How to Start a Side Hustle and Turn It Into Your Full-Time Thing — Gillian Perkins

Key tips for this phase:

• Stick with one main offer. Don’t create 5 packages. Get really good at selling one thing.

• Avoid custom work. It’s tempting, but time-consuming and hard to scale.

• Focus on repeat customers. Turn one-time buyers into ongoing clients or subscribers.

• Keep networking. You’ll still be closing the most sales if you stick to 1-on-1 at this point.

Phase 3: Streamline to Free Up Time

You’re earning $1–3K/month, but it might still feel like a grind. Now it’s time to reduce how much time the business takes.

Double down on systems:

• Batch your content and client work.

• Use software and automations (like CRMs & email platforms).

• Consider hiring a virtual assistant or online business manager for a few hours/week.

This frees up mental space so you can start working on the business, not just in it.

Phase 4: Scale with a 1-to-Many Offer

Now that you’ve got results, it’s time to multiply your impact.

Options for 1-to-many offers:

Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Set this up while you still have some capacity.

Phase 5: Build a Simple Sales Funnel

To truly go full-time, you need leads coming in consistently.

Here’s a basic funnel structure:

1. Visibility (podcast, YouTube, paid ads)

2. Lead magnet (free training, checklist, call)

3. Nurture emails to build trust

4. Pitch your paid offer

Drive traffic to your lead magnet using content marketing (YouTube, blog, Pinterest), ads, or partnerships.

Are You Ready to Go Full-Time?

Here’s a quick checklist:

• You’ve replaced at least 60% of your income

• You have a working sales funnel bringing in new leads and turning them into customers

• You’ve saved 2–3 months of expenses as a buffer

• You’re confident in your offer and know people want it

• You’re ready to step into uncertainty with courage and clarity

If you can check those boxes, you might be ready to take the leap. 💃

Final Thoughts: Pick a Business That Can Grow

Before you even start, make sure your idea has real potential. Avoid hobbies with low profit margins. (I’m lookin’ at you, candle making, crochet, and micro bakeries… I love those hobbies, but they don’t make good businesses.) Choose something that solves a big problem, is in high demand, and is something you actually enjoy.

Also, avoid trying to jump straight into passive income. Start with active income. Serve clients. Get experience. Then, layer in digital products.

And finally, if you’re stuck, ask yourself: What problem can I solve in the next 7 days that someone would pay me for?

That’s your starting point. Solve that problem. Then build from there.

Want more support on this journey? Check out my (free!) Small Business 101 course — it walks you through every step of this process in detail.