It’s fair to say that nowadays, the idea of having a ‘job for life’ feels outdated. Instead, we’re building careers that often defy traditional categorisation, to protect ourselves against job insecurity and keep our options open. This has lead to the rise of ‘multi-hyphenates’ – those with several professions or skills to their name. A quick scroll through your LinkedIn contacts will highlight this trend in action.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
So, how do we succeed in this new career world?
Whether you’re trying to get your own business off the ground while working a 9 to 5, or want to start up a side hustle to bring in some extra cash, Jellyfish Training’s Digital Marketing Trainer – and freelance marketing consultant – Niki Grant reveals her advice on how to get ahead.
Be honest with your employer
Before you start your second venture, Niki suggests you pluck up the courage to speak to your day job employer. “My recommendation is to be super open about it, because keeping your other job a secret could quickly become stressful.” Plus, having the support of your colleagues can be beneficial to your side hustle, as it helps grow your network. “If you want to be able to market your own business in the right way and worry-free, it’s better to be upfront and honest.”
But don’t forget to check your contract! “Some employers will stipulate that you can’t undertake any additional work without approval, while others will be fine with it, as long as it doesn’t stop you doing your day job or lead to a conflict of interests.”
Build on your skills
Taking up a second job is a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills, which is one of the reasons they’re so appealing. The more clients you work with and different projects you take on, the more you’ll learn and have to offer potential future clients.
Whether you’re a budding photographer or trying to make it in the music industry, you’ll also need to start thinking like a business owner. This includes formulating a digital marketing strategy. As Niki explains, “it’s important to understand the different media channels and how to use them for maximum effect.”
Prioritise your efforts
Time is money and when you’re already working a 9 to 5, it’s even more precious. The solution? Focus on your audience. As Niki explains, “while you might think it makes sense to advertise on Facebook because you use it a lot yourself, if you’re trying to launch an IT consultancy, there’s not much point.”
“To get the most out of your budget and efforts, think about who you’re trying to target and where those people are, as opposed to what might seem like the path of least resistance, just because it’s more familiar.”
But what are the real digital non-negotiables, if you want your side hustle to succeed? “Get a website and a proper email address. And before you’ve even got a business incorporated, make sure the domain is free. Yes, you might need to pay a hosting provider for the email address, but it’s worth it. Ensuring you look like a legitimate business is half the battle.”
Find the right balance
Be mindful of taking on too much. Even in a multi-hyphen career world, it’s important to leave enough time for yourself – otherwise you’ll be in danger of burnout. This might mean allocating certain times of the day or week to your side hustle and sticking to them, or keeping your home a work-free zone.
The latter works for Niki. “Once you start working at home, it can be hard to switch off. Co-working spaces are a great alternative, because of the connectivity and networking opportunities they offer.”
Don’t be put off by the legal side
For most people, this will usually be the first time you’ve had to navigate things like accountants and tax returns. But Niki stresses that you shouldn’t let this put you off. “I was surprised at how easy it was to set up a business. If you’re thinking about doing it, don’t let worrying about the admin side of things hold you back. Just bite the bullet and give it a go!”
About Jellyfish Training
Founded in 2014, Jellyfish Training offers over 120 digital classroom and online training courses ranging from digital marketing, SEO, social media and analytics to Cloud technology, cyber security and Agile.
As a Google certified training provider, Jellyfish has helped over 50,000 people from global corporates to small businesses, as well as non-profits, charities and government organisations to upskill their workforces.
https://www.jellyfish.com/en-gb/training/
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