In 2009, the author was laid off during the Great Recession, prompting him to focus on growing his side hustle as a freelance music producer. Despite being unfamiliar with entrepreneurship, he successfully built two online businesses, including a music education company and a business coaching brand. He now makes around $160,000 a month in passive income and works less than five hours a week. His experience has led him to share his knowledge with over 3,000 clients and write a book on the subject. His number one piece of advice for those looking to start a side hustle is to build a business that can scale automatically.
Initially, the author followed what he calls “the hustle method,” spending significant time and effort reaching out to potential clients and selling his services. While this approach initially yielded some success, he realized that focusing on automation rather than constant hustling could be more profitable and allow him more time for other pursuits. By creating content online around his expertise in audio engineering, he attracted a larger audience and found ways to monetize this content strategically, leading to increased revenue in a more time-efficient manner.
The author outlines his automation method, which consists of four key components: discoverable content, free gifts, email autoresponders, and digital products. Discoverable content includes YouTube videos, blog posts, and podcasts that address common questions and attract potential customers through Google or YouTube searches. Free gifts such as PDF guides or video masterclasses help move individuals from content platforms to an email list. Email autoresponders provide added value to subscribers, while digital products, such as online courses or coaching services, help generate income automatically.
Digital products, such as online courses, are highlighted as an effective way to sell knowledge and free up time while increasing income. The author notes that filming courses can be done inexpensively and quickly, with various price points catering to different target audiences. Regardless of the side hustle chosen, the author advises individuals to consider scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term sustainability when building a business. By focusing on these factors, individuals can establish a side hustle that is more likely to succeed and grow over time.
In conclusion, the author emphasizes the importance of developing a side hustle that can scale automatically, allowing for passive income and increased efficiency. By creating discoverable content, offering free gifts, utilizing email autoresponders, and selling digital products, individuals can streamline their business operations and generate income without being tied to constant hustling. Whether through online courses, coaching services, or other digital products, the key is to automate processes to save time and resources while expanding the reach and impact of the side hustle. By following these principles, individuals can build a sustainable and profitable business that can thrive in the long run.
