100 Side Hustles

1. Side Hustles Offer Real Financial Security and Creative Fulfillment

Earning extra money without having to give up the stability of an existing job is a powerful motivator.

Beyond the 9-to-5. Side hustles provide a means to generate income outside of traditional employment, offering financial security and creative expression. Unlike a second job, a side hustle is something you control, an asset you build for yourself, and a different kind of work than your day job.

Examples of security. The book highlights numerous individuals who started side hustles to supplement their income, providing a safety net during times of unemployment or financial hardship. For example, Marc Gaskins, a kitchen equipment business owner, started making candles during his business's slow season.

Creative outlet. Side hustles also offer an opportunity to pursue passions and interests that may not be fulfilled in a traditional job. Teresa Greenway, a motel housekeeper, turned her love of baking sourdough bread into a lucrative online course business.

2. Observation and Skill Application are Key to Spotting Opportunities

By mastering the skill of observation, you’ll learn to spot opportunities wherever you go.

Look around. Opportunities for side hustles are often hidden in plain sight, requiring only a keen eye and the ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas. Brian Thompson, a copywriter, turned a joke about engraving tweets into a profitable business.

Apply your skills. The ability to apply existing skills to new situations is crucial for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities. Peg Donovan, a university operations manager, used her logistical savvy to create a delivery service for IKEA goods.

Solve problems. Many successful side hustles arise from identifying and solving everyday problems. Jill Bong, an Oregon woman, created a new form of chicken saddle to prevent molting injuries in her flock.

3. Leverage Existing Skills to Monetize Your Expertise

Don’t go back to college; use what you know now.

Use what you have. You don't need to acquire new skills to start a side hustle; instead, leverage the knowledge and expertise you already possess. Sumit Bansal, an IBM employee, created a series of Microsoft Excel tutorials based on his existing skills.

Examples of expertise. The book showcases numerous individuals who monetized their existing skills, including:

• Lisa Holtby, a yoga teacher, who started a home organizing business
• Jeremy Enns, a landscaper with audio engineering skills, who started a podcast production company
• Lisa Akers, a rocket scientist, who launched an herbal medicine side income

Monetize your passion. By identifying a skill you enjoy and finding a way to share it with others, you can create a fulfilling and profitable side hustle. David Derus, a Presbyterian minister, turned his passion for role-playing games into a dice-selling business.

4. Buying Low and Selling High Remains a Timeless Business Model

This business opportunity started approximately 150,000 years ago.

Basic principle. The fundamental principle of buying low and selling high remains a viable business model in the modern era. Nathan and Kathrin Spaccarelli, after finding a high-quality frying pan in Italy, started an importing business to sell similar housewares.

Modern merchants. Modern-day merchants find innovative ways to source goods at a lower price and sell them at a higher one. Brittany Finkle created a rental service for luxury bridal accessories, allowing brides to access high-end items without the full purchase price.

Drop-shipping. Rene Delgado, a supply chain manager, used drop-shipping to sell bounce houses, capitalizing on the difference between wholesale and retail prices.

5. Teaching What You Know Can Generate Passive Income

Your knowledge is valuable: take what you’ve learned and share it with others.

Share your knowledge. Creating and selling online courses or educational materials can generate passive income by leveraging your expertise. Sumit Bansal, an Excel expert, created online courses that continue to generate revenue long after their initial creation.

Examples of teaching. The book highlights several individuals who have successfully monetized their knowledge, including:

• Teresa Greenway, who teaches people to bake sourdough bread online
• Shirag Shemmassian, a psychologist, who helps students gain admission to top schools
• Ben Landers, a PE teacher, who runs a membership site for other PE teachers

Create value. By providing valuable information and resources, you can establish yourself as an authority in your field and attract a loyal customer base.

6. Community Building Can Be a Profitable and Fulfilling Venture

Have a knack for producing events or experiences? Use the power of community to connect people while getting paid.

Connect people. Creating events or experiences that bring people together can be a profitable and fulfilling side hustle. Elizabeth Borsting, a PR consultant, launched a "Restaurant Week" in Long Beach, California, connecting diners with local restaurants.

Build a community. Fostering a sense of community among your customers can lead to increased loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. Jesse Rauch created a karaoke league in Washington, D.C., building a community of singers and music lovers.

Provide value. By providing a valuable service or experience, you can attract a dedicated following and generate a sustainable income. Alexandra Kenin leads urban hiking tours in San Francisco, connecting people with the city's natural beauty.

7. Crafting Unique Products Can Lead to Financial Success

If you have a penchant for a paintbrush or a love of making pottery, you might be able to turn your creations into money.

Unleash your creativity. Turning your artistic talents into a side hustle can be a rewarding way to generate income. Jill Bong created an innovative chicken saddle, protecting hens and generating a steady income.

Examples of crafting. The book showcases numerous individuals who have successfully monetized their crafts, including:

• Brian Thompson, who engraves tweets onto physical objects
• Adam Shafi, who builds terrariums
• Tanieka Randall, an oncology nurse, who creates hair regrowth products

Find your niche. By identifying a unique product or design, you can stand out from the competition and attract a loyal customer base. Daniel Mack and Marco Billmaier sell handcrafted funeral urns with unique designs.

8. Automation and Systems are Essential for Scalable Income

“Earn money while you sleep” is the ultimate promise—and for these people, it’s part of their daily routine.

Work smarter. Creating systems that automate tasks and generate income passively is crucial for scaling a side hustle. Jeremy Enns, a podcast producer, created an e-book and email marketing system to automate client acquisition.

Examples of automation. The book highlights several individuals who have successfully automated their income, including:

• Sumit Bansal, who sells online Excel courses
• Scott Keyes, who sends out cheap flight alerts through an automated email list
• Mike Benkovich, who created an online anatomy course that generates passive income

Focus on efficiency. By streamlining processes and automating repetitive tasks, you can free up time to focus on growing your business.

9. Doing Good and Doing Well are Not Mutually Exclusive

Don’t choose between profit and philanthropy—do both.

Social impact. Combining profit with a social mission can create a fulfilling and impactful side hustle. Lisa Holtby donates unwanted items from her home organizing business to refugees.

Examples of social good. The book showcases numerous individuals who have successfully integrated social good into their businesses, including:

• Nicole Buergers, a beekeeper, who promotes urban beekeeping and provides a healthy habitat for honeybees
• Jeannine Tilford, who removes poisonous toads to protect native species
• Bry Larrea, who writes personalized letters from Santa, bringing joy to children

Purpose-driven business. By aligning your business with a cause you care about, you can attract customers who share your values and create a positive impact on the world.

10. The Sharing Economy and Apps Provide New Avenues for Income

Social media and the “sharing economy” aren’t just about being neighborly. There’s money to be made!

Leverage technology. Social media and the sharing economy offer new avenues for generating income and connecting with customers. Steffanie Rivers capitalizes on the Super Bowl craze by providing rentals for the big game through her website.

Examples of apps. The book highlights several individuals who have successfully leveraged technology, including:

• Jelena Aleksich, a photographer, who uses Instagram to promote her confetti-themed photo shoots
• Ari Banayan, who created a morning routine journal and marketed it through social media
• Jessica Grose, a TV producer, who bakes custom cookies and promotes them on Instagram

Adapt to trends. By staying up-to-date with the latest technology and trends, you can identify new opportunities for generating income.

11. Family Involvement Can Strengthen Side Hustles

Some side hustlers start young, and some parents involve the whole family in their entrepreneurial adventures.

Family affair. Involving family members in your side hustle can strengthen relationships and create a shared sense of purpose. Brandi and Kyler Russell created a comfortable athletic cup for young athletes, involving the whole family in the manufacturing and distribution process.

Examples of family involvement. The book showcases numerous families who have successfully collaborated on side hustles, including:

• Nathan and Kathrin Spaccarelli, who run an importing business with their children
• Leah Lynch, who bred rabbits to pay for college
• Peg Donovan, who delivers IKEA goods with the help of her family

Shared goals. By working together towards a common goal, families can create a stronger bond and build a legacy for future generations.

12. Million-Dollar Side Hustles are Possible with Dedication and Innovation

Side hustles are great for earning extra cash—and sometimes they earn a lot of it.

High potential. While most side hustles generate modest income, some have the potential to grow into multi-million dollar businesses. Scott Keyes' cheap flight alert service became a seven-figure business.

Examples of success. The book highlights several individuals who have achieved significant financial success through their side hustles, including:

• Jennifer Brown, who sells handmade lighting fixtures
• Nick Gray, who leads museum tours
• Steve Delarwelle, who makes money advertising apps

Dedication and innovation. Achieving this level of success requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to adapt and innovate.

Last updated: February 22, 2025