Make extra cash, learn new skills & build the career you’ve always wanted

Alexis Grantalexisgrant.com

#alexiswebinar

alexisgrant.com

CHAT WITH OTHER PARTICIPANTS

MY STORY

• While looking for journo job, began working with clients (2010)

• Took day job at U.S. News (2010) enter the side hustle• Left day job (2011) side hustle becomes full-time job

alexisgrant.com

• Build your network

• Learn new skills

• Make extra money

• Move toward the career & life you want

• It’s FUN!

WHY BOTHER?

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WHY ON THE SIDE? Enjoy financial stability of

full-time job Build in a safe environment

Less pressure = more enjoyable

Time to experiment and figure out what works for you

• Online home (doesn’t have to be a website)

• An offer• Recommendations• Support• Confidence

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WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO GET STARTED

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How will you know

when you’re ready?

The big question…

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If you’re asking whether you’re

ready…

you probably are.

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ONE BIG KEY TO SUCCESS

START BEFOREYOU’RE READY

ONE BIG KEY TO SUCCESS…

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Conflict with day jobIs your job 9-to-5?Expect to work evenings

& weekendsDon’t keep it a secret

Time managementFocus & driveWork toward mini-goals

What if you have multiple interests? Umbrella of YOU

CHALLENGES OF THE SIDE GIG

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USING YOUR WEBSITE TOLAND CLIENTS

The Obvious: About or Services page Help people come to you (SEO) Prove your expertise with new content Showcase your work via

recommendations, portfolio

Make a name for yourself (branding)

Show your personality!

Let your network know what you offer, both professional contacts and friends

Attend in-person events (meetup.com)

Work for free – but only once Connect online – probably a given

for most of you

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OTHER TIPS FOR GETTING CLIENTS

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HOW MUCH TO CHARGE?

• Look around at what others are charging – Don’t reinvent the wheel

• Depends on:– Your experience– Your goal income– What your clients will pay

• You’re worth what you say you’re worth!– (so long as people will pay it)

YOUR FINANCES

•Find YOUR system– Separate biz money– Tools like Freshbooks

•Taxes •Hire accountant?•Need an LLC or DBA?

WHEN TO GO FULL TIME?

• Salary is *almost* where it needs to be

• Core client strategy• You can’t climb to next level

without devoting full attention• Something pushes you over the

edge (before you’re ready = can be a good thing)

START DOING WHATEVER

YOU WANT TO OFFER

(Don’t wait to be asked!)

alexisgrant.com

HOW TO GET STARTED?

http://www.facebook.com/groups/rockinthesidegig/

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SURROUND YOURSELF WITHGO-GETTERS

#alexiswebinar

http://facebook.com/writeralexisgrant

alexisgrant.com

QUESTIONS?