Answering These 5 Questions Will Help You Find a Side Hustle

Choosing the right side hustle can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when balancing the demands of being a full-time teacher. To help with the selection process, I've developed five guiding questions that have proven effective in helping teachers like you pinpoint a side hustle that not only boosts your income, but also fits seamlessly with your lifestyle and professional skills. These are the same five questions I have used with countless teachers in professional development workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions. 

1. WHAT AM I GOOD AT THAT OTHERS AREN’T?

Everyone has a set of unique skills—things you're particularly good at, whether through formal training or years of informal experience. As a teacher, you're already adept at identifying strengths; now it's time to apply that skill introspectively. Begin by listing your talents and capabilities. Are you an ace at organization? Perhaps you're a wizard with graphic design tools, or maybe you're known for your gourmet baking skills.

The next step is to look around and notice what needs doing—tasks people consistently need help with or products they wish they had but can't seem to find or make themselves. This might include services such as home maintenance projects (e.g., window washing, lawn care, staining a fence), specialized tutoring or lessons, or handcrafted goods (e.g., shirts, mugs, jewelry).

To give you a practical example, let me share how I started "Livin' On A Sprayer Exterior Cleaning." Living in a historic Chattanooga neighborhood. I noticed that many of the beautiful, aging homes needed gentle yet effective cleaning to preserve their charm and structural integrity. Recognizing that no existing services catered specifically to this need, I leveraged my knowledge of soft washing techniques to start a service that provided specialized exterior cleaning for delicate surfaces (i.e., 100+ year old homes). This venture not only filled a significant gap in the local market, but also turned into a profitable side hustle by aligning my unique skills with the specific needs of my community.

By assessing your abilities and the needs (or wants) of those around you, you can similarly find a niche that not only brings financial gains but also adds value to your community. To quote the great Pat Flynn, “The riches are in the niches.”

2. WHAT IS A "GAP" THAT I CAN FILL?

Observing your surroundings for unmet needs or underserved areas can reveal lucrative opportunities for side hustles. Teachers, with their deep community connections and understanding of local dynamics, are particularly well-positioned to identify these gaps. Start by paying attention to common complaints and recurring "wish someone would..." statements you hear in conversations among friends, colleagues, and community members.

Encourage yourself to think critically about these gaps. Is there a service that’s consistently lacking? Perhaps a product that you and others find difficult to access locally? These are potential goldmines for a side hustle. Identifying a need that you can meet not only sets up a viable business venture, but also contributes positively to your community's well-being.

When I started 'Our Little Cub,' it was in response to a glaring gap I noticed in the adoption services market when one of my friends was going through the adoption process. He told me that many families were being charged exorbitant fees, ranging from $750 to $1,500, for creating adoption profiles. Recognizing the exploitative nature of existing services, I saw an opportunity to provide a much-needed service at a more affordable price. This not only allowed me to help hopeful adopting families but also to challenge the unfair pricing that had become commonplace in the industry. By stepping in to fill this gap, 'Our Little Cub' has not only been a fulfilling venture, but also a profitable one, proving that addressing community needs can lead to successful business opportunities.

3. What Improvements Can I Make to Existing Products or Services?

Innovation doesn't always mean inventing something new; often, the most successful ideas come from improving what's already available. As a teacher, you're used to enhancing lessons to better meet student needs, and this skill is equally applicable in the side hustle world. To start, examine the products and services you use. Consider how they could be improved. Are there features that could be added? Are there inefficiencies that could be eliminated?

Focus on common frustrations with current offerings—things that annoy or dissatisfy consumers. This perspective can guide you to unique improvements that could make a product or service better, more user-friendly, or healthier.

For example, while working on my doctoral degree, I vowed not to shave until I had defended my dissertation. As a result, my beard grew long and began to feel dry and itchy. Disappointed by the available beard care products, which were laden with chemicals and artificial fragrances, I saw an opportunity for improvement. I started making my own beard oil using only organic ingredients, tailored to soothe and nourish without harsh additives.

The transformation was noticeable, and soon, other bearded friends were asking to buy my oil. This led to the creation of Bearded Saints Organic Beardcare. Each time I produced a new batch, it sold out almost immediately. By focusing on enhancing a common product to better meet my specific needs and health concerns, I was able to launch it into a successful side hustle.

4. What is Something I am Passionate or Nerdy About?

Transforming personal passions into profitable side hustles not only makes business enjoyable, but often leads to greater success due to the inherent enthusiasm and expertise involved. As educators, we spend a great deal of time cultivating our interests, whether they're related to history, literature, science, or any other field. Think about what captivates you outside the classroom. Is there a hobby you lose yourself in, or a particular topic you could discuss for hours? These passions are not just pastimes; they're potential money making opportunities.

A key advantage of turning what you love into a side hustle is the existing community or fandom that you can tap into. Engaging with like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm can provide a ready-made customer base. Participation in these communities offers insights into what products or services are missing, what could be improved, and what's likely to be embraced.

Let's look at two successful businesses that sprang from the Phish band fandom—a niche community with an obsessively dedicated following. "You Enjoy My Socks" started by creating unique, band-themed socks that quickly caught on among fans. Their products offered something new for sale in the lots beyond the normal t-shirt fare that resonated with the community's identity and interests. Similarly, "Section 119" capitalized on the demand for high quality, Phish and Grateful Dead-inspired apparel and accessories, filling a gap in the higher end clothing market corresponding with the scene.

Both businesses thrived by leveraging the founders' passion for Phish and understanding of the fan culture, which informed their product development and marketing strategies. They demonstrate how deep engagement with a community can guide a side hustle from a mere idea to a flourishing enterprise.

5. What is an "Opportunity" I Have That Others Do Not?

Opportunities for a lucrative side hustle can sometimes come from the most unexpected places and moments. Staying alert means being open to possibilities that might initially seem unconventional or outside your usual scope of interest. It involves keeping an eye out for unique situations that present a potential for profitability—these might not be available to everyone, often due to timing, location, or specific circumstances.

Being ready to act quickly and having the flexibility to take on new projects when they arise are crucial traits for capitalizing on these unique opportunities. This readiness often requires a mindset that is open to exploration and risk-taking. It also means being prepared logistically, whether that’s having the initial capital to invest, the ability to quickly learn new skills, or the flexibility to adjust your schedule.

A personal example of seizing an unexpected opportunity came when I stopped at an estate sale not far from where I live. The previous owner had been a media hoarder, with every room oh his house (bathrooms included) filled from floor to ceiling with shelves full of books, records, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks. It was the most extensive private collection I had ever seen. After purchasing a few records for my own collection, I half-jokingly told the organizers that I’d be willing to buy everything left for the right price. Weeks later, I received an email asking if I was still interested. They offered me everything remaining in the house for $500 based on the stipulation that everything could be out of the house by the weekend...and they didn’t have to load any of it.

Seeing the potential, I took the plunge. My wife set one condition: none of it could come into our house. So, I rented a storage unit and started sorting through the collection. This side project turned into $8,000 profit from eBay sales and an additional $3,000 in trade-in value at a local bookstore. Not to mention the hundreds of books and records that I kept for myself.

This experience underscores how being alert to unique opportunities, ready to act, and flexible in execution can transform a casual observation into a profitable side hustle. For any teacher looking to supplement their income, similar opportunities could arise—being prepared and proactive is key to turning them into successful ventures.

Conclusion

It's clear that creativity, observation, and initiative are key to uncovering and capitalizing on money making opportunities. The process of identifying a viable side hustle goes beyond merely recognizing what you're good at or what you enjoy—it involves a thoughtful examination of how these passions and skills can be translated into a profitable venture.

After walking through the five guiding questions, the crucial next step is to ask…

"How can I monetize this?"

This question is the bridge between identifying a potential side hustle and actually making it profitable. It involves thinking critically about your target market, the value you can offer, and the logistics of how you can deliver your product or service effectively. Monetizing your skills and opportunities thoughtfully ensures not only financial gains but also sustainability and growth in your side hustle.

Recap of the Five Guiding Questions:

• What am I good at that others aren't? - This question helps you pinpoint unique skills that set you apart from the average consumer or competitor.

• What gaps can I fill? - Observing what's missing in your community or market can lead to profitable ventures that meet unaddressed needs.

• How can I improve existing products or services? - Enhancing what's already out there allows you to enter the market with a competitive edge

• What am I passionate about? - Turning personal passions into side hustles not only makes the work enjoyable but also imbues it with authenticity, which resonates with customer

• What unique opportunities do I have access to? - Leveraging situational advantages can lead to niche markets with less competition and higher potential profits.

By thoughtfully answering these questions, you can narrow your focus to side hustles that leverage your personal strengths and market conditions. The journey from idea to income requires dedication and adaptability, but with the right approach, it can lead to significant and satisfying outcomes. So take that initial step, use these questions as your guide, and begin the rewarding process of building your own side hustle today.

We Want To Hear From You!

Do you have a side hustle story to share, or are you brewing up a new idea that you're excited about? We'd love to hear from you! Drop your experiences or innovative side hustle ideas in the comments below. It's always inspiring to learn from the diverse journeys of our readers, and your story could motivate someone else to take the leap!

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