In this episode, we sit down with Nick, the founder of Side Hustle Nation, a platform dedicated to helping aspiring and part-time entrepreneurs find creative ways to make extra money and build businesses they care about. Nick shares the origin story of his own entrepreneurial journey, from starting a footwear comparison site to building Side Hustle Nation into a thriving community and resource hub.
Introduction to Side Hustle Nation
- Nick is the founder of Side Hustle Nation, a platform for aspiring and part-time entrepreneurs to learn how to make extra income and build meaningful businesses.
- Side Hustle Nation offers free resources such as blogs, podcasts, and videos to support side hustlers.
Why People Pursue Side Hustles
- Primary driver: Financial need or desire for extra income.
- Deeper reasons: Paying off debt, creating financial security, funding passions (e.g., vacations or personal projects), and gaining freedom from traditional jobs.
- Side hustles also help individuals:
- Level up their skills.
- Explore creative outlets not utilized in their primary job.
- Transition to a full-time entrepreneurial lifestyle.
Nick’s Journey: From Corporate Job to Entrepreneur
- Nick’s first side hustle: A footwear comparison site (Shoe Sniper), earning affiliate commissions.
- This allowed him to quit his corporate job after three years.
- The project eventually had a finite lifespan, pushing Nick to explore other ventures.
- Other ventures: A virtual assistant directory (2011–2020) and the launch of Side Hustle Nation in 2013 with a $60 microphone.
How Side Hustle Nation Makes Money
- Sponsorships on the podcast.
- Affiliate partnerships through the website and email list.
- Digital products such as courses and books.
The Importance of Knowing Your "Why"
- A strong motivation helps push through challenges and avoid burnout.
- Ensure your side hustle aligns with your interests to avoid turning it into a dreaded second job.
Insights into the Gig Economy
- The gig economy, often born from necessity, reflects shifts in job market stability and rising costs of living.
- While some criticize the glorification of overworking, Nick emphasizes the entrepreneurial upside, such as:
- Learning to "cut your own paycheck."
- Building scalable skills.
Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs
- Start by asking:
- What do you love talking about or doing?
- What skills or expertise do you have?
- What problems can you solve?
- Success often comes from innovating on existing ideas rather than reinventing the wheel.
- Break down ideas into actionable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Challenges of Execution
- Ideas are cheap; execution is what matters.
- Many struggle with turning ideas into actionable, sustainable businesses. Nick advises focusing on niche problems and scaling gradually.
The Power of Community
- Side Hustle Nation evolved from one-to-many content to a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.
- Platforms like the Facebook group (launched in 2015) helped foster connections, with members helping each other achieve their goals.
