Transitioning your side hustle into a full-time job can feel like a daunting task, but it’s absolutely possible. But trust me, I get it. In between your nine-to-fives, grocery runs, and date nights, you’re left with only a slim margin to chase after your dreams. It may be a part-time side hustle, but it still has your whole heart.  

The combination of big dreams and small-time can make for one discouraged dreamer. If you’re ready to grow your side hustle to your full-time moneymaker, here are my top four strategies that will set you on a path to make it happen. 

Hustle To Make The Time

I am continuously asked, “how do you find the time to write?”

Between multiple schedules and everyday commitments, my life, just like yours, is slammed. Time is indeed a precious commodity, but the solution is simple: I make time.

If you don’t make time when you don’t have time, then you won’t make time for it when you do.

Making time is a disciple that requires practice. Look at your life and create a list of where you could shave time off your schedule. The time is there. Learn to be intentional with even a small amount of time, and it will indeed pay off. Taking the time and throwing it into your business can be the difference between success and side hustle

 Master Your Industry

I can remember the day so clearly. I looked at my poorly designed, poorly researched, semi-directionless blog, and felt utterly deflated. Sure… there was definitely some good writing, but the nuts and bolts were missing.  Why?

When I launched, I ran with the saying that done is better than perfect. And while it’s still true, it was my excuse to avoid learning and growing along with my craft. 

I believed that if I didn’t take myself too seriously, people wouldn’t judge me. Sabotaging myself by not learning about my industry. “Logic” born out of fear will cause you to self-sabotage. No matter how good my writing may have been, my little blog could never facilitate taking me to the next level. 

So buy the course, listen to the podcasts, and take a hard look at the numbers, then get to work. The wisdom you gain, even if implemented slowly, will set you up to win in the future. And as a small business owner, you MUST play the long game.  

Find Your Community

I’m pretty sure chasing after your passion is the most vulnerable and risky thing you can do. Between steep learning curves, lots of competition, and regular ole’ life trying to kick your ass, it’s pretty exhausting. 

Without an understanding support system, giving up becomes easy. 

Learning to be open with fellow boss babes has, for me, often been the difference between giving up and pressing on.  

Well-meaning friends and family will often times not understand the specific issues and pressures you’ll face regularly. Keep other dreamers and believers close by. 

Business First, Creativity Second 

As a creative, this can be a tough one to understand. While your creativity may have sparked the journey, a solid business plan is what will create sustainability. No matter if you are a photographer, writer, florist, or musician, take a step back from the art and consider your business practices. 

Are you set up with the best billing and payment processes?

Are your branding assets and website optimized?

Do you have attainable goals with a plan of action in place?

These are just a few of the questions you need to tackle if you have any desire to take your side hustle full time. When you do, you’ll have peace of mind and solid direction to guide you as your business grows.

Listen, I get it…

Chasing your dream can feel scary, but if you don’t purposefully set yourself up to win, you will default to failure. With some smart moves, pivoting from side hustle to thriving business is absolutely possible. Believe in yourself enough to lay a foundation that can sustain the empire you’re dreaming of.