How to grow your side hustle into a successful business

Successful entrepreneurs make their money through multiple revenue streams and financial sources. If you want to make a bit more money, we take a look at how you can grow your side hustle into a successful business.

According to new research, 32 per cent of people in the UK want to turn a hobby into a more rewarding career – one that makes money. The survey dubs the group “hobbypreneurs”, but there’s serious cash to be made from a side hustle. Just ask the 50 per cent currently pursuing a passion, who make £500 to £5,000 extra per year.

If you’re thinking of joining them – or already run a side hustle you want to turn full-time – we’ll show you how. Side Hustle Nation founder Nick Loper acknowledges that it can be intimidating to try to replace your day job salary right away. Instead, he advises taking small steps. As your part-time income grows, use it to pay off monthly expenses – one at a time. Make a list with the smallest expense at the top and start there. When your side gig covers the full list, you’ll no longer need your day job.

To continue growing, we reveal a simple equation to work out your free cash flow. That’s crucial, considering 90 per cent of small businesses fail from a lack of working capital. With free cash flow, it’s easier to spot opportunities – like joining forces with a complementary business to grow your reach.

That’s what rival accounting apps Crunch and FreeAgent did. Crunch CEO Darren Fell confides, “The quickest way to build your services can be to collaborate with a business that shares your values.” And it’s as simple as creating a discount for a like-minded business to pass on to its customers (and doing the same for it).

Check out our infographic for more tips to turn your side hustle into your full-time job.

Related: How to turn your hobby into a new career

Owen Gough

Owen Gough

Owen Gough is a reporter for SmallBusiness.co.uk. He has a background in small business marketing strategies and is responsible for writing content on subjects ranging from small business finance to technology...

Related Topics

Entrepreneurs