If you’re someone that has always wanted to do *THAT* thing but have a million excuses why you can’t, then you should read this article.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs, including myself, face the same roadblocks when it comes to pursuing their passion projects outside of their regular jobs.
In this article, we will explore the ten most common and lame excuses for not starting a side hustle.
1. “I don’t have enough time”
You have as many hours in the day as Beyoncé.
If you want to make the most of your day, you can’t afford to not have a solid plan of action in place.
Achieving your goals is all about defining exactly what you want and breaking it down into daily, weekly and monthly chunks.
And then stick to them no matter what.
The route to your success is in your routine.
Consider dedicating specific time slots or weekends to your side hustle to ensure progress.
Read about how exactly I managed my time while building 5 income streams.
2. “I’m waiting for the perfect time”
There’s no such thing as a “perfect” time to start a business. We only understand the timing advantage when we look back, not forward.
Waiting for it will leave you on indefinite hiatus.
3. “There’s too much competition”
Competition is a sign of a thriving market, and it shouldn’t discourage you.
There is no such thing as a truly ‘unique idea’.
Your experience makes it unique. You have a distinct voice. And, you probably have a vibrant personality and interesting points of view.
So don’t be afraid if someone else has already done what you do.
They can never be you. And that is your power 😏
4. “I don’t know where to start”
Starting something new can be overwhelming, but there are abundant resources available. This is a great list of side hustle ideas you can do from home.
Research, network, and seek guidance from mentors or online communities to help you navigate the initial steps.
Once you need specific help, you can hire a marketing strategy consultant who will help you set out the actions, accountabilities, timelines & measurements for success.
Everyone starts somewhere, and acquiring new skills is part of the journey.
5. “I need a workspace”
For some businesses, you will eventually need an office yes. But that shouldn’t be a priority to begin with.
If you work with tangible items, you can use your spare room or cupboard for storing items, or hire a storage solution (which is cheaper than an office).
Many internet businesses will never require you to have an office. Technology allows you to be totally location-independent.
As a small internet company, you can easily work from home or a local co-working space, but it doesn’t always look professional, when potential customers or clients check your location and find a residential area, indicating your home address.
This can not only be unprofessional but also dangerous to list your home address online for everyone to see.
A virtual office from a company like Physicaladdress enables businesses to have many of the benefits of a physical office, but without any actual space or desks, saving you tons of money along the way.
You can buy a virtual address, which gives you a legitimate office address and forwards your work mail to your home address.
Registered PO address means, that if customers check your address on a website or Google maps, it shows a centrally located office block in London, which is a good way to make your business look professional.
And even if you will eventually need offices, there are so many affordable options now on the market.
Once you have an office where you can meet your customers/suppliers/partners, you will probably need to hire people to manage and decorate your space. The curb appeal of a business is important. You’ll need to think about the building, entrance, security, etc. If your external building has paintwork that has seen better days, then look at industrial painting services to help overhaul your building and ensure it looks good to everyone at all times.
6. “I don’t have enough money to invest”
Starting a side hustle doesn’t always require a significant financial investment. Many ventures can be launched with minimal costs, and you can gradually reinvest profits back into your business.
It’s time to get creative.
If you need money, figure out what you need to do to get it. Develop skills, make connections, get investors, take out a loan… Just do something.
Or, even better, start a business that doesn’t require any money to get started. There are so, so many to choose from in the digital age.
7. “I don’t know where to start”
Starting something new can be overwhelming, but there are abundant resources available.
Research, network, and seek guidance from mentors or online communities to help you navigate the initial steps.
8. “It’s too late”/ “I’m too old”
The average age of a successful founder is 45 years.
It’s never too late to get started if you’re passionate and willing to work.
Finally
I built my several side hustles in silence.
I wasn’t interested in proving anything to anyone but myself.
It was the best strategy because I had nothing to lose.
Remember, these excuses above are simply roadblocks that can be overcome with determination, planning, and a willingness to take the first step.
Your side hustle journey can be immensely rewarding and can open doors to new opportunities you may have never imagined.
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