Whether you’re looking to kickstart a side hustle for additional income, considering becoming a freelancer, or wanting to launch your own business; preparedness is key for your sustained success! But with so many conflicting pieces of advice out there about how exactly to prepare for this new leap of faith, how exactly are you supposed to know what to do?

To create a successful side hustle or business you need clarity! What kind of business do you want? What kind of work day do you want? Come up with a crystal clear vision of what you want, visualise it so clearly, and do not accept anything less! It’s allowed to be easy, so get really clear on what you’re after, and then let it flow to you. Let that ease translate into authentic content and messaging, to build trust, build your networks and reach your customers.

As a career coach and ex-recruiter who has personally been on this journey, here are some of my best tips for this incredibly exciting new phase of your life and career.

It’s all about your mindset

Focus on the success of your side-hustle/business. Do not focus on the problems. What you focus on expands. Map out the steps that feel most aligned to where you’re going, and don’t let yourself be distracted by actions that aren’t aligned to your vision. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help when you need it! Learn from others.

Start planning now

If you’re starting a side-hustle, dive in now. Don’t wait, because you’ll never feel 100% ready! Learn as you go. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way, it’s how you learn!

Walk your own path

Don’t copy others, always be your own authentic self. Nobody will buy from an inauthentic copy, so be brave and show up as you are! Your clients will buy from you when they trust you and they feel your amazing energy – be genuine.

Make meaningful connections

Always take the time to properly connect with your customers; truly get to know them, be kind and treat your customers how you would want to be treated. Working with clients is an energy exchange, so putting good energy out there and word of mouth about your genuine services will bring in new business!

Keep your options open

Don’t focus on just one way to make money, this restricts you. Be open to all (aligned) opportunities coming your way. Create from the unknown where you can be limitless. When you only create from known you limit yourself. Don’t block opportunities coming your way, be super open and expect amazing things to happen to your business. If you expect something amazing, it will happen.

Don’t shy away from delegating

Delegate all the things you don’t love to do so you can focus and concentrate purely on all the things you love to do for your business. A great idea is to get a virtual assistant to help you if you’re launching a new business.

Network as much as you can

Connect with freelancers, they’re an awesome way to build relationships, which is key to growing a business. There are a number of Facebook groups which are perfect for finding freelancers who are specialised in their fields.

Setting yourself up properly before you dive into your freelancing career or launching your small business will absolutely lower your stress, and give yourself the best chance for success. Not only will you be clearer about where you’re doing, you’ll be more confident and take more aligned action. 

If you’re ready to dive in, I would love to welcome you to my Transform your Career course, developed to set you up for the success you know you’re capable of!

Amie Duignan is a Career Coach, Head-hunter, In-House Recruiter and Founder at A.D Connects.

This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness for the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.