4 Things High-Earning Side Hustlers Do Differently
Side hustles aren’t just a trend anymore — they’ve become part of our lifestyle. In fact, almost 40% of workers in the U.S. have side hustles. These side projects bring in extra cash and offer a little freedom while we try to keep up with inflation. A survey from Side Hustle Nation showed that the top 5% take home $10,000 per month, while 56% get less than $100 a month.
So, what sets high-earning side hustlers apart from the rest? More than working hard, it’s about knowing how to play the game and where to focus your energy. Here are the things top-earning side hustlers do differently that can help level up your own hustle, too.
They Plan Out Their Time
Having a side gig means you have a full-time job as your main source of income. And successful side hustlers know how to ace both. They plan out their time well so that nothing gets compromised. How so? They create a realistic schedule and stick to it.
For example, if they have the usual 9 to 5 job, they wake up as early as 5:00 a.m. and spend 2 hours working on their side hustle. Instead of scrolling on their phone at night, they devote 3 hours to their hustle. While they make sure to enjoy the weekends, they allot another 4 hours in total for work. That’s already 29 hours in a week.
Time is money, so instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” try saying, “I’ll make time.” Create a routine that works for you: one that doesn’t feel like a chore but rather something you’ll look forward to. Besides, we’re talking about extra income and personal growth!
They Continuously Meet People
You’ll find high-earning side hustlers everywhere: posting on LinkedIn, joining freelancer groups, or attending webinars. They’re not just visible online; they also continuously build connections through in-person events, including workshops, conferences, and industry trade shows. For example, attending a marketing expo helps them land new clients or meet experts who can share valuable insights and strategies.
Even going to coffee shops or co-working spaces comes with the intention to expand their network. They start conversations and build relationships even in casual settings. That’s because high-paying side hustlers know that opportunities can arise even from spontaneous interactions.
Of course, they maximize their current circle by getting referrals from friends, former colleagues, and superiors. They’re always hustling to meet people who could be key to new income streams.
They Focus On Thousand-Dollar Problems
Top side hustlers earn six figures for a reason. They wisely use their energy by solving thousand-dollar problems and not ten-dollar ones. Instead of accepting small, random tasks, they aim for high-value projects.
For example, instead of writing a one-time ad or IG caption, copywriters would propose a bigger project like a full rebranding package. This includes social media captions, landing pages, blog content, and video scripts. They offer long-term solutions to clients, helping them build credibility and attract the right customers. And this means more revenue to them and their clients!
More than just providing the service that clients need, side hustle pros position themselves as trusted partners and leaders in their chosen industry. This approach makes it easier to find major clients and demand higher rates.
They Never Stop Innovating
Top-earning side hustlers never stay complacent, especially in such a fast-paced industry. They always find ways to grow and stay ahead of the game. For example, a private tutor will explore selling online courses to reach a broader audience.
A content writer may also learn SEO optimization and graphic design to offer more comprehensive services. By exploring different side hustle combos, they provide more value to existing and potential clients and rake in more money.
Top-performing side hustlers also keep themselves updated with new tools, trends, and technologies. Whether it’s exploring effective automation tools, editing software, project management platforms, or productivity apps, there’s always something new that keeps them competitive.
Anyone can start side hustles, but only a few dominate. With the right mix of strategy and adaptability, you’re not far from making it big. Master the best practices, expand your network, and keep evolving. Hustle smart, and the numbers will follow!
