Transcription
Let's talk side hustles because a lot of people feel stuck. They feel stuck in a job that doesn't pay enough. They're stuck watching expenses pile up, and they feel stuck wondering, "Is there something I can do on the side that actually works?"
The answer is yes. Folks think success means going viral or getting a Shark Tank deal. But really, it starts with spotting real needs, using simple tools, and doing solid work. Let's be real. Many people feel quiet shame about earning money outside their 9-to-5, like it means they've failed. But that's not the truth. In fact, some of the most successful people you know started this way. Side hustles aren't a sign of failure. They're proof you're willing to try.
We have about 19 side hustles on this list. And as we go through them, you'll see the gigs get more lucrative. Some you can start today. Others can grow into full-time careers. At the end, I'm going to share smart thinking that makes side hustles actually work. And yes, these are ideas for you. Whether you're on summer break, between jobs, or just tired of waiting for things to get easier, let's go.
Number one, secret shoppers. Companies want to know how their employees treat customers, so they hire regular people like you to go undercover, pose as customers, and report back to the owners. It could be checking how a sales rep greets you, making sure a fast-food worker follows proper hygiene, or testing how a car dealership handles pricing questions. The assignments vary, and so does the pay. Some jobs are small, $10 for a coffee and survey. Others can pay over $100 for an in-depth experience, and you get reimbursements. There are a few legit platforms you can explore. We'll put the links in the show notes: Bestark, Market Force, Ipsos. There are even secret shopper aggregator apps like GigSpot, Secret Shop, and Presto Shopper, where they'll pull jobs from multiple companies into one feed. It's super helpful.
One person on sidehustleation.com, which you should check out, writes, "I usually do two to three mystery shops a week, and that covers my gas and groceries. I did a test drive last month and got paid $75 plus a $25 Visa card to drive a car and give feedback." Is it life-changing money? Probably not, but it's flexible, simple, and gives you a peek behind the scenes of how businesses really run. If you want a tip, sign up for multiple platforms at once. The good gigs go fast, and always check that you're working with a real mystery shopping provider, not a scam. Never pay to apply.
Number two, processing returns for others. Nobody likes dealing with returns, waiting in line at the post office, repackaging the tape, printing labels. But guess what? People will pay you to handle it for them. This hustle is about taking someone's unwanted Amazon, Walmart, or Target purchases, managing the return process, and charging a fee for that. It's perfect if you're organized and you live near stores or shipping centers. You can start by offering your service to busy folks, parents, job professionals, or anyone with a pile of unreturned packages. You pick up the item, check the store's return policy, package it, and drop it off.
It was a mom on a web forum. She writes, "I charged $10 to $20 per return. Did five last week for neighbors, and it's $75 for a couple of hours of work." Let me tell you, the amount of packages some people are ordering from Amazon are insane. There's money here in the returns. Trust me. Take a look at this photo if you're watching on the video. It's nuts, right? That was just from one weekend. You can scale this by offering subscription-style services, like handling all returns for a small business or an influencer who buys tons of clothes. All you need is a car, a printer for labels, and some free time. Some are getting $10 to $30 per return, depending on the size and complexity. If you handle 10 to 20 returns a week, you're looking at somewhere between $100 and $600. Not too shabby.
Number three, flipping sale items. You buy low, you sell higher. It's that simple. So, this gig is about spotting undervalued items at garage sales, thrift shops, clearance racks, flea markets, even on Facebook Marketplace. And what you do is you resell them for a profit. There are clothes, electronics, kids' toys, furniture, books. If it's priced right, there is a market. You can check the sales rack at stores like Walmart and Target. I've seen people do it, and they flip part-time on eBay or Poshmark. Others stick to local flips on Offer Up or Craigslist, and you can avoid shipping that way when someone comes to pick it up from you.
Here's a real quote from Reddit. Someone writes, "I cleared over $700 in my first month flipping garage sale finds on the weekends. It takes hustle, but I enjoy the treasure hunt." End quote. So, what kind of good money are we talking about? A good flip might net you $20 to $100 profit. Some people are doing $1,000, $2,000 a month just from weekend sourcing. And if you want some real tactics, I got them. You have to check the sold listings on eBay before you buy. Not what it's listed for, but what it actually sold for. This way, you can see what your real profit's going to be. Also, don't try to flip everything. Pick one or two categories that you understand. It could be video games, it could be baby gear, and get really good at spotting deals there. Also, be sure to look for sealed items. They sell faster, people want new, and you'll make more money. You can even create repeatable checklists for sourcing and shipping. If you have a system, it's going to save you time. This, by no means, is passive. None of these side hustles are really passive, but if you've got an eye for deals and the patience to list items, well, the margins are real.
Number four, transcriptionist. That's a mouthful, but this one's perfect if you're a fast typer and have a quiet place to work. It's called transcription, right? You turn audio into text. Think podcasts like this one, interviews, YouTube videos, corporate meetings. Some platforms like Rev.com pay about $1 per audio minute. So, a 30-minute file can earn you anywhere from $25 to $30 bucks once you're quick. On Fiverr, rates vary. Some people charge $5 for short clips and $300 or more for longer, high-accuracy jobs. Other options you can check out include TranscribeMe and Casting Words.
You're likely wondering, and it's a good question, "Isn't AI doing all of this now?" Sort of, but not quite. AI can get you 80% of the way, maybe even 90%, but it still struggles with bad audio, multiple speakers, thick accents, or technical content. And that's where a real person, you, adds real value. Someone on Upwork wrote, quote, "I started by transcribing YouTube videos for creators who wanted captions. Then I offered summaries, and now I write their newsletters, too." So, I have an idea for you. Pick a niche. Medical, legal, academic, Jewish podcasts, anything where you understand the language better than the average person. And that's where people pay for precision. I remember early on in the Kosher Money podcast, where we paid a translator $750 to turn an English podcast into full Hebrew captions. So, that required real translation, but it shows how valuable this work can be. And here's a personal throwback. Back when I was 21 or so, my brother Yitzy and I used to work for ChaCha at night. Remember ChaCha? It was a service where people could text a question, and we'd get paid 10 cents to text back an answer. We racked up a cool $150 bucks. We never cashed out for some reason, and all it took was a laptop and some hustle, and it was a lot of fun. So, if you're detail-oriented, efficient, and like working solo, shout out to those introverts, transcribing is for you.
Speaking of artificial intelligence, if you're ever looking to create an app or software-based solution for your side hustle or main gig, I highly recommend taking a look at bitbean.com. They help companies and entrepreneurs, that's you, create custom software that brings a vision to reality. And they're able to do this at an even more affordable price because of breakthroughs in AI. So, elevate your next tech project with Bitbean. You get premium software without the premium pricing.
Number five, this is one of the most straightforward ways to earn money. Do I have your attention? It's tutoring. You help someone learn something they already know. It's not a brand-new invention. Think about it. It could be algebra. It could be a second grader who needs reading help. Maybe it's a homework tutor. Maybe it's a middle schooler. Maybe you're helping a child with their summer homework. Or it's a middle schooler who just wants to get better at soccer. If you're athletic, go for it. You have to be patient, clear, and explain things in a way that sticks. If you can do that, you have something valuable. You don't need a teaching degree. What matters most is whether their kid connects with you and actually learns. A bit of confidence, some word of mouth, maybe throw up a flyer around the neighborhood in a coffee shop. That's all it takes. And listen to what someone said. "I started helping a kid on my block with long division. Word got around, and now I've got four regulars. It's not full-time money, but it adds up fast." I'll tell you my own story. There's an awesome guy in the neighborhood. He helps people's children with athletics. So, if your kid wants to learn pickleball, he'll come down there, and I think for 35, 40 minutes, he's charging now $90 bucks. The money adds up. If you're doing basic tutoring, that starts at around $25 to $40 an hour in most areas. But high school subjects, standardized test prep, we're talking $60 to $100 an hour. That's not uncommon. If you can swim, do $75 bucks a session, depending on your experience and location. Listen, you don't have to do this every day of the week. We're talking one or two sessions, and you can make a real difference. You can charge hourly. You can offer subscription deals or even group sessions. And if you're reliable, parents talk.
Number six, driving for Uber Eats or DoorDash is old news, but still, it's one of the easiest ways to earn flexible money fast. You sign up, you get approved, you turn on the app, you deliver. It's especially practical if you already own your own car and you want to make some cash in your free hours. Just be sure that your insurance company knows, because if you're driving for Uber and there's a crash, the insurance company might not pay out if it is not in your terms. A guy in a driver forum said, "I started delivering between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. after my children went to sleep. It was an extra $400 bucks a week, and that's my grocery budget." By the way, I, Ellie, have done it myself. I've driven people as an Uber driver. I've delivered food. I wanted to see what it looked like. It's pretty cool. It's actually very stimulating. You meet interesting people, and it's extra cash. But if you're Jewish, there's an added component here. If you walk into a non-kosher establishment to pick up and deliver food that's not kosher, that might pose issues according to Jewish law. It's best to stick to kosher areas and decline non-kosher restaurants if those opportunities pop up on the app. You can also explore other platforms and types of delivery, like flowers, groceries on Instacart, or packages. So, if you have a car and are between jobs, learning part-time, or just need to cover rent, this hustle works. Be sure to track your expenses like gas, wear and tear on the car, and do the math.
Number seven, gutter cleaner. Most homeowners never clean their gutters until there's a problem. And that's where you come in. Gutter cleaning means climbing safely a ladder and clearing out the leaves, branches, and gunk that build up over time. If you don't, water overflows, and it damages roofs, walls, and basements, which is why people are willing to pay someone else to do it. It's a seasonal, high-margin gig that requires very little to start. What do you need? A ladder, gloves, a bucket, maybe a leaf blower or a hose. One Reddit user writes, "I started by offering to clean my neighbors' gutters for $40 bucks. Now I do half the block every season. $100 to $150 per house." And it's simple math. Four houses, $400 bucks. Eight houses, $800 bucks. One weekend of honest work. And here's a tip. If you want to get going, post it on some local WhatsApp groups or on Next Door. If you're a teenager or a yeshiva guy on break, this is the kind of hands-on hustle that neighbors will appreciate, and parents are going to respect you for it. Just be safe. Use proper footing and don't overextend yourself on rooftops. Heck, don't even climb onto rooftops if you don't need to. You can offer a photo report, right? Take a before and after shot of the gutter and prove the job's done right. Like many gigs on this list, quality leads to repeat business. People want someone reliable, and once they trust you, you're the one they're going to call every season to clean their gutters.
Number eight, commission-based local referrals. This one's simple and surprisingly powerful. It's one of my favorites. Let's say you know someone who cleans dryer vents, organizes garages, or repairs phones, they install dash cams, they fix cars, whatever it is. Now, go up to them and ask them, "If I refer someone to you, what would you pay me per closed job?" Some will say $25 bucks, some will say $125, some will say 20%. And some are going to say, "Huh, that's a thing." It is. You become their unofficial sales rep without needing to lift a wrench, write a contract, or deliver the service. Just make sure you have the agreement in writing. So, what do you do? You bring them leads. And people do this all the time with real estate, home services, insurance, and more. A guy in our group put it like this: "I referred a professional organizer to three families last month. She sent me $150 bucks each. I didn't do any organizing. It was just a quick intro via iMessage." And the key is trust. You need to actually believe in the person you're referring, and they need to do a great job. But once it works, it builds on itself. You can even make a simple Google form. You can make a QR code, a business card, sort of track where those leads are coming from and enjoy. It's not passive income, by the way. It's relational income. You're getting paid to connect people and solve real problems in your network. Take the Paid Group, for example. They buy credit card points and miles and help businesses pick the right credit cards for their spending. The Paid Group offers recurring commissions to people who refer them clients. So, let's say you know a business that spends somewhere around $150,000 a month on supplies, but they're still using a credit card that they got from 2012 with a one-time bonus. You make the intro. The Paid Group steps in, finds the right rewards card for that business, and everyone wins. You're the matchmaker, they do the work, you earn every month. You're welcome. And there are people doing that right now for the Paid Group. We'll put a link in the show notes.
Number nine, lead paint tester. Did you know most homes built before 1978 are legally required to be tested for lead before renovations? Landlords, house flippers, even daycares all need clearance letters, or they risk fines. And that means someone has to do the testing. What are you going to need? You're going to require a basic certification course. You can do it on a weekend and a field testing kit that costs a few hundred more. You visit properties. You test suspect areas like window sills, trim, walls, and you deliver a report confirming lead presence and suggested next steps. Yes, you can become certified to offer lead-safe testing in older homes. You can do risk assessments, clearance reports. They pay about $150 to $300 each. And many testers are charging a flat rate plus travel. So, who needs this service? Real estate agents, landlords. They often need someone fast and local. You can even partner with local painters or contractors that can refer you to their clients post-renovation. So, don't be shy. Speak to landlords, child care providers, schools. Research and educate them on local regulations. Many are required to test if they rent to families. You get the picture. This flies under the radar, but it's a low-cost certification with real demand, especially in cities with lots of old housing stock.
Number 10, selling clothes for charity. Here's one I did myself, and it worked. Between 2009 and 2012, my wife and I partnered with a girls' school in Israel that ran a clothing drive. People donated high-quality used clothing. We picked it up, sorted it, listed it on eBay, and shipped it out. The charity kept 50% of the profit, and we kept the other 50%. And we did it for years. You could do the same thing. Find a local school, synagogue, or nonprofit that's open to it. Help them turn used items into dollars and earn a cut for your effort. Someone, you guessed it, on Side Hustle Nation wrote, "I've sold hundreds of pieces this way. It's one of those hustles that snowballs. Once people hear what you're doing, the donations come pouring in." It's a triple win. Why? People hate throwing good stuff out. They don't want to deal with eBay, and they love supporting a good cause. You can do it. You just need a good phone camera.
By the way, if you're in the market for new men's clothing, our sponsor, Twillery, has become a leader in the space for their comfortable, good-looking clothing that lasts. They're worldwide online, but they just opened their first store in Long Island with another on the way. Yeah, they don't want me to share where just yet, but take a look at twillery.com/coshermoney. They always have new arrivals, and if you're a first-time customer, use promo code CHI20 for 20% off your first order. Pretty neat, right?
Number 11, affiliate marketing. This is the perfect transition because you can also make money promoting products that you believe in. And you can do that without a big following. What is affiliate marketing? That means someone buys through your link, and you get a cut. By the way, with Twillery, because I know you're curious, we set it up that it's not a cut, but it's just a flat fee for us to spread the good message. But affiliate marketing can work if you approach it right. Think about what people already ask your advice on. A stroller you use, the credit card you recommend, the blender that doesn't break. If you write a helpful post, make a short video, or even just share a link in a WhatsApp status or an Instagram story, and someone buys it, you can earn money. But obviously, like I said, you need to believe in the product. Don't just push deals to make a buck. People earn hundreds of dollars a month doing this. I have an affiliate link. I've been using it for five years. If I mention a product on YouTube, I'll include the link in the comments. If I love a book, I'll post it to my WhatsApp status. If someone buys it, I make a little dollar. But affiliate marketing isn't "push a button, get rich." It only works if people trust you and if your recommendations are honest, relevant, and well-placed. That's why niche wins. It's better to have 100 loyal viewers than 10,000 random strangers who don't believe a word that you're saying. So, if you want to do this, you can start today, right? Most of your social media has at least 100 views, 200 views. That's a platform. So, how do you get started? Take a platform like Amazon Associates. It's easy and free to sign up. You can see what people are clicking on, what they're purchasing, what they're returning. And don't just share a link. Explain why you like it. As one person put it, affiliate marketing works when it's genuine. Not, "Hey guys, buy this," more like, "Here's what I actually use, and here's a reason why."
Number 12, buying and selling sports tickets. Before I tell you about this, just know you could end up spending a lot of money trying this gig out. Make sure you speak to a professional and do it smartly. If you love sports or you've got a knack for spotting a good deal, buying and selling sports tickets can turn your passion into cash. And here's the idea. You buy tickets when prices are low, so preseason or when a team's struggling, and then you sell them when demand spikes, like during the playoffs or a big rivalry game. You're not scalping outside the stadium. You're using platforms like StubHub, Ticketmaster, or TickIQ to flip tickets legally. Start small. Maybe one or two tickets to a local game. Learn the market. Check what tickets are selling for, not just what they're listed for on those resale sites. Football, basketball, baseball. Don't sleep on hockey. You have concerts. There's always events, and timing matters. Prices can jump when a star player returns or a team has a good streak going. There are folks in the business who have been doing this for years. Make sure you speak to them so you don't make your own mistakes. A lot of them are willing to teach and tutor you. The last thing you want to do is overspend on tickets and lose your profits. Make sure you stick to legit platforms. Avoid scams. Check local laws. Some states have rules on reselling. Again, this one is a profitable side gig, but you have to do it right. Many people have lost many thousands of dollars doing it wrong.
Number 13, survey consultant for local businesses. I happen to like this one a lot. So, if you're good with people and you're curious about what makes customers tick, listen up. You approach a local business, a bakery, a hair salon, a pizza shop, and you say, "Do you want to know what your customers really think? I'm going to create a short survey for you, a Google form, a QR code, an email, and I'm going to collect responses, and I'm going to give you, store owner, a simple report. I'm going to tell you what's working, what's not, what could be better." Businesses love this because they don't often hear honest, actionable feedback, and you're offering it without fluff. Here's what one person said: "I've done some market research for local businesses, like a coffee shop and a gym. What I do is create quick surveys, hand them out or post them online, and then summarize the feedback into a report. I made $150 to $300 per project. One place even changed their menu based on the results." Another freelancer, Sarah J, wrote this on the blogging platform Medium. She says, "I started offering survey services to local businesses like a bakery and a barber shop. I charged $200 bucks for a basic package and $500 bucks for a deeper analysis. The bakery used my report to add new pastry flavors and hired me again six months later. Cha-ching. Recurring revenue." And that's the key. Once they see value, they want repeat work. Someone on X wrote, "I ran a survey for a taco shop. I collected 200 responses, got paid $250 bucks, and I helped them tweak their store hours. Businesses love it. Real insights, real results." You don't need a degree. You just need to listen, think clearly, and turn customer feedback into something the businesses can act on. And if you're savvy, you turn that one-time gig into quarterly check-ins. You position yourself as the go-to survey guy or gal in your town.
Number 14, power washing. This is one of the simplest and most satisfying gigs out there. If I was looking for a side gig, this is probably the one I would start with. I would hop on YouTube, search "how to start a power washing business." I would learn the basics. I would probably borrow a machine from a friend who has one before buying one. And I would get to work cleaning driveways, sidewalks, patios, garbage bins, anything that gets grimy because it's visual. It's quick. It's easy to market. You can start with a basic washer. Those cost anywhere from $150 to $250 bucks. I heard from someone who made $1,800 in his first two weekends. People love it. You show a good before and after photo, and it's recurring. People need power washing every few years. What I wouldn't do is start with the side of homes or anything that I could damage potentially when I'm starting out. I would do things like a sidewalk, a patio, a garbage bin. Basic surface cleaning. Low risk, high return. And here's a tip. Before you start, look into forming an LLC or a sole proprietorship. Even something this small has liability risks. One cracked tile or blown electrical box, and you'll wish you had basic coverage. We'll drop a link in the show notes to make it easier.
Number 15, we're getting more lucrative. Freelance bookkeeper. Many small businesses are behind on tracking expenses, reconciling banking statements, or sending invoices, and they're happy to pay someone reliable to handle it. I know I do it in my business. She's great. Let me know if you want to hire her. Most aren't looking for fancy credentials. They just want someone they can count on. You may already know basic spreadsheets, Excel, QuickBooks, or any other accounting software. And a business owner, what they want from you is accuracy, trust, and consistency. They want you to be there when they need you. So, what kind of money can you make? Entry-level bookkeepers can earn over $50 an hour. Some quote monthly retainers starting at $500 plus for a certain amount of hours. More experienced freelancers charge $100 plus. And this work often runs on a retainer model. Two or three small business clients can easily generate $1,000 to $2,000 a month in dependable income. If you want another tip, I got you. Don't overcomplicate your offer. A simple package, $400 a month for up to 10 hours of bookkeeping, makes it easy for a business owner to decide if they want to hire you. Make your offer clear and practical.
And by the way, if you want to start to earn cash from these side hustles and are looking for a superb place to give 10% of your income to a charity, consider our friends at Kol Kabad, the longest-lasting charity in Israel, which provides food, clothing, and other necessities to the neediest in Israel. Simply take a look at kolkabbad.org/coshermoney, links in the show notes, and give what you can. I really appreciate that.
Number 16, water filtration installer. You heard me, water filtration installer. There's a serious opportunity in a specialized niche servicing water treatment systems from multi-unit buildings. Many homes and buildings suffer from hard water, sediment, or bad taste. Property owners are willing to pay for a fix. And if you can install a water softener or filtration system, you can earn real money. Property owners don't want fines, and those fines cost more than compliance. And that's where you come in. Whoever said you have to be a licensed plumber to install countertop filters or under-the-sink units for homeowners. For bigger systems, you can theoretically sub that to a licensed pro, but basic installs can pay $100 to $300 each. You're putting in a full home system. Once you learn the job, you can get $800 to $2,500, depending on that job. Commercial contracts with small buildings can pay even more. Especially if you offer filter replacement as a subscription. Trust me, they want that. They don't want to think about it. You do the work for them. So, if you're handy and you like working with your hands, this is a solid gig. Watch YouTube, learn how to install it, shadow a pro, offer to test homes for free, and that alone can generate leads.
We're nearing the end, and we're getting more lucrative. But I want to tell you something. And I'm going to give you some really important strategies after this list, so stick around until the end.
Number 17, custom car wash cleaner. This one hits a little bit different, especially if you're a teenager or college student looking to make serious money with low overhead. Meet Eshi. At 13 years old, he borrowed $350 from his mom to buy a vacuum, towels, and some chemicals. He knocked on doors, cleaned neighbors' cars, and reinvested every dollar back into the business. Fast forward just a year, he's 14, running a fully licensed mobile detailing company in Rockland County with two full-time employees and a fully customized van. What does he say? "We do five cars a day, $200 each on average." He's up at 5:30 a.m. He's learning between jobs, and he hasn't touched a dollar. It all goes back into growing his company. This hustle is real. Car detailing, especially when done at someone's home, is a high-margin, repeatable service. You bring the water, you bring the electricity, a vacuum, polish, and you leave their car looking better than the dealership did. Clients love being able to book by text or on your site. And if you do good work once, they'll book you again next time and tell their neighbors. Offer a first-time discount. Don't skip the details. Literally, a clean trunk, streak-free windows, a mint-scented interior. They go a long way. Ah, that new car smell. As Eshi put it, "You can't take the elevator to success." He's 14. What does he say? "You have to take the stairs. It takes time, days, and hours." And if you don't want to do it yourself, by the way, you can book a cleaning with Eshi at shinermodetailing.com. This is not an ad. He's awesome. I spoke to him. He is legit.
Number 18, licensed Medicare insurance agent. That was a mouthful, but it's also going to fill your pockets. If you're good with people and don't mind a bit of paperwork, becoming a licensed Medicare insurance agent can be a solid side hustle. This is one that can turn into a full-time gig. What is it? Older folks need help navigating Medicare insurance plans, especially during open enrollment from October to December, and they'll pay for someone to make it simple. So, you get licensed, learn the basics of Medicare plans, and you sell policies that fit their needs. No cold calling required. You can start with some family, friends, like many of these other gigs, or you can find some local seniors. Getting licensed takes a few weeks. Most states require a pre-licensing course. Online, it's about $100 to $200 bucks, and you've got to take a test. Once you're set, you work with insurance agencies or brokers, and they pay commissions per sale. A part-time agent on a forum said, "Get this. I got licensed in a month. I made $1,200 in commissions my first open enrollment just by helping three clients pick plans." You're not a sales shark. Seniors want someone they trust to explain things clearly. If you're calm, honest, and know your stuff, that's more than enough. So, what kind of money can you make being this agent? Commissions range from $100 to $500 per policy sold. Some policies also offer annual residuals. Get on those. $200, $300 bucks per client per year for as long as they stay enrolled. Part-time agents can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 during the three-month enrollment season, sometimes more. Many agents start by partnering with a Field Marketing Organization (FMO). They give you the training, the back-end tools, and the access to multiple carriers under one roof. You can also begin as a referral partner, where you pass along leads to licensed agents, and you get paid per closed. We spoke about that before. That lets you earn while you learn without being fully licensed yet. There are sites like AHIP and nabip.org for licensing info. And don't forget, you've got to renew your license annually to stay legitimate.
And number 19, people are making $6,000 a month with this. Can we call it a side gig? Depends on how many hours they're doing it. But this is one of those things. If you want to stay home, make money, and not deal with people, I got you. And it sounds odd until you think about it. There are busy parents, the elderly, people without a washer and a dryer. And guess what? They'll gladly pay someone else to handle their laundry. You pick it up, you wash it, you dry it, you fold it, and then you drop it off. We had a guest on, an awesome man named Mort Fertell, who started Poppin. It's like an Uber for laundry. He said people are making thousands of dollars. Literally, a laundry pro in Los Angeles said, "Working from home has always been a dream of mine, and that's exactly what she's doing." So, how many laundry professionals does Poppin have? Over a hundred thousand. With you, it'd be 100,001. How does the pricing work in the app? It starts at a dollar per pound, and a typical hamper weighs about 10 pounds. So, top earners these days can bring in up to $6,000 a month. It's flexible. It's consistent work, especially if you like working from home. Enjoy.
Let me end by saying something clearly. Being ready is a myth. When you start a business, you start. You might stink, but you figure it out. You get better. You're not supposed to feel qualified before you begin. A fancy business card won't make or break you. Ignore the logo. Perfect conditions never come. Just start.
So, if there's one theme that's emerged in this episode, it's this: You don't need permission to start helping people and getting paid for it. You just need to start. Bill Aman, one of the wealthiest Jewish investors alive, didn't get his start on Wall Street. He got it selling ads for his college travel guide. When he launched his first investment firm, he had zero connections. So, what did he do? He cold-called names from the Forbes 400 list. He made 100 calls, landed 25 meetings, and raised $2.8 million. That's hustle. That's what it takes.
And let me say it again, not as a reminder, but as a challenge: Let go of the shame. There's no shame in driving for Uber. There's no shame in selling your neighbors' clutter on eBay. There's no shame in walking dogs or flipping garage sale finds or offering to do someone's laundry for pay. You know what's a bigger shame? Having a gift and keeping it locked up because you're scared of how it looks. Starting something on the side doesn't mean you failed. It means you're paying attention. And the truth is, you don't need to be rich to be resourceful.
I asked hundreds of people to weigh in to give me tips on what to do and not do when it comes to side hustles. Here are things that people said you should do:
Number one, check in and ask others, "How can I make someone's life easier?" What they answer could be your next side hustle.
Number two, give 100% to your side hustle, even if it's just for 3 hours a day.
Number three, provide value first. If you help people genuinely, they'll often ask you, "Can you just do it for me?"
Number four, focus on your superpower, the one thing you're great at. That could be your best chance at a lucrative side hustle.
Number five, use the tools in your pocket. WhatsApp, podcast, YouTube, books. Learn.
Number six, try things publicly. Don't be embarrassed. That's how you're going to learn.
Number seven, remember you and a billionaire both have 24 hours. Spend your time wisely.
Here are things you shouldn't do when it comes to side hustles:
Number one, don't assume a market is too crowded. Crowded means money is there. Just because someone does it doesn't mean you can't do it better.
Number two, don't ignore your time and costs. Know your margins. A smart side hustle is one where you can tell someone in an elevator what your numbers are.
Number three, don't fake what you don't know. Authenticity wins. Rashi, a great commentator, said, "I don't know" many times in his writings; it's actually commendable.
Number four, don't waste time on people who don't pay. Help freely, but know when you should charge.
Number five, don't stay stuck in something just because it's familiar. Don't be afraid to pivot. If it's not working, try another side hustle.
Here are a few more ideas that stuck with me: Most people aren't business people. They're good at one thing, and that's enough. You can make money doing one thing really well. Another quote: "People think too much. The time you spend thinking, just do it." And you have no idea people would pay you for your advice. You're more talented than you let on.
And a final word: Don't try to build an empire. Try to build something useful. Then you can build your empire.
If this episode helped you, it would mean the absolute world to me if you shared it with a friend or three. I spent dozens of hours on this, locked in a room, trading messages with hundreds of friends, scouring the web, collecting ideas, quotes, stories, advice, the dos, the don'ts, the gigs. I rewrote this script more than I can tell you, and I wanted to make sure it truly delivered. So, I hope it did. See you next time.
Living [Music]