. I also talk about what I wish I knew when I started, how podcasting helped me grow as a speaker and business owner, and why playing the long game has paid off in ways I never could have planned. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, growing a side hustle, or building something meaningful over time, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to rush, you just have to keep going. Highlights Include 00:00 – Welcome to the 500th episode of Side Hustle Pro02:10 – Starting with what I had and recording from home04:30 – Why trying to predict the end can stop you from starting06:45 – Why the podcast was never the point, the platform was09:30 – How podcasting transformed my network12:50 – Keeping costs low and thinking like a business owner16:30 – The power of consistency and playing the long game18:45 – How podcasting improved my confidence as a speaker21:00 – Giving myself grace through different seasons of life24:45 – Final lessons I’d tell my earlier self Links Mentioned in This EpisodePodcast Moguls Group Coaching Program: https://sidehustlepro.co/podcastmogulsStart the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/Side Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You do not need a million dollars to change your life, you need your first $1,000. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down why the first $1K is such a pivotal milestone for side hustlers and how it shifts everything from theory to proof. I walk you through the exact decisions and actions that turn preparation into income without overbuilding, overthinking, or waiting until things feel perfect. If you’ve been stuck planning, tweaking, or doubting yourself, this episode will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum. In This Episode, I Share: Why the first $1,000 changes everything mentally and strategicallyHow to choose a simple offer you can confidently deliver right nowHow to identify who your offer is really for and why frustration mattersWhy clarity, consistency, and conversations matter more than perfection Highlights Include: 00:00 – Why you don’t need a million dollars to change your life — you need your first $1,00001:35 – How your mindset shifts after you make your first $1K and why proof matters more than theory02:31 – What actually counts as an offer and why your first one should be useful, not fancy03:52 – Why starting with what you’re already confident in is the fastest way to get paid05:16 – How to decide who your offer is really for and why specificity matters07:27 – The difference between a painkiller and a vitamin offer (and why frustration drives sales)08:55 – How to package your offer simply without a website, logo, or brand11:22 – Why offering your service is the most important step people delay12:48 – How confidence and customer focus directly impact whether you make your first $1K14:04 – Why you don’t need a massive audience — just real conversations and feedback15:37 – How to use feedback as information instead of taking it personally17:47 – Why overbuilding and “perfecting” keeps side hustlers stuck19:21 – Breaking down the math behind $1,000 so it feels achievable20:45 – Why fewer clients at a higher price can reduce burnout21:34 – Why most people earn their first $1K from conversations, not content22:19 – How I made my first $1,000 and what actually worked26:03 – When to start building your email list and why simple free resources convert better28:54 – How to use a 12-week sprint to stay focused on your first $1K29:38 – What to do when your first offer feels slow or doesn’t land immediately31:08 – What changes after you hit your first $1,000 — and the mistake to avoid next31:49 – Final action steps to start building your first $1K offerLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeSide Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down how to start your side hustle without quitting your job or putting your paycheck at risk. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from building Side Hustle Pro from two very different places: one, when I was unemployed with plenty of time but no stability, and two, when I was working full-time at NPR with stability but limited time. What I’ve learned is this: there is no “perfect” situation for side hustling. What matters is how you build, not whether you quit your job first. I’m walking you through my five rules for side hustling the Side Hustle Pro way, plus a bonus rule to help you decide when you’re actually ready to leave your job on purpose, with a plan, and on your own terms. If you’ve been feeling the pull to build something but don’t want to move out of panic or pressure, this episode will help you build quietly, strategically, and stress-free. In This Episode, I Share: Why keeping your job can actually give you leverage and clarity as you buildThe mindset shift that turns your paycheck into startup capitalHow to choose a side hustle that fits your real life, energy, and capacityHow to decide in advance what “ready to leave” really looks like backed by numbers and a plan Highlights Include00:00 Introduction to Side Hustling 01:00 The Importance of Stability 02:24 Five Rules for Side Hustle Success 04:39 Rule 1: Keep Your Day Job 06:26 Rule 2: Choose a Suitable Side Hustle 08:53 Rule 3: Set Non-Negotiable Time Boundaries 12:37 Rule 4: Build Basic First 17:11 Rule 5: Protect Your Job While You Build 20:48 Bonus Rule: Decide What 'Ready to Leave' Means 24:01 Conclusion and Next Steps Links Mentioned in This EpisodeSide Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/Goal Getter Action Plan: https://side-hustle-pro.teachable.com/p/goal-getter-action-planWatch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Side Hustle Pro, I break down seven side hustles you can start this month that have real income potential. This episode is all about building leverage through problem-solving businesses that can grow from side hustle to full-time income. In This Episode, I Share: Why your side hustle should be treated as leverage and a real business, not a hobby or just extra moneyThe two rules I want you to follow before choosing a side hustle: don’t try everything at once, and focus on solving real problemsSeven proven, service-based side hustle ideas — from home operations and career pivots to podcast booking and fractional COO workHow to move from idea to action by getting your first client through simple, focused next steps Highlights Include00:00 Why your side hustle should be treated as leverage, not a hobby 02:10 The two rules to follow before choosing a side hustle 04:30 How to stop collecting ideas and start building a real business 06:30 Side Hustle #1: The local “fix-it” project manager (home ops manager) 10:15 Side Hustle #2: Career Pivot Studio for job seekers and career switchers 14:45 Side Hustle #3: Podcast guest booking agency for founders and experts 18:50 Side Hustle #4: Compliance, privacy, and admin cleanup for small businesses 22:30 Side Hustle #5: Elder care concierge for busy adult children 26:30 Side Hustle #6: Micro-business events producer for pop-ups and workshops 30:00 Side Hustle #7: Fractional COO and operations command center builder 35:20 How to pick one side hustle and take action this week 38:10 Simple next steps to land your first client Links Mentioned in This EpisodeSide Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing the exact 12 week sprint system that completely changed how I set and complete my goals. Instead of giving myself an entire year to “figure it out,” I learned that shrinking the timeline created clarity, urgency, and momentum. I walk you through how I choose my goals, break them down into manageable weekly actions, and build in a recalculation rule that allows for real life instead of an idealized version of it. If you have ever started the year motivated only to feel your goals quietly drift away by February, this episode gives you a simple and realistic framework you can start using right now. In This Episode, I Share: Why yearly goal setting gives side hustlers too much room to procrastinate and how 12 week sprints create clarity and momentumHow I choose just three goals per sprint with one clear focus per monthThe simple way I break monthly goals into realistic weekly tasks that actually get doneWhy daily five minute reviews and one weekly self accountability day keep my goals from driftingThe recalculation rule that helps me keep going when life gets messy without guilt or quitting Highlights Include00:00 Why annual goals do not work for busy side hustlers 02:50 How 12 week sprints eliminate procrastination 05:55 The rule of only three goals with one focus per month 10:20 Why writing my goals down is non negotiable 12:40 How I break goals into simple weekly tasks 14:45 The recalculation rule that keeps me moving forward 17:00 Choosing a weekly self accountability day 21:00 Your 12 week sprint challenge Links Mentioned in This EpisodeGoalgetter Action Plan: https://sidehustlepro.co/goalgetterSide Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.