Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Wallingford, Founder of The Side Gig Hustler, located in Southfield, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Side Gig Hustler is an online small business consulting firm designed to help 9 to 5 professionals make their bank accounts happier by launching a side business that works well alongside one’s full-time employment or other life responsibilities. We specialize in two specific areas. Teaching how to become a Notary Signing Agent, conduct loan signings, and close different types of real estate transactions as an active income source with our Savvy Signer training programs. Secondly, we teach how to monetize one’s knowledge and advice by creating and selling digital products as a passive income source through our membership, The Consultant Crown Collective.
Helping clients to create and launch multiple types of income sources that complement their lives and achieve their financial goals is what we do! If anyone is ready to explore and launch an income source that complements their 9 to 5 and other life responsibilities as a Notary Signing Agent or by selling their knowledge or advice 100% online via digital products as a passive income source, they should visit us at our website.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve always had a passion for making money and being financially stable, and my interest started as a child when I wanted to buy Christmas presents on my own for my family. My full-time responsibility as a child was to be a successful student, so when I received my parents’ blessing to launch my first side gig at eight years old, cleaning and shining my father’s work shoes, I was ecstatic. My father taught me how to perform the service, set my pricing, manage my business budget, find customers and provide customer service. As a young entrepreneur, this became the foundation for me and sparked my interest in learning and doing more. Running my little, big business and earning $10 every week was exciting. That year and thereafter, I earned more than enough money to buy gifts for my family, and that was something I was proud of.
As I grew older, the opportunities to work for myself and others were plentiful. I was very serious about my financial goals, and this showed in my work ethic. After graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in international administration, I started my 25+ year career in corporate America, and I was always disappointed with being underpaid based on my knowledge and experience. This led me to consistently have a side gig to help me to achieve my financial goals. As an African American woman, I’ve experienced gender pay gaps by race and ethnicity, and this has fueled the need to create multiple streams of income that can be done successfully while maintaining a 9 to 5.
This is why The Side Gig Hustler started, to encourage, educate and aid in the launch of side gigs that work well alongside a 9 to 5 or while managing other full-time responsibilities. We help people reach their financial goals and create better lives for themselves and their families.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In October 2022, The Side Gig Hustler celebrated 5 years in business and has served over 3200 customers. I am proud of the positive impact my business has had on my customers’ lives and has helped to make their bank accounts happier.
While there are some myths that side gigs aren’t “real businesses” or “they won’t be very profitable unless you are doing it full-time,” we’ve helped dispel these myths and show that side gigs are powerful, profitable, and influential!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Keeping myself and my customers motivated and focused on the results of their efforts while facing fear, doubt, and any other challenge that crosses their path is the hardest. It's something that we all experience as entrepreneurs, and it comes along with the territory of owning a business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You are never too old or young to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. Don't wait any longer. Start now!
- There is a business model suited best to work alongside your lifestyle, personality, and financial goals, the problem you'll solve, and for whom you want to help. Your expertise and knowledge are needed, and The Side Gig Hustler can help you identify them.
- Invest in a knowledgeable and experienced coach, consultant, or mentor to help you launch your business. It will save you time, money, and effort.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thesidegighustler.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesidegighustler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidegighustler/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sidegighustler
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.