3 Things to Consider Now: A ‘Quick Start Checklist’
For the Creative Side Hustle You Dream Of
Start Your Dream Side Hustle
Are you dreaming of starting a creative side hustle but feel completely unsure where to begin? It's easy to get stuck before you even start!
This post is your quick-start guide.
We'll walk through 3 simple, actionable things you can consider right now to get momentum and clarity for the creative business you dream of.
Considering a Side Hustle?
Thinking about turning your creative passion – that beloved hobby or skill – into a side hustle or even a full-fledged business?
That's incredibly exciting! Taking this step opens up a world of potential rewards, allowing you to pursue your passion in new ways, find fulfillment, and share your unique creations with others. The journey of building something from your craft is a fantastic learning curve, one where you'll not only use the valuable skills you already have but also gain new ones along the way.
But maybe the thought of actually starting feels overwhelming. Where do you even begin? If you're feeling unsure, this quick checklist is designed to help you cut through the noise and take three simple, actionable steps today to start exploring your creative income potential.
Thing # 1 - Are You Truly Considering a Side Hustle (Beyond Just a Hobby)?
The very first thing to consider is the shift in mindset required when moving from a hobby to a potential side hustle. A hobby is purely for your own enjoyment; a side hustle involves creating something with the intention of someone else valuing it enough to pay for it.
This doesn't mean you stop enjoying it, but it introduces new elements of commitment and readiness.
Now is the time for a little self-reflection on your motivation. Ask yourself honestly: "Why do I really want to explore turning my creative passion into income?"
Think about what's truly driving this consideration:
Is it primarily about generating extra income?
Are you curious to see if your creative skills and products have business potential?
Is this a potential path towards leaving your day job someday?
Do you want to share your creations more widely and connect with people who love what you make?
Or is it a combination of these (or other) reasons?
Understanding your core motivation is the first crucial step in defining your path.
⚡️Quick Action for Thing #1
Understanding your core motivation is the first crucial step in defining your path.
Write down 1-3 honest reasons why exploring a creative side hustle is appealing to you right now.
Thing # 2 - Identify Your Core Passion (What Do You LOVE Doing Creatively?)
Building a creative side hustle that lasts is much easier – and much more enjoyable! – when it stems from a place of genuine passion. This step is all about looking inward to identify what creative activities truly light you up and where your existing skills naturally shine. Leveraging these strengths is the most sustainable foundation for your potential income stream.
Forget any old-fashioned notions about what "creative" means. It's not just fine art! It includes making things with your hands, designing visuals, solving problems in clever ways, organizing, writing, crafting digital assets, and so much more.
Ask yourself: What specific creative activity or skill do I love doing the most that others might value?
Here are some questions to spark your reflection:
What creative activities do you naturally gravitate towards or lose track of time doing just for fun?
What skills do you have that others often recognize or compliment you on?
What handmade items or creative solutions have friends or family raved about, or even asked you to make for them?
In which creative skills do you feel most confident right now?
Pinpointing that core activity or skill that brings you joy and has the potential to help or delight others is key to finding your starting point.
⚡️ Quick Action for Thing #2
Make a list of your top 3-5 creative passions, skills, or types of products you enjoy creating.
Circle or highlight the one that feels most exciting to explore as an income source first.
Thing #3 - Think About Who Might Value It
You know why you want to explore a side hustle and what creative activity you're most passionate about. The next quick step is to start thinking about who else might find value in what you create. This is the absolute starting point for finding your "people" – the audience who will eventually become your customers (a concept we dove into in Part 1 of our Myth Busting series, all about Niching Down!).
This requires a slight shift from creating solely for yourself to considering how your creations connect with the needs, desires, or interests of others. But don't overthink it! This isn't extensive market research; it's just initial brainstorming to point your creative energy in a direction.
Ask yourself: Who specifically would absolutely LOVE and benefit from my core creative passion or product?
To help visualize this person or group, consider:
Who would find your creative skill or potential product genuinely useful or delightful?
What kind of person might have a problem, need, or desire that your creation could help fulfill?
What are some of their interests, values, or general style preferences?
Thinking about who you are creating for helps you begin to focus your efforts and ensures that when you do decide to sell, you'll be creating products that resonate with the people you want to reach.
⚡️ Quick Action for Thing #3
Write a sentence or two describing one specific type of person (or group) who you imagine would be the perfect customer for your creative offering right now.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Start Checklist
You've taken significant steps today just by thinking through these points! Here are the quick actions to solidify your starting point:
✅Step 1: Write down 1-3 honest reasons why exploring a creative side hustle is appealing to you right now.
✅Step 2: Make a list of your top 3-5 creative passions, skills, or types of products you enjoy creating. Circle or highlight the one that feels most exciting to explore first.
✅Step 3: Write a sentence or two describing one specific type of person (or group) who you imagine would be the perfect customer for your creative offering right now.
Wrapping It Up: Your Creative Journey Starts Now
Congratulations on completing this Quick Start Checklist! Taking these first three simple, actionable steps is a powerful way to move from just thinking about a creative side hustle to actually starting the process of defining it. You've clarified your motivation, pinpointed your core passion, and begun to visualize the people who will value what you create.
Remember, every thriving creative business started with just an idea and a willingness to begin. You have the passion and the skills; now you've taken the first intentional steps on your roadmap.
Don't underestimate the significance of these small steps – they build momentum and bring clarity. Keep your answers somewhere accessible and revisit them as you continue to explore.
Ready to Turn Your Passion into Profit?
You've just gained valuable insights on your creative business journey. Here's your most powerful next step to begin!
Our FREE 6-Part Business Idea Maximizer Class is designed to help creative individuals like you unlock your true business potential.
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Explore Our Full Creative Business Roadmap:
Unsure of your next step? Our interactive roadmap provides a clear path through every stage of building a successful creative business, linking you to the exact resources you need. See The Creative Business Roadmap.
Continue Your Creative Journey:
📖Related Reads: Explore more insights tailored to your specific stage and interests:
Laying the Groundwork: Practical First Steps to Launch Your Creative Business
Setting Goals for Your Creative Side Hustle (That You Can Actually Hit!)
Is Your Hobby a Hidden Business Opportunity
Unearthing Your Winning Business Idea: A Practical Starting Point - Includes 'Your Profitable Idea Blueprint: Workbook & Checklist'
Ready for the Full Framework? Introducing SmartSTARTERZ!
If you're serious about transforming your ideas into a thriving online business with a comprehensive, step-by-step framework, then SmartSTARTERZ is for you. Get expert guidance and all the tools you need to launch and grow with confidence.
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A Sign-off from Me
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Building online businesses for passionate makers, Nicole! 🌱
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