Many years ago, I stumbled upon the world of website building. What began as a simple curiosity quickly transformed into a full-fledged business. I developed a system, crafted processes, and built a team. I trained my team to create websites, and they were handling the bulk of the work. This initial venture gave me the confidence to explore other opportunities, and I soon found myself diving into Facebook advertising. Every spare moment was dedicated to mastering Facebook ads, building a system, and training a team from scratch. This approach turned into a successful side hustle.
The Evolution of My Side Hustles
Our clients kept returning, asking, "We've got this beautiful website; how do we get leads?" I realized there was a huge demand for SEO services, which led me to form an SEO agency that helps clients boost their online presence. We replicated this process with Google Ads, and now I'm on the beach with a 360-degree camera, working on video production as a new service offering. This journey has been about continually evolving and expanding our services to meet client needs.
The Importance of Real Content
Creating video content is crucial for establishing real brands and building trust with Google for SEO, lead generation, and branding purposes. I'm experimenting with a 360 camera, learning the ropes, and documenting the process. Eventually, I'll train a team, likely from countries like the Philippines, Ukraine, or Romania, to handle the editing. This approach allows me to control the system from the ground up, ensuring quality and affordability.
Building a Scalable System
Hiring people eager to learn rather than those with pre-existing skills has proven beneficial. It's my responsibility to ensure that the system and processes are clear. If the initial work is of poor quality, it indicates better training and updated SOPs are needed. By outsourcing video editing to regions with lower labour costs, we can maintain quality while keeping expenses manageable.
The Lean Approach to Video Production
A great example of our scalable approach is the system we've developed for tradies. Using a 360 camera, we can capture a room's transformation with minimal effort from the business owner. This footage can be edited to create engaging reels, significantly reducing costs compared to hiring professional videographers. Our lean method ensures that even inexperienced team members can deliver quality results by following detailed checklists and processes.
Forever a Student
I'm always learning, always evolving. Balancing multiple side hustles requires constant innovation and efficiency. Whether it's walking my dog with a 25-kilo plate in my backpack or recording social content, I strive to maximize every moment. This journey is about helping fellow dads find more time for their passions, whether spending time with their kids or indulging in their hobbies.
Balancing Work and Life
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing work with personal life. As a dad, finding time for family while pursuing my passions is essential. Side hustles have given me the flexibility to do just that. I've freed up more time with my kids by creating efficient systems and processes. Whether playing video games, going on family trips, or being present, I've found ways to integrate my work into my life seamlessly.
Building for the Future
The journey continues. I'm constantly looking for new opportunities and ways to improve. The side hustles that started as small projects have become significant income streams. This growth has allowed me to invest in my family's future and provide a better life for my kids. It's about creating a legacy and showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to with hard work and dedication.