4 tips for turning a side hustle into a business

"Don't quit your day job". It's a phrase that can go out of fashion, especially in an age of serious side-hustle.

It's true, most people put their part-time gigs on the backburner of their main occupations. But some budding entrepreneurs decide to go full throttle with their odd jobs. According to a 2022 Insuranks survey, 93% of American workers have hustles. Almost half say they would be happy if they could turn it into full-time careers that pay the bills.

While not every hobby lends itself to becoming a business, many hustles have the legs to go the distance. So you don't need to apologize if you're considering turning your own from a hobby into a profession. You just need to keep a few tips in mind to make sure you're on the path to potential success.

1. Start a business that solves an unsolved problem.

Let's say your side business grew out of solving other people's problems. It's a solid starting point. Addressing unmet needs allows your business to fill gaps that have not been identified by competitors.

This is how CitizenShipper was born. Founder Richard Obousy realized he had extra space in his vehicle. Rather than walking around with an empty trunk, he started offering to carry things for people. As he started making money, he considered ways to turn his side gig into something bigger. In less than a decade, CitizenShipper was born, connecting drivers and customers who needed transportation for puppies, motorcycles and everything in between.

Take the time to prove that your solution solves a real problem. Look for early adopters ready to be your first customers. Then listen to them. Their feedback will be invaluable in showing investors, partners, and other potential customers the value of your startup.

2. Make sure your part-time passion will translate to full-time.

Before sending your resignation letter, ask yourself some serious questions. One of the first should be, "Will I love doing this side gig when it's no longer a part-time experience?" Be honest with yourself. For example, it can be soothing to make Etsy crochet beanies for a few hours a weekend. However, you could quickly become overwhelmed and overworked if you were stuck fulfilling orders for more than 50 hours per week.

It's not meant to scare you, of course. Treat it as a reality check. Side hustles might not be full-time fun. On the other hand, your hustle might be the most exciting thing you've ever done for your career. When