4 Tips for Spicing Up Your Side Hustle

Written by: Sara Carter

Most of us feel stuck in a creative rut, especially around the busy holiday season. Work is stressful as it is, and for those of us with a gig on the side, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for getting your creative juices flowing when it feels like your business could use a refresh. 

Create a Unique Logo 

Whether you provide a product or service, every business needs a logo that represents what its brand is. For some businesses, it means bright and bold, and for others, simple and sleek. Choose a logo that fits your personality and purpose. Symbols and images are important aspects of developing your brand because they are easily recognizable to customers. Coke and Pepsi are both great examples of brands that have iconic logos, but you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to create a memorable image. 

If you don’t already have one or are looking to revamp yours, think about how you’d want to design your logo. This image can be used on business cards, in advertisements, and in your workspace. It can be a constant reminder of what you’re looking to achieve and give you the motivation to push forward. 

Build Your Social Profiles 

It’s no secret that the internet is the place where most people do their shopping these days. Social media platforms are gaining popularity among online shoppers as brands expand their profiles to include links to products for an easy purchase experience. If you complete a business assessment and determine that you may be missing out on this online market, now is the time to make sure your social media profiles are up to date and being utilized for your business. 

Switching to a business profile is a good way to tell your followers what to expect from your page. Creating an editorial calendar can help you stay organized and remind you to post regularly about product information or events for your followers to see. Encouraging customers to post their reviews about your business online can also be a great way to expand your brand to a wider audience. With the holidays approaching, you’ll want your social media to reflect your business so consumers can find you easily.

Find Employees That Care 

No one can do it all by themselves. Maybe you’ve had a family member or friend help you out with your business along the way, but they have their own jobs and usually can’t stick around for long. Consider hiring an employee to help you day to day. They can take on smaller projects that you might not have time for or give you a new perspective on a problem you’re having. 

Whoever they are, they’ll need to be someone who cares about your business and its success. You’ll want someone who is adaptable, trustworthy, and can handle whatever may come their way. Employee dissatisfaction is not uncommon, we see it all the time. When asked to step outside of their comfort zone, DoorDash employees took to the internet to bash their bosses. The Great Resignation took place because people didn’t feel valued or respected at work. When it comes to hiring, being cautious and alert during the process will pay off in the long run. 

Remember Why You Started 

At the end of the day, your business is your baby. You’ve built it from the ground up and watched it transform into what it is today. Remembering why you started is important especially when you’re feeling stuck. Think back on your mission and values that fueled your passion project. Motivating yourself is essential for the success of your business because it will show in the work that you do. 

If you’re finding it difficult to get remotivated, try a gratitude journaling exercise. This can be a productive way to reflect on where you are now and how you got here. Send messages to the important people in your life to thank them for supporting you. Write a letter to your future self 

with gratitude and encouraging words. Being a happy hustler isn’t always easy, but there are so many ways to practice and grow that will reflect in the success of your business. 

Whether you’re just starting your side hustle or have been at it for years, there will always be periods of time when you need a refresh. The answer might not always be obvious, and there will likely be equal parts trial and error, and trial and success. This Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, try something new for yourself and your business. 

Sara Carter is a co-founder of Enlightened Digital. She enjoys spending her days writing about technology and business, writing code, or chasing her kids and dog.