Working a side gig can be a great way to earn some extra income. But if you’ve never done it before, the whole process can feel pretty overwhelming. Where do you even start?
You’ll need to do a few things before you can start your first side hustle. This blog article will teach you everything you need to get started, from finding the right opportunity to getting paid. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to start earning extra cash on the side!
Finding the Right Opportunity
The first step is finding the right opportunity. There are a lot of different ways to go about this, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Check out job boards specifically for side gigs.
There are a number of different job boards that focus specifically on side gigs. These can be a great place to start your search as they’ll usually have a wide variety of listings.
A few good ones to check out include:
2. Ask around in your network.
If you know anyone who’s already working a side gig, they can be a great resource for finding new opportunities. Ask them how they got started, and see if they know of any openings that might be a good fit for you.
3. Check out online classifieds websites.
Websites like Craigslist and Kijiji can be a great place to find side gigs. Just be sure to use caution when dealing with potential employers, as there are always some scammers mixed in with the legitimate listings.
4. Use social media
Social media can also be a great way to find side gigs. You can search for relevant hashtags (such as #freelancewriter or #graphicdesigner – any tag that may be relevant to your skill) to find people who might need your services. Once you’ve found someone who looks like a good fit, reach out and introduce yourself!
5. Check out job boards that aren’t specifically for side gigs.
If you’re having trouble finding anything on the above mentioned job boards, try looking at some of the more general job boards as well. Sites like Indeed and Monster usually have a good selection of different types of gigs listed.
6. Contact businesses directly.
If you have a specific business in mind that you’d like to work for, don’t be afraid to reach out and contact them directly. They may not have any openings at the moment, but it’s always worth asking!
Getting Started
Once you’ve found a gig that you’re interested in, it’s time to start putting together your application. This will usually involve creating a portfolio of your work (if you have one), and writing a cover letter or proposal outlining why you’re the perfect person for the job.
If you don’t have a lot of experience, don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways to make a great impression. Highlight any relevant skills or experience you do have, and focus on showcasing your enthusiasm for the job.
Once you’ve submitted your application, it’s time to start waiting. The hiring process can take a while, so try to be patient. If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, follow up with the employer to see if they’ve made a decision yet.
If you’re lucky enough to land the gig, congratulations! Now it’s time to get started on the work itself. Be sure to set clear expectations with your employer from the start, so there’s no confusion about what needs to be done.
And if you run into any problems along the way, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The employer should be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Getting Paid
Once you’ve completed the work, it’s time to get paid! This part can sometimes be a little tricky, as there are a few different ways that employers will typically pay side gig workers.
The most common method is through PayPal or another similar service. Be sure to set up an account before you start working, so you’ll be ready to go when it comes time to get paid.
Getting paid in cash is another option. This is usually only an option if you are working locally, as it can be difficult to receive cash payments from overseas.
Finally, some employers may offer to pay you in store credit or gift cards. While this isn’t ideal, it can be a good option if you’re working for a company that you really like and would like to support.
Now that you know how to find and apply for side gigs, as well as how to get paid, it’s time to start looking for opportunities! With a little effort, you should be able to find something that’s a perfect fit for your skills and interests. (Good luck!)
If you would like to learn more about earning on the side with side gigs and side hustles, make sure to read our other articles.