I’m on the road again after being “home” in Baltimore for the past few weeks, exploring the city and working on my business. I flew into Springfield, Massachusetts this afternoon for a keynote I’m giving at a women’s conference tomorrow. Actually, I flew into Hartford, then one of the lovely organizers picked me up and took me to dinner, and then on to the Marriott where I’m writing this blog post. I was walking around the hotel room with my trusty iPhone and just started recording a video about why I’m here, which led to me telling the story of how I even got started with professional speaking in the first place. Click here to learn about my 3-hour training on becoming a professional speaker.
How to Get Paid to Do What You Love (Video)
I thought it was high time I test out this fancy iPhone video function, so here we go! In the video below, I answer a question that ladies ask me all the time, “how can I get paid to do what I love?” I’ve been supporting myself from my passions of writing, speaking, training and coaching for the past two years, so I wanted to share an important lesson that I’ve had to learn along the way.
How to Start a Side Hustle: Two Basic Tools to Start Earning Money from Your Passion
This is the seventh post in my How to Start a Side Hustle series.
I get a lot of questions from ladies who want to begin selling products or services on the side to supplement their current income or start working for themselves full-time. The first thing I tell people is that it largely depends on what you want to sell. What is your passion and how can you earn money from sharing it with others? What’s your side hustle sweet spot? I have been working for myself a little over two years now and I found my sweet spot through selling both products (books, ebooks, online training programs) and services (speaking, coaching) in my business.
My last post was about how I’m using the technology of iPhone apps to support my ideal life, especially my business. In this post, I wanted to share the two basic tools that have been essential for me in starting a side hustle that turned into a full-time business based around my passion, expertise and lifestyle.
On Getting an iPhone and Using Technology as a Tool to Support My Ideal Life
Yesterday, I traded in my Blackberry for an iPhone.
My Blackberry had been acting wonky for months now, and lately it had begun shutting off for no reason in the middle of phone conversations. My mom had gotten into the iLife a month before, so her enthusiastic recommendation of the iPhone as a tool for my business was what brought me over to the other side.
How I Travel: The Basics
I’ve been traveling a lot this month for my business. So far in February, I’ve been in Modesto, Miami and Biloxi. When you hear me say I’m going anywhere in the United States, it is usually for a speaking engagement. Right now, professional speaking is where the bulk of my income comes from. Companies and organizations pay me a fee to present keynote speeches or workshops at their conferences and events. I charge my clients per engagement and they are also responsible for paying for my travel and expenses to get from where I am to where they are – and back.
Because of my business, I’ve visited about 30 different cities (many of them multiple times, like Denver, San Diego and Atlanta) in the past four years. Having a business that provides speaking and training services for organizations allows me to go to places I never would have thought to go on my own. I love the process of traveling, though I’ve only just recently (in the past year) begun feeling like a frequent flyer. I now know the layouts of most major U.S. airports, down to the food options that are available for someone who does not eat meat.
By following the same routine for every trip, I have figured out how to save time and stress even when I end up being out of town three-four times in one month (which is a lot for me). In this way, I am able to enjoy the process of traveling and seeing new people and places much more.
This is how I travel.
Before the Trip
I work with the event organizer to schedule my trip, including hotel and flight arrangements. Sometimes I pay for everything and then get reimbursed after the engagement. Sometimes the organization pays all the costs up front on their end. When I pay, I have more flexbility on which airlines I fly, which is helpful. I prefer to fly American Airlines when I can, so that I can maximize my frequent flyer miles with them toward my international trip later this year.
The day before I travel, I print out (or write down) all the confirmation numbers for my flight, hotel, rental car and shuttle, if applicable. I check-in online via the airline website the morning of my flight. I print out my boarding pass and itinerary at home so the only thing I have to do when I get to the airport is go straight to security. This saves a LOT of time.
UPDATE: I now use a fantastic iPhone app called TripIt (it’s free!) to organize all of my flight information. Also, wherever possible (like on United), I have my boarding pass sent to my iPhone and it just gets scanned by TSA and the flight attendants at the gate. Mobile boarding passes have changed my life and saved a lot of time looking for a printer at my hotel or having to stand in line at the airport. I just walk on through!
What I Wear On the Plane
I dress to be comfortable, not cute on the plane. I also get cold easily, so I make sure to layer my clothing and bring a coat, sweater or heavy sweatshirt with me.
- A tank top
- Yoga pants or light, tight fitting sweat pants
- A yoga jacket or light sports jacket
- A thick sweater or sweatshirt (I layer the sweater/sweatshirt on top of the sports jacket)
- Thick white socks
- Asics or Nike running shoes
After testing other clothing combinations, I’ve found that this is my favorite, no-fail outfit for traveling comfortably and staying warm on the airplane.
This outfit also saves me time going through security, as my running shoes are easy to slip off and then back on. The socks help a lot because then I don’t have to put my bare feet on the dirty airport floor. All I have to do is take off my outer jacket and it’s smooth sailing with TSA.
What Luggage I Use
For the past two years, I’ve been packing light. No checked bags. Checked bags can get lost (though this has only happened to me twice in four years). Checked bags also take longer (often MUCH longer) to retrieve because you have to go down to baggage claim and wait for the sucker to start rolling out your stuff. And to add insult to injury, on most airlines, it costs at least $25 for the privilege of having them check your bag. So I rely on one carry-on bag and a small backpack to take on the plane.
I use a Heys USA carry-on bag in black and gray. I love it because it fits everything I need inside. It also looks elegant and more expensive than it really is. (I got mine for $90 at Target.) I don’t use the expandable option of the bag, however, as it will not fit unto most airline overhead bins if you stuff any bag to the hilt that way.
In my Heys carry-on is where I put all of my clothing, shoes and toiletries. I can fit a month’s worth of clothing into my carry-on, provided I have access to a washing machine and dryer where I’m going.
In my backpack is where I put my laptop, computer accessories, wallet, iPod/earphones, cell phone and snacks. I also slip in a book to read as well as my notebook and journal.
What I Pack
Since I travel mostly for business, I’ll share what I pack for a 1-3 day trip for a speaking engagement. It’s important to note though, that I needed only to multiply most of these items by three to have enough clothes for almost a month in Hawaii.
Clothing
Two full outfits. This usually consists of:
- The outfit to wear for my speech – a blazer, tank top, black slacks or dark-colored jeans
- An outfit to wear to dinner (my hosts often arrange a special dinner for speakers/guests) – a skirt or jeans and a top
- Two pair of shoes – black flats and a pair of heels
- Pajamas
- 2 bras, 2 pair of panties, 2 pair of socks
In addition to my travel outfit, this makes at least three total outfits I have available, but up to six if I mix and match the tops and bottoms.
Toiletries
- Contact lens case and solution (small 4 oz bottle, TSA allows it for medical reasons)
- Deodorant, baby powder, tampons/pads if needed
- Travel sized bottles of lotion, facial scrub and scented body spray
- Small makeup bag: liquid foundation, lipstick/gloss, eyeliner, mascara (I don’t wear very much makeup anymore)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb
- Travel-sized spray bottle filled 1/4 with coconut oil (wrapped tightly in a plastic grocery bag to prevent leaks)
- Small jewelry bag: two pair of earrings, a necklace and a ring or two
These items all fit neatly into the Heys outer compartment.
What I Do with My Natural Hair
As you already know, I take a very minimalist approach to my natural hair care. Right now, I like to wear it in its short, afro state or in finger twists. When I’m traveling, I just use the hotel shampoo and conditioner to wash my natural hair. I keep it moisturized by adding water to the coconut oil in my travel bottle, spraying my hair with the oil/water combination after my shower, then picking out my afro or twists. Turns out great every time.
What I Eat
Although most airports will have a place to purchase snacks and meals, I try to carry snacks with me in case there’s nothing I want available, which is frequently the case in tiny airports like the one I encountered in Springfield, Illinois. It also saves money. Lately I’ve been carrying pretzels, popcorn and/or crackers with me in my backpack. As for drinks, I rely on the free beverage service on the airplane to quench my thirst.
What I eat in the airport:
- Green/fruit smoothies from places like Jamba Juice
- Muffins and bagels from places like Starbucks
- Pretzels from places like Auntie Anne’s
- Tuna sandwiches (I can’t stand the all-veggie ones with just cheese and tomato and bread. Don’t know why. But you’ll never see me eating a tomato-mozzarella sandwich.)
- Pizza or pasta from places like Sbarro (cheese or veggie)
If I get really hungry on the flight or don’t have enough time to buy a real meal in the airport, I buy the fruit and cheese plate that is often offered on the plane. (United Airlines has the best one, in my opinion.)
How do you travel, for business or otherwise? What else would you like to know about traveling?
5 Ways to Earn More Money
As 2012 begins, many of us are looking at our monthly budget and wondering why we don’t make more money than we do. The good news though, is that this year offers new business and career opportunities for all of us! Here are just a few ideas you can try in your career or in your business.
Ask for a Raise
If you work for someone else, make this the year you ask for a raise. Don’t wait to be “given” one. Remember, it never hurts to ask. Make sure you take some time this month to take stock of your accomplishments at work within the last year:
- What was your contribution to the company’s goals?
- How much money did you make for the organization?
- What new projects or clients were you responsible for bringing in?
- What’s your specific strength that you bring to the table that your company can’t live without?
I always encourage people to do a “self-review” before they go into any performance review situation with their boss or supervisor. Always be clear with yourself on what your value was to the organization throughout the year and it will help you make your case for a raise during your annual review. And yes, even if you don’t have a formal evaluation coming up at your job, you can still set a meeting with your boss to discuss your compensation.
Find Another Job
If you can’t make more money in your current job, it may be time to look elsewhere. A lot of companies are preying on the “bad economy” sentiment these days, but the truth is that a LOT of organizations are doing quite well and would love to pay you top dollar for your talent. The people who are getting great jobs today are not the ones who are internalizing the negative chatter about the bad economy, but the ones who are out there showcasing their value to companies who do have job openings. Make sure you:
- Update your resume and post a profile on LinkedIn.
- Attend as many professional networking events as you can and rock a great business card.
- Join an online career network like Brazen Careerist.
Put yourself out there and you may be surprised at what opportunities you’ll find!
Start a Side Hustle
If you don’t necessarily want another job, consider starting a side hustle to earn more money in addition to your 9 to 5. A side hustle is a job that you do on the side in addition to your full-time job. Whether you take on a second job, do hair in your basement, provide consulting services or bake cakes to sell at the farmer’s market on the weekend, a side hustle is when you provide products or services in order to make money on the side. Typically, you would take something you’re good at (or passionate about) and offer it to people who want it. That sweet spot of skill and demand is your side hustle, baby! Many people eventually start making enough money with their side hustle to make it their full-time gig. Read about my story here. And check out the rest of my How to Start a Side Hustle series for more ideas for how you can do this yourself.
Add Another Product or Income Stream
If you already have your own side hustle or small business, consider adding another product or service in addition to the ones you already sell. If you only bake one flavor of cake to sell right now, start baking another flavor to add to your menu. If you only sell website design services through your blog right now, you might want to add logo design as well. In my own business, I added coaching services in 2010. Even though I had already been coaching people for over a year, I had never really advertised or promoted it as a formal part of my services. Now that I do, I’m getting way more coaching clients coming through my door!
Raise Your Rates
If you have a business that focuses on providing services (i.e. coaching, personal training, babysitting, dog walking, etc.), raise your rates this year. People understand that the cost of living isn’t getting any cheaper and if there were any “good” time to raise your rates, the beginning of the year would be it. Let your current clients and customers know about the rate increase in advance so they can make arrangements. If your service is top-notch (which I would hope that it is), your clients won’t mind paying a few extra dollars. And over time, that means more money for you!
If you weren’t totally satisfied with your income last year, hopefully these are some steps you can take to be more fulfilled this year. What are some other ways to bring in more money as the new year settles in?
When I Worry About Going Broke
Someone asked me if I ever worry about going broke. The answer is an unequivocal YES.
It’s been two years since I’ve been working for myself full-time. And cashflow still seems pretty unpredictable.
Sometimes I don’t have enough work. Sometimes I have more work than I can handle.
Some months I don’t make enough income. Others I make more than I need. (Having multiple income streams helps to even this out.)
***
Winter is the slowest time of year for my business. It has been this way ever since I starting speaking and consulting as a side hustle in 2008. While it was all fine and good to have a dip in income when I had a full-time job, now that I work for myself it scares the hell out of me.
When too many weeks go by without me getting a hefty enough check, these are the kinds of things that go through my head.
Oh my God, it’s been 2 weeks. I’m never going to get another client ever in life.
Maybe my prices are too high. Maybe they’re too low.
What’s wrong with people? Why aren’t they buying my stuff? My books are useful! My speaking inspires new ideas! My coaching sessions help people move to the next level! Right? Right?!
***
Despite the fear, I make myself keep going. I make myself do one thing every day, even if it’s just writing a blog post, sending an email, or following up with a new connection.
I should be familiar with fear by now – the panicky feeling in the pit of my stomach, the lingering sense of dread when I get up some mornings, wondering if I’ll make a sale or book a client or get a check in the mail. I know how debilitating it can be. Right now at this very moment, there’s a big project on my plate that I haven’t worked on for months, even though I know that finishing it will mean a new source of income for my business.
Fear is brutal when you let it beat you. And the fact is, sometimes it wins. But sometimes, you do. Either way, the battle has to be fought on a daily basis.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that both success and failure are impermanent. If business was a boxing match, you would never win the belt. On Monday, you might get a few jabs in, but by Thursday you’re up against the ropes. On Friday, you wake up feeling bruised and groggy, yet lucky you get to live to fight another day.
***
When I’m centered enough to sit still and breathe, this is my mantra during the rough patches.
Fear flows through me but it is not me. I am bigger than fear. I am beyond fear. Fear does not define me. I am not fear.
When I take care of myself enough to think clearly, I do what I know works.
I create. I serve. I connect.
I blog. I network. I ask for the sale.
I remember that there is no “can’t.”
The universe does the rest.
Go Live
Over the past four years, I’ve developed quite a few blogs for my personal and professional development. I’ve also helped others launch their own websites as well. I’m no web design guru, but I can figure out how to get a simple, functional site up and running with relative ease. (For example, I designed the Happy Black Woman blog you’re reading now.)
Although I love learning all the ins and outs of WordPress and plugins and themes and widgets, my favorite part of the technical process of starting a new blog/website is the moment when it “goes live.” This means that the site is now ready to be viewed by the public. It may not be 100% perfect (in fact, it never is), but it’s good enough to show the world.
This is a great metaphor for your work in 2012.
Go live.
Think of 2012 as your launch year. The perfect year to start that business venture you’ve been talking about, set-up that new website you’ve been procrastinating on, get going on that longtime personal goal everyone else thinks is crazy, land that dream job you’ve wanted for so long.
2012 is the year to go live.
If you’re fortunate enough to wake up living and breathing on January 1, 2012, the best thing you can do to thank God is to use the rest of the year to share your unique gifts with the world.
Ask for help if you need it. (We all need it.)
Just get going. Then, tweak for “perfection” along the way.
It’s time to show the world what you’ve got.
We’ve been waiting on you to spread your beautiful wings.
We’ve been waiting on you to show us what you’re really made of.
Go live.
Stop hoarding your passion. Put it out there where we all can see it.
I know it’s scary.
Do it anyway.
How are you planning to “go live” in 2012? What will it take to make it happen? Who can you ask for help?
What Are You Selling? (Hint: It’s Not Your Blog)
I get a lot of emails from ladies who are in the beginning stages of starting a side hustle that fits their passion and aligns with their ideal life. In fact, over half of them say something like:
I love what you’re doing on Happy Black Woman, how can I do that, too?
The problem is, most people mistakenly think that this blog IS my business, when it is certainly NOT. I love writing here to document my own journey and encourage other women along in their path. That’s my main motivation for maintaining the site. What keeps it a priority on my list to be here every day is that I have also been able to earn a little bit of money from helping people through my work here.
This Blog is Not a Business
The blog itself? Nah, it’s not a business. And neither is yours.
I have a few advertisements and affiliate links on this site, but the revenue is hit or miss. Unreliable, but nice when a check comes in. My real business is writing, speaking, coaching, training, consulting. That has never changed. I get paid for my writing when I sell books and ebooks. I get paid when nonprofits and associations hire me to come speak at their conferences. I get paid when people book a coaching session with me to get clarity around their career, business or personal growth. I get paid to conduct workshops and webinars on leadership, career development, and social media. I get paid to help professionals build their personal brands for career advancement. I get paid to help entrepreneurs and small business owners develop their online marketing strategy.
Those are the products and services that I’m selling. My main site (along with this blog) allows me promote myself as someone who adds value to people’s lives through information and inspiration. In turn, that leads to more clients and customers. Same thing with my Twitter accounts and Facebook pages. They all serve a purpose in helping me sell myself so I can help more people and fulfill my personal mission.
How This Applies to You
If you want to build a successful business on the side – or turn your side hustle into your full-time hustle, you have to be very clear on what you’re selling. You want to create a website like mine? Fine. (Here’s my free ebook on how to start a blog.) Write to help people. Write to share your story and inspire others. Just remember that you cannot sell motivation alone. If you’re using it to promote your business, then your blog has to be a vehicle for something that actually brings in money.
Figure out what you’re selling. (Here’s a post I wrote on how to define your side hustle.) Then use your blog to promote your products or services to people who might be interested in buying.
Does this make sense to you? Is there anything I can clarify further about this process?
Win Your Own Lottery
All of us have said it at least once in our lives.
If only I could win the lottery . . .
I remember going down to the corner store with my grandmother in Ohio when I was a little girl. She had this little booklet of lottery number combinations and what they meant, sort of like an astrology book. It all confused me at the time, but as I got older I saw the debilitating effect of this habit of spending a dollar a day on an impossible dream. I’m sure Grama spent at least $365 a year on lottery tickets back then, even though we were still living in public housing, on the government’s dime.
I think about how easy it is to dismiss your own potential if you’re waiting around to hit the number, as if that’s the only way you’ll be able to have everything you want in life. As if that’s the only true path to happiness (which just happens to be all but unattainable.)
What happens when we wish for things that are outside of our control?
And not just the Mega Millions, but things like having a flawless body or the perfect boyfriend. It keeps us from striving for what’s really most important to us – not the things themselves, but the feeling of contentment that we can obtain in so many other ways.
I admit that I’m not up on the odds for winning the lottery these days, but I’m confident that they are still slim to none. Given the futility of wishing for that lucky four-number combo, maybe it’s time to start hitting your own numbers. Bet on yourself and your own ability to earn money from your unique skills and talents. That’s where the real jackpot is.
And the best part? No one else controls it but you.
Do you play the lottery? Are you still waiting to win?
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Rosetta Thurman is a nationally-recognized author, speaker, mentor and coach dedicated to helping women create their ideal lives.