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Whether you’re a single mom, married with children, or single and just starting out, we all feel like we can’t squeeze one more thing into our schedules. In addition to working, running a home, and/or making sure the kids are being raised healthy and happy, you might be barely keeping your head above water.  This doesn’t need to be the case. Spend a few hours prioritizing and brainstorming so you can come up with a plan to maximize your time AND income with these creative ways to make more money.

Here are five steps to plan a side hustling gig while you’re still working your “regular” job. You need to get it on paper and out of your head so grab a notebook and let’s get started.

1. Schedule Time to Brainstorm

Between your regular job, your family, and the million other things on your daily to-do list, finding the time to nurture your burgeoning business may seem impossible. You need to make PLANNING a priority and get your ideas, responsibilities and potential roadblocks on paper. By blocking out the time on your calendar for this brainstorming session you’ll take it more seriously.  Treat it like a job interview.  Schedule the time NOW before you read the next step. I’ll wait!

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2. Talk To Your Boss About A Flex Schedule

When I worked in an office, I dreamed of telecommuting several days a week.  Fear kept me from asking about it for months. Once I got the courage to ask and made the idea appealing to my boss (more productivity, less time on commuting, not having to leave because my child was sick) he agreed.  Even if you can convince your boss to let you telecommute part-time, you can use the commuting time on your new side venture.

Remote: Office Not Required

3. Build New Relationships

Most likely, you’ll need a new network of business associates and mentors in order to get up and running. Buy a domain name for your business and then create a landing page or website to establish your business’ online presence.  You can do this for under $40 and with little to NO coding skills.

I suggest SiteGround for this because they have unparalleled customer support. Yay! That’s a company we should get behind.  

Then, create social media accounts that point people back to your main page.  Join Facebook groups and forums that focus on your new venture and take advantage of advice and opportunities.  Social connections will be crucial in the beginning and help take your business to the next level.

4. Set Measurable Goals

Try using the SMART strategy when creating business goals. 

It will be impossible to grow your business if you don’t have goals. Your goals should not be lofty in nature but both short-term and specific.  Perhaps you want to complete your website within the next 60 days.  Or be able to comfortably navigate 3 facebook groups to promote your venture over the next 2 weeks.  Give yourself grace too.  If you don’t meet your deadline, don’t throw in the towel.  Take a break, refocus and come back to it.  The world will not end if you don’t meet your goals, in fact, it may help you realize that working on your time management first should be your first priority.

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5. Share Your Story

Your friends might not understand your reasons, so keep them in the loop. Share your successes, your plans for the future, and ask for advice when you need it.  Once they see your focus and passion, they can help spread the word and encourage you.  You might even light a fire in them to try their hand at something new!

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Need some ideas on what to do? Check out Part 2  and Part 3 of Creative Ideas to Make More Money where we’ll cover some easy and lucrative side jobs.

What about you?

What have you done on the side that proved to be a lucrative endeavor?  Please share your ideas and comment below!

If you are ready to take ACTION, please join my facebook group  – Making It Pay Lifestyle for advice on working from home, creating your business website, advice from small business owners on what’s worked for THEM, and support for increasing your income!