If I were to start a side hustle all over again, knowing what I know now, I'd do exactly what I did before, just quicker. Back then, I was a dad working long hours in a cubicle at a call centre, juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities. But I had a burning desire to break free and do what I love. Here's my story and some advice for fellow dads who want to turn their side hustle into a successful business.
The Beginning: Balancing Work, Family, and Learning
When I started, every spare second was dedicated to learning about building and ranking websites. I didn't take breaks. I was constantly learning or working, whether I was in the gym or at home. I listened to courses and audiobooks, absorbing knowledge from experts who had already done it. My plan was simple: pick up a bunch of domains in niches where I could rank or get leads and start building.
The Hustle: Building and Scaling
Building websites takes time, and patience is crucial. But patience doesn't mean waiting idly; it means staying busy. I built multiple sites, knowing that not all would succeed. With 50 to 100 sites brewing, I was always occupied. Some sites started generating leads, and I focused more on those, allocating additional time and resources.
Creating Opportunities: Generating Leads and Building Relationships
Once I had leads, I reached out to businesses that needed them. I initially gave leads away for free to build relationships. Understanding what it took to get those leads, I figured out other ways to help businesses get more leads, like through Facebook and Google Ads. This approach eventually led to having 10-15 monthly recurring clients while I was still working full-time. I managed to match my wage and eventually doubled it, which gave me the freedom to choose how to spend my time.
Overcoming Challenges: Time Management and Prioritization
Balancing a full-time job, family, and a side hustle was tough. I had bills, kids to care for, and barely any sleep. But I found ways to manage my time better. Whether it was listening to audiobooks during commutes or working on my websites late at night, I made every moment count. Finding that balance is challenging as a dad, but it's possible with dedication and smart time management.
Lessons Learned: Niches, Relationships, and Scaling
If I could do it all again, I'd focus on a niche sooner. Pick a niche like lawyers, dentists, or bookkeepers and dominate it. Build multiple sites in that niche to increase your chances of success. Building relationships with local businesses is key. Even if you're uncomfortable with sales, simple outreach through calls or emails can go a long way.
Hiring a team earlier would have been a game-changer. Initially, I hesitated because I wanted to perfect my processes and systems. But hiring sooner would have allowed me to scale faster. The more sites you build, the higher your chances of generating leads. Scaling quickly accelerates your success.
The Freedom: Choosing My Path
I have less time than ever today, but I can choose how I spend it. Reflecting on my journey, I realize the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and smart scaling. It's not just about working hard; it's about working smart and making strategic decisions.
Final Thoughts: Advice for Fellow Dads
To fellow dads out there feeling stuck in a cubicle, juggling work and family, know it's possible to break free. Find those pockets of time to learn and build. Focus on a niche, build multiple sites and form relationships with local businesses. Be bold and hire help early on to scale faster. The journey is tough, but the freedom of doing what you love is worth it.