Go All-In On Your Side Gig: Our Top To-Do’s for Aspiring or New Service Businesses
2 minute read
So you have a side hustle you’re ready to go all-in on?
Just a few sample creative service businesses we’re talking about:
Graphic Designer, Photographer, Videographer, Brand Design, Website Designer, App Developer, Systems Strategist, Copywriter, Content Strategist, Analyst, Landscaper, Roofer, Hardscaper, General Contractor, Business Strategist, SEO Consultant, Social Media Manager, Legal Consultant, HR Consultant, Resume Writer, Career Coach, Health Coach, Florist, Event Planner, Wedding Planner, Home Stager, Home Cleaner, Podcast Producer, UX/UI Design Consultant, Virtual Assistant, Professional Organizer, Sustainable Living Consultant, Cybersecurity Consultant, Bookkeeper, DJ, Caterer, Dietician, Tutor, Language Teacher, Art Teacher, Music Lessons, Interior Designer, Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper, Life Coach, Psychologist or Handyman.
This is for you. Did we give you a business idea there if not?
Have you committed to taking your side hustle full-time, and now you have an endless list of things you think you should be doing to get your new service business off the ground?
I was there too. Hi, I’m Brooke — I took my skills as a Senior Marketing Manager in corporate to freelance side-gig and then confident growing service business.
If you also want to take your skills from side hustle to full-time, here’s where I’d start!
Build a Portfolio / Do the Work
Build a showcase of projects (maybe cheap or pro-bono, but worth it). Those first few projects are critical — Go above and beyond, do exceptional work and over-deliver.
Create Processes (a “Client Experience”) from the First Projects
Create and blueprint service processes that forces you to strategize the delivery and client experience. Outline every process step from the inquiry to offboarding. You’ll deliver a better, consistent, scalable experience.
Create a core Offer Suite
Offers propose a comprehensive solution to a unique need, that can then be scaled in your business. Every discovery call is an opportunity to craft or fine-tune an offer. What do your clients most commonly need? It’s likely others have the same problem, and would bite at your solution if you positioned it as an offer.
Get a Brand Design & Website (that don’t look DIY)
Start simple with a small website. It’s more important that it’s marketing-optimized with lead capture forms and strategic content.
Be Strategic with Proposals
Don’t just send estimates - create winning proposals. A good proposal helps sell higher value projects by clearly defining the project scope, deliverables, processes, your expertise, and service promise. Grab the same easy to edit proposal we’ve used to book multiple 4 and 5-figure projects here.
Optimize Digital Profiles
Google Business - As the first face of your business in search, it’s important to portray an active, professional business. Add a description, website link, contact info, images and testimonials.
1-2 Focused Socials - Don’t get content overwhelm by committing to too many platforms and social management. Optimize a simple presence with a clear descriptive name, business tagline, service offerings, website link, brand imagery, etc.
Expect Rejection but Never Turn Back
Trying and failing, losing opportunities, being rejected and feeling defeated is just part of the journey. The purpose, joy and growth is in the overcoming.
Always be Progressing a Business Initiative
Google Business - As the first face of your business in search, it’s important to portray an active, professional business. Add a description, website link, contact info, images and testimonials.
1-2 Focused Socials - Don’t get content overwhelm by committing to too many platforms and social management. Optimize a simple presence with a clear descriptive name, business tagline, service offerings, website link, brand imagery, etc.
We’ve got you covered with #5
Steal the same Offer Proposal Template we’ve used to book multiple 4 and 5-figure service projects.
Win Higher Value Projects & Greater Wallet Share
Sell your Expertise, Knowledge & Value
Establish Scope: Process, Deliverables, Meetings, etc.
Validate Investment with a Professional First Impression